Siemens MAGNETOM Spectra 3T MRI System Receives FDA Clearance

MALVERN, Pa., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Healthcare (NYSE: SI) has announced that the MAGNETOM Spectra 3 Tesla MRI system has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The latest addition to Siemens' internationally renowned portfolio of MRI solutions, the MAGNETOM Spectra system offers premium imaging at a reduced total cost of ownership compared to other scanners in this product range, providing hospitals and radiological institutes with easier access to the highly coveted 3T technology, which yields excellent image quality and rapid scan times. Designed for easy and efficient operation, the cost-optimized MAGNETOM Spectra system is innovative and competitive – two primary goals of the Healthcare Sector's Agenda 2013 two-year global initiative.

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"Siemens Healthcare is proud to offer the MAGNETOM Spectra MRI system, which opens the door to 3T imaging technology for a wider range of health care facilities than ever before," said Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, vice president of MR, Siemens Healthcare. "The MAGNETOM Spectra delivers crisp, high-resolution images that provide the key to a new level of usability and diagnostic confidence for physicians."

The MAGNETOM Spectra system employs Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G technology – Siemens' latest coil generation that unlocks a new level of imaging accuracy and flexibility. This modern array structure allows for high spatial and temporal resolution, which, along with a high-quality signal-to-noise ratio, enables Tim 4G to deliver outstanding image quality. Until now, images of similar quality could be produced only by high-end 3T systems, which require a higher investment. The MAGNETOM Spectra enables private radiology practices, imaging centers and clinics to benefit from high imaging quality for their clinical routine.

The MAGNETOM Spectra system also consumes less energy than other 3T scanners. Furthermore, the magnet-cooling helium is contained in a closed loop, preventing the gas from escaping and reducing the need for costly refills. In addition, various components of the MAGNETOM Spectra help technologists simplify the MRI examination process. For example, the cableless direct-connect coils allow for simple and quick setup, with up to 120 coil elements capable of being combined in a flexible manner. For this reason, even large scans with large anatomical coverage up to whole-body scans (205 cm, or 80.71 inches) can be performed in one examination without patient or coil repositioning.

The MAGNETOM Spectra system can be used for a broad spectrum of applications, from diagnosing damaged ankle cartilage to conducting dynamic abdominal examinations to performing functional brain imaging. To reduce exam complexity, the MAGNETOM Spectra is equipped with Siemens' MRI workflow solution Dot (Day optimizing throughput), which enables easy, fast selection of the best scan strategy based on the patient's condition and the clinical indication. Users benefit from step-by-step guidance throughout the examination, receiving decision-making assistance at critical junctures to support consistent, reproducible scanning across patients. Thanks to Siemens' Tim and Dot technologies, high-quality images can be produced in less time.

Launched by Siemens Healthcare Sector, Agenda 2013 is a two-year global initiative to further strengthen the Healthcare Sector's innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures will be implemented in four fields of action: Innovation, Competitiveness, Regional Footprint, and People Development.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 51,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2011 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 12.5 billion euros and profit of around 1.3 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

SOURCE Siemens Healthcare