Biograph mCT integrates HD·PET technology with premium CT for faster scans, better diagnostic confidence and greater patient comfort MUNICH, Germany, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its leadership in molecular imaging innovation, Siemens Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) introduces Biograph mCT at the European Association of Nuclear Medicine conference in Munich, Germany. Biograph mCT is the only integrated imaging device to offer routine, whole-body PET scanning in just five minutes, and enables both molecular imaging and radiology to take advantage of its large bore capacity, ultra high-definition technology, combining HD·PET and time-of-flight, and advanced CT capabilities with up to 128 slices, a first in integrated imaging. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOG0 ) "Siemens is pleased to offer a powerful new platform in integrated imaging today," said Michael Reitermann, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. "For institutions looking for cutting-edge technology, the greatest level of patient care and maximum return on investment, Biograph mCT offers the complete solution: PET with unlimited CT capabilities, CT with 'molecular resolution,' and all of a customer's molecular imaging and radiology needs in one system." Biograph mCT with ultra HD·PET technology is the world's only PET system that offers 2 mm uniform resolution throughout the field of view (FOV), coupled with enhanced contrast with reduced noise, compared to standard PET acquisitions because of the addition of time-of-flight (TOF) technology. Measuring the time difference between photon detection and better localizing the coincidence origins enables more accurate lesion depiction. Siemens TrueV extended field of view (FOV) technology enables 70 percent more counts with 30 percent less bed positions. Biograph mCT can achieve an unprecedented five-minute PET acquisition time by leveraging the combination of ultraHD·PET technology and TrueV extended FOV. Ultra HD for Increased Clinical Performance Researchers from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City presented on the value of TOF PET technology when used with advanced reconstruction algorithms, such as HD·PET in producing faster images with better diagnostic results for practitioners.* They concluded that the resulting data produced higher-quality images with less "noise" than conventional PET technology. The study also found that the combined methods resulted in a marked improvement in detecting cancerous tumors when evaluated at several milestones during PET image reconstruction. "Our research adds to the growing number of studies that indicate reconstruction methods, such as HD·PET and TOF, have the potential to significantly improve physicians' abilities to accurately diagnose and treat cancer," said Dan Kadrmas, PhD, a professor in the department of Radiology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and lead researcher for the study, Impact of TOF on PET Tumor Detection. "While traditional PET scanners offer several advances over other types of diagnostic tools, these advanced systems could take those advantages to a whole new level." Kadrmas and his team presented the study at the Society of Nuclear Medicine conference in June. Advanced CT Capabilities With up to 128 slices, a first in integrated imaging, Biograph mCT adapts to virtually all patient types and clinical needs. Its unmatched 0.33 mm isotropic resolution, combined with its industry-best 0.30s rotation time, brings out the finest anatomical details in every scan -- routine and advanced -- limiting motion artifacts. Maximum slice configurations, coupled with advanced CT technology, such as Adaptive Spiral CT, enable Biograph mCT to perform unique applications, such as whole organ perfusion which, combined with FDG PET, can provide enhanced characterization of liver, brain, lung and retroperitoneal tumors by combining blood flow and metabolic information in a single study. Radiation dose is of increasing relevance in diagnostic imaging. Low exposure translates into higher levels of patient safety, especially important for pediatric patients and patients undergoing treatment who require multiple scans. The newest innovation in dose limiting technologies, Adaptive Dose Shield, is available with Biograph mCT. It reduces CT dose through dynamic collimators and automatically eliminates over-radiation before and after every spiral scan. Advanced PET technologies also allow either a reduced injected dose or reduced scan times. Patient-Centric Engineering Biograph mCT also extends the Biograph family's legacy of patient-centered engineering to the next level. With a small footprint, large, 78 cm bore, short tunnel and an extra-wide, 500-pound (227kg)-capacity bed, the new system is designed to accommodate all kinds of patients -- from pediatric to bariatric -- comfortably and easily. With the availability of shorter scan times, patients' levels of anxiety during studies can be reduced. The design also helps alleviate patients' sense of claustrophobia and allows better positioning of radiation therapy planning (RTP) devices, such as breast boards. Applications for Biograph mCT in oncology include its ability to delineate lesions for diagnosis, staging and restaging of cancer, providing exquisite anatomical detail and measurement of cell metabolism. "In any hospital or institution, using superior technology to provide quality patient care, and maximizing return on investment are always top priority, and Biograph mCT delivers," said Reitermann. Unprecedented Utilization Opportunity From a bottom line perspective, to use one integrated scanner that offers shared services between molecular imaging and radiology departments is a highly efficient means of making the most of an institution's imaging equipment and strengthening the existing workflows between the two departments. Biograph mCT offers scalability for both CT and PET, offering from 40 to 128 slices in CT, and a broad range of PET features from TrueV to ultra HD�?�PET, providing unmatched throughput, image quality and scan speeds. All of these features can be upgraded in the field. Biograph mCT is the ultimate in efficiency: one team, one room, one machine, and one comfortable patient. With Biograph mCT, an institution may only need to purchase one imager instead of two, representing a huge cost-savings potential in a time when healthcare budgets are tight. The consolidation of equipment, staff and scan times can enable major cost savings, return on investment and excellence in patient care, as well as patient and staff satisfaction when innovation and integration unite. The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of euro 1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare. (*Scientific Paper 249: D.J. Kadrmas, Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City; M.E. Casey and V. Panin, Siemens Medical Solutions, Knoxville, Tenn., "Impact of TOF on PET Tumor Detection: An LROC Study," SNM's 55th Annual Meeting, June 14-18, 2008.) http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT: Tom Schaffner, Media Relations, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Healthcare Sector - Imaging & IT Division, +1-610-448-1477, Web Site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/For all RSNA Releases use CNOC 638932 Siemens MediaRoom news categories: BSH Home Appliances Corp. 940170 Sylvania 119165 Siemens Automation And Dri.html

Copyright