Instantaneous full-volume imaging and knowledge-based workflow applications streamline exam processes ORLANDO, Fla., March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- During the 58th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from March 29-31 in Orlando, Fla., Siemens Healthcare (http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare) demonstrates the ACUSON SC2000(TM) volume imaging ultrasound system that delivers workflow speed and improved diagnostic confidence with non-stitched, instantaneous full-volume imaging of the heart in one single heart cycle (booth #1842). The company will also show how knowledge-based applications and automation of procedures across their platforms enhance clinical workflows. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) With Echo in a Heartbeat(TM), the ACUSON SC2000 system delivers non-stitched, real-time full-volume imaging of the heart in one single heart cycle at the highest volume acquisition rate in the industry of up to 40 volumes per second. Unlike conventional 3D ultrasound systems which require four to seven heart cycles to stitch together a volume, this one-beat technology changes the way echocardiography workflow is practiced today by making imaging the shortest part of the exam. Automatic extraction of reference planes from the cardiac volume for measurement, analysis, and interpretation as well as protocol-driven exam procedures enhance workflow efficiency and increase diagnostic confidence. Migrated over from existing premium ACUSON Sequoia(TM) technology, the 4V1c 2D echocardiography transducer will offer additional application versatility. "The ACUSON SC2000 volume imaging system delivers genuine instantaneous full-volume imaging at an unparalleled information rate," said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. "Its streamlined and accelerated knowledge-based applications bring a new paradigm to echo imaging and workflow that transforms the practice of echocardiography - now and in the future." The system allows for a full-volume acquisition of the entire heart with 90 degree pyramids with a high-volume acquisition rate of up to 40 volumes per second, every second, which dramatically reduces acquisition time. Designed to support advanced cardiovascular applications, the knowledge-based workflow software uses learned pattern recognition technology and an expert database of real clinical cases. This enables the system to recognize anatomical patterns and landmarks, as well as to perform automatic measurements further streamlining clinical workflow. Automated full-volume contouring for fast qualitative and quantitative analysis, and customizable, programmable, and protocol-driven workflow sequences deliver repeatability for better outcomes: greater efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and care - from data acquisition to diagnosis. To further enhance efficiency, the syngo(R) SC2000 Workplace enables offline reporting, as well as complete review, processing and storage of the acquired volumes. A Complete Cardiology Toolset Siemens will also be featuring the 5.0 release for its ACUSON X300(TM) ultrasound system, premium edition (PE), featuring advanced technologies and applications to offer a complete cardiology toolset in one compact, easy-to-use package. Dynamic TCE(TM) tissue contrast enhancement technology increases diagnostic confidence by smoothing the overall image, reducing speckle and enhancing borders and contrast. For increased penetration and higher frequency imaging of pediatric patients, the new P9-4 pediatric probe enables high-resolution, multi-frequency phased array imaging. The ACUSON X300 PE also offers advanced capabilities for comprehensive cardiac assessment, such as syngo(R) Auto Left Heart with expert-like measurements of ejection fraction and volumes of the left ventricle and atrium. Improved Stress Echo capabilities as well as compatibility with ACUSON AcuNav(TM) intracardiac ultrasound catheters and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the evaluation of heart valves and chambers complement the solution. Cardiovascular Assessment For use on the ACUSON X300 PE and ACUSON S2000(TM) ultrasound systems, Siemens will also highlight its recently FDA-cleared syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) application. syngo AHP offers a new tool to help physicians measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and to communicate results regarding subclinical vascular disease and cardiovascular disease risk to their patients. syngo AHP combines the semi-automated ultrasound measurement of CIMT and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) database to estimate vascular age. It also includes a Framingham Risk Calculator to help physicians evaluate their patients' risk of cardiovascular disease. Without the use of radiation or medicines to slow the heart, syngo AHP provides an inexpensive and immediate means of assessing subclinical atherosclerosis. It computes the CIMT, replacing tedious, manual measurements, allowing the entire exam to be performed in 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, syngo AHP is an excellent tool for patient information and education to help them understand their vascular health and the importance of preventative care. Power and Performance in a Personalized System Another highlight of the Siemens Ultrasound exhibition is the 2.0 release* of the ACUSON P50(TM) ultrasound system. The system offers exceptional image quality in a platform that moves with the daily workflow of busy healthcare providers: running as a Microsoft(R) Windows(R) application with an intuitive user interface, it enables care givers to focus on the patient. The platform offers immediate access to analysis, reporting, archive, email, the Internet, and other productivity applications. In its new release, the ACUSON P50 system offers intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging for the 8F or 10F ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheter provides electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists with high-quality, real-time diagnostic ultrasound images and Doppler blood flow information from within the heart. In addition, the system now drives 256 beam forming channels, providing superior imaging quality that is also complemented by SieClear(TM) multi-view spatial compounding and SieVision speckle reduction technology. 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 around 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 11.2 billion, orders of euro 11.8 billion, and Sector profit of euro 1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare. *510(k) pending. Not commercially available in the United States. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT: Media Relations, Tom Schaffner of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., +1-610-448-1477, Web Site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare

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