Milwaukee CDI's new 20-slice CT adapts to virtually any patient, for complete dose protection MALVERN, Pa., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare opens doors to new applications in computed tomography (CT) imaging with the first installation of its SOMATOM(R) Definition AS (Adaptive Scanner) 20-slice configuration CT system at Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI). As the world's first adaptive CT scanner, the SOMATOM Definition AS adapts to virtually any patient, adapts for complete dose protection, adapts for new dimensions, and adapts to the user's space. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) "The installation of the SOMATOM Definition AS 20-slice CT is consistent with our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality images and care to our patients and physicians," states Patricia Zadra, CDI Regional VP. "In addition to the lower radiation dose patients will receive, the system's scalability is important to our business operations. We will now be able to easily upgrade our CT capabilities as demand for advanced imaging services in our community grows." The SOMATOM Definition AS platform introduces a further expansion with its new 20-slice configuration, a large 31-inch (78 cm) gantry bore, optional 660 pounds (300 kg) patient weight capacity and high-scan speed, designed perfectly for high-patient throughput. In addition to the morphological imaging, with the unique Adaptive 4D spiral mode, the Definition AS 20 can offer functional imaging with perfusion capabilities of the brain and other organs and an extended coverage of up to 7 cm. The SOMATOM Definition AS 20 can be tailored to meet a hospital's workflow and clinical needs, with a goal to make the most complex procedures routine. In addition to its large bore and high capacity patient table, the technology couples components in a dynamic manner, such as a large-volume coverage area with a 200 cm scan range and up to 330 msec rotation time. These features allow even the most clinically challenging patients (i.e., trauma patients) to be imaged rapidly, from head to toe, without difficulty. The Definition AS is also available in 40-slice, 64-slice, and 128-slice - AS+ configurations. It can be field upgraded to other configurations with minimal downtime. This allows the technology to grow with the institution's needs, while minimizing downtime and loss of revenue. "In today's challenging economy, the SOMATOM Definition AS 20 is the perfect fit for facilities facing tight budgets, but still need a CT scanner that can adapt to their growth potential," said Kulin Hemani, vice president, Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthcare. "The system's flexibility allows a facility to upgrade its technology, as well as grow its clinical service lines." In addition to its extraordinary performance, the SOMATOM Definition AS is able to adapt to the space constraints many facilities face today. It requires very little floor space, with a 194-square-foot footprint. This allows the Definition AS to fit into rooms that have traditionally been too small for high-end CT scanners. The desire for as little radiation exposure as possible lies at the heart of Siemens CARE philosophy, providing a wide range of dose-reduction solutions. The SOMATOM Definition AS provides tremendous benefit with the Adaptive Dose Shield technology, eliminating unnecessary over-radiation. With the SOMATOM product family, Siemens continuously develops innovations and solutions for maintaining ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines and to integrate these developments into its systems for dose reduction and improvement in patient safety. Siemens' unique Adaptive Dose Shield addresses the issue by dynamically blocking the unnecessary dose before and after the spiral scan, ensuring that the only dose applied to the patient is dose that is clinically relevant. And CARE Dose 4D, Siemens' real time dose modulation, guarantees an unparalleled combination of maximum image quality at minimum dose for every patient in every spiral scan. Furthermore, Siemens ultra fast ceramic (UFC) detector not only provides extremely short afterglow times, but it also improves dose efficiency, compared to previous generations of CT detectors, by 30 percent. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) has been a leader in high-quality, cost-effective, outpatient radiology imaging services since 1981, and currently owns and operates over 50 diagnostic imaging centers in ten states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. CDI partners with hospitals and health systems to offer physician-led, outpatient radiology services and the expertise of subspecialized radiologists focused on neurological, spine, musculoskeletal, body and cardiovascular imaging, in addition to advanced diagnostic injections and pain management procedures. CDI is owned by Onex Partners, a subsidiary of Onex Corporation in Toronto, Canada, as well as CDI physicians and management. Onex is one of Canada's largest companies with global operations in health care, service, manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit CDI's Web site at http://www.cdiradiology.com/. 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. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT: Tom Schaffner, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., +1-610-448-1477, Web Site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

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