Siemens Introduces Dual Energy Applications for General Imaging
May 13 2008 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
First Multi-Contrast System Introduced for Computed Tomography
ERLANGEN, Germany, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following the
introduction of the first-ever dual-source Computed Tomography (CT)
system, SOMATOM(R) Definition, with two X-ray tubes that
simultaneously generate different energies, Siemens Healthcare
(http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) has developed 10 dual energy
(DE) applications. At the 10th Annual International Symposium on
Multidetector-Row CT, to be held in Las Vegas, May 13-16, Siemens
will present its Optimum Contrast software, which brings new levels
of contrast to sectional images created with dual energy
applications. Thanks to these innovations, dual-energy
applications, which were previously reserved for special clinical
investigations, can now be used in a broad range of routine
examinations that involve contrast medium. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) Until
now, radiologists performing examinations with contrast medium had
to decide whether they wanted to see more contrast or less image
noise in the final images. While images taken at lower voltages of
approximately 80 kV (kilovolt) resulted in a higher resolution of
the displayed vessels due to the significantly increased iodine
contrast, these images always featured a higher level of image
noise. In comparison, images taken at a voltage of 140 kV are more
suitable to differentiate soft tissue, and image noise tends to be
minor. CT systems can now, for the first time ever, combine the
advantages of low and high voltage values of 80 kV and 140 kV in
every image using Siemens Optimum Contrast software. Optimum
Contrast is made possible by the use of two X-ray tubes that are
capable of generating different voltages, simultaneously. In
addition, the software contains newly developed image optimization
algorithms, which analyze the 3D data and determine the optimal mix
of high and low voltage benefits for every image voxel to combine
the best of both worlds in multi-contrast images. This makes soft
tissue and vascular structures containing contrast medium more
recognizable than ever. "We at Siemens see a vast potential for
dual energy imaging combined with tools, such as Optimum Contrast
to provide a dimension of contrast in CT, improving diagnostic
outcomes and simplifying complex workflows," said Andr� Hartung,
vice president of marketing and sales, Computed Tomography, Siemens
Healthcare. "Optimum Contrast adds the benefits of dual energy
imaging to routine CT scans and optimizes the image quality of all
contrast medium examinations." In addition to its new Optimum
Contrast software, Siemens will also present four recently
introduced dual-energy applications at this year's symposium. One
of the new dual energy applications for the SOMATOM Definition from
Siemens is syngo(R) DE Heart PBV (Perfusion Blood Volume), which
provides color-marking of non-perfused parts of the myocardium
during cardiological examinations. Moreover, a specific application
allows for the isolated display of the heart, for example, without
thoracic structures. Heart perfusion is examined primarily after an
infarction to determine damaged areas of the organ. For the first
time, DE CT allows for detecting the presence and level of
stenosis, as well as the location and extent of the resulting
reduced perfusion in the myocardium in a single scan. Deposits of
uric acid crystals in the joints of gout patients may damage the
cartilaginous and osseous substance, particularly if the disease
has been chronic for several years. With syngo DE Gout, CT can now
be used to detect gout. The new DE application assists physicians
in clearly identifying uric acid crystals in the extremities and
monitoring changes in the crystals in the course of treatment.
syngo DE Lung Vessels provides a whole series of new applications
to assist physicians in CT examinations of patients with suspected
pulmonary embolism -- a sudden occlusion of blood vessels in the
lungs. The new applications allow for detecting non-perfused
pulmonary blood vessels and tissue through color-marking. The "Lung
Isolation" application isolates the entire organ to assess the
perfusion situation without obstructing adjacent organs. syngo DE
Brain Hemorrhage assists in the distinction between new and old
hemorrhages in the event of cerebral bleeding. The two energy
levels of the X- ray tubes are used to fade out the contrast
medium. In the past, this had required two scans. The CM
subtraction offers two advantages: A non-CM enhanced examination is
no longer necessary, and the patient is spared the radiation dose
of a second scan. About Siemens Healthcare Siemens Healthcare 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 fully
integrated diagnostics 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. The company employs more than 48,000 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.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT:
Marion Bludszuweit, Siemens Healthcare, +49-9131-84-3292, Web site:
http://www.siemens.com/healthcare
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