Siemens' New Ultrasound Platform Revolutionizes the Paradigm of Echocardiography
June 07 2008 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
ACUSON SC2000 is the World's First Echocardiography System to
Acquire Instantaneous, Non-Stitched Full-Volume Images of the Heart
in a Single Heartbeat TORONTO, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Siemens Healthcare (http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare) unveils
the ACUSON SC2000(TM) volume imaging ultrasound system, the first
system in the world to acquire non-stitched, real-time full-volume
3D images of the heart in one single heart cycle, during the 19th
Annual Session of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in
Toronto, June 7-11. Called "Echo in a Heartbeat," this new
technology marks the greatest paradigm shift in ultrasound since
the introduction of 2D imaging in the late '70s. Instantaneous,
non-stitched full-volume imaging comes 55 years after
echocardiography pioneers Inge Edler and Hellmuth Hertz acquired
the world's first cardiac ultrasound recording using Siemens
technology in 1953. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO)
"Innovation has always been the lifeblood of Siemens, and the
ACUSON SC2000 volume ultrasound system is delivering on this
promise," said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer,
Ultrasound, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "The system has
unparalleled capabilities in information rate processing that allow
us to acquire a full volume of the entire heart with 90 degree
pyramids. With a high-volume acquisition rate like this -- in one
second, every second -- acquisition time is dramatically reduced,
improving the overall workflow in the echocardiography suite." Next
Generation System Architecture and Transducer Technology The ACUSON
SC2000 system is Siemens' premier cardiology platform that will
change the way echocardiography is practiced today. Its advanced
architecture delivers vastly more information than today's
conventional systems and is strengthened by Siemens patented
Coherent Volume Formation technology. Coupled with the system's
high-volume acquisition rate, Coherent Volume Formation moves away
from serial line-by-line acquisition towards simultaneous, multiple
beams, delivering excellent image resolution. The proprietary 4Z1c
transducer features revolutionary, patented active cooling
technology, enabling full output power within regulatory limits.
This results in improved penetration, reduced noise and high-volume
acquisition rates when compared to conventional 3D transducers. The
4Z1c is a single transducer solution for adult echo applications
that provides all the modes needed: volume imaging, 2D, M-mode,
color Doppler, and spectral Doppler. This breakthrough technology
showcases Siemens' acoustic mastery and delivers on the
long-awaited promise of true volume imaging for every patient.
Better Outcomes Through Workflow-Driven Exam Sequences The ACUSON
SC2000 system is 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 streamlining clinical workflow. The system
automatically derives reference plane images from the full-volume
cardiac capture dataset and offers automated full-volume contouring
for fast qualitative and quantitative analysis. 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 offline workstation enables
reporting, as well as complete review and processing of the
acquired volumes. Besides using the latest technology advancements
and applications to improve efficiency and workflow, Siemens has
also addressed the ergonomics of the system to meet and exceed
today's recommended ergonomic guidelines to reduce work-related
stress injuries and to accommodate the varied work environment of
sonographers. 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. Additionally, Siemens 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.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare CONTACT:
Tom Schaffner of Siemens Healthcare, +1-610-448-1477, Web site:
http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare
Copyright