Press Presse Prensa

Medical Solutions
                                                                                          For immediate release
                                                                                          Hong Kong, August 7, 2006

World’s First Dual-Source Computed Tomography (CT) System Provides Leading-Edge Diagnostic Capabilities to Patients in Hong Kong

Siemens Medical Solutions presents its latest technologies and innovations at the 11th Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology (6-9 August 2006), a major biennial Congress for radiologists in Asia and Oceania firstly held in Hong Kong.  One of the company’s major innovations unveiled at the Congress is the Siemens SOMATOM® Definition, the world’s first dual-source computed tomography (CT) system. It incorporates two independent X-ray sources and two detectors in right angle to each other, a complete breakthrough in computed tomography and considered a new benchmark – DUAL SOURCE CT (DSCT).  Presently, CT systems are single source systems only.  “In view of rapidly growing interest in the market, Siemens expects more than 150 installations worldwide for the SOMATOM® Definition by the end of 2006 with 15 Definition scanners already installed to date.” said Mr Heinrich von Wulfen, President Asia Pacific, Siemens Medical Solutions, at a press briefing today. The first installation for Hong Kong is scheduled for September 2006.

Setting New Benchmark for Medical Imaging
With the ability to capture data of moving organs twice as fast as any existing multi-slice CT technology, the Definition can deliver motion-free cardiac images, independent of the patient’s heart rate with its unique 83msec (hardware based) temporal resolution. Thus, the usage of beta blockers to slow down the heart rate of the patient becomes obsolete, speeding up the workflow of the examination significantly and eliminating the risk of complications from this medication. It now also enables patients previously rejected for cardiac CT scanning (due to present contraindications such as asthma or chronic bronchitis) to undergo this non-invasive scan.

Utilizing its unique dose saving algorithms, the SOMATOM Definition can provide better image quality with 50-70% less radiation dose compared to current 64slice CT technology as proven by independent studies. These combinations of cutting edge technologies stand a chance to make the SOMATOM Definition the accepted gold standard for non-invasive imaging of the coronaries arteries.

The Definition provides also a huge power reserve, helping to overcome the image quality limitations often experienced whilst scanning obese patients with single-source CT systems.  Its two X-ray sources provide physicians with increased peak power of up to 160kW to obtain detailed images of these patients, whilst the system’s scanning speed limits total radiation exposure.  In addition, the Definition’s large bore opening of 31 inches ensures comfortable scanning of all groups of patients and offers more space to image guided interventions.

The new dual-source CT has also unique capabilities for the imaging with two X-ray energies simultaneously, described as dual energy scanning. The initial results obtained from renowned centers worldwide utilizing this technique are promising and may lead to new breakthroughs in clinical research and potential innovations in CT contrast media. It may also allow physicians to better differentiate, characterize, isolate and distinguish tissues and lesions. 

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