Siemens Intracardiac AcuNav Ultrasound Catheter to be Opened for Use on Third Party Ultrasound Systems

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 14  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) today announced that it would extend its strategic alliance with Biosense Webster, Inc. by opening up the ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheter for use on third party ultrasound systems. In 2006, the two companies announced an agreement giving Biosense Webster the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute Siemens' ACUSON AcuNav ultrasound catheters, as well as a co-development of the technology in the future.

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The ACUSON AcuNav ultrasound catheter provides electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists with high-quality, real-time diagnostic ultrasound images and Doppler blood flow information from within the heart. Cleared for marketing in 1999, the intracardiac catheter is known for its state-of-the art quality and is currently the world's only cardiac imaging ultrasound catheter.

"We are pleased to open up the use of the ACUSON AcuNav technology to other than our own ultrasound systems," said Klaus Hambuchen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "This will enable healthcare providers to improve the quality of care for an increased number of patients by coupling their ultrasound equipment with advanced intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)."

Introducing an open standard for the use of ICE means that this innovative technology is available for a growing cardiac patient population with the goal of making the ACUSON AcuNav technology a standard of care in electrophysiology and interventional cardiology.

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. 

DATASOURCE: Siemens Healthcare



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