Siemens' New S Class Revolutionizes the Paradigm of Ultrasound Workflow Today and Tomorrow

New ACUSON S2000 Ultrasound System Dramatically Enhances the Way Ultrasound Departments Work and Provides a Platform for Cutting-Edge Technology and Applications 


CHICAGO, Nov. 26  /PRNewswire/ -- At the 93rd Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from Nov. 25 to 30 at McCormick Place (Booth 7713, Hall B), Siemens Medical Solutions (http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical) will unveil the ACUSON S2000(TM) ultrasound platform, the first system in Siemens' new S Class of ultrasound products. It will have capabilities for paradigm-shifting applications such as Acoustic Radiation Forced Impulse (ARFI)* imaging and is prepared to integrate Silicon Ultrasound++ technology.

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"We see ARFI and Silicon Ultrasound as the biggest changes in the industry since Doppler imaging became clinically useful," said Klaus Hambuchen, president, Siemens Medical Solutions, Ultrasound Division. "The ACUSON S2000 system represents the pinnacle of innovative technology, workflow-enhancing clinical applications and state-of-the-art ergonomic design. It is our new premier general imaging platform that will change the way ultrasound is viewed today."

Siemens will also showcase its X Class solutions, which include the ACUSON X150(TM) and ACUSON X300(TM) ultrasound systems, as well as the P Class of portable solutions with the handheld ACUSON P10(TM) and the laptop-based ACUSON P50(TM) system.

Next Generation Ultrasound

Covering the entire continuum of care from screening to diagnosis to therapy and follow-up, the new ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system will feature applications across general imaging, including obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), as well as vascular and cardiac imaging.

The ACUSON S2000 is Siemens' new platform for some of the most innovative ultrasound applications, including ARFI, which uses acoustic energy to displace tissue for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of deep tissue stiffness. Current research suggests that this type of assessment may be useful for differentiation in abnormalities such as liver tumors or the quantification of fibrosis progression.

The ACUSON S2000 system is also capable of integrating Siemens' groundbreaking Silicon Ultrasound technology, which introduces the first entirely new class of ultrasound transducers in 40 years. Silicon Ultrasound technology uses the precise semiconductor processing techniques of the computer chip industry to create a family of probes that will enable volumetric 4D imaging in a wide range of applications. With Silicon Ultrasound, clinicians will get true isotropic 3D images enabling them to see the same fine level of detail in each direction that they choose to examine the imaging data. At RSNA, Siemens will present the power of this approach in breast imaging and other high-resolution applications.

Additionally, Siemens is preparing the ACUSON S2000 system for Automated Breast Scanning (ABS), a technique that provides automated, reproducible 3D ultrasound volumes of the breast. ABS is an important tool in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up care of breast cancer supplementing mammography, especially in women with dense breast tissue. ABS reduces acquisition variability and cycle time when compared to manual breast ultrasound, making it more reproducible and consistent for interpreting physicians.

Increased Clinical Confidence

The ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system improves clinical confidence with a number of intelligent applications. For instance, Advanced SieClear(TM) spatial compounding uses electronic beam steering to rapidly acquire overlapping images from different view angles. The technique enhances anatomic border definition and improves overall tissue contrast.

In combination with Dynamic TCE(TM) tissue contrast enhancement, it further reduces speckle/noise and enhances borders. Dynamic TCE can improve subtle tissue differentiation especially for patients who are technically difficult to image. The ACUSON S2000 system will be the first to deliver 3D TCE with speckle reduction allowing for stellar 3D images.

Users also benefit from access to advanced HD (high density) transducer technology using extremely fine pitch to double the transducer elements yielding superior lateral and contrast resolution. Siemens Hanafy lens transducer technology and Multi-D(TM) array technology also improve slice thickness and image uniformity with a high degree of reliability and an improved signal-to-noise ratio for high-frequency imaging.

Knowledge-Based Workflow

Siemens will also deliver knowledge-based workflow applications that dramatically improve the efficiency of ultrasound exams. For instance, with syngo(R) Auto OB, users can generate semi-automatic biometric fetal measurements. syngo Auto OB saves up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine fetal exams. The ACUSON S2000 system also takes advantage of Advanced fourSight(TM) technology which has enhanced functionality for volumetric acquisition, data rendering and post-processing. The software also includes Amnioscopic Rendering, which provides a unique surface-rendering technique for stunningly realistic and detailed views of the fetus.

Additional Fetal Heart STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation) imaging captures data over multiple heart cycles and creates a 3D fetal heart volume that allows sonographers to view the heart in multiple planes.

syngo eSie Calcs(TM) introduces border detection technology which segments an area of interest and provides automatic calculations. By simply defining a boundary box, the application traces lesions and automatically calculates the volume in 3D or the area in 2D.

Ergonomic Improvements

Besides using the latest technology advancements and applications to improve efficiency and workflow, Siemens has also addressed the ergonomic design of the ACUSON S2000 system. It boasts a simple, intuitive user interface with an adaptable design and user-customizable controls preventing repetitive motion injuries experienced by many clinicians today. The system also sports motor-memory learning features in a small, lightweight package. The adjustable system keyboard and 19-inch flat-panel monitor accommodate users of various heights and various scanning positions.

Small Is the New Big

Earlier this year, Siemens introduced the handheld ACUSON P10(TM) ultrasound system. A little larger than a common PDA, the ACUSON P10 weighs only 1.6 pounds, and fits easily into a lab coat pocket. It is intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in emergency care, obstetrics and cardiology. The system can be used by physicians and medical personnel in a number of environments including intensive care units, ambulances and medevac helicopters. It can also be used to detect conditions that may be clinically significant, but have previously required expansive or invasive diagnostic testing in asymptomatic patients.

Hand-Carried Ultrasound

With the introduction of the ACUSON P50(TM) hand-carried ultrasound system, Siemens is addressing the evolving needs of communication in medicine. The ACUSON P50 system offers ultrasound, communication and computer functionality in one sleek, elegant laptop-based system. Designed for mobile use in cardiology and vascular imaging, the system provides excellent tissue differentiation, high spatial and temporal resolution, as well as color and Doppler imaging. The ACUSON P50 can integrate syngo Ultrasound Workplace(TM) for performing advanced clinical applications as well as image review and analysis. It operates on a standard Windows(R) laptop for ease-of-use and PC-related productivity benefits. The system travels anywhere, anytime ultrasound imaging solutions are needed.

X Class

Siemens will also showcase its X Class family of products, the ACUSON X150 and X300 ultrasound systems. Both are excellent solutions for mid-sized facilities and deliver an outstanding combination of diagnostic performance, ergonomics and scalability. The ACUSON X300 is an all-purpose ultrasound system that provides a compact, portable color Doppler solution and delivers exceptional clinical performance across a wide variety of applications. The system can be equipped for streamlined exam workflow, and it boasts an ErgoDynamic design to maximize user comfort. When mobility is of the essence, or space is limited, the fully featured ACUSON X300 system meets the most demanding operational and clinical challenges.

Compact and portable, the ACUSON X150 system is designed to fit the clinical needs of busy general imaging settings and grow as patient requirements or clinical applications evolve. Platform upgradeability allows the user total flexibility to add sensitive color and power Doppler capabilities and a cardiac screening application. The ACUSON X150 features 3-Scape(TM) real-time 3D imaging for the construction of real-time 3D images during free-hand acquisition.

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions 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 Medical Solutions will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. The company delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical Solutions employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (until Sept. 30th), Siemens Medical Solutions reported  sales of euro 9,85 billion, orders of euro 10,27 billion, and group profit of euro 1,32 billion (preliminary figures, unaudited). Further information can be found by visiting http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical.

  *  ARFI is a Works in Progress and information about this product is
     preliminary. The product is under development and not commercially
     available in the U.S., and its future availability cannot be ensured.

  ++ Silicon Ultrasound is a Works in Progress and information about this
     product is preliminary. The product is under development and not
     commercially available in the U.S., and its future availability cannot
     be ensured.


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DATASOURCE: Siemens Medical Solutions



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