New MR applications improve diagnostics: Siemens presented innovative syngo MR applications at the ECR

Siemens Medical Solutions introduces new IT-based solutions for magnetic resonance tomography at the ECR. These so-called syngo MR applications simplify workflows in clinical routine, for example, imaging of the spine, the thorax or diffusion-weighted imaging in the body and 3D acquisitions with various contrasts. These applications enable faster and more accurate diagnosis and improve the efficiency of the hospital.

The new syngo MR applications are based on Tim (Total imaging matrix) technology. In other words, the IT-based solutions provide for faster recognition of details in the result images.

syngo SPACE in combination with parallel imaging and Tim technology provides for 3D images with different contrasts as well as high-resolution 3D data sets. These visualize the smallest of lesions and enable physicians to generate highly detailed reconstructions in all orientations. The entire central nervous system – including that of patients suffering from extreme scoliosis –is measured in as little as five minutes. The isotropic resolution of syngo SPACE shows, for example, all nerve foramina. Optimized for acquisitions of the brain, inner ear, spine, pelvis and MR cholangio pancreatography, syngo SPACE replaces time-consuming multiple 2D aquisitions with a single 3D image.

syngo SWI – Siemens is the only medical solutions provider who offers Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI). This new technique allows physicians to detect the smallest intracranial hemorrhages. An imminent stroke is diagnosed more quickly than before and, if necessary, therapies can be initiated at the earliest time possible. The new syngo application is extremely sensitive to desoxigenated blood in blood products or the vascular system and delivers more detailed information about hemorrhages, venous or arteriovenous malformations than ever before. syngo SWI offers new perspectives in MRT.

syngo REVEAL enables the use of diffusion imaging for differential whole-body diagnostics. The entire human body can be scanned for conspicuous findings – without repositioning the patient or the coils. The module deliveres highly promising results in the area of oncology: it is ideal for evaluating metastases, recurrences, and post-operative progression. The technique is also suitable for differentiating between malignant and benign tumors in the liver, colon, and prostate and supports evaluation of lymph node involvement. In addition, syngo REVEAL enables new applications in thoracic and lung imaging, since it displays all pathological changes in these areas. These indications are possible during initial diagnosis or follow-up after systemic or local chemotherapy or treatment.

With syngo GRAPPA, Siemens offers a technique for parallel image acquisition which quickly delivers images with excellent resolution Parallel image acquisition requires a large number of independent receiver channels as well as coil elements – both of these are provided by the Tim technology. syngo GRAPPA is ideal for imaging the spine, for imaging with a small field of view (FoV) in orthopedics or with a large FoV in thoracic MR angiography as well as double oblique cardiac imaging.

In addition to the MAGNETOM Avanto, the Tim technology and syngo MR applications are also available for the 3 Tesla system, MAGNETOM Trio and the shortest 1.5 Tesla system in the world, the MAGNETOM Espree with a tunnel opening of 70 centimeters.

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors’ offices. Employing approximately 33.000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.6 billion EUR and group profit of 1 billion EUR for fiscal 2005.