Siemens showcases advanced ultrasound solutions

At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2010 in Vienna, Siemens Healthcare presented its innovative ultrasound solutions. The highlight this year was the new release of its premium Acuson S2000 ultrasound system featuring significant advancements in ARFI technology (Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging) for the detection and quantification of tissue. Combined with a 3D breast volume scanner (ABVS), the Acuson S2000 is suited particularly for breast cancer diagnosis in women with dense breast tissue.

In addition, Siemens introduced its latest mid-range ultrasound system, the Acuson X300 Premium Edition (PE) for routine clinical examinations. Thanks to ever-improving image acquisition, physicians have much greater diagnostic confidence with shorter examination times. The latest version of the Acuson S2000 ultrasound system Release 2.0 from Siemens contains improved implementations of the ARFI technology. This method supports the physician in detecting and quantifying tissue. Using the two ARFI software solutions “Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging” and “Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification”, the physician detects and measures the strain properties or stiffness of tissue, which may be correlated with pathology. These leading-edge solutions redefine the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis, treatment, and therapy of diseases affecting areas of the body that are difficult to examine with physical palpation, for example the liver. Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification currently is the only ARFI application in the industry to provide a numerical value related to tissue stiffness at a precise anatomical location. It is highly promising in identifying early stages of liver diseases causing cirrhosis.

New Acuson S2000 system with ABVS breast scanner

The new Acuson S2000 ultrasound system can also be used in diagnosing breast cancer: equipped with the world’s first breast volume scanner, the physician or hospital personnel can acquire volume images of the female breast automatically using this innovative system. The breast scanner enables higher early detection rates of breast cancer particularly in women with dense breast tissue. The result is a user-independent and standardized examination.

The uniquely designed transducer of the ABVS breast scanner generates volume images that for the first time show the coronal view of the breast – from the nipple to the breast wall – a view that previously could not be shown using conventional ultrasound. Conventional hand held breast ultrasound is time-consuming and requires a high level of operator expertise, which is why ultrasound’s role in breast imaging has often been that of a secondary modality to look at a palpable mass identified on a mammogram. “The Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS) has the potential to change that,” said Dr. Norbert Gaus, CEO of the Ultrasound business unit at Siemens Healthcare. “The system automatically acquires full-field sonographic volumes of the breast for comprehensive review and diagnosis, streamlining workflow and reducing operator dependence and variability. At the same time, automated acquisition reduces scan time to approximately 10 minutes.” Acuson X300 Premium Edition all-round system for the clinical routine The powerful Acuson X300 PE mid-range ultrasound system is a highly-developed all-round system especially suited to the requirements of the daily clinical routine. The compact system delivers exceptional performance across a wide variety of applications, from general imaging to cardiovascular and OB/GYN. The latest edition of the Acuson X300 offers contrast agent imaging, fourSight 4D imaging technology, and integrated stress echo. Anatomical M-mode, DTI Doppler Tissue Imaging technology, and TEE Imaging – including 3D imaging – complete the package.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros.