METAIRIE, La. & MALVERN, Pa. -- As we near the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many medical institutions still face daily challenges recreating the healthcare system in the Gulf States. Siemens Medical Solutions (www.usa.siemens.com/medical) is helping these facilities get up and running with medical equipment needed to treat people affected by this disaster. Today, Siemens announces that Doctors Imaging Services, LLC, in Metairie, La. has installed the 150th MAGNETOM C!(TM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, providing medical imaging services to patients who need it the most.


Throughout much of the Gulf States region, facilities like Doctors Imaging Services are working long and hard to bring high-quality medical care back to their wounded communities. The MAGNETOM C!, one of the most compact C-shaped MRI systems on the market today, is capable of whole body imaging and enables doctors to easily access patients during orthopedic, magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and neurological scanning helping to ensure a stress-free exam. With numerous advanced medical imaging and information technology systems from Siemens, Doctors Imaging Services provides an imaging solution for any patient, regardless of age or size.


"Siemens' dedication to helping us replenish needed medical technology shows it is more than just a technology company, but a partner willing to assist us in repairing our community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina," said Shea Soll, CEO, Doctors Imaging Services. "With its cost-effective, patient- and technologist-friendly design, the MAGNETOM C! enables us to meet our greatest need - continuing to deliver advanced imaging capabilities to our patients and the community."


The MAGNETOM C! is a traditional, C-shaped magnet, capable of providing valuable imaging to a variety of patients, regardless of physical or physiological challenges. The system is open on three sides to permit easy access to patients, which contributes to higher comfort levels for patients. In addition to increased workflow, the system has a small footprint that serves as a huge benefit for facilities with space constraints.


"Siemens and its MRI Division are working tirelessly to help customers increase the availability of needed medical equipment and services that were disabled during Hurricane Katrina," said Nancy Gillen, vice president, MRI Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "The MAGNETOM C! MRI system represents an immediate solution that enables Doctors Imaging Services to perform high-quality MRI procedures for all patients and help improve medical care within its community."


The MAGNETOM C! features multi-channel imaging, which allows simultaneous placement of up to four coils, enabling shorter exam times and increased comfort for patients. The system provides superb image quality and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) available at 0.35 Tesla (0.35T). In addition, the MAGNETOM C! also features a comprehensive multi-channel application suite with a complete range of multi-channel coils, and a sophisticated multi-channel RF and gradient system. This application suite is available for neurological, orthopedic, angiography, body, oncology, cardiac and pediatric applications. Equipped with workflow support through syngo(R), a standard user interface from Siemens, the system integrates all patient information into one solution.


In addition to the MAGNETOM C!, Doctors Imaging Services offers an array of Siemens' solutions, including MAGNETOM Trio(TM) 3T MRI system with Tim(R) (Total imaging matrix) technology and SOMATOM Sensation(TM) 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner.


"As partners, we are working together for the betterment of patients, physicians and insurance companies, bringing the latest and most advanced Siemens' MRI and CT imaging equipment to this area," adds Soll. "We are proud to be a Siemens international show site for these modalities."


Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (SI) with headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. 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. 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 976 million EUR for fiscal 2005. More information can be obtained by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

SOURCE: Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical SolutionsAmanda Naiman, 610-448-4531amanda.naiman@siemens.com