New Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS)¹ application accelerates 2D MR imaging
New GOBrain¹ application enables clinically validated brain MRI exams in just five minutes
New syngo MR E11 software platform offers easy standardization across Siemens' fleet of MRI systems
New BodyCOMPASS² technology ushers in synergistic PET/MR – motion-free PET images with MR-based motion compensation

At the 101st Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Siemens Healthcare introduces new applications designed to drastically reduce the time needed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of the brain, increasing patient throughput and potentially reducing costs per scan. Brain scans account for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all MRI examinations, and fast examinations are essential for maintaining efficient workflow. The number of brain MRI examination is expected to grow in 2016, with an expected 45 million brain exams worldwide.³

Siemens' new Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS) ¹ application employs an innovative technique to acquire imaging slices simultaneously rather than sequentially – reducing 2D acquisition times by up to a factor of 8. The length of advanced brain examinations can vary considerably, and now MR brain scans can be reduced to times compatible with the clinical routine (e.g., up to 68 percent for diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI).4 These advanced techniques will be applicable to patients with limited tolerance for longer scan times, such as geriatric or pediatric patients.5 SMS may be particularly beneficial in brain surgery cases through surgical mapping, potentially helping to reduce post-surgical deficits, and ultimately leading to improved efficiency in the utilization of OR resources.

Another new Siemens MR application, GOBrain,¹ enables clinically validated brain examinations in just five minutes. Facilitated in part by Siemens' high-channel density coils and the company's unique MRI scanning software DotGO, the clinically essential image orientations and contrasts are acquired at the push of a button. Patient throughput is improved, and costs per scan can potentially be reduced. Shorter scan times are better tolerated by patients and can help reduce potentially costly and time-consuming rescans as well as potentially reduce sedation.6

In addition to speed and quality, standardization across systems is also important for hospitals in meeting healthcare efficiency demands. With its syngo MR E11 software platform, Siemens introduces a uniform application platform for its MAGNETOM family of MR systems. The first Siemens MR systems to feature syngo MR E11 will be the MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T and MAGNETOM Skyra 3T systems. The focus, in addition to expanding the application offering, is achieving consistency across the entire fleet of scanners and managing them effectively. A single consistent user interface, as well as intuitive protocol optimization enabled by the DotGO scanning software, further aids users in providing standardization and reproducibility.

The syngo MR E11 software platform and applications are also designed for Siemens' Biograph mMR² positron emission tomography (PET)/MR scanner, which has scanned over 50,000 patients. New BodyCOMPASS² technology is designed to enable motion-free PET images with MR-based motion compensation beyond gating, which could be particularly beneficial in delineating abdominal and lung lesions, which are prone to motion. This and other planned improvements with the new software demonstrate the synergistic potential of the Biograph mMR.

1 510(k) pending

² syngo MR E11 for Biograph mMR is currently under development; it is not for sale in the U.S. and other countries. Its future availability cannot be guaranteed.

³ Calculation represents assumption based on numbers from 2014 IMV Market Report

4 For Diffusion MRI measured on MAGNETOM Prisma with Head/Neck 64

5 MR scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses and infants under two years of age. The responsible physician must evaluate the benefit of the MRI examination in comparison to other imaging procedures.

6 Prakkamakul, et al. Qualitative comparison of a 5-minute general optimized brain protocol and a conventional magnetic resonance protocol for brain imaging. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Contact for journalists

Jeff Bell
Siemens
Healthcare
Phone: 610-448-6348; E-mail: jeffrey.t.bell@siemens.com

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Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.