MALVERN, Pa.---June 27, 2006--Marking a major milestone in medical imaging, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and NYU Medical Center (NYUMC) in New York City are the first facilities in the U.S. to install Siemens (www.usa.siemens.com/medical) SOMATOM(R) Definition, the world's first dual-source computed tomography (CT) system, which for the first time incorporates two X-ray sources and two detectors in a single scanner. In view of rapidly growing interest in the market, Siemens expects more than 150 installations for the Definition by the end of 2006. To date, 10 Definition scanners have been installed worldwide.

With the ability to capture data twice as fast as any existing multi-slice CT technology, the Definition can deliver motion-free cardiac images, independent of heart rate. The Definition also has power reserve and dual-energy capabilities not previously available with any other CT system, unlocking new possibilities in emergency radiology.

The first Definition scanner in the U.S. was installed at Mayo Clinic in March 2006; the second at NYUMC in April 2006. These two leading institutions are using the systems for cardiac and vascular exams, as well as research into new applications for CT imaging. Mayo Clinic has already begun research studies exploring the system's potential in using dual X-ray energies to better differentiate tissue in various parts of the body.


Scanning Without Beta Blockers Improves Workflow

Dual-source CT technology is enabling physicians at Mayo Clinic and NYUMC to perform cardiac exams on patients with heart rates of 100 beats per minute and more without the need to slow a patient's heart with beta blocker medications, as was required with previous CT systems. This has reduced patient preparation time that was needed to allow the medication to take effect, and has made advanced CT exams accessible to patients who have conditions that preclude the use of beta blockers, such as patients who have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions that affect breathing.

"In cardiac imaging, the ability to image the heart with very short exposure times is essential," said Cynthia McCollough, Ph.D., associate professor, radiologic physics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. "Our current systems, which require 0.16 seconds per exposure, perform very well at lower heart rates. However, dual-source CT requires only half of that time - 0.08 seconds - and thus allows us to successfully image patients with higher heart rates."

"Siemens dual-source CT technology is another giant step forward in CT imaging," agreed Jill E. Jacobs, M.D., chief, cardiac imaging, NYUMC. "The reduced scan acquisition times and decreased need for patient preparation helps ensure quick results and speeds workflow and patient throughput. The Definition also will enable us to better evaluate patients with suspected neurologic, thoracic, abdominal/pelvic or vascular abnormalities."

More Industry Headlines