SAN DIEGO-- Siemens Medical Solutions has set a new molecular imaging milestone with the addition of its TruePoint(TM) technology to its Biograph(TM) family of hybrid PET-CT systems. The new TruePoint PET-CT platform opens the door to the largely untapped potential of molecular imaging by adding 33 percent more axial volume coverage to its PET-CT scanners.

"Benefits provided by the new TruePoint PET-CT platform are two-fold -- the technology increases the axial coverage per bed position to provide whole-body PET-CT protocols, while optimizing workflow by using fewer bed positions and increased speed," said Michael Reitermann, president, Molecular Imaging Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "TruePoint PET-CT also provides a new level of system integration for PET-CT technology and software applications that maximize efficiency and improve diagnostic confidence."

TruePoint PET-CT provides the richest data, both metabolically and anatomically, for the most accurate and confident diagnoses possible. Enlarging the PET field of view, TruePoint PET-CT technology is able to detect 78 percent more photons. This results in more precise and detailed images that enable physicians to quickly pinpoint the tiniest lesions and arteries in detail. Along with enhanced speed, TruePoint offers the most advanced, clinically proven scatter correction techniques on the market to ensure unmatched image quality.


TruePoint PET-CT technology broadens Siemens' range of innovations and employs an exclusive feature that automatically adjusts reconstruction and scatter correction algorithms to individual patient size. Workflow optimization is achieved by using fewer bed positions for exams, which helps to increase patient comfort and decrease patient movement. This results in shorter scan times and higher quality images. In addition, TruePoint PET-CT has the ability to reduce the injected dose to the patient by 50 percent.

"The addition of the TruePoint PET-CT platform to our Biograph family will advance patient care, as the system can improve the ability to diagnose with more accuracy and treat disease states earlier, while its shorter scan times provide increased patient comfort," said Reitermann. "The technology enables Siemens to deliver a highly effective scanning method that meets molecular imaging requirements of today and tomorrow."

Siemens Biograph family - which includes a range of PET and CT performance capabilities as well the new TruePoint PET-CT platform - is the most comprehensive PET-CT product offering on the market today, providing clinicians with unmatched imaging quality, clarity and diagnostic confidence.

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: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.

Definitions: PET - Positron Emission Tomography; CT - Computed Tomography.

More Industry Headlines