Siemens Medical Solutions recently introduced LITHOSKOP©, a multifunctional lithotripter, at the American Urology Association (AUA) Annual Meeting. The new system is intended to increase efficiency for various urological applications, enhancing Siemens comprehensive solution offerings.

LITHOSKOP features an ergonomic table and one-time patient positioning. In addition, the digital interface can help clinicians with workflow and image management. The system is the latest in Siemens encompassing urology solution, which includes fixed and mobile lithotripsy and urology systems in addition to computed tomography, ultrasound, and radiation therapy technology.

"Technology, such as the LITHOSKOP, should enable physicians to provide enhanced patient care. The system's shockwave head positioning capability, patient setup and AutoPos features are designed to provide faster, more accurate treatment," said Ed Winstead, director of Urology, Siemens Medical Solutions. "The patient access and image quality provided by the digital technology should improve patient care and throughput."
LITHOSKOP's innovative design offers patient access from all sides, while the dual C-arm for X-ray imaging and shockwave head allow for multifunctional use and smooth workflow. AutoPos^TM, the system's computer-aided three-dimensional positioning tool, helps physicians align a patient's stone into focus. Once the stone is localized on the monitor, AutoPos automatically moves the table to position the stone for treatment.

Workflow benefits for digital reporting and patient management include DICOM Worklist, which allows for the downloading of patient data directly from a hospital's network, enabling newly generated images to be viewed, post-processed and stored immediately. In addition, LithoReport^TM is intended to aid workflow by allowing for detailed documentation of the entire therapeutic process. The LITHOSKOP is currently under clinical investigation. It will require FDA 510(k) review and is not commercially available in the U.S.

The Special Systems Division of Siemens Medical Solutions has taken a step to significantly increase its focus and coverage of the surgery and urology markets by appointing Platinum Medical as the authorized sales channel for Siemens surgery, mobile x-ray and urology products.

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