Siemens reinforces status as imaging partner of choice in radiation therapy with Definition AS Open CT simulator, Biograph mCT Excel 20 PET•CT scanner, and MRI solutions
Siemens Healthcare (booth 707) will solidify its position as a leader in optimized, accurate imaging for radiation therapy treatment planning at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), July 29-Aug. 2 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center. Highlighted solutions in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular imaging (MI) that will facilitate imaging excellence include the SOMATOM Definition AS Open CT system dedicated for radiation therapy treatment planning; the Biograph mCT 20 Excel PET•CT system; and the MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T MR unit with Tim® (Total imaging matrix), a Dockable Table and the CIVCO MRSeriesTM Solution. These multi-modality imaging solutions for accurate, precise treatment planning represent Siemens’ high level of innovation and competitiveness in the radiation therapy community – two key goals of Siemens’ Agenda 2013 two-year global initiative.
Definition AS Open CT
Excellent image quality is the foundation for precise contouring and accurate radiotherapy treatment planning. The SOMATOM Definition AS Open, Siemens’ CT system dedicated for radiation therapy, offers a diagnostic scan field of view (FOV), a 65 cm reconstructed FOV with high-accuracy CT numbers and patient geometry for planning purposes, and an 80 cm reconstructed FOV (which is also the full bore size) for scanning the entire patient. The large bore easily accommodates radiotherapy positioning devices for more accurate treatment planning. Moreover, the SOMATOM Definition AS Open delivers diagnostic image quality at low dose (~1cGy), enabling precise contouring for planning while minimizing patient radiation exposure.
Presently the only CT simulator that can be upgraded from its standard 20-slice configuration for greater operational flexibility, patient comfort, or advanced future applications, the SOMATOM Definition AS Open boasts a high-speed acquisition rate that helps to prevent motion artifacts. The CT simulator system has dose-sparing features, as well as a table top for simulation that deflects less than 2 mm and can support patients weighing up to 500 pounds. Additionally, Siemens offers unique gating capabilities that track amplitude, phase and/or time, and an auto-editing software that automatically removes disturbances in the waveform to provide a more optimal data set for treatment planning. Virtual simulation features include advanced segmentation and model-based contouring, iso-center calculations, reference point management with automatic laser alignment, and beam line and aperture settings.
Biograph mCT 20 Excel PET•CT
Designed to ensure affordable, high-quality positron emission tomography (PET)•CT imaging for a wide range of medical institutions – including community hospitals, smaller imaging centers and emerging markets – the Biograph mCT 20 Excel provides facilities with the ability to make unprecedented progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The state-of-the-art 20-slice molecular CT scanner offers unique imaging technologies such as 20-slice adaptive CT; standard PET time of flight; HD PET for uniform resolution across the entire field of view; and HD Chest, a technology that reduces blur created by respiration during PET•CT studies. Boasting a compact design, the Biograph mCT 20 Excel has a large 78 cm bore and 500-lb. capacity table optimized for large patients. The large bore also easily accommodates radiotherapy positioning devices for more accurate treatment planning.
MAGNETOM Aera MR unit with Tim Dockable Table, CIVCO MRSeries Solution
For radiation therapy planning, high-quality CT images are often further enhanced with MR images, which feature excellent soft-tissue differentiation that supports target structure delineation and the identification of at-risk structures. Siemens offers a dedicated MR solution that allows a facility to integrate Siemens’ MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T MRI scanner into the radiation therapy treatment planning workflow. The dedicated solution includes the Tim Dockable Table, which offers staff flexibility in patient preparation and time slot scheduling. It also features the CIVCO MRSeries Solution to enable precise and reproducible patient positioning.
mARC software
Bringing modulated arc therapy to Siemens’ ARTISTE linear accelerator, the new mARC software – which recently received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – enables precise control of radiation delivery and is up to 65 percent faster than intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), for individual treatment that best suits patient needs. mARC enables continuous gantry motion by alternating beam-on, beam-off periods, with fixed apertures during beam-on periods and modified apertures during beam-off periods; treatment can be resumed at any time on the spot. mARC provides the freedom to create shapes that optimally meet clinical objectives regardless of case complexity. mARC also ensures precise delivery control for smooth quality assurance (QA).
Launched by Siemens Healthcare Sector, Agenda 2013 is a two-year global initiative to further strengthen the Healthcare Sector’s innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures will be implemented in four fields of action: Innovation, Competitiveness, Regional Footprint, and People Development.
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 51,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2011 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 12.5 billion euros and profit of around 1.3 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.
