At this year's RSNA, from December 1 to 6 in Chicago, Siemens Healthineers presented how our imaging technologies, digital health and connected digital interventional solutions can expand precision medicine and transform care delivery. Following the motto “Shaping the Future of Healthcare,” we focused on the digital transformation of imaging and therapy to improve patient care. If you were not able to make it to the show but would like to experience our newest products presented at RSNA, we’ve highlighted them for you here.
New members of our CT scanner portfolio
Just prior to this year’s RSNA, we introduced SOMATOM X.cite, the newest member of our high-end CT scanner portfolio. With this new single-source CT scanner, we are equipping healthcare professionals with tools to effectively overcome pressing issues such as staff shortages, insufficient time, and the development of standards for high quality diagnostics and decision support. SOMATOM X.cite is also the first scanner equipped with the myExam Companion, our new intelligent user guidance system based on AI. In combination with its 82 cm gantry, SOMATOM X.cite can offer unprecedented image quality in the single-source segment, in addition to maximum patient comfort.
"We are driving the digital transformation of radiology through constant innovation of our devices. At the same time, we offer - for example through remote solutions - more and more ways for our partners to create high-quality diagnostics. SOMATOM X.cite and myExam Companion are a big step for our imaging portfolio along this plan into the world of intelligent user support and for Siemens Healthineers on our way to becoming a leader in clinical decision support," says André Hartung, President Diagnostic Imaging at Siemens Healthineers.
Our presentation at RSNA started with the introduction of our mobile head CT scanner, SOMATOM On.site1. Instead of patients having to be transferred to the radiology department for a CT scan, the new mobile system from Siemens Healthineers now allows the scanner to be taken to the ICU so that patients can be examined from their bedside. This removes the need for complicated patient transportation that involves multiple staff members and a high risk for the patient. “For us, SOMATOM On.site is a fundamentally new approach to performing CT head scans for patients in intensive care. The combination of mobility, user-friendliness, and consistent image quality enables unprecedented levels of patient safety. At the same time, healthcare providers can make even more optimal use of their staff and CT fleet,” says Philipp Fischer, Head of Computed Tomography at Siemens Healthineers.
AI-based assistants for magnetic resonance imaging
We also introduced two new applications in our AI-Rad Companion family. These software assistants based on artificial intelligence (AI) are designed to free radiologists from the burden of performing routine activities during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in the body regions brain and prostate. AI-Rad Companion Brain MR for Morphometry Analysis1 automatically segments the brain in MRI images, measures brain volume, and marks volume deviations in result tables used by neurologists for diagnosis and treatment. AI-Rad Companion Prostate MR for Biopsy Support1 automatically segments the prostate on MRI images and enables radiologists to mark lesions, so that it is easier for their colleagues in Urology to perform targeted prostate biopsies. Both new applications can be used on MRI scanners from different manufacturers and are available on teamplay2, the cloud-based healthcare platform from Siemens Healthineers.
“With the new AI-based assistants, we are expanding our diagnostic offering to help our customers increase efficiency and improve the quality of care. We firmly believe that AI will help physicians deal with their workload and benefit patients by helping achieve an improved, patient-focused decision-making process,” said Peter Koerte, Head of Digital Health at Siemens Healthineers.
Innovative technologies and solutions
Along with the introduction of our latest products, visitors were able to experience our broad portfolio of innovative technologies and services in the areas of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, molecular medicine as well as digital health and enterprise services. One of the latest highlights in our portfolio, we showcased the newest ultrasound system, ACUSON Redwood, which delivers premium image quality, exceptional performance and smart workflow against the restraints of tight budgets. We also presented the latest in minimally invasive treatment with our ARTIS icono family, the breakthrough line that offers a wide procedure mix in a single interventional suite. Following this year’s acquisition of Corindus Vascular Robotics, Inc., headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, we displayed Corindus CorPath GRX, with our ARTIS icono biplane system demonstrating how endovascular robotics help physicians to precisely control guide catheters, guide wires, balloon or stent implants via integrated imaging. The physician does not have to stand directly at the angiography table as is current practice but can control the procedure with a separate controlling module and is therefore exposed to less radiation.
For further information on these and other show highlights, be sure to visit our RSNA page.