Technology Enables Faster Diagnoses without Need for Medication
Siemens Healthcare announced the completion of an AED22 million contract to bring breakthrough computed tomography (CT) technology to the NMC Specialty Hospitals in Dubai and Al Ain, UAE. The groundbreaking technology allows physicians to obtain clearer images of the beating heart and make timely diagnoses in the emergency room. The NMC Specialty Hospitals are the first facilities in the Gulf region to offer the Siemens Somatom Definition dual source CT system, which produces images with twice the temporal resolution and speed of most advanced single-source CT systems.
The dual source capabilities of the Siemens Somatom Definition enables physicians to examine patients with elevated or irregular heart rates without having to first administer beta blocker medication to reduce and stabilise the heart rate. With other CT scanners, patients must take beta blockers to slow the heart before it can be seen clearly, since the motion of the beating heart can cause blurred images. The Somatom Definition can complete a scan in less time than it takes the heart to beat, which enables physicians to capture motion-free images without beta blockers. This has reduced patient preparation time that was needed to allow the medication to take effect, which typically exceeded one hour.
"Siemens has redefined CT imaging with the dual source Somatom Definition, which with its expanded capabilities, turns the most complex examinations into an easy CT routine," said Maurice Faber, head of Siemens Healthcare, Near and Middle East.
"We are delighted that the NMC Specialty Hospitals have selected the Siemens Somatom Definition. Their physicians are now able to confidently perform cardiac examinations without compromise, meaning it can offer its patients a very high level of diagnostic care."
"Siemens Somatom Definition brings the world's most advanced CT technology to our patients," said B R Shetty - Founder Partner, Managing Director and CEO, NMC Group. "The dual source technology provides anatomical detail not previously available through CT, giving us more information to make diagnoses and treatment decisions without invasive surgery. In addition, the speed of the system and reduction in patient preparation time enables us to examine patients more efficiently and conveniently."
In addition, the Somatom Definition has helped make advanced cardiac CT exams accessible to patients who were not previously eligible because they have conditions that preclude the use of beta blockers, such as patients who have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions that affect breathing. Beta blockers can make these conditions worse by narrowing the air passages in the lungs. The Somatom Definition can also help reduce the need for invasive diagnostic cardiac procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, where a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel in the groin or arm to the heart.
Physicians are able to use the Somatom Definition to help make faster and more confident diagnosis in emergency and acute care settings, particularly in examining patients with acute chest pain, abdominal pain, and suspicion of stroke. Physicians can now review results before the patient has left the table, allowing them to provide immediate feedback and quickly determine treatment options. The highest image quality can be obtained when examining patients who are obese, short of breath or who have elevated heart rates.
While the Somatom Definition uses two X-ray sources and offers twice the imaging power, it subjects patients to as much as 50 per cent less radiation exposure than the most advanced single-source CT systems. This is because the speed of the system allows physicians to obtain the images in half the time, and physicians can use special software that automatically reduces radiation to the lowest dose possible for the patient.
The Somatom Definition has enhanced capabilities not previously available from any type of diagnostic imaging technology, which are expected to lead to new breakthroughs in clinical research. The dual source capabilities provide physicians the ability to perform exams at two different X-ray energy levels, which allows them to obtain diverse information about the anatomy in a single scan. Because X-ray energies interact differently with bone and soft tissue, physicians may be able use the Somatom Definition to better differentiate and isolate these areas. Physicians will able to further characterize and distinguish plaque, an early indicator of heart disease, and tumours in diagnostic oncology treatments.
Siemens can be found at Arab Health 2007, Hall 3, stand A20
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Editor's Notes
Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion (on a pro forma basis including Dade Behring roughly €11 billion), orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/medical
© Press Release 2008
