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Product Guide: Imaging
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The following is our Cardiology Today Imaging Guide. Cardiology Today offered manufacturers the opportunity to be listed here in our 2011 Guide. However, appearance does not imply endorsement by the chief medical editor or publisher of Cardiology Today. All of the information was supplied by the manufacturers; please contact them for more information. The editors regret any omissions.
Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash dual-source CT
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Photo courtesy of: Siemens |
The SOMATOM Definition Flash was designed to make CT scans healthier for patients. It offers split-second scanning, and the Flash Spiral scanning eliminates the need for patients to hold their breath during scans. It has scan speeds of up to 458 mm/s and can cover the entire body in 5 seconds. It has two X-ray tubes, which enables an entire heart scan possible in 250 ms, or one-quarter of a heart beat. This allows a reduced dose of radiation, down to 1 mSv or less. The Adaptive Dose Shield blocks unnecessary doses of radiation, and the X-CARE allows the lowest dose of radiation to organs and protects radiation-sensitive organs. The dual-source, dual-energy CT uses two X-ray sources set to different kilovolt levels to simultaneously collect two data sets and different attenuation levels. The split-second scanning, coupled with the highest temporal resolution of 75 mg, freezes cardiac motion safely, regardless of the heart rate.
Siemens ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system
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Photo courtesy of: Siemens |
The ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system uses IN Focus coherent technology, which delivers superior and uniform image quality throughout the field of view. It includes applications such as eSieScan and eSie Measure, which enables quick, accurate and reproducible measurements with 2-D, M-mode and spectral Doppler, improving efficiency and consistency for the end user. Auto volume left ventricular analysis generates ejection fraction from a volume dataset in less than a minute. The eSie Measure Workflow Acceleration package provides semi-automated measurements for 2-D, M-mode and spectral Doppler. Auto Left Ventricular Analysis package for LV volume quantification generates ejection fraction and volume data in less than a minute, eliminating manual tracing time and intra-operator variability. Rapid Stress volume stress echo application provides rapid analysis of wall motion abnormality for a wide range of patients, including arrhythmia and dyssynchrony patients.
Siemens Artis zeego multi-axis system
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Photo courtesy of: Siemens |
The Artis zeego is part of Siemens’ Artis zee family and is the first multi-axis system based on robotic technology that can be positioned the way the user wants. It can be controlled with far greater ease and precision than a conventional C-arm system. Products in the Artis zee family feature a full-color, 56’’ medical-grade screen that offers multiple input views simultaneously. The display also features an 8-megapixel resolution at 4 × HD, a fully integrated tableside control and a choice of more than 200 layouts. One of Artis zeego’s most valuable features is its ability to provide cross-sectional, large-volume syngo DynaCT imaging. With large-volume 3-D imaging, coverage is comparable to that of a traditional CT scanner. Because of its small footprint and multiple park positions, Artis zeego is also ideally suited for the OR environment. The flexible working height reduces fatigue associated with long procedures.
GE Healthcare Discovery NM630
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Photo courtesy of: GE |
The Discovery NM630 is a SPECT system designed to enable low patient dose, short exam times and streamlined workflow without compromising image quality. It is a fully upgradeable SPECT technology that allows a patient dose as low as 50% of those of standard nuclear medicine protocols. It is engineered to accommodate more patients than previous generation GE nuclear medicine systems. It has a 28” bore and a table that can handle patients up to 500 lb. It features Elite NXT detectors that are designed to offer outstanding SPECT resolution and exceptional contrast for superb image quality. The Discovery NM630 can be upgraded on location to a Discovery NM/CT by adding CT capabilities that can expand services to true hybrid imaging.
GE Healthcare MAC 800 portable ECG system
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Photo courtesy of: GE |
The MAC 800 portable ECG system is a lightweight, portable ECG device that combines the keypad of a phone with a full-size color display and the GE Marquette 12SL ECG diagnostic software to help clinicians provide greater access to health care in regions across the world. It has the full-size features of a 65-lb ECG device engineered down to less than 7 lb, battery included. The unit’s integrated carrying handle enables clinicians to carry it like a briefcase, expanding access to care, regardless of patient location. Its lithium ion battery keeps it running for 2 hours of continuous operation, or up to 250 standard patient reports and a quick 4-hour recharge helps reduce downtime.
Philips Ingenuity CT scanner
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Photo courtesy of: Philips |
The Philips Ingenuity CT scanner features iDose4, an iterative reconstruction technique that gives control of the dial to personalize dose and image quality based on a patient’s needs. This approach improves after visualization of soft tissue and vascular structures at a dose reduced up to 80%. SyncRight is designed to enhance consistency of contrast injections with an up to 15% reduction in injected contrast. This means there is less opportunity for error and greater efficiency because protocols and injection data need only be entered one time. The scanner is designed to perform in the most demanding and critical environments to help achieve outstanding and consistent results. It also features RapidView IR, which is 137% faster than the first-generation reconstructor used by Brilliance scanners. The scanner features MRC Ice, an X-ray tube designed for no warm-up or cool down. Lastly, it provides improved hybrid imaging by reducing the effects caused by the presence of metal inside the body, helping to enhance care for millions of elderly patients.
Philips CX50 CompactXtreme ultrasound system
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Photo courtesy of: Philips |
The Philips CX50 portable ultrasound system is a compact system that enables clinicians to acquire cardiac and vascular exams at the patient’s bedside. The system features PureWave piezoelectric transducer technology, providing greater bandwidth and more consistent uniformity than ultrasound systems with conventional ceramic materials. The CX50 also features iScan technology that enables automatic data sampling for the rapid optimization of 2-D and Doppler performance. The CX50 can also store active native acoustic data, enabling the operator to adjust almost all scanning parameters on single images, on clips or on stored 2-D and Doppler data.
Philips iE33 xMATRIX ultrasound system
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Photo courtesy of: Philips |
The iE33 xMATRIX system allows clinicians to rely on a single transthoracic transducer, Philips X5-1, for virtually any cardiac ultrasound exam. It enables them to go from 2-D to 3-D imaging at the press of a button to quickly integrate volume imaging into routine exams. The PureWave crystal technology allows the capture of crisp, high-resolution images, even of technically challenging patients. The iRotate electronic transducer rotation allows better 2-D imaging and eliminates LV foreshortening. With the iE33 xMATRIX, echocardiography now has more power than ever to eliminate surprises during and after interventional procedures. Live 3-D TEE images combined with the advanced capabilities of QLAB Mitral Valve Quantification (MVQ) reveal information once only available after an incision was made. The Philips iE33 xMATRIX offers a whole new level of exam efficiency and clinical versatility while supported by a comprehensive curriculum of onsite and offsite customer education courses.
– Compiled by Emily Shafer