Schering and Siemens to explore new applications for dual-source CT
system
5 December 2005
Berlin, Germany. Schering AG and Siemens Medical Solutions will join
forces to explore the potential of Siemens novel Dual Source computer
tomography (CT) technology implemented for the first time on Somatom
Definition in combination with Schering's CT imaging agent Ultravist.
The new Somatom Definition presented by Siemens at the 91st congress of
the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago is the world's
first Dual Source CT system and is faster than any existing CT technology.
It employs two X-ray sources and two detectors at the same time, while
common CT systems use only one source and detector. Ultravist is an
intravascular, non-ionic contrast medium suitable for all common X-ray
examinations. It is approved in over 100 countries worldwide and used in
over 10 million
procedures per year.
"The combination of Dual Source CT imaging performance and Ultravist is
expected to provide significant clinical advantages over existing CT
systems.
This is especially true for rapidly growing diagnostic imaging
applications such as cardiac CT and CT in acute care. Furthermore, beyond
new applications for established contrast media like Ultravist, the Dual
Source CT technology opens exciting new avenues in R&D for innovation in CT
contrast media." said Dr. Karin Dorrepaal, member of the Executive Board of
Schering AG, responsible for Diagnostic Imaging.
"Siemens' new Dual Source CT technology will allow physicians to utilize
CT technology in new areas of research, and enable physicians to diagnose
disease earlier and more cost effectively." said Prof. Dr. Erich R.
Reinhardt, member of the Board of Siemens AG and president and Chief
Executive Officer, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Combining the expertise of
Schering and Siemens Medical Solutions in this field will lead to a faster
development of optimized examination protocols and of new clinical
applications in cardiovascular imaging and tissue evaluation."
Through this technology numerous advantages will be offered to physicians
and patients such as clearer, more detailed images and a wider range of
clinical applications. It is designed to set new standards in non-invasive
diagnosis of the heart and the coronary arteries. It is capable of imaging
patients with high or irregular heart rates, or arrhythmias, without beta
blocker medications that are often employed today. At the same time
radiation exposure can be reduced by up to 50%. In the area of Acute Care
imaging, patients can receive an accelerated diagnosis independent of the
patient's condition and size while maintaining highest image quality.
The new Dual Source CT has also enhanced capabilities which are expected
to lead to new breakthroughs in clinical research and possibilities for
major innovations in CT contrast media through new research and development.
These capabilities include scanning with two different X-ray energies
simultaneously, which may allow physicians to better differentiate,
characterize, isolate and distinguish tissues and lesions. Patient
examinations have recently been started at the University of Erlangen.
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