Siemens launches advanced diagnostic imaging tools for multiple specialties

1 December 2009

Siemens is enabling advanced visualization to become common practice in the clinical routine with the introduction of its syngo.via imaging software at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago this week.

With syngo.via, Siemens’ new imaging software for multimodality reading of clinical cases, the company is placing special focus on reading efficiency through automated case preparation and structured case navigation across multiple specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology.

syngo.via uniquely integrates imaging devices and IT, such as Siemens MRI, CT, and PET-CT scanners and its new Picture Archiving and Communications System, syngo.plaza. Siemens is demonstrating the benefits of this integration, which creates a comprehensive solution based on client-server technology.

“Delivering on market demand for improved image-reading tools in the clinical setting requires special capabilities that we are in the unique position to deliver,” explains Bernd Montag, CEO, Imaging and IT Division, Siemens Healthcare.

“In order to develop syngo.via, Siemens tapped into its in-depth knowledge of disease-specific reading processes and was able to deliver a cuttingedge imaging technology that offers the latest clinical applications for both routine as well as advanced reading. Striving to profoundly change our customers’ approach to image reading, we want to help them fully leverage the diagnostic potential of our latest imaging technology.”

Clinical Efficiency

Because syngo.via enables physicians to effortlessly access and utilize cutting-edge advanced visualization tools across the clinical spectrum, it stands as an important technological milestone
towards improving workflow efficiency and diagnostic confidence levels.

For instance, Automated Case Preparation in syngo.via automatically loads images into the appropriate application and sorts them into the corresponding layout — pre-processed according to the disease-specific requirements, thereby eliminating the need to manually choose the application, load data, and select corresponding layouts.

With just one click, physicians can begin viewing and reading images their way, according to their needs. When calling up a cardiac CT case, for example, syngo.via selects a suitable cardiac application, automatically removes the blood pool and ribs, selects an appropriate cardiac phase, and displays the images in the corresponding layout.

The coronary arteries are displayed in such a way that allows the physician to immediately begin reading the case. With case preparation left to syngo.via, physicians have more time to focus on image reading and diagnosis.

Case Navigator functionality is yet another way syngo.via supports structured workflow, by categorizing various workflow steps and aligning the proper images to each corresponding step.

In an MRI whole-body case, the extensive image series is automatically structured into layouts and workflow steps — sorted according to body regions — reducing physician’s need to search and sort data and enabling advanced reading to begin as soon as the exam concludes.

Furthermore, during the reading process, findings and measurements can be automatically tracked and listed with Findings Navigator, which allows users to effectively navigate between various findings with just one click. What’s more, the software automatically integrates the finding into a tailored and context-specific report, enabling users to access and share images, findings, and results quickly – on their
terms.

Innovative Imaging and IT Integration

Showcasing the company’s distinct advantage as an integrated healthcare provider, Siemens demonstrates the benefits of offering innovative integration of imaging systems and image reading software in one complete solution that is supported by client-server technology.

This type of imaging device and IT integration allows acquired images to be promptly available within the network. For example, images created with the newest CT functionalities, such as CT Dual Energy, can be utilized anywhere within that network. MR Protocol planning, for instance, can be done remotely and the information needed is transferred to the scanner automatically.

Since it is crucial that radiologists and cardiologist have access to advanced reading applications on their existing PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) workstations, syngo.via
has been designed to integrate with existing PACS and Radiology Information Systems of all major vendors.

What’s more, in conjunction with Siemens’ newest corresponding PACS, syngo.plaza, images do not need to be additionally sent from the imaging device since syngo.plaza drives the entire image routing process. Through no-click integration, images are auto-routed and automatically available on syngo.via, allowing users fast access to images and the appropriate syngo.via applications. Combined with a unified user-interface, this helps ensure a smooth transition between different applications and helps speed up the reading workflow.

Image results can now even be accessed through web portals so that, for example, referring physicians can view images and results anywhere, further demonstrating how syngo.via transforms the entire workflow from planning to reading, therapy, and result sharing, bringing advanced reading into the clinical routine.

Complete Product Lifecycle Support

With the Siemens service agreement, the syngo.via core functionality and clinical applications may be kept up-to-date through ongoing enhancements. These are easily available and delivered through the secure remote infrastructure. Furthermore, Siemens provides each institution with a dedicated contact person which provides up to 24/7 remote support for technical service and application topics at the same time. By encompassing software maintenance and support, the
service agreement provides transparency of service costs, making Total Cost of Ownership foreseeable.