SIEMENS UNVEILS NEW ARTIS INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING SYSTEMS.

Siemens Medical Solutions has unveiled its next generation of interventional imaging systems that offer breakthrough versatility, enhanced image quality and streamline workflow across an array of clinical environments, from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to operating rooms and hybrid rooms.

The exceptional versatility of the Artis zee family is exemplified by the revolutionary new Artis zeego(R), which features a multi-axis C-arm that employs robotic technology to extend imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. This results in advanced cross-sectional imaging via its positioning flexibility, which is not achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the position of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the procedural needs or the height of the physician, which is particularly beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy lead-shielded apron.

The adjustable isocenter also enables off-center rotational angiography for all areas of the body and supports advanced 3D imaging techniques, including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens' first-to-market syngo(R) DynaCT.

The first two facilities in North America to receive the Artis zeego for research are St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston and the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va. Both facilities began examining patients the week of Nov. 12.

The Artis zeego's unique design enables advanced imaging capabilities, such as large-volume syngo DynaCT scans, which enable the physician to see the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies. The Artis zeego also addresses neuro-interventional challenges by offering views of the skull and the neck and expanded views of the spine.

"A crucial advantage of the multi-axis robotic C-arm is the ability to precisely reproduce angulations and projections over and over again," said Michel E. Mawad, M.D., chief, Neurovascular Service, St. Luke's Episcopal Health Hospital. "With the Artis zeego you can go from one position to another within a fraction of a second, which enables you to reproduce exact angulations during the same procedure without having to reinject contrast. The combination of imaging accuracy and the versatility provided by the robotic capabilities puts us on the cutting edge and poised to realize the future possibilities in angiography."

"The Artis zeego* really represents the first giant step in changing the paradigm for angiography labs," said Michael D. Dake, M.D., chairman, Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health System. "Its robotic- driven technology brings interventional radiology to a different level, offering a whole new pathway for the future. It offers a multiplicity of views that were not possible to obtain before with other imaging systems."

Imaging Excellence Distinguishes Entire Artis zee Family

The entire Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging chain - spanning image acquisition to image processing and documentation - that delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision-making.

"The introduction of the Artis zee family brings enhanced versatility to drive workflow improvements that can help meet the increasing volume in interventional procedures, no matter what the clinical setting," said Claus Grill, vice president, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions. "From the innovation of the Artis zeego to imaging excellence of 3D applications like syngo DynaCT, Siemens is uniquely positioned to meet the burgeoning demands of the interventional radiology field as they continue to evolve."

New and enhanced 3D imaging applications included with the Artis zee systems include the following:

-- syngo iPilot, which enables faster, more precise catheter navigation through 3D roadmapping that superimposes 3D reconstructions onto live 2D fluoroscopy images, 2D roadmaps or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The application provides real-time updates of C-arm and table movements, as well as zoom and source-to-image distance (SID) changes.

-- syngo iGuide, which is designed to brings needle procedures back into the interventional suite, enabling enhanced comfort for the physician and freeing up the computed tomography (CT) scanner from this lengthy procedure. With the superb fluoroscopy image quality of the Artis zee systems, these procedures can be executed faster and with greater confidence.

The Artis zee systems are designed to streamline workflows and create efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume. Intuitive, menu-driven workflows streamline such procedures as obtaining soft tissue results for both frequent and infrequent users. The Artis zee systems also enable all system movements to be easily controlled with one ergonomic tableside device.

Unrestricted Freedom of Movement with Artis zeego *

Leveraging advanced robotic technologies, the Artis zeego supports additional degrees of freedom beyond those of traditional C-arm technology. Specifically, the rotation center of the positioner can be placed anywhere in a sphere around the patient. The Artis zeego enables physicians to perform complex scanning movements such as tilted table scans in the peripherals. This type of scanning has not been possible with traditional C-arm design.

The system's flexibility also makes it ideal for use in complicated operating room environments. Advanced pre- and post-operative imaging can be performed in the same room, as well as enabling surgery to be started directly, without transferring the patient, in emergency situations when interventional procedures are unsuccessful. Artis zeego's flexible park positioning enables it to be stowed away in a variety of space-saving positions.

The Artis zee systems are available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, multipurpose, biplane, and biplane twin configurations, as well as the multi- axis Artis zeego.

About Siemens Medical Solutions

Siemens Medical Solutions 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 Medical Solutions 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. The company delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical Solutions employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (until Sept. 30th), Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of euro 9,85 billion, orders of euro 10,27 billion, and group profit of euro 1,32 billion (preliminary figures, unaudited).

* Pending 510(k) - The information about this product is being provided for planning purposes. The product is pending 510(k) review, and is not yet commercially available in the U.S.

For more information, call 610/448-4974 or visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical.