Siemens China 13.01.2005

Greater comfort for patients in the tunnel

Erlangen, Jan 13, 2005

Siemens has developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MR) system that offers new diagnostic capabilities, especially for claustrophobic and obese patients. The system is characterized by an extra-wide tunnel opening, an extremely short magnet, and the power of conventional high-field systems. The design of the Magnetom Espree is unique in the world. Europe´s first system was installed at the hospital in Bremen.

"At a diameter of 70 centimeters, Magnetom Espree has a tunnel opening wider than previous 1.5 Tesla systems. In addition, the scanner is only 125 centimeters long. This means that, for most examinations, the patient’s head remains outside the device, which will be greatly appreciated by persons suffering from claustrophobia", professor Burckhard Terwey and doctor Markus Lentschig, the owners of the clinical practice for magnetic resonance in Bremen, point out the advantages of the new MR tomograph.

Obese patients are extremely limited in their choice of diagnostic examination methods: conventional open MR systems, the only alternative for obese patients, operate with maximum field strength of 0.7 Tesla to 1 Tesla. The image quality with these devices was often insufficient for obese patients. In contrast, Magnetom Espree operates – like current high-field systems – at 1.5 Tesla and provides images of much higher quality. "Obese patients often suffer diseases of the musculoskeletal system or cardiovascular system, which can be diagnosed more reliably with the new system", continues Terwey.

Obesity is becoming an increasingly important topic, given that half of all adults in Germany and two of every three people in the USA are overweight. Claustrophobic and obese patients especially benefit from the new open space in the "tunnel".

Siemens developed all the MR components. This is what enabled the extremely short, open design of the Magnetom Espree: all of the components, such as the magnet and gradient system, could be integrated, designed compactly, and optimized by Siemens researchers. The new MR also contains the Total imaging matrix (Tim) technology – a new procedure that utilizes flexible coil combinations to provide excellent image quality at extremely short examination times.

Images accompanying this press release may be found on the Internet under
Externer Linkhttp://www.siemens.com/med-pictures/espree

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.07 billion EUR, orders of 8.12 billion EUR and group profit of 1,05 billion EUR for fiscal 2004 (preliminary figures). Further information can be found under: http://www.siemens.com/medical