Siemens Introduces Ultrasound Imaging Technology with Four Dimensions
Physicians confirm an increase of accuracy and precision of the diagnosis
Duesseldorf, Nov 24, 2004
Having passed the three-dimensional imaging technology, Siemens is now diving into the fourth dimension: The Sonoline Antares system, with the combination of 3-Scape real-time 3D imaging and fourSight 4D imaging technologies, allows for real-time display of three-dimensional (3D) images. Physicians may now examine moved pictures which provides access to more extensive diagnosis. The applications include obstetrics, abdominal and vascular imaging.
The fourSight 4D imaging technology may be especially helpful in maternal fetal medicine because physicians can use it to facilitate diagnosis of fetal malformations, such as cranio-facial abnormalities or spina bifida. This helps to improve communication with neonatal specialists and parents: necessary steps may be defined at an early state.
“The fourSight technology really helps us to clarify exactly what we are seeing in 2D imaging for prenatal diagnosis, and it helps demonstrate the stages of fetal development to the parents,” said Frank Craparo, M.D., director of the Fetal Diagnostic Center, chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, USA. “We use the 4D imaging for fetal evaluations, primarily for facial and digit abnormalities, as well as imaging the fetal spine. Because the Antares system has excellent image quality with high contrast and detail resolution, we are able to enhance the images we already obtained in 2D at the push of a button, and in real time, have a diagnostic 4D image. Pediatric surgeons also find the 4D images useful when counseling parents about surgery and post-natal repair,” added Dr. Craparo.
The fourSight 4D capabilities on the Antares ultrasound system feature two ergonomically designed 4D transducers with MultiHertz multiple frequency imaging for greater sensitivity and imaging bandwidth. In addition, this advanced technology incorporates a complete set of 3D and 4D imaging features, including flexible image formats that enable a one-to-one, two-to-one, or four-to-one display to facilitate surface rendering, simultaneous dynamic acquisition and display of high-resolution imaging. Features also include real-time multi-planar reconstruction and real-time volume rendering, as well as intuitive volume editing, data storage and retrieval with DIMAQ-IP study management programs.
“Our innovative fourSight technology has really set a new standard in 4D ultrasound,” said John Pavlidis, head of the Ultrasound Division at Siemens Medical Solutions. “According to clinical evaluators, fourSight technology is perfectly suited for the premium performance Antares system, which already offers best-in-class 2D, 3D and Doppler performance, and provides a full range of advanced imaging capabilities for a broad range of applications.”
Some press pictures will accompany this press release. You will find them in the internet under: http://www.siemens.com/med-pictures/4Dultrasound