At the ongoing RSNA 2007 conference, Siemens has introduces a new family for interventional fluoroscopy imaging, a group of devices featuring multi-axis capabilities based on robotic technology. The first device in this class is Artis zeego, a system currently awaiting 510(k) approval by the FDA.
From the product brochure:
Artis Artis zeego is a multi-axis, angiographic system for interventional procedures. It has more freedom of positioning to accommodate nearly all projections. Fluoroscopy can be performed easily on the patient from head to toe. With a flexible isocenter that enables the physician to adjust the exam table to the most comfortable working position, operation is easy and precise. The syngo DynaCT application has been expanded and can be used even more flexibly for 3D reconstruction, because a larger volume is covered, expanding the view of the patient’s anatomy. Not only are individual parts of the body imaged, but the entire abdomen. Images are acquired in landscape or portrait mode. In addition, Artis zeego’s flexible park positions make it ideal for hybrid rooms. The very first Artis zeego system in the world is located at the Institute for Clinical Radiology of the University of Munich.
The Artis zee family portfolio also features dedicated C-arm systems for interventional cardiology and electrophysiology In this special field of intervention, excellent image quality is key. Imaging a moving structure such as the heart has always been a challenge. Now, with the Artis zee imaging system, outstanding image quality is provided from 2D fluoroscopy and 3D imaging and even a 4D image application where the time phases of the heartbeat are taken into account. In 2D fluoroscopy, features like advanced temporal filtration use an intelligent motion detection algorithm. This technology separates moving from non-moving structures in real time to improve the clarity of therapeutic instruments. Intelligent noise reduction enables high image quality during live fluoroscopy and acquisition by significantly reducing quantum noise without an increase in dose.
Stent meshes can be difficult to see, especially in obese patients or when steep angulations are used. But IC Stent* uses the balloon markers of the deployment balloon as reference points to shift and match images. Those images are then integrated to improve the signal-to-noise ratio to significantly enhance the visibility of stent meshes. For 3D applications, syngo IC3D helps to accurately measure lesions in the coronary arteries by using two projections. From these projections, a 3D model is generated so that a vessel can be rotated freely in space to precisely assess a lesion’s diameter profile and the degree of stenosis. It also enables accurate measurement of lesion length to simplify appropriate stent selection.
The latest application, syngo DynaCT Cardiac, widens the 3D spectrum to 4D. By using rotational angiography and special reconstruction algorithms, syngo DynaCT Cardiac creates CT-like images of the beating heart right in the cath lab. During acquisition, it can use an ECG-triggered mode to collect image data to acquire only images from the same heart phase. With this feature it is now possible to reconstruct 4D images of the heart and its vessels in the cathlab.
And here’s the full product brochure:
Press release: Siemens Introduces Its New Generation of Artis Interventional Imaging Systems…
Product page…
Product brochure (.pdf)…
