Siemens Medical Solutions has announced the latest in high-end ultrasound imaging -- the 4.0 release for its Acuson Antares ultrasound system at the 16th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), held in London from September 3 - 7, 2006. The premium performance solution features a complete range of obstetrical and gynaecological imaging applications and advanced clinical applications including 3D/4D. In addition, Siemens pre-showcased the syngo fourSight ViewTool, Version 2.0, for comprehensive 3D/4D offline exam analysis on laptops or PCs.
Developed in close collaboration with Siemens' customers, the Antares platform builds upon advanced workflow and diagnostic capabilities, with several innovative features to adapt to today's changing healthcare environments in OB/GYN.

"With the Acuson Antares platform, our customers can rely on an ultrasound solution with the power to stand up to the demands of today's busy and diverse healthcare facilities," said Klaus Hambűchen, Head of Ultrasound Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "The Antares 4.0 release integrates advanced ultrasound performance into a compact, portable system. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it ideally suited for both ambulatory care settings as well as in-patient use because it can be brought right to the patient's bedside."

The Antares system, premium edition, 4.0 release is equipped with a high-resolution 19-inch flat panel display mounted on an articulating arm for optimal viewing position. Other ergonomic design features include the natural and extended reach zone concept that places controls and peripheral devices so that they are easily accessible. This helps alleviate much of the operator stress often experienced by clinicians, allowing for more comfortable patient exams as well as improved examination and departmental workflow. unbeatable IVD combination and a most comprehensive portfolio covering both in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostics, combined with powerful IT solutions."
In addition, customers will have access to advanced features of Acuson Antares. These include:
* fourSight 4D ultrasound imaging technology for easy 4D volume acquisition and workflow support, enabling reduced exam acquisition and post processing time.
* A full suite of Hanafy Lens and Multi-D array transducers, offering superior 2D and color Doppler image quality.
* Clarify Vascular Enhancement Technology that allows physicians to optimize vascular images.
* TEQ ultrasound technology that automatically optimizes both 2D and spectral Doppler images with a touch of a single button, greatly improving ease of scanning, workflow, and diagnostic confidence by providing consistent image quality.
* SieScape panoramic imaging as well as SieClear spatial compounding for enhanced viewing of gross anatomic orientation and detection of subtle structures.
* An enhanced screen layout, featuring a large user interface and thumbnails that allow for better screen overview and operation when scanning or reviewing.

Current Sonoline and Acuson Antares customers can easily upgrade to the expanded capabilities of the 4.0 premium edition release.

Other highlights at ISUOG included the preview of the syngo fourSight ViewTool Version 2.0, which utilizes a suite of tools to assist clinicians in evaluation and diagnosis in OB/GYN, and now opens the opportunity for radiology and general imaging with new features such as the "Clip to Volume" and "MultiSlice" features.

Clip to Volume allows the user to convert a 2D (acquisition) clip into a 3D volume. This significantly enhances workflow as 3D conversion can be performed offline for additional clinical information making 3D applications available anytime, anywhere. With ,,MultiSlice", the user can obtain and display 2D images from any plane within a volume allowing him to review individual slices for increased diagnostic confidence. The syngo fourSight ViewTool Version 2.0 will be commercially available mid October 2006.

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. 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 33.000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.6 billion EUR and group profit of 1 billion EUR for fiscal 2005. Further information can be found under: http://www.siemens.com/medical