Siemens debuts new healthcare technology for Middle East at Arab Health 2014

Siemens has pulled the wraps off a number of innovations in medical imaging which deliver better quality results in shorter periods of time, while reducing radiation dosage and other forms of exposure for patients. A number of innovations in laboratory diagnostics and other equipment allow for more accurate lab results and more flexible operating room interventions, leading to increased confidence in diagnosis and treatment.

Among the healthcare innovations being presented for the first time in the region is the company’s new CT system - the Somatom Force. Announced during a worldwide presentation at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Germany, in November last year, the third generation of Dual Source computed tomography (CT scanners each with two radiation tubes and detectors) enables considerably quicker and more precise diagnoses at reduced doses. The new Siemens system is especially useful for challenging patients such as those suffering obesity, the very young and the seriously ill, and can perform early detection examinations and functional 4D imaging using up to 50 per cent lower radiation dose. This means that the procedure can now be used on a routine basis and physicians can make quicker and more well-founded decisions as to which tumor therapy to use for the individual in question.

Another system being showcased by Siemens is the Symbia Intevo, the first system to fully integrate single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT). The high resolution of CT enables more accurate lesion characterization and early treatment follow-up. It is also the world’s first xSPECT system, a new modality that integrates the full data sets of both SPECT and CT. The resulting level of detail produced helps differentiate clinical conditions more precisely, for instance distinguishing degenerative bone loss from malignant disease. For the first time, Symbia Intevo provides quantitative images for more reliable monitoring and evaluation of treatment response.

In addition, Siemens is demonstrating its Siemens Biograph mCT Flow, the first PET/CT scanning device to allow for continuous scanning of a patient by moving them smoothly through the system, rather than taking multiple static images and combining them together. Meanwhile, the Biograph mMR revolutionizes imaging with a system that combines the latest MRI technology with molecular imaging (PET) in one integrated system, enabling new diagnosis and treatment methods.

Siemens is also presenting a new angiography system optimized for use in the majority of angiographic procedures performed each day around the region. The Artis one has been developed to support routine interventions such as diagnostic angiographies of narrowed coronary arteries (coronary stenosis) and their treatment, and pacemaker implantations. The system has Clearstent Live, a feature which allows the physician to mask out the movement of the beating heart in order to place a stent in precisely the right position. In order to keep radiation exposure for the physician and patient as low as possible, Artis one also offers the most extensive feature set for dose reduction of any angiography system on the market.

“As the demands on the healthcare sector in the Middle East continue to grow, it is crucial to have the right technology in place to tackle its greatest health threats. Cases of cancers and lifestyle diseases are increasing around the Middle East, and cutting-edge healthcare equipment is a key part of how we combat these conditions,” said Kay Zwingenberger, CEO of Siemens Healthcare Middle East.

Arab Health 2014 is being held between 27 and 30 January 2014 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Siemens Healthcare is demonstrating a wide range of its products within the main exhibition and also in the MEDLAB exhibit area. In addition, the company is providing training from medical experts at the inaugural Training Village, and will be sponsoring conference sessions, including the Leaders in Healthcare Conference on 30 January.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 51,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2013 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 13.6 billion euros and profit of 2.0 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a leading provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions and automation and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading supplier of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2013, which ended on September 30, 2013, revenue from continuing operations totaled €75.9 billion and income from continuing operations €4.2 billion. At the end of September 2013, Siemens had around 362,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.