Healthcare Sector

Background Information Erlangen, Germany, March 8, 2013

European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2013, March 7–11 in Vienna

Siemens innovations at ECR 2013: Wireless, powerful and completely new • Motto of Siemens booth: „Answers, visualized“ • World’s first wireless ultrasound system presented in Europe • Siemens showcased most powerful C-arm and new angiography system

Under the motto „Answers, visualized", Siemens Healthcare showcased at European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2013 in Vienna, Austria, for the first time in Europe its latest innovations in imaging and IT. Amongst that is the world’s first ultrasound system with wireless transducers, the most powerful mobile C-arm, a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for clinical research and an angiography system with new detector and X-ray tube technology as well as new IT solutions. Developing innovative products and solutions is part of Agenda 2013, Siemens Healthcare’s growth initiative. Ultrasound – first wireless system and a new, affordable system In the field of ultrasound, Siemens introduced two new systems to the European market. The Acuson Freestyle1 ultrasound system is the world’s first ultrasound system with wireless transducers. It facilitates the use of ultrasound in clinical fields requiring a sterile environment, such as interventional suites, anaesthesiology, critical and emergency care. Furthermore, the wireless transducers can expand ultrasound into new and emerging applications, such as administering nerve blocks, enhancing vascular access and improving target localization through ultrasound guidance during therapeutic interventions and biopsies. To enable this pioneering technology, the system brings to the market a large number of innovative advancements in acoustics, system architecture, radio design, miniaturization, and image processing.

Siemens AG Wittelsbacher Platz 2, 80333 Munich, Germany Corporate Communications and Government Affairs Head: Stephan Heimbach

Healthcare Sector Clinical Products Division Henkestrasse 127, 91052 Erlangen Germany Seite 1/5

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The second new ultrasound system, the Acuson X700 ultrasound system, offers exceptional image quality, robust technologies and intelligent workflow solutions at an excellent price/performance ratio. It features advanced imaging technologies previously available only on premium systems, as well as Siemens’ patented MicroPinless (MP) transducer connectors, which offer excellent signal fidelity to enhance signal quality. A range of compatible transducers increase flexibility and investment value. Cios Alpha: Mobile C-arm with flat panel detector for better images in the OR At 25 kW, Cios Alpha1 is the most powerful mobile C-arm system available. The system's 30 x 30 cm flat-panel detector has an operating area field of view that is up to 25 percent larger than current mobile C-arms. The system's flat panel detector, combined with its 25 kW power output, provides high-resolution, high-contrast images and can cover the finest structures in the range of submillimeters – a particularly beneficial feature in minimally invasive surgery, where fine catheters and instruments are used frequently. The Cios Alpha's special cooling system protects it from overheating, helping to ensure consistently high image quality even during long operations. The system can be operated with three identical touch screens – on the C-arm, the monitor cart and the table-side control. Using this touch screen, the surgeon can operate the system at any time from the sterile field during interventions. Moreover, Cios Alpha also has a unique C-arm position storage feature. With one click, the motorized C-arm takes on a previously stored projection, eliminating manual repositioning. Cios Alpha features special software applications, particularly for vascular procedures. To work even more precisely, the surgeon can make use of a unique vessel overlay software. New X-ray tube and detector technology in angiography Siemens Healthcare has developed a revolutionary new X-ray tube and detector technology for its Artis Q and Artis Q.zen angiography systems to improve minimally invasive therapy of diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke and cancer. In both the Artis Q and Artis Q.zen series, the new X-ray tube can help to identify small vessels up to 70 percent better than conventional X-ray tube technology. So neuroradiologists can more precisely measure the blood circulation in specific areas of the brain. The Artis Q.zen combines this innovative X-ray source with a new detector technology that supports interventional imaging in very low-dose ranges. Artis Q.zen imag-

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ing can use doses as low as half the usual levels normally applied in angiography. Very low doses protect patients, doctors and medical staff, especially during longer interventions. This is especially important in dose-sensitive application fields such as pediatric cardiology and radiology, or electrophysiology, which is being used on more and more patients as rates of cardiac arrhythmia increase.

Twice Innovative in the field of magnetic resonance imaging The new 3T scanner Magnetom Prisma will offer a new level of MRI imaging capabilities. In combining a gradient strength of 80 millitesla per meter (mT/m) and a slew rate of 200 tesla per meter per second (T/m/s) simultaneously, the scanner offers a tandem configuration unavailable in any other commercial whole-body system today. Based on the same technology platform as the Magnetom Skyra 3T, the Magnetom Prisma is capable of extraordinarily high spatial and temporal resolution to achieve outstanding image quality. The Magnetom Prisma offers a head/neck coil with 64 receive channels and the first clinical application using two independent transmit channels – called Syngo Zoomit. Magnetom Prisma is designed as the leading-edge 3T scanner for clinical research, while Magnetom Skyra is the top-ofthe-line scanner for advanced clinical imaging. In addition to revealing new insights into brain function, Magnetom Prisma has great potential in the research fields of body physiology, organ morphometry, tissue metabolism, and quantitative MRI.

Siemens also presented the latest version of a particular economical system. Built with the experience of more than 1,000 customers in the field, the new Magnetom Essenza 1.5T is for the first time equipped with Dot (Day optimizing throughput). This technology enables easy, fast selection of the best scan strategy based on the patient's condition and the clinical indication. Dot is also available as an upgrade for existing Magnetom Essenza systems.

Additionally, Magnetom Essenza is now also on the same software platform (D line) as the high-end system Magnetom Skyra. This makes new applications and extensions like the acquisition technique Caipirinha available. Caipirinha shortens complex examination times. Liver scans can be reduced by half to 10 seconds – a comfortable time for a patient’s breathhold. Greater efficiency through intelligent IT solutions Syngo.via and Syngo.plaza

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At ECR, for the first time in Europe, Siemens showcased the latest developments to their solutions in imaging IT. The newest version (VA20) of the routine 3D and advanced reading software Syngo.via2 comes with a number of enhancements as well as new 3D routine reading tools. In addition, it offers access to new advanced applications to broaden multimodality support, consequently opening up new use cases. Syngo.via now includes new applications for mammography reading and complex examinations in neurology, oncology, and cardiovascular diagnostics as well as expanded mobile applications.

Furthermore, the company introduced Syngo.via Element, an entry-level solution for 3D routine and advanced reading in CT. It is designed to meet the needs and budgets of specialized practices and community hospitals. Syngo.via Element supports a wide range of cases – from 3D routine reading to advanced visualization for oncology and vascular assessment.

Siemens also launched a new version (VB10) of its picture archiving and communications system (PACS) Syngo.plaza which focuses on high-throughput reading. Sophisticated oading rules for thin slices speed up the overall reading process. Additional functionalities support efficient mammography reading according to predefined workflows. New tools help lower IT management effort and costs, for example the web-based administration portal for centralized system access and monitoring. The tight alignment and integration of Syngo.plaza and Syngo.via allows users to access innovative applications through a common interface for 2D, 3D and 4D reading in one place.

Launched in November 2011, Agenda 2013 is an initiative of the Siemens Healthcare Sector to further strengthen its innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures, which will be implemented by the end of 2013, have been defined in four fields of action: innovation, competitiveness, regional footprint, and people development. Contact for journalists: Siemens AG, Media Relations Kathrin Schmich, phone: +49 9131 84-5337 E-mail: [email protected]

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This press release and a press picture is available at www.siemens.com/press/ECR2013

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/siemens_press The products/features (here mentioned) are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Further details are available from the local Siemens organizations. 1

Not yet CE marked, available only after CE marking

2

Syngo.via can be used as a standalone device or together with a variety of Syngo.viabased software options,

which are medical devices in their own right.

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 2012 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 13.6 billion euros and profit of 1.8 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

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