Cardiac Software Helps to Correct Cardiac Fibrillations

The physician is able to view the 3D object from all sides--even during an intervention.

Worldwide, 5% of all people over the age of 65 suffer from atrial fibrillation. While cardiac arrhythmia can be treated with medication, patients have to take it for the rest of their lives. Ablation therapy offers an alternative: myocardial cells in the left atrium are obliterated to interrupt the problematic pathway. However, every patient is different. For this reason, electrophysiologists have to be able to discern the size and shape of the left ventricle in precise detail during the intervention.

During the examination, with the press of a button, the syngo DynaCT Cardiac system, developed by Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany), generates computed tomography- (CT)-like slice images of an organ in motion using an angiographic C-arm system. During the intervention, the physician moves the C-arm in a semicircle around the patient and optionally electrocardiogram- (ECG)-triggered software acquires a defined number of projections. As with a CT scanner, these projections are then reconstructed into slice images and a 3D representation, which are sent to the monitor at the angiography system.

Using the new software, the electrophysiologist can create clinical acquisitions at the precise moment they are needed during the intervention. The physician previously had to rely on clinical images taken the day before or during the patient's last visit, usually with a CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. However, the state of organs can change continually. Images may be already obsolete the following day, but the physician has to use them as the basis for planning the intervention.

Since its market introduction in 2004, the researchers at Siemens Medical Solutions have continued development of the syngo DynaCT software and expanded its areas of application. In addition to neuroradiologic acquisitions, physicians can use syngo DynaCT to generate soft tissue images of the entire body and detect tumors. The software also displays the heart for the first time.

The Modularis Variostar can be combined with almost all mobile C-arm systems from Siemens. A central remote control positions the motor-driven C-arm precisely. A special mechanism allows for C-arm systems from most other manufacturers to be connected as well. Moreover, the software of the Arcadis C-arm system from Siemens provides an easy link between the urology department and the hospital network. With its intuitive user interface, the unique syngo infromation technology (IT) platform links together practically all Siemens imaging systems. The LithoReport patient management system was designed specifically for lithotripsy.

The many new ergonomic features of the Modularis Variostar simplify operation: the few unit cables together with the coupling mechanism are hidden behind glass doors. The integrated focus control provides a fast check of C-arm position. The ECG monitor is positioned in the holder specifically provided for this purpose, and which also holds all cables. The brakes, operated by foot pedal, ensure that the lithotripsy module is in a secure position, maintaining a constant focus height. As a result, Modularis is suitable for mobile applications.


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