Interventional Imaging Systems Employ Robotic Technology

Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany) presented its new Artis zee family of interventional imaging systems at the 93rd scientific assembly and annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), held from November 25-30, 2007, in Chicago, IL, USA.

The Artis zeego features a multi-axis C-arm that employs robotic technology to extend imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. This results in advanced cross-sectional imaging via its positioning flexibility, which is not achievable with conventional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the position of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the procedural needs or the height of the physician, which is particularly beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy lead-shielded apron.

The adjustable isocenter also enables off-center rotational angiography for all areas of the body and supports advanced three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques, including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens' first-to-market syngo DynaCT (computed tomography).

The Artis zeego's unique design enables advanced imaging capabilities, such as large-volume syngo DynaCT scans, which enable the physician to see the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies. The system also addresses neuro-interventional challenges by offering views of the skull and the neck and expanded views of the spine.

The entire Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging chain, spanning image acquisition to image processing and documentation, that provides sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision making.

The syngo iPilot enables faster, more precise catheter navigation through 3D road mapping that superimposes 3D reconstructions onto live 2D fluoroscopy images, 2D road maps or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The application provides real-time updates of C-arm and table movements, as well as zoom and source-to-image distance (SID) changes.

The syngo iGuide is designed to bring needle procedures back into the interventional suite, enabling enhanced comfort for the physician and freeing up the computed tomography (CT) scanner from this lengthy procedure.

Utilizing sophisticated robotic technologies; the Artis zeego supports additional degrees of freedom beyond those of traditional C-arm technology. Specifically, the rotation center of the positioner can be placed anywhere in a sphere around the patient. The system enables physicians to perform complex scanning movements such as tilted table scans in the peripherals. This type of scanning has not been possible with traditional C-arm design.

The system's flexibility also makes it suitable for use in complicated operating room environments. Advanced pre- and post-operative imaging can be performed in the same room, as well as enabling surgery to be started directly, without transferring the patient, in emergency situations when interventional procedures are unsuccessful. Artis zeego's flexible park positioning enables it to be stowed away in a variety of space-saving positions.

The Artis zee systems are available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, multipurpose, biplane, and biplane twin configurations, as well as the multi-axis Artis zeego.


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