At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, Austria, Siemens will
introduce a new system for the mid-range price segment that can do both full-digital
fluoroscopy and radiography. With its 2-in-1 functionality, Luminos Fusion with flat
panel detector technology allows more effective use of fluoroscopy equipment in
routine medical care.
The flat panel detector enables faster examinations and
patient throughput compared to the mid-range image intensifiers that have been
available up to now. Expanding the portfolio of affordable systems is part of Agenda
2013, Siemens Healthcare’s initiative.
Working with current mid-range image intensifiers has been a time-consuming
process. Taking an X-ray means inserting, removing, and replacing cassettes. As
these cassettes have to be processed, patients have to wait longer for results.
Luminos Fusion with flat panel detector technology is different. Its 43x43 cm image
surface provides full-digital, distortion-free X-ray and fluoroscopic images within
seconds. With accelerated treatment, patient throughput can be increased.
The higher-quality images generated by the flat panel detector give radiologists better
diagnostic information and provide images double the size of that of those achieved
with typical image intensifiers. The flat panel detector also takes up less space than
image intensifiers and makes it easier for medical personnel to position the patient.
“Luminos Fusion brings Siemens’s flat panel detector technology to the mid-range
price segment,” notes André Hartung, CEO of X-ray Products at Siemens
Siemens AG Healthcare. “This means that even more customers and patients can benefit from
faster examinations and higher diagnostic image quality.”
The flat panel detector in Luminos Fusion was until now, only available in a higherrange
price segment. Combined with a more affordable system, the fully digital 2-in-
1 technology is now available to an expanded customer base. This combination of
fluoroscopy and radiography equipment helps increase system utilization and avoid
idle time. Since fluoroscopy patients typically need to fast before an examination
employing contrast agents, for example, appointments are generally scheduled in
the morning. A 2-in-1 system like Luminos Fusion is available in the afternoon for Xray
imaging, so the equipment can be utilized at greater capacity.
Luminos Fusion is equipped with SmartTouch technology for greater safety in the
examination room. To reduce the risk of unwanted movements, the joysticks require
skin contact of the operator's hand, so the system cannot be moved accidentally
and injure patients or medical personnel. Luminos Fusion also features the
Careposition functionality, which enables radiation-free positioning of the
examination area to protect against unnecessary radiation. Graphics on the screen
show the user the position of where a new image will be taken relative to the last
image taken.
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.
