More efficiency in routine medicine: Luminos Fusion 2-in-1 system with flat panel detector

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 43×43 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 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 higher-range 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 X-ray 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.

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: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

The products/features (here mentioned) are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.

Reference Number: HCP201303010e

Contact
Ms. Kathrin Schmich
Healthcare Sector
Siemens AG
Henkestr. 127
91052 Erlangen
Germany
Tel: +49 (9131) 84-5337
kathrin.schmich@siemens.com