Information and opinions presented in this article were derived from the author’s interview with Dr. Milind Dhamankar, M.D. (Siemens Healthcare – Senior Director, Product Marketing) and supplemented with information from Siemens’ RSNA media kit, corporate web site and other public information sources.
Summary
Siemens introduced their Skyra™ 3T and Aera™ 1.5T MR systems at RSNA 2009. Both products are pending 510(k) review, so they are not currently available in the U.S. When they are delivered, the Skyra™ and Aera™ will provide several productivity and technical enhancements over legacy platforms. These advancements deliver an evolutionary step in MR technology, not a revolutionary leap forward. The good news for current Siemens customers is that most of the advanced capabilities delivered in the Skyra™ and Aera™ products will soon be available in upgrades for legacy products.
The mood in the Siemens MR community was understandably upbeat. Their market share is large and their product portfolio is broad. The Verio™ 3T is still the only FDA approved 3T, 70 cm bore MR system available in the U.S. And, they have a second generation of systems coming soon. Siemens’ position in MR seems analogous to Toyota’s position in hybrid automobiles – enviable.
RSNA Press Releases
Siemens’ media kit contained two releases relevant to MR technology:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Siemens Delivers Images per the Customer’s Request – “Images My Way” (November 29, 2009) and
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Siemens Introduces its New Power Couple at RSNA 2009 (November 28, 2009).
Product Line
Siemens’ current MR product line is summarized in the table below.
Siemens web site also indicates ongoing availability and support for:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Trio™ (3T, 60 cm bore system introduced in 2005),
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Symphony™ (1.5T, 60 cm bore platform introduced in 1998) and
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->C!™ 0.35T (compact, open, vertical field system introduced in 2004).
Notes:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->The Skyra™ 3T and Aera™ 1.5T products are pending FDA 510(k) review, so they are not commercially available in the U.S.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Espree™ model slew rates are provided for Z-Engine (standard) and DZ-Engine (optional) models.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->Product data was derived from a combination of four sources:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->§<!--[endif]-->Interview with Dr. Dhamankar,
<!--[if !supportLists]-->§<!--[endif]-->Siemens’ RSNA 2009 media kit (link),
<!--[if !supportLists]-->§<!--[endif]-->Siemens Healthcare web site (link) and
What is Siemens’ current focus within the MR marketplace?
Siemens focus is to help customers deliver the best possible patient care – efficiently.
Is there a loss of image quality when going from 60 cm to 70 cm bore diameter?
No. Image quality and accuracy are critical factors in MR design. Siemens solved technical challenges related to 70 cm bore diameter years ago. The company will soon release its second generation of 70 cm bore systems (Skyra™ and Aera™).
Do you anticipate significantly larger bore openings?
Not in the foreseeable future. Again, image quality and accuracy are essential. There are challenges in hardware design – specifically magnetic field homogeneity and gradient coil design – that make larger openings impractical at this time.
Siemens is introducing the MAGNETOM™ Skyra™ 3T and Aera™ 1.5T at RSNA 2009.
The Skyra™ 3T and Aera™ 1.5T products are pending 510(k) review, so they are not commercially available in the U.S. These products will begin shipping to customers in other theaters in April 2010.
How do the Skyra/Aera™ differ from the Verio/Espree™ platforms?
The Skyra™ and Aera™ systems offer two major enhancements over their predecessors.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->TIM™ 4G (Total Imaging Matrix – fourth generation) technology increases maximum coil element and RF channel availability and improves productivity through several ergonomic enhancements.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->w<!--[endif]-->DOT (Day Optimizing Throughput) Engines provide exam automation, patient personalization and user guidance capabilities designed to increase MR exam efficiency and consistency. Siemens delivers unique DOT MR engines for brain, abdomen, cardio, angio and knee procedures.
The Verio™ and Espree™ platforms were equipped with earlier releases of TIM™ technology. DOT Engines are entirely new and, therefore, not previously available on Verio™ or Espree™ systems.
Will the Skyra/Aera™ replace the Verio/Espree™ in the Siemens lineup?
The Skyra™ and Aera™ models are not intended to replace Verio™ or Espree™ platforms. Siemens MAGNETOM™ line will include six major scanner platforms:
All supported 1.5T+ legacy systems will be field upgradeable to TIM™ 4G and DOT technologies within a year.
What strategies has Siemens employed to address the current recessionary environment in Medical Imaging?
Most of Siemens’ MR advancements focus on delivering MR throughput and efficiency without compromising quality.
Siemens’ MAGNETOM™ family offers industry-leading range of price, performance and application options. The company also sells pre-owned units, greatly expanding low-cost options available to customers.
Siemens’ commitment to long-term product support ensures long-term protection of the MR investment. For example, upgrades to the latest MR technologies continue to be made available for Symphony™ systems, many of which are over ten years old.
