Siemens launches cardiac care products at AHA meeting

Imaging and IT streamline patient management

Siemens Medical demonstrated two major offerings on Nov. 11 at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association. The company showcased its ergonomic cath lab called Axiom Artis FC, which pulls together several types of imaging capabilities. Also featured was Infinity Explorer, a critical care workstation that provides multiple types of patient information on a single display.

Artis FC goes beyond the traditional bounds of cath lab design, combining angiography, fluoroscopy, and radiography with advanced information technology. The modular platform supports adult and pediatric cardiac procedures, as well as electrophysiology and cardiovascular imaging examinations.

Klaus Hambuechen, president of Siemens’ angiographic, cardiac, and x-ray systems division, said the system is designed to blend into the cardiology department rather than serve as a stand-alone facility.

“By integrating imaging and IT, we are arming cardiologists with all the tools they need to make decisions about patient care,” Hambuechen said.

Siemens’ software platform syngo is the glue that holds it together, providing the basis for Artis FC to communicate with other modalities, including CT, MR, and ultrasound, as well as the hospital IT.

Algorithms built into the system optimize image quality. This capability, called dynamic density optimization (DDO), works in real-time to differentiate vascular structures, even from dense areas such as the spine.

The system also features radiation controls to minimize dose. Graphic readouts indicate dose as a percentage of the maximum allowed, helping physicians to reduce exposure while providing high-quality clinical images.

The critical-care workstation complements the cath lab by helping cardiologists manage and use information effectively. Operating in the cardiac care unit, Infinity Explorer can download radiological images, vital signs, waveforms, and trends; reference past patient responses to therapy; and support the review of historic electrocardiograms, medications, and potential drug interactions. 

“It ensures that cardiologists have all the relevant information about a patient on one screen located right at the bedside,” said Siegfried Russwurm, president of Siemens Electromedical Systems Division.

The system streamlines the process of gathering and charting information. This gives clinicians more time to care for critically ill patients, Russwurm said.