Alegent Health and Siemens Partner to Create a Showcase for Innovative Medical Technology

In September 2002, Alegent Health and Siemens announced a 10-year strategic alliance that will make the Omaha metropolitan area a regional leader and showcase for innovative medical technology. One of the key projects in the agreement is the development of the new Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital. This new facility, opening on August 2, 2004, will be a full-service, digitally driven "smart" hospital, designed and built from the ground up with the latest Siemens healthcare information technology (IT) networks and medical imaging technology, including the most advanced X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasound, mammography, and nuclear medicine systems. The following imaging innovations will enable advanced clinical applications, assist physicians with visualization and diagnosis of disease earlier, and be integrated with IT to improve the patient’s medical experience.

MAGNETOM Symphony MR system – The MAGNETOM Symphony MR system supports a comprehensive range of clinical applications, including cardiac MR, angiography, neurology, orthopedic and gastroenterology imaging. The system features an ultra-short magnet bore and flared opening for improved patient comfort and acceptance. With Integrated Panoramic Array (IPA) coil technology and Integrated Panoramic Positioning (IPP), patient exams take less time, and the system can reach a higher level of utilization. The integration of syngo^(r), Siemens’ unique software platform, into the MAGNETOM Symphony MR operating system optimizes workflow and training, with easy "single click exams."

SOMATOM Sensation 10 CT system – The SOMATOM Sensation 10 combines high-quality imaging with ease of use to help the physician improve patient care and allow for advanced CT applications, including trauma imaging, whole body organ imaging, cardiac and coronary CTA, and neurological examinations. The system’s speed (capable of acquiring 20 sub-millimeter slices per second) can decrease exam time, which can translate into improved comfort for the patient. Also, CARE Dose technology on the SOMATOM Sensation 10 reduces CT dosage up to an additional 20 to 56 percent* compared with previous generation CTs or other approaches.

Powered by the Leonardo workstation, which is built upon a modular syngo concept, the system allows users to configure their workstation to be a dedicated workplace for orthopedics, surgery, angiography or other clinical modalities. The workstation also allows clinicians to choose from an extensive function pool and dedicated post-processing packages – from modality specific applications such as cardiac scoring to the latest in 3D. In addition, Leonardo is a multi-modality workstation, enabling users to view and compare images from a variety of systems, from MR and CT to X-ray.

AXIOM Artis MP digital C-arm X-ray system – The AXIOM Artis MP is a multifunctional digital C-arm X-ray system with a one-sided fixed tabletop. This workflow-optimized, syngo-speaking system is well-suited for virtually all radiological and angiographical applications, and also is ideal for interventions. The system’s data management tools allow clinicians to enter patient data via the HIS/RIS over the entire course of treatment, and also have a variety of options for image archiving, including saving data directly to the network, via DICOM to the hardcopy camera, or onto CD. The Artis MP also integrates the Siemens CARE program, which combines the lowest possible radiation dose with excellent image quality. Patients will be exposed to the least amount of radiation possible, while still providing high quality images that can aid in their diagnosis, care and treatment.

AXIOM Aristos MX Digital X-ray system – The AXIOM Aristos MX digital X-ray system is used for routine, trauma and orthopedic exams. With the Aristos MX, these routine exams are largely automated, optimizing workflow and increasing patient throughput. With an automated system operation, the need for transportation and loading of cassettes is eliminated. The optimized workflow can prevent patient wait times, and the automated operation speeds exam time – both resulting in improved patient satisfaction.

AXIOM Sireskop SD Fluoroscopy system – With AXIOM Sireskop SD, developers have fused innovative information technology with cutting-edge medical technology to transform this fluoroscopy system from a stand-alone solution into an integral part of the radiology department. Available for universal applications, the AXIOM Sireskop SD under-table system offers immediate, easy access to all relevant information, virtually anytime, anywhere. The system’s efficiency and workflow capabilities allow clinicians to concentrate on what really matters – the patient.e.cam™

SPECT system – The e.cam Signature Series continues to raise the bar in Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging with innovative technological advancements that optimize clinical outcomes and efficiency, while enhancing the patient’s experience. The system’s High-Definition Dynamic Digital Detectors (HD⁴) deliver unmatched image quality and reliability. The e.cam also offers cardiac and general Flash 3D, advanced SPECT image reconstruction technology that provides improved outcomes for the clinician, including increased image contrast, reduced image noise, superior lesion detection, and enhanced diagnostic confidence. In addition, the system incorporates ultra-fast patient setup for improved patient throughput.

AXIOM Artis dTC with ACOM and Sensis – The AXIOM Artis dTC, to be featured in Lakeside Hospital’s catherization lab, is a fully digital ceiling mounted cardiac imaging system equipped with innovative flat-panel detector (FD) technology. The system provides the speed, flexibility, and integration needed for cardiology procedures, with a unique design for accessibility to the patient. During interventions, virtually all anatomical regions are within easy reach and system functions can be performed via the tableside touch screen display. A multi-modality display enables access to additional data from ultrasound, CT, or MR images.

Designed to optimize workflow from patient preparation to diagnosis and therapy, the AXIOM Artis dTC connects the cath lab as an integral part of the hospital’s cardiology department. With the ACOM system, there is seamless access to other hospital IT systems, such as HIS and RIS. In addition, the AXIOM Sensis, a new hemodynamic and electrophysiological recording system, is easily integrated and can be controlled from the exam table.

ACUSON Sequoia™ ultrasound system – The ACUSON Sequoia ultra-premium platform – the best-selling ultrasound platform in the U.S. for the past six years according to Klein Biomedical Consultants – provides physicians with clear, sharp ultrasound images at a high resolution that has never been achieved before. The system incorporates a collection of workflow and imaging performance advancements that impact ultrasound exam efficiency by providing performance improvements new to ultrasound exam procedures.

The Sequoia’s recent Paragon release includes expansion of the company’s revolutionary TEQ™ ultrasound technology. In addition to fully optimizing an image in two dimensions, TEQ now offers instant, one-button optimization for spectral Doppler imaging, and reduces the time spent optimizing image parameters during exams by up to 95 percent. TEQ ultrasound technology for 2D imaging and Spectral Doppler utilizes patient-specific information to compensate for patient-to-patient variables, or different body habitus. Additionally, the Sequoia matched response technology measures and adapts in real-time to a patient’s individual acoustic properties for heightened clinical specificity.

*Results May Vary. Data on File.