Mammography System cuts radiation exposure.
Press Release Summary:
SenoScan2 Slot Scanning Digital Mammography System offers 50 and 25 micron native diagnostic resolution. Tightly collimated X-ray beam scans in precise alignment with narrow slotted image receptor, eliminating negative effects of scatter radiation without requiring use of grid. SenoView and SenoView Plus workstations integrate with film digitizing application, allowing radiologists to view current and prior images in single format on single workstation.
Original Press Release:
Fischer Imaging Introduces SenoScan2 Digital Mammography System
Patented Slot Scan Digital Mammography (SSDM) Technology Offers Highest Available Image Quality and 60 Percent Reduced Radiation Exposure
CHICAGO, Nov. 29 - Fischer Imaging Corporation , a leader in the diagnosis and screening of breast cancer through the application of innovative digital imaging technology, today announced the introduction of the SenoScan2 Slot Scanning Digital Mammography (SSDM) system, here at the 90th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, 2004.
The next generation of slot scanning technology, the SenoScan2 system offers the industry's highest image resolution with dramatically reduced radiation dose and the virtual elimination of motion artifacts. The SenoScan systems are the only digital mammography units to offer both 50 and 25-micron native diagnostic resolution.
As part of the announcement, Fischer confirmed that the SenoScan2 system will be included in the three-year, global agreement with Philips Medical Systems, a division of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG)(NYSE:AEX:)(NYSE:PHI). Under the terms of the agreement signed last month, Philips will sell, service and support a specialized version of Fischer's digital mammography system integrated with Philips' UNIQUE image processing and user interface, thereby extending its product range.
"With the SenoScan system, Fischer already delivered the best image quality available in mammography. Now, the SenoScan2 enables users to fully maximize this image quality with customizable workflow and image management capabilities in a series of robust workstations that will scale to their needs," said Harris Ravine, Fischer Imaging president and CEO. "The partnership with Philips validates the clinical impact of Fischer's patented slot scan technology and will dramatically expand access to powerful end-to-end digital mammography solutions."
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in US women, with 211,300 invasive and 55,700 in situ cases expected in 2003, accounting for nearly one in every three cancers diagnosed. It is also the second leading cause of death in US women, claiming nearly 40,000 lives a year.
Fischer's slot scanning technology utilizes a tightly collimated x-ray beam that scans in precise alignment with a narrow slotted image receptor. This highly efficient design essentially eliminates the negative effects of scatter radiation without requiring the use of a grid. The result is sharp, high-resolution images with up to a 60 percent reduction in radiation dose.
Fischer will also display an expanded family of softcopy review workstations, the SenoView and SenoView Plus, based on the integration of the SenoScan system and the Cedara I-ReadMammo, the recently FDA-approved mammography reading workstation for diagnosis and screening.
Offering a workstation that integrates easily with a film digitizing application allowing radiologists to view current and prior images in a single format on a single workstation, the integrated SenoView workstations address the need to view prior images on film and the impact of multiple workstations for multi-modalities, and viewing monitors for reporting systems. Display and viewing preferences, such as hanging protocols, toolbars and menus can be customized for every individual user for all modalities, offering optimal workflow and exam reading speed.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 29 billion in 2003. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 165,600 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.
About Fischer Imaging
Fischer Imaging Corporation designs, manufactures and markets medical imaging systems for the screening and diagnosis of disease. One company focus is women's health, particularly the diagnosis and screening of breast cancer through the application of innovative digital imaging technologies. The company also produces equipment designed for Emergency, Radiology, Surgical, and certain Cardiovascular needs. Fischer Imaging began producing general- purpose x-ray imaging systems in 1910 and is the oldest manufacturer of x-ray imaging devices in the United States. For more information, visit www.fischerimaging.com.
CONTACT: Chris K. Joseph of Fischer Imaging, +1-510-339-2293, or chris@ckjcomm.com
