The Acuson S2000 ultrasound system

‘This method helps in the detection and quantification of tissue stiffness and provides important additional information about suspicious tissue characteristics,’ Siemens points out. ‘Other highlights include advanced contrast-enhanced sonography – for improved diagnosis of liver metastases, for example – and the Acuson S2000 ABVS Automated Breast Volume Scanner), which automatically generates volume images of the breast in minutes and is in use in more than 160 medical facilities worldwide.’ Siemens explains: ‘The new 6C1 HD (High Density) transducer provides significantly improved detail of complex tissue structures to identify small lesions deep within the abdomen that are usually difficult to detect. Using a higher centre frequency improves the axial resolution, which is especially important when diagnosing difficultto-image patients, who usually require a deeper penetration depth. In addition, a higher number of transducer elements (high density technology) leads to increased spatial and Doppler resolution, increasing diagnostic confidence while at the same time expanding the transducer’s scope of use.’

Virtual Touch Tissue Analytics
With its proprietary implementation of ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse), Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging creates a visual stiffness map (elastogram) by compressing the tissue with an acoustic push pulse, Siemens reports. ‘This allows physicians to evaluate the pressure sensitivity of deep-seated tissue in, for instance, the liver, and to detect changes in tissue structure.’ Compared to conventional elasticity imaging, where pressure to the tissue is applied manually, the system determines tissue stiffness by using a button.
To complement the system, Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification measures the speed of propagation of the shear waves, allowing a quantitative classification of tissue stiffness – and subsequently evaluation of the severity of the disease. ‘Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification is currently the only ultrasound technology on the market that can obtain a quantitative evaluation,’ the firm points out. ‘Both methods enable user-independent and reproducible results delivering standardised images and measurements. Latest studies confirm the success of this method, which is already in use in routine examinations of the liver, breast, and thyroid by a large number of medical facilities.’
Siemens has also optimised the Acuson S2000 system for contrastenhanced ultrasound. Cadence Contrast Pulse Sequencing (CPS) technology brings more sensitive and improved detection and display of vessels and tissue using less contrast agent. ‘By optimising the near-field saturation, a homogenous image is generated, resulting in improved image quality.

The Acuson S2000 Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS)
The first multi-use breast ultrasound system to acquire volume images of the breast automatically. Due to user-independent, standardised image acquisition the system is well suited to the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer with ultrasound – especially for women with dense breast tissue. ‘The system quickly and comfortably acquires and surveys full-field sonographic volume images that provide a more comprehensive overview of the breast.
‘Included is the intuitive, anatomical coronal plane of the breast (from the skin line to the chest wall), which is not available with conventional ultrasound imaging,’ Siemens explains. ‘This view provides a more understandable representation of the global anatomy and architecture of the breast.’

* The above products/features are not
commercially available in all countries.
 

Siemens is at Medica, Hall 10,
Stand A20

16.11.2011

• breast cancer (544)
• imaging (1485)
• ultrasound (721)

• Siemens Healthineers AG