Incorporating syngo Auto OB measurements, an advanced clinical tool that automates routine biometry measurements of the foetus, Tremaine Ramballie of the Healthcare Sector at Siemens Southern Africa, says this latest development offers significant advantages for both mothers-to-be and physicians, who can now accurately and precisely monitor the growth of the foetus at all stages in the womb.

“This ability to measure with exceptional accuracy the development of the foetus means the Obstetrician or Gynaecologist can detect any abnormalities in growth and take action immediately,” she says. “Obviously, the sooner any exceptions or abnormalities are detected, the better the chances of successful treatment after birth.”

Ramballie says that while several of these machines have been installed at both public and private healthcare facilities across the country, upgrades are available for older machines that will enable them to take advantage of this new technology.

““Until now, users needed to perform biometry measurements manually, but with automatic measurement, workflow rates are dramatically improved in addition to the advantage of greater measurement accuracy, ” she says. “Syngo Auto OB measurements eliminate the time-consuming manual process by saving up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine foetal measurements, which may also help to reduce repetitive stress injury.”

Measurements include the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), and the crown rump length (CRL). The application also addresses the challenges related to user-dependence and variability, as well as consistency and reproducibility in foetal biometry. syngo Auto OB measurements are available exclusively on Siemens’ premium performance ACUSON S2000 and the ACUSON X300 PE ultrasound systems.

The Siemens workflow solutions for OB/GYN encompass sophisticated applications that were migrated from the high-end performance S Class into the X Class product series. To complete the solution it offers Advanced fourSight volume imaging technology, providing complete 3D/4D capabilities.

Specially dedicated for use on the ACUSON S2000 system, Siemens will also be featuring Foetal Heart STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation). This application captures data over multiple heart cycles to create a 3D foetal heart volume.

“Obtaining a 3D volume of the foetal heart will allow easy interrogation of the anatomy and may help detect foetal cardiac anomalies more easily during routine obstetrical exams,” said Barbara Del Prince, worldwide market manager for Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Siemens Healthcare. “The earlier anomalies are detected and referred to a paediatric specialist, the better the clinical prognosis is for the postnatal infant.”

The Advanced fourSight technology package for the ACUSON S2000 system also features Amnioscopic Rendering, a unique surface rendering tool, which provides photo-realistic images of the foetus.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting www.siemens.com/healthcare.

About Siemens Southern Africa:

Siemens has had a presence in South Africa since 1860 when the company installed the first telegraph line linking Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Today, Siemens offers a balanced portfolio of technologies focusing on the Industry, Energy and Healthcare sectors, together with the cross-sector business of Siemens IT Solutions and Services. The unique ability to offer horizontal, customised, end-to-end technology solutions enables Siemens to keep its customers one-step ahead. As a committed corporate citizen, Siemens has active corporate social investment programmes as well as a comprehensive approach to local content, manpower development, skills and training. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.co.za