Siemens Introduces New Multi-Specialty Ultrasound System

Business Wire, July 1, 2002

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

SONOLINE G60 S offers unmatched flexibility, workflow and performance

in a multi-specialty ultrasound imaging system

Continuing its tradition of developing ultrasound innovations that meet the current and future needs of healthcare professionals around the world, Siemens Medical Solutions today announced the introduction of the new multi-specialty SONOLINE(R) G60 S ultrasound imaging platform. The company will introduce the product this week at the International Congress of Radiology, being held July 1-5 in Cancun, Mexico, and the EUROSON 2002 Congress, set for July 3-5 in Warsaw, Poland.

"The SONOLINE G60 S system enhances Siemens' unique ability to offer the most comprehensive line of ultrasound solutions available worldwide, and further complements our full range of SONOLINE and Acuson(R) products," said John Pavlidis, president of the Siemens Ultrasound Division. "This new platform addresses the market need for an ultrasound system that delivers high-quality imaging, improved workflow, a broad range of applications and portability - all with an outstanding feature set that re-defines value for products in its class."

This new system incorporates the latest generation, all-digital ultrasound technologies and proven innovations into a powerful, portable system, including MultiBeam Formation, Precision MotionCapture, and SynAps(TM) (synthetic aperture) technologies. SONOLINE G60 S skillfully accommodates a full range of imaging applications, from comprehensive radiology solutions, including deep abdominal imaging, specialty applications and high frequency imaging, to comprehensive cardiology solutions with an integrated stress echo package and multi-plane transesophageal echo capability.

"The SONOLINE G60 S system has excellent quality and overall system performance," said Dr. Cristoph Frank Dietrich, M.D., P.D., who works in Internal Medicine at Caritas-Hospital Bad Mergentheim, and previewed the system during clinical trials. "It is a very good solution - from the system's readiness to use immediately after switching on, to the system's comprehensive ultrasound functionality, and especially good image quality and color Doppler sensitivity."

The core architecture of SONOLINE G60 S is based on the company's proprietary DIMAQ-IP integrated workstation, which allows for on-board image and data management, as well as a complete range of programmable imaging parameters, exam steps, and measurement and report packages. The system's embedded DICOM will deliver quick connectivity into departmental or hospital-wide PACS networks, and the upgradeability of its software offers the potential to seamlessly integrate new clinical features.

The migration of clinically proven technologies from our flagship product line, such as SieScape(R) panoramic imaging, tissue harmonic imaging (THI), and integrated stress echo, is available because of the system's DIMAQ-IP architecture.

The "homebase" layout of the system's control panel is linked to Windows(R)-based operating principles, delivering logical, intuitive and comfortable system operation. On screen icons allow activation of most frequently used features, and QuickSet(TM) user-programmable imaging parameters streamline exam and workflow steps. The SONOLINE G60 S system's four-wheel swivel design with individually locking casters provides mobility, and its small footprint and low weight make it easy to transport and incorporate into any scanning environment.

"The system's maneuverability and flexible digital data management expands the utility for the emergency room and intensive care unit," commented Dr. Dietrich. "All basic controls are easy to learn and use and the QuickSet concept is excellent. All of these features allow for easy integration into department workflow."

This new ultrasound platform from Siemens is expected to begin shipping in July 2002.

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) with headquarters in Iselin, NJ and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is renowned for its innovative products, including imaging systems for diagnosis, therapy equipment for treatment, hearing instruments, and critical care and life support systems, as well as a wide array of information technology and data management solutions that optimize workflow and increase efficiency in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices. The company is known as the premiere Application Service Provider processing more than 116 million transactions daily and managing more than 67 terabytes of data - twice the information volume of the Library of Congress.

Employing approximately 30,000 people worldwide, the company reported sales of 7.2 billion EUR, orders of 8.4 billion EUR and EBITA of 808 million EUR in fiscal 2001 (September 30). More information can be obtained by visiting us on the Web at www.siemensmedical.com.

Siemens AG, headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics and engineering company. It employs some 450,000 in 193 countries, and reported worldwide sales of more than $74 billion in fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01). The United States is Siemens' largest market, with nearly 80,000 employees and sales of $18.9 billion for fiscal 2001. For more information about Siemens in the U.S., visit www.usa.siemens.com.