Nov. 28, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

CHICAGO, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Healthcare redefines productivity with a new generation of its Tim® (Total imaging matrix) technology and with its new Dot(TM) (Day optimizing throughput) engine. Both technologies are introduced in the new MAGNETOM® Aera* 1.5 Tesla (T) and the new MAGNETOM Skyra* 3T scanners at the 95th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 29 to December 3 at McCormick Place (Booth #825, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D) in Chicago. These two new scanners are the first to incorporate both Tim and Dot technology. The combination of Tim and Dot delivers patient-centered care and significantly improves productivity across the entire MRI workflow. Siemens will also demonstrate additional innovations, such as the Tim Dockable Table, for easy patient preparation outside the scanner room, and an all new coil architecture incorporating DirectConnect(TM) coil design, providing cableless coils for fast and easy set up and higher Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).

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The Siemens-unique Tim technology was launched in 2003. Since then, more than 4,000 Tim systems have been sold. Tim 4G* is the latest version of Tim and the most advanced generation of coil technology. After conventional and array technology, Siemens pioneered Integrated Panoramic Array technology in 1997 and the Tim technology in 2003. Tim 4G is now the 4th generation, offering ultra-high-density coils, DirectRF(TM) and other features for improved flexibility, accuracy and speed. Tim 4G technology provides newly designed ultra-high density coils with an array of up to 204 coil elements that utilize up to 128 channels. As a result, the user will have enough channels to support imaging with ultra-high density coils, excellent image quality with high signal-to-noise is routine and high processing speed improves productivity even further. Additionally, without coil or patient repositioning the Tim coils allow covering the complete anatomy of the patient from whole body coverage (up to 205 cm) to smallest details.

Today's healthcare environment is increasingly faced with less staff, less reimbursement, less time. With the advanced RF solution, Siemens was able to focus on the productivity, across the entire MRI workflow, and thus developed the Day optimizing throughput (Dot) engine. Dot multiplies the power of its Tim technology, resulting in greater image consistency, improved diagnostic confidence, greater ease of use, and increased productivity.

Consistent, robust images can be achieved by automating exams, as well as personalizing each exam for virtually every patient to better help staff to provide superb, more effective patient care. Add to this the importance of highly optimized use of all resources 24/7, and productivity improves across every aspect of the clinical and business day. And this is where Tim and Dot come in.

"We strive to be a part of the solution to the challenges in Healthcare today. Siemens is proud to welcome in a new era of MRI," said Walter Marzendorfer, head of Magnetic Resonance, Siemens Healthcare. "Tim and Dot are the direct response to today's demanding world of healthcare economics. Together, they deliver faster, more efficient throughput for up to 30 percent more productivity per day."

Tim: 4G Flexibility, 4G Accuracy, 4G Speed

Tim is the ultimate innovation technology with new patient-adaptive technology, enhancing image quality and acquisition speed, as well as raising productivity in everyday practice.

Tim offers a completely redesigned RF system and an all-new innovative coil architecture that packs more coil elements into a smaller space (up to 204 coil elements with 48 channels as standard configuration), unlocking the possibility of higher element configurations and higher SNR.