RSNA: Siemens opens new path into the clinical routine with syngo.via
Siemens Healthcare unveiled its new imaging software, syngo.via, for multimodality reading at the Radiological Society of North America annual conference in Chicago earlier this month.

The company said its new imaging software for multimodality reading of clinical cases focuses on reading efficiency through automated case preparation and structured case navigation across multiple specialties, including cardiology, oncology and neurology. syngo.via integrates imaging devices and IT, such as Siemens’ MRI, CT and PET/CT scanners and its new PACS, syngo.plaza.

According to Siemens, syngo.via digital integration platform connects all modalities in one hub to access and utilize advanced visualization tools across the clinical spectrum. For instance, Automated Case Preparation in syngo.via loads images into the appropriate application and sorts them into the corresponding layout – pre-processed according to the disease-specific requirements.

With one click, physicians can begin viewing and reading images their way. When calling up a cardiac CT case, for example, syngo.via selects a suitable cardiac application, automatically removes the blood pool and ribs, selects an appropriate cardiac phase, and displays the images in the corresponding layout. The coronary arteries are displayed in such a way that allows the physician to immediately begin reading the case. With case preparation left to syngo.via, physicians have more time to focus on image reading and diagnosis.

Case Navigator functionality also supports structured workflow by categorizing various workflow steps and aligning the proper images to each corresponding step. For example, in an MRI whole-body case, the extensive image series is automatically structured into layouts and workflow steps – sorted according to body regions – reducing physician’s need to search and sort data and enabling advanced reading to begin as soon as the exam concludes. Furthermore, during the reading process, findings and measurements can be automatically tracked and listed with Findings Navigator, which allows users to navigate between various findings with one click. The software also integrates the finding into a tailored and context-specific report, enabling users to access and share images, findings, and results quickly – on their terms.

With syngo.via, Siemens highlighted the benefits of integrated imaging systems and image reading software in a single solution supported by client-server technology. The imaging device and IT integration allows acquired images to be promptly available within the network. For example, images created with the newest CT functionalities, such as CT dual energy, can be utilized anywhere within that network. MR protocol planning, for instance, can be done remotely and the information needed is transferred to the scanner automatically.

Since it is crucial that radiologists and cardiologists have access to advanced reading applications on their existing PACS workstations, syngo.via has been designed to integrate with existing PACS and RIS of all major vendors. What’s more, in conjunction with Siemens’ newest corresponding PACS, syngo.plaza, images do not need to be additionally sent from the imaging device since syngo.plaza drives the entire image routing process. Through no-click integration, images are auto-routed and available on syngo.via, allowing users access to images and the appropriate syngo.via applications.

Image results can be accessed through web portals allowing referring physicians to view images and results anywhere, further demonstrating how syngo.via transforms the entire workflow from planning to reading, therapy and results sharing. Siemens has demonstrated the principle of the product, said Nikolaus Bolle, vice president of marketing. Images are available on any output device from a workstation monitor to an iPhone (for case review).

With the Siemens service agreement, the syngo.via core functionality and clinical applications may be kept up-to-date through ongoing enhancements, which are available and delivered through a remote infrastructure. Furthermore, Siemens provides each institution with a dedicated contact person who provides up to 24/7 remote support for technical service and application topics at the same time. By encompassing software maintenance and support, the service agreement provides transparency of service costs.

According to the company, syngo.via can be used as a standalone device or together with a variety of syngo.via-based software options.



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