Siemens Medical Solutions introduced the latest ACUSON Sequoia echocardiography platform at American College of Cardiology 2007 in New Orleans. The release adds two new transducers to the system: the 9L4 Multi-D and the 17L5 HD. Multi-D array transducer technology provides uniform elevation focusing for improved contrast and spatial resolution. The 17L5 HD transducer dramatically improves the vascular image detail, as well as overall resolution in imaging of the breast, small parts and complex masses. Its patent-pending ergonomic design allows users to easily grip the transducer in their palm, reducing hand strain while scanning, Siemens said.
 
The release also includes Advanced SieClear spatial compounding with Dynamic TCE tissue contrast enhancement. Spatial compounding reduces acoustic noise by generating several frames of data with independent information and averaging those frames with the help of speckle patterns. It provides better detail and contrast resolution through more precise anatomical border definition, notably the carotid intima-media boundary.
 
A high-definition 19-inch flat panel display with articulating arm has also been added to the platform.
 
Also at ACC, Siemens released syngo US Workplace, version 2.0. This release brings two new risk assessment and quantification applications to the system: syngo Arterial Health Package and syngo Mitral Valve Assessment. These applications are also available as part of the Sequoia 12.0 release. They supplement syngo applications such as velocity vector imaging, auto ejection fraction, quantitative synch tool, auto-tracking contrast quantification and fourSight TEE transesophageal echocardiography view applications.