Siemens Healthcare agreement could see ‘advantages’

Siemens Medical Solutions’ ultrasound unit has reached a technology licensing agreement with U-Systems, it has been announced.

U-Systems will allow its somo-VIEWer advanced workstation for Automated Breast Ultrasound to be used with Siemens’ ACUSON S2000 Automated Breast Volume Scanner.

As a result, medical professionals will be able to obtain a full 3D view of breast volumes which was not previously possible with conventional systems.

Commenting on the news, Ron Ho, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of U-Systems said: "This license agreement will increase the adoption of Automated Breast Ultrasound systems for women’s healthcare clinics wanting the most advanced imaging technologies."

He stated the wellbeing of women and breast imaging was of the utmost importance to both U-Systems and Siemens.

There will be "significant advantages" in combining Siemens expertise in marketing and ultrasound with U-Systems "advanced development competencies", Mr Ho added.

Meanwhile, Klaus Hambuechen, CEO of Siemens Healthcare, said he was confident the agreement would help women with dense breast tissue and inconclusive mammograms.

He claimed the collaboration would improve patient care and make it possible to increase the rate at which women are seen by physicians.

In related news, Siemens recently reported the ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system had proved a success in general diagnostics at Oxford Children’s Hospital in the UK.