Siemens allies with electronics firm on new ultrasound systems

Siemens is to work with an electronics manufacturer in order to produce new ultrasound systems that offer better performance and efficiency.

The company has created a new strategic alliance with National Semiconductor Corporation, which will see the latter company contribute electronics expertise and components to create next-generation medical technology.

Among the features of the newly-developed machines will be their enhanced image quality, 3D/4D imaging capabilities, while simultaneously cutting power consumption and improving ease of scanning.

The companies state that this new technology will "change the game" in terms of workflow efficiency and diagnostic reliability.

Dr Norbert Gaus, chief executive officer of the clinical products division of Siemens Healthcare, said there is a rising demand for "systems with an effective balance between power efficiency and performance".

He added: "We view National Semiconductor as a strategic analogue alliance to help us make this happen."

Earlier this month, the company attended the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010 in order to demonstrate a number of new innovations, such as the Acuson SC2000 version 1.5 volume imaging ultrasound system.