February 17, 2011 - The first U.S. installation of a next-generation digital mammography system was unveiled at one of Zwanger-Persiri Radiology’s nine locations in Long Island, N.Y. The Mammomat Inspiration, from Siemens, offers digital screening and diagnostic mammography, stereotactic biopsy and upgrade capability all in one system.
“The installation of the Mammomat Inspiration is a key differentiator in helping us provide our patients the most comfortable mammography experience while capturing high quality clinical images,” said Steven Mendelsohn, M.D., medical director for Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology. “Even though most people understand the importance of having a mammogram, it is not often considered a pleasant experience and many women put off having the exam. The Inspiration’s unique design and comfort features can help patients in our community feel less intimidated by the exam and could be a driver in helping to encourage them to schedule regular mammograms, which is critical to early breast cancer detection. The Inspiration’s functionality also makes the process of conducting a mammogram and reading clinical images easier for our technologists and radiologists than previous mammography systems.”
Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology will be installing 13 Inspiration systems. More than 700 systems are currently installed outside the United States.
With its unique MoodLight LED light panel, the system helps provide a warmer environment by illuminating soft, pastel colors that can change dynamically throughout the day or can be set on one color that best matches the environment.
To match breast density and thickness, it offers three anode/filter combinations: Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, and W/Rh. The Opdose feature automatically selects the appropriate anode/filter combination and the lowest radiation dose for individual breast characteristics. The Opcomp function applies compression only as long as the patient’s breast is soft and pliable - stopping at the point of optimal compression.
One-click-to-image functionality automatically opens the patient scheduler after an exam is finalized, so that selecting the next patient is the only mouse click needed. The tube head instantly goes from the cranio-caudal to the mediolateral-oblique position with one touch of a button. The operator interface of the syngo-based acquisition workstation (AWS) includes the generator console – meaning less equipment and a smaller footprint. The detector produces a preview image in just seconds after X-ray exposure, allowing users to quickly assess the quality of positioning and proceed with the next exam.
With a new AEC algorithm, the system measures and selects exposure parameters based on the individual breast size and composition. This adaptive AEC provides full flexibility in terms of breast positioning. The new OpView 2 image processing software is specially designed for digital mammography to produce outstanding image quality. New algorithms provide excellent visibility of the breast border as well as structures in dense tissue.
A dedicated Acquisition Workstation (AWS) and syngo MammoReport allows breast image viewing from multiple modalities all on one screen. Through DICOM and RIS compatibility, patient data is readily stored in existing clinical archives. With Siemens Remote Service, service time gaps are shortened or downtime can be eliminated. Through constant monitoring, deviating parameters are detected before problems occur.
To celebrate the launch, Siemens is hosting the “Who Inspires You?” contest that is open through midnight on February 23, 2011. By going to www.whoinspiresyoucontest.com, healthcare facilities can submit brief videos nominating up to three clinical staff members that regularly inspire colleagues and/or patients in the battle against breast cancer. Candidates can include breast surgeons, oncologists, radiology technologists, radiologists, breast care patient coordinators, OB-GYNs or any other healthcare professional who goes above and beyond his or her responsibilities to provide exceptional patient care in the area of breast cancer. The video should also include ideas on how digital mammography can be an inspiration for patients in the community to get regular mammograms.
Independent judging will be conducted by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The winner and runners-up will be announced during the 2011 NCBC Annual Conference in Las Vegas in March.
For more information: www.siemens.com/healthcare
July 29, 2024 
