Siemens Takes Magnetic Navigation To the Next Level; New AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System Features Biplane Configuration For Flexibility In Cardiovascular Applications

Siemens Medical Solutions introduces the AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System(TM), uniquely capable of improving the ease and accuracy of catheter-based procedures to facilitate increased efficiency and productivity in interventional medicine. The new technology features a biplane configuration, which enables medical facilities to use the system as either a biplane angiography C-arm system or as a magnetic navigation system.

The new system is based on Siemens successful AXIOM Artis dBC, a flat detector biplane angiography system for diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac interventions, and its AXIOM Artis dFC Magnetic Navigation System(TM), which enables accurate navigation of medical devices such as catheter- and guidewire-based devices along complex paths within the heart and coronary vasculature. Combined, these features result in the Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System, the world's first biplane magnetic navigation system equipped with digital flat panel detectors in both planes, allowing the system to perform as either a biplane or a single plane magnetic navigation system depending on clinical preference.

"This innovative combination enables clinicians to have both configurations at their fingertips," said Manfred Fink, vice president, Angiography and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Because it enables digital control of the catheter devices, AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System can increase efficiency, enhance productivity, and help improve the ease and accuracy of catheter-based procedures."

Among the first facilities to install the AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System will be The Cleveland Clinic of Ohio and Mother Frances Hospital of Tyler, Texas.

Increased Image Quality with Reduced Radiation

Whether used as a standard biplane or a magnetic navigation system, the system's flat panel detector technology enables dramatically improved image quality by directly converting X-ray data into digital images, resulting in excellent detail and contrast resolution in the clinical image. With the combination of better image quality and the potential for more precisely guided catheters, procedures may be completed more quickly, which may translate to less radiation exposure for the patient. In addition, the magnetic navigation system is designed to give clinicians the potential to perform procedures remotely from the control room by using a joystick.

About the AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System

The AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System integrates Siemens most advanced digital fluoroscopic imaging system, the AXIOM Artis dFC (Flat Panel Detector System), with Stereotaxis, Inc.'s NIOBE(R) Magnetic Navigation System, to direct and digitally control catheter- and guidewire-based devices in the cardiovascular system. Using computer-controlled permanent magnets external to the body for orienting the magnetic tip of specially designed catheters and guidewires, the system allows for 360-degree rotation of the catheter for greater precision and better movement.

All of the performance standards of other AXIOM Artis technologies are features of Siemens AXIOM Artis dBC Magnetic Navigation System, including enhanced workflow and efficiency, optimal image quality, reduced radiation and patient comfort. The system's flexible architecture enables optimal configuration for diagnostic and interventional cardiology.