Next Generation Tissue Strain Analytics

Similar to a physical palpation exam, tissue strain analytics adds an independent parameter to the existing morphological diagnostic process by interrogating and measuring the mechanical strain properties or stiffness of tissue often correlated with pathology. Siemens’ implementation of ARFI, Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging and Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification, have been further optimized on the Acuson S2000 2.0 ultrasound system to perform in high definition (HD).

“With Virtual Touch HD technology, we have introduced our second generation of tissue strain imaging which offers even greater sensitivity and accuracy,” said Dr. Norbert Gaus, CEO, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. “It allows the clinician to confidently obtain accurate quantification of lesion tissue stiffness, further enhancing diagnostic confidence.”

In combination with the new 9L4 transducer, the technology provides increased flexibility to encompass small parts, breast and thyroid, as well as abdominal imaging. Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification is the first and only application to provide a numerical value related to tissue stiffness at a precise anatomical location which is highly promising in identifying early stages of liver diseases causing cirrhosis.

The system also integrates enhanced functionality of eSie Touch elasticity imaging, which is available on linear, curved, and endocavity transducers. A new Strain Ratio calculates the average ratio of strain within two user-selected regions of interest to allow a comparative measure for a more informed diagnosis. New color maps offer more options for viewing elastograms.

The 2.0 release of the Acuson S2000 system integrates advancements for Cadence contrast pulse sequencing technology, providing increased detection and display of contrast agents. Additional functionality, such as Mix Mode, the real-time overlay of the contrast agent image on the B-mode image, and Cadence CPS Capture for detailed vascular “roadmapping,” provides more options for contrast imaging.

Powerful Imaging Performance

The Acuson S2000 ultrasound system, release 2.0 improves clinical confidence with a number of advanced applications. Dynamic TCE tissue contrast enhancement technology features a powerful new algorithm which provides advanced speckle reduction and enhanced contrast resolution. Combined with Advanced SieClear spatial compounding, the technique enhances anatomic border definition and improves overall tissue contrast.

Users also benefit from exceptional penetration, particularly with the small footprint 4V1 transducer, to achieve exceptional results in deep abdominal imaging needed for technically difficult-to-image patients. HD Zoom capabilities further enhance diagnostic confidence by providing greater detail when magnifying the region of interest.

The Acuson S2000 system also takes advantage of advanced fourSight technology which has enhanced functionality for volumetric acquisition, data rendering, and post processing of fetal imaging. Skeletal Rendering, a unique 3D rendering technique, offers superior visualization of the fetal spine and long bones with never-before-seen detail. The software also includes Amnioscopic Rendering, which provides a unique surface-rendering technique for stunningly realistic and detailed views of the fetus. Additional Fetal Heart STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation) imaging captures data over multiple heart cycles and creates a 3D fetal heart volume that allows sonographers to view the heart in multiple planes.

Improved Workflow

The Acuson S2000 system, release 2.0, was designed to improve clinical workflow. The Live Dual Display feature allows the simultaneous display of B-mode and color Doppler images with the push of a button, eliminating extra keystrokes.

Siemens’ unique knowledge-based workflow applications dramatically improve the efficiency of ultrasound exams. With syngo Auto OB, obstetricians can generate semi-automatic biometric fetal measurements, saving up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine fetal exams. Syngo eSieCalcs introduces border detection technology which segments an area of interest and provides automatic calculations. By simply defining a boundary box, the application traces lesions and automatically calculates the volume in 3D or the area in 2D.