Siemens and Heart Center to Research Use of MRI

Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany) has just signed a two-year research collaborative agreement with The Heart Center of Indiana (THCI; Indianapolis, IN, USA). Under this agreement, THCI will utilize Siemens' magnetic imaging (MRI) technologies to research innovative uses of MRI in cardiac care, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and providing more efficient patient care.

THCI, a specialized all-digital facility focused on cardiovascular disease, as part of the research agreement will collaborate with Siemens as a development site in cardiac MRI, assisting the development of new software and testing imaging sequences and clinical protocols. THCI will work with Siemens specialists to optimize ways to assess patients with coronary artery disease with MRI.

"Continually researching and innovating diagnosis and treatment practices are paramount to the future of cardiology and the medical industry as a whole,” remarked Robert Dewey, director of cardiology solutions for Siemens. "This partnership between THCI and Siemens will not only enable the best possible outcomes with advanced imaging systems for faster, more accurate diagnosis, but work toward evolving cardiovascular disease management to the next level.”

In an effort to educate the medical field about cardiac publications of MRI and provide a forum for cardiac care specialists, a global website for cardiovascular MRI will be launched by 2005. The first of its kind, the site will be coordinated by THCI and will be a collaboration of some of the most respected centers around the world. The site will be a major education resource for physicians interested in training in cardiovascular MRI and will provide comprehensive teaching opportunities in this field.

"THCI is a great setting for clinical advancement and physician education. As MRI gains acceptance as a clinical tool for cardiac patients, THCI is an example of how to integrate the latest technology into clinical practice with a diverse patient population. This will be a benefit to us, other physicians and patients as we continue to develop the next wave of MR technology together,” said Jeffrey Bundy, Ph.D., director of MRI R&D, Siemens Medical Solutions.





Related Links:
Siemens Medical Solutions
The Heart Center of Indiana