Siemens Medical Solutions has installed the first prototype of its new flat detector (FD) based full-field digital mammography system at the Iris Cantor Center for Breast Imaging at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

This new system, which is called the MAMMOMAT NovationDR in Europe and other countries, is based on one of the company's flagship products - the MAMMOMAT 3000 Nova. The connectivity features of both the MAMMOMAT 3000 Nova and the new NovationDR product are based on Siemens' historical leadership in image data and workflow management, and will facilitate the new system's incorporation into a digital network and may improve patient management and care.

"With MAMMOMAT NovationDR, Siemens intends to keep all the well-known features of the MAMMOMAT 3000 Nova, add the best available detector technology, and seek to define a solution that is optimized for the workflow demands of a digital environment," said Holger Schmidt, president of the Siemens Medical Solutions Special Systems Division.

The new product incorporates an innovative flat detector that is based on amorphous Selenium (aSe) detector technology. This technology enables a direct conversion of X-ray to digital information, unlike other detector systems, such as aSi-CsI, which use indirect x-ray conversion. The aSe detectors in the new Siemens system have significant potential for higher spatial resolution, thus providing greater detail.

At UCLA's Breast Imaging Center, an Internal Review Board-approved clinical study is being performed with the new MAMMOMAT NovationDR that will compare the diagnostic content and image quality of analog images and digital images taken at the same level of radiation exposure. The detector size of 25 by 29 centimeters will enable imaging of most breast sizes. In addition, Siemens has developed a new, innovative paddle for use with the MAMMOMAT NovationDR, which is designed for easier and more comfortable positioning of the patient.

"The start of the first clinical study with our new MAMMOMAT NovationDR is an extremely important milestone in our efforts to complete our product portfolio in digital mammography," explained Schmidt. "Siemens has already proven that we can set new standards in digital mammography with products such as the award-winning OPDIMA digital spot and diagnosis system, and we intend to continue our success with our new MAMMOMAT NovationDR full-field digital mammography solution."

The new digital system is planned for release by the end of 2003 outside of the United States. Availability of the system in the United States awaits U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review and approval.