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Siemens and The Heart Center of Indiana

 to Research Innovative Uses of MRI in Cardiac Care

MALVERN, Pa. and INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., September 23, 2004 – Siemens Medical Solutions has signed a two-year research collaboration agreement with The Heart Center of Indiana (THCI). Through the agreement, THCI will leverage Siemens’ most advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies to discover innovative uses of MRI in cardiac care, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and providing more efficient patient care.

As part of the research agreement, THCI, a specialized all-digital facility focused on cardiovascular disease, will work in unison with Siemens as a development site in cardiac MRI, assisting to develop new software and testing imaging sequences and clinical protocols. The Cardiovascular MRI center at THCI will work with Siemens experts to optimize ways to evaluate patients with coronary artery disease with MRI. The role of MRI is becoming more valuable in cardiac care; as MRI technology advances, more detail in the heart can be seen, potentially improving early diagnosis and treatment in a non-invasive way.

 “Continually researching and innovating diagnosis and treatment practices is paramount to the future of cardiology and the medical industry as a whole,” said 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.”

THCI patients will benefit from the research agreement, with early access to the latest Siemens Cardiovascular MRI techniques. This will enable THCI to utilize leading edge imaging capabilities and explore advanced diagnosis and treatment options.

THCI and Siemens Sign Research Agreement

In an effort to educate the medical field about cardiac applications of MRI and provide a forum for cardiac care specialists, a global Web site 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 reputable centers around the world. Dr. Ronald Razmi, director of cardiovascular MR/CT at THCI, will be the executive director of this site. This site will be a major educational resource for physicians interested in training in cardiovascular MRI and provides comprehensive teaching opportunities in this field.

 “With more than 12 million Americans having a history of heart disease, and nearly 7.5 million suffering from heart attacks each year, the need to constantly improve cardiac care is evident,” said Dr. Razmi. “With our expertise and dedication to providing exceptional cardiac care, combined with Siemens advanced MRI technologies, we can begin to change how cardiology is practiced, benefiting both medical staff and patient alike.”  

“THCI is a great setting for clinical advancement and physician education,” said Jeffrey Bundy, Ph.D., director of MRI R&D, Siemens Medical Solutions. “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.”

THCI, opened Dec. 2, 2002, and was founded by The Care Group, CorVasc and St. Vincent Health. Located at 106th and Meridian Street on the Northside of Indianapolis, THCI focuses on providing advanced cardiac care and exceptional customer service to meet and exceed the needs of individuals and families affected by heart and vascular disease.

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) with headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world.  The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes.  Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.4 billion EUR, orders of 7.8 billion EUR and group profit of 1.1 billion EUR for fiscal 2003.  More information can be obtained by visiting http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

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