Acquisition of Sensant gives Siemens access to advanced ultrasound
technology
14 August 2005
The acquisition of Sensant Corp by Siemens Siemens Medical Solutions
Ultrasound Division in June will enable it to develop higher quality
ultrasound imaging systems based on Sensant's propriety Silicon Ultrasound
technology.
The acquisition will allow Siemens to develop advanced Capacitive
Microfabricated Ultrasound Transducer (CMUT) technology, and commercialize
next-generation transducers based on this innovative technology. The new
CMUT technology is expected to offer superior and efficient volumetric four
dimensional (4D) imaging for a wide range of applications; improved
manufacturing processes; a broader frequency range and higher image
resolution, allowing clinicians to examine the next level of microscopic
detail within conventional and 4D ultrasound images.
“Not only should this technology enable higher frequency imaging, which
will allow clinicians to view the smallest details within the body, but the
integrated circuit technology should also deliver superior quality control
and manufacturing processes,” said Klaus Hambuechen, president and CEO of
Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division. “Additionally, it will be
easier to tightly integrate the electronics of the transducer and the
ultrasound system. This improved integration is where the greatest
possibilities for ultrasound imaging and manufacturing advancements can be
realized, especially in the area of volumetric (4D) imaging.”
The CMUT transducers are made from silicon wafers using integrated
circuit fabrication processes, and miniature “drum heads” (so small that
seven are equivalent to the cross sectional size of a single strand of human
hair) are formed from micro-fabricated silicon. A single drum operates as
both an ultrasonic speaker and microphone.
“We believe the combination of technologies from Sensant Corp. and
Siemens Ultrasound will position the company to streamline advanced
transducer development through the power of silicon ultrasound technology
and allow the realization of cost-effective two dimensional (2D) matrix
array transducers capable of volumetric 4D imaging,” said Igal Ladabaum, CEO
of Sensant Corporation. “As a result, complete detailed volume images will
enable a better understanding of disease in 3D and will simplify image
acquisition and interpretation. By enabling clinicians to reach a confident
diagnosis faster and more easily, volumetric 4D imaging will improve patient
care and reduce overall costs to patients and the healthcare system.”
Using CMUT technology to transmit sound waves into the body, the imaging
system sends an electrical signal to the drum that creates an electrostatic
force on the membrane causing it to vibrate and emit ultrasound. The echoes
returning from the body’s tissue cause the drum’s membrane to vibrate, which
produces the electrical signals that the system uses to create a visual
image. To make large-area transducers, hundreds or thousands of these drum
heads are placed side-by-side. The tiny drum heads also are ideal for
catheter transducers, such as Siemens ACUSON AcuNav™ diagnostic ultrasound
catheter. The CMUT technology should enable these ultrasound catheters to
become even smaller, and as a result, broaden clinical applications.
“The size of catheter transducers is critical in diagnostic imaging and
the CMUT technology should further enable the development of miniaturized
catheter transducers, enabling clinicians to better visualize functionality
within the heart, for example, where plaque or obstructions could be more
easily detected,” noted Hambuechen.
While advancements in medical technology are sometimes associated with
increased costs, CMUT technology is expected to allow transducers to be
manufactured at a lower cost, while also improving overall quality.
“Integrated circuit technology allows the manufacturing process to be
more exact and precise, and also more flexible because various types of
transducer arrays could be manufactured simultaneously with relative ease,”
said Hambuechen. “As a result, we anticipate quality to be increased and
costs to be reduced, which would improve access for clinicians and patients
to advanced diagnostic technologies like the AcuNav catheter.”
Siemens plans to integrate this transducer technology into its complete
suite of ultrasound imaging systems. Hambuechen says that he expects the
technology to be commercially available within two to three years.
For more information on the technology see
www.sensant.com
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