• The Imaging System Interface¹ (ISI) saves time, improves operational efficiency and reduces the number of steps in the MRI workflow by one third, allowing the user to focus more on the patient²
  
• ISI recently achieved CE mark certification
  
• Joint hardware and software development by Bayer and Siemens Healthineers

Bayer and Siemens Healthineers today presented the new Imaging System Interface (ISI) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at this year’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2020, taking place virtually for the first time from 15-19 July. ISI is a joint hardware and software development from Bayer and Siemens Healthineers and the first injector scanner interface for the MRI suite. It synchronizes the MEDRAD® MRXperion MR Injection System from Bayer and the Siemens Healthineers MR scanner, thereby overcoming significant challenges posed by the complex process used in conventional contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI, which can result in high stress for operators and suboptimal imaging. By enabling synchronized injector triggering from the MRI scanner operator console and a more efficient workflow, ISI allows users to conduct high quality, consistent contrast enhanced procedures and spend more time focusing on the patient.²

In a conventional, manually controlled setting, technologists must constantly plan, monitor and time the various steps on the injector and scanner workstations separately during contrast-enhanced MRI procedures. If the required steps are not optimally timed and synchronized, poor image quality may be generated, which can delay diagnosis as contrast-enhanced scans then have to be repeated. This can result in additional costs to healthcare systems, and may cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience for patients as well as healthcare providers.²

“Together with Siemens Healthineers, we were able to design an interface that directly addresses the challenges of conventional contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI workflows and improves both the user and patient experience,” said Prof. Dr. Olaf Weber, Head of Radiology Research and Development at Bayer.

“The coupling between MRI and injector is a great achievement for the transformation of care delivery; instead of multiple, time-critical interactions on different consoles, everything can be controlled with a few clicks from the MR console, making synchronized MR injections easier. Thinking forward, it is also perfect for scenarios where experts might remotely operate the MRI system,” said Arthur Kaindl, Head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers.

The ISI system recently achieved CE mark certification.

¹ _{The products/features are not commercially available in some countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details. The information shown herein refers to products of 3rd party manufacturer’s and thus are in their regulatory responsibility. Please contact the 3rd party manufacturer for further information.}

² _{Thoermer, G. et al. Reduced Stress and Consistent Contrast-enhanced MRI Scans with Precisely Timed, Automated Injection Enabled by MR-Injector Coupling. Bayer and Siemens Healthineers. 2020.}

Siemens Healthineers AG (listed in Frankfurt, Germany: SHL) is shaping the future of Healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostic, image-guided therapy, and in-vivo diagnostics. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers’ ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2019, which ended on September 30, 2019, Siemens Healthineers, which has approximately 52,000 employees worldwide, generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted profit of €2.5 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com

About Radiology at Bayer Everyone deserves clear answers about their health, starting with an early and accurate diagnosis. As a true life-science company with a heritage of around 100 years in Radiology, Bayer is committed to providing excellence, from innovative products to high-quality services. The portfolio includes contrast media for computed tomography (CT), X-Ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), devices for their precise administration, informatics solutions to support efficient and optimal patient care, as well as acknowledged educational programs. In addition, Bayer is strongly committed to research and development and leverages artificial intelligence, thus further driving innovation in medical imaging. Each of these offerings helps radiologists in their mission to deliver answers and a clear direction – from diagnosis to care.

About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, go to Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2018, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of 39.6 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.6 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Felix Michelfeit
Siemens Healthcare GmbH
Karlheinz Kaske Straße 5
91052 Erlangen
Germany
+49 162 252 0502
felix.michelfeit@siemens-healthineers.com
Twitter: @femichelfeit

Victoria Vigener
Bayer AG
Germany
+49 30 468 18202
victoria.vigener@bayer.com