Top Reasons to Choose Selenia Dimensions 3D

Compared to Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration 3D

Selenia Dimensions 3D is a revolutionary new platform built from the ground up for the specific
applications of digital mammography, breast tomosynthesis and other advanced breast imaging
modalities. Each design element addresses the unique requirements of these applications.

New Platform for a New Modality

 Hologic’s direct capture, amorphous selenium detector is optimized for advanced applications,
including tomosynthesis and contrast enhanced imaging:
o Ultrafast electronics for instant image review;
o Rapid cycle time to expedite exams;
o Internal, self-regulated temperature control - never a delay in imaging;
o Extended stability and reliability profile.
 New tungsten tube, developed with industry experts for the specific purpose of supporting
advanced applications :
o High capacity (200mA) for rapid image acquisition and minimum exposure time;
o Aluminum filtration in tomo mode to enable low dose and optimum image quality.
 Advanced ergonomic design for enhanced comfort for the patient and users.

Designed for Optimal Performance

Based on comprehensive input from clinicians and extensive internal testing, Selenia Dimensions
provides the ideal balance needed for tomosynthesis imaging; short acquisition and reconstruction time,
reasonable file sizes, and review efficiencies for the radiologist.

Selenia Dimensions 3D provides:

 Tomosynthesis scan time of 4 seconds per view, reducing the likelihood of patient motion;
 Reconstruction time of less than 2 seconds, facilitating workflow and enabling near real-time review
by the radiologist and technologist;
 Scan angle of 15º, for optimal in-plane resolution, shorter acquisition time, and efficient reading
(more tissue inclusion in each slice; better visualization of details);
 15 projection images, one per degree of scan angle, for fewer reconstruction artifacts, shorter scan
time and shorter reconstruction time.

Imaging Mode Flexibility

Selenia Dimensions 3D was designed to operate efficiently in three imaging modes:
 2D mode only for conventional digital mammography;
 3D mode only for tomosynthesis scans;
 “Combo mode” – acquisition of both a conventional image and a tomosynthesis scan under the
same compression, in 13 seconds or less. Combo mode allows perfect co-registration of 2D and 3D
images, enabling CAD marks on 2D to be located on the corresponding 3D slice. The short
acquisition time for combo mode imaging allows clinicians to offer a clinically acceptable,
comprehensive exam to their patients.

With over 6,300 digital mammography systems installed worldwide and over 150 commercial and
research tomosynthesis systems, Hologic is the clear market leader in breast imaging.

September 2010 Top Reasons to Choose Selenia Dimensions 3D Page 1 of 3

Information as of September 2010 – For international use only
 System Comparisons
Selenia Dimensions 3D vs Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration 3D

Selenia Siemens
Dimensions Advantage
Dimensions 3D Inspiration 3D

Software only Seamless transition from 2D to 3D. Initial

upgrade to Inspiration upgrades include gantry modification,
Yes No
tomosynthesis (all new computer, and software; field upgrades have
installed systems) been reported to require up to 2 days to complete

Narrower scan angle provides:

• Better in-plane resolution for enhanced clarity
of details within the same plane
• More tissue in each slice; able to see multiple
calcifications in a single slice and better
Scan angle 15º 50º
visualize masses and spiculations in same slice
• Objects stay in focus longer; less chance of
readers missing subtle lesions
• Shorter acquisition time (less chance of patient
motion)

Fewer reconstruction artifacts, shorter scan time

Projections 15 25
and shorter reconstruction time2

2D, 3D, and 2D, 3D, and

2D/3D under 2D/3D under See advantages below1 and limitations for Siemens
Imaging modes same same combo mode imaging based on image acquisition
compression compression time.
(combo mode) (combo mode)

Longer scan time increases likelihood of patient

Tomosynthesis 20+
4 seconds/view motion, motion artifacts, and increased patient
scan time seconds/view
discomfort

Clinically acceptable acquisition times must be

Combo mode ≤13 25-35 achieved to realize the benefits of combo mode
acquisition time seconds/view seconds/view imaging. Longer acquisition times will lead to
increased motion artifacts and patient discomfort.

Reconstruction Preview images available almost instantly for

≤2 seconds 1-2 minutes
time optimal workflow.

More efficient workflow. On the Inspiration, image

Ready for next
25 seconds 1-2 minutes acquisition is blocked during reconstruction,
tomo view
leading to extended exam times.

Dimensions tungsten tube was developed

specifically for tomosynthesis. The tungsten tube
X-ray tube anode used by Siemens dates back to their analog
capacity @28 – 30 Tungsten (W) Tungsten/Mo3 systems and has not been updated to meet the
kV (large-small 50-200 mA 30-160 mA (W)4 more rigorous requirements of tomosynthesis
focal spot) imaging.
Greater tube capacity enables shorter exposure
time for decreased motion and lower dose.

Facilitates faster scans, shorter exposures and

Anode heat storage 5 higher patient workload especially under
300,000 HU 162,000 HU
capacity tomosynthesis scans that require higher x-ray tube
loads.

Use of aluminum filtration contributes to shorter

Filtration Aluminum Rhodium scan time and better optimization of dose and
image quality.

Supports faster scans, shorter exposures and lower

Generator kV range 20 – 49 23 – 355
dose; higher kV range will also support other

September 2010 Top Reasons to Choose Selenia Dimensions 3D Page 2 of 3

Information as of September 2010 – For international use only
 System Comparisons
Selenia Dimensions 3D vs Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration 3D

Selenia Siemens
Dimensions Advantage
Dimensions 3D Inspiration 3D

advanced applications, including dual energy

contrast imaging

Unknown when Siemens shifting paddle will be

Shifting paddles
available, whether it is part of the standard system
Works-in-
Yes configuration or a chargeable option, degree of
progress
backwards compatibility for existing systems, or
whether automatic shift function will be available

Standard; 18 x
Tomo compression
24 cm; and 24 x 36 cm Awkward positioning, especially in MLO position.
paddle size
29 cm

Longer SID Facilitates patient positioning and

SID 70 cm 65 cm
interventional procedures

Biometric login streamlines workflow. Logout not

Biometric,
Technologist log-on Manual required when changing technologists, for further
manual
workflow enhancements

1.2 MP Touch-
Separate touch-screen controls allow full 3MP
screen,
Operator interface display to be used for image review. Touch-
trackball, Mouse,
(standard screen, trackball and barcode scanner expedites
touchpad, keyboard
configuration) workflow and provides better ergonomics for
keyboard,
technologists
barcode scanner

Standard 3MP display provides near diagnostic

AWS image display
3 MP Hi-res LCD 1 MP TFT color6 quality, an important consideration in diagnostic
(standard config)
workups, breast biopsy and tomosynthesis imaging

1 Advantages of clinically acceptable combo mode imaging include:

o During transition to 3D, 2D is gold standard
o 2D speeds up calcification assessment
o 2D useful for comparison to 2D priors
o CAD only available on 2D initially
o 2D needed for reimbursement
o Combo mode allows perfect co-registration of 2D and 3D images (CAD marks on 2D may be located
on corresponding 3D slice)
2 Reconstruction time increases with the number of projection images acquired, so systems using wider angles
and more projections will experience longer reconstruction times. Large spaces or gaps between projection
images increase the likelihood of reconstruction artifacts; systems acquiring more than one projection
image/degree of arc will generate more reconstruction artifacts.

See quote below regarding view and scan angle from Regina Radkte, senior director of women’s healthcare,
Siemens
“To summarize, the quality of clinically relevant information acquired by DBT is determined by the required number
of views and the total degree of arc span. The quality of data, however, is also controlled by the number of
projections and the gap between two projections. The gap has to be optimized to ensure complete visualization of
microcalcifications in breast tissue. If the gap is too wide, DBT will miss crucial information. Also, the number of
projections impacts the overall scan time and, keeping the overall dose to the patient constant, an increase in the
number of projections will lead to a lower exposure of each projection and thus more projections may deteriorate
image quality.” Full article available online at: http://www.rt-image.com/110209Exec

3 Mo anode not used in patient imaging; for QC only

4 Siemens Pantix 40 MoW – 100 G Manual

5 Siemens Inspiration data sheet

6 Siemens offers 1MP monochrome display or 3MP color display as chargeable options
September 2010 Top Reasons to Choose Selenia Dimensions 3D Page 3 of 3
Information as of September 2010 – For international use only