The FDA cleared Siemens‘ (NYSE:SI) new mammography system, the Mammomat Inspiration Prime Edition, designed to reduce radiation exposure during breast cancer screening by 30%.
The European device maker said it replaced the standard imaging method – a scatter radiation grid – with a new algorithm it dubbed Prime, for "progressive reconstruction, intelligently minimizing exposure."
During breast cancer screening, the thickness of breast tissue determines the amount of reduced radiation with the Prime imaging system. Siemens said the average benefit is a 30% reduction over the current imaging system.
The company also launched an angiography and X-ray tube system with reduced radiation levels in the U.S. following FDA clearance in March.
Siemens is championing both approvals as part of its Agenda 2013, a 2-year plan to develop MRI and radiography systems and push these products across the pond, according to a press release.