Chicago – Tamer Emam
Siemens Healthineers showcased two groundbreaking photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) systems at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference, highlighting enhancements in scanning efficiency and imaging precision.
The Naeotom Alpha.Pro, a dual-source CT scanner, boasts an impressive scan time of up to 491 mm per second. This speed enables sedation-free scanning for pediatric patients and reduces breath-holding requirements during complex pulmonary examinations, as noted by Siemens Healthineers.
Introducing another innovation, Siemens Healthineers unveiled the Naeotom Alpha.Prime, the first single-source PCCT system. This advanced system is designed for high-performance scanning across various settings, from emergency room scenarios to outpatient procedures. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the Naeotom Alpha.Prime aims to improve the efficiency of both diagnostic exams and interventional radiology.
Belonging to the Naeotom Alpha class, both systems are capable of delivering high-resolution imaging with a slice thickness of 0.2 mm. This precision allows for the detection of minute abnormalities without increasing radiation exposure.
Philipp Fischer, the head of computed tomography at Siemens Healthineers, emphasized the significance of these advancements: “With the launch of the Naeotom Alpha class, we deliver on our promise to make the powerful photon-counting technology accessible to more clinicians and patients. We witness how photon-counting CT impacts clinical decision-making, and we are convinced that this technology determines the future of CT imaging. Now, we are taking a major step into the future with the introduction of the Naeotom Alpha class, extending photon-counting technology further across our portfolio.”
Siemens Healthineers noted that both the Naeotom Alpha.Prime and Naeotom Alpha.Pro are pending 510(k) clearance from the FDA.