With the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse1, Siemens Healthineers presents a new Dual Source CT (computed tomography) scanner that is more accessible for smaller and rural facilities as well as outpatient diagnostic centres. Lifecycle costs are lower than other Dual Source systems due to an improved cooling system and more efficient power consumption. Therefore, this system for the first time breaks one of the main barriers for the adoption of Dual Source, Siemens Healthineers’ signature technology – which is the lifecycle cost. “With our new advanced Dual Source CT scanner we aim to make this high-class technology available to more patients. CT exams performed on this system follow an intelligent and intuitive workflow appealing to various levels of experience. This enables standardisation and reproducibility for high quality examinations, even in challenging cases,” states Carl Smith, Business Manager of Computed Tomography at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland.
Dual Source computed tomography – CT scanners with two radiation tubes and detectors each – allows for very high temporal resolution. High temporal resolution and scan speed is important for CT scans of the heart, to limit image artefacts from breathing or motion of the heart. This enables scanning patients with various challenging clinical conditions, such as patients with high or irregular heart rates, inability to hold their breath or to stay still, as well as with difficulties following clinicians’ instructions. The use of tin filters keeps the radiation dose low while maintaining optimum image quality especially in clinical indications like ultra-low dose thorax scans for screening.
With the intelligent workflow of myExam Companion, SOMATOM Pro.Pulse significantly simplifies exams while personalising scanning for each patient. myExam Companion combines patient data such as gender, height and age and collects information that is relevant for CT scans such as heart rate or breath-hold capabilities. The scanner then optimises the scan parametres and tailors a patient-specific scan protocol. The FAST (fully assisting scanner technologies) 3D camera automatically performs precise and consistent patient positioning. Both features help reduce the time clinicians spend on routine tasks. With around 20 percent lower power consumption than previous Dual Source generations, the system is more sustainable and keeps running costs low.