Siemens Healthineers introduces industry-first seamlessly integrated end-to-end solution for CT-guided percutaneous coronary interventions

Not for publication in the U.S. 

• Workflow solution enables transfer of pre-processed CT data directly to the cath lab 
• Gives interventional cardiologists valuable information to assess morphology, plaque and lesion details 
• Allows for precise planning and execution when restoring blood flow to the heart 

At this year’s EuroPCR Siemens Healthineers is introducing the industry’s first solution that spans the whole CT-guided PCI workflow, a minimally-invasive procedure to restore blood flow to the heart. The combination of Syngo.CT Coronary Cockpit and Syngo PCI Connect covers the entire workflow of diagnosis, plaque analysis, planning and procedural guidance and allows for the smooth transfer of pre-operational coronary computed tomography (CT) images to the cath lab. This gives interventional cardiologists valuable insights on morphology, plaque and lesion details and allows for strategic planning of the intervention, from cath lab availability to resources and staff needed – thereby reducing complexity. 

Traditional PCI relies on 2D invasive angiography to visualize coronary arteries, which can underestimate plaque morphology and vessel complexity, making stent sizing and landing zone selection less precise. These limitations contribute to longer procedures, higher radiation exposure for staff and patients, and occasional ambiguity in lesion assessment. That is why CT guided PCI is gaining momentum. Pre-operational coronary CT angiography (CCTA) allows many decisions to be made before the patient enters the cath lab. Instead of discovering surprises during the procedure, the operator already knows the anatomy in detail. CT images, for example from a photon-counting CT, provide the basis for a detailed three-dimensional view of vessel anatomy, plaque characteristics and stent planning metrics, allowing operators to enter the cath lab with far greater clarity. 

The Siemens Healthineers solution covers the complete CT-guided PCI workflow through the integration of Syngo.CT coronary Cockpit on the Syngo.via platform and Syngo PCI Connect on the new Artis angiography systems. Based on the CT data, the anatomical overview, plaque information and lumen dimension can be displayed in the cath lab, as well as side-by-side views and markers for planned stents. 

The intuitive visualization on the large display of the Artis system gives guidance during interventions and has all relevant information at hand. The C-arm and the CT images are automatically synchronized which means that when the C-arm is moved, the CT image follows. A unique feature is that this synchronization works both ways. When the interventional cardiologist adjusts the CT image to have the best possible view of the vessel, that precise angulation is sent to the C-arm which moves there with a deflection of the joystick. 

“Now that we have the ability to perform CT guided PCI, we can integrate valuable information from CT into our angio system in the cath lab”, said Professor Samuel Tobias Sossalla, MD, director of cardiology at Kerckhoff Clinic Bad Nauheim and University Clinic Gießen, Germany. “We can define our PCI strategy upfront and plan our resources much better. During the procedure we see this information synchronized with the corresponding angulations, helping us treat with greater precision.” 

Doris Pommi, head of Cardiovascular Care at Siemens Healthineers, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first in the industry to offer a seamlessly integrated workflow for CT-guided PCI. Bringing this CT derived relevant information into the procedure is like switching the light on in the cath lab – for the benefit of both clinicians and their patients. With our new applications we significantly enhance the management of coronary artery disease.” 

Further information on CT-guided PCI can be found here: www.siemens-healthineers.com/ct-guidedpci