Naeotom Alpha (CT scanner)

2021: Announcement of CT scanner with photon counting

In early October 2021, Siemens Healthineers released, according to the company, the world's first photon-counted CT scanner. The advent of photon counting detectors represents the next significant improvement in the use of CT scans, allowing for more detailed information about the patient and at the same time creating images with less information that is considered useless for viewing and analysis, the manufacturer notes.

The new Naeotom Alpha diagnostic imaging device uses a photon counting detector that measures individual X-rays passing through the patient's body and unlike existing systems that use detectors, they measure the total energy contained in X-rays at one time. The scanner then converts the information from the X-ray photons into a detailed three-dimensional image that can be used by physicians or other medical professionals to help diagnose or plan to prepare patients for treatment.

Siemens Healthineers released the world's first photon-counting CT scanner Naeotom Alpha

About 15 years ago, Siemens Healthineers began work on photon-counting detectors and their clinical vision. We always believed in great clinical value and worked tirelessly on this with our partners, "commented Andre Hartung, head of diagnostic imaging at Siemens Healthineers.

By measuring each individual X-ray passing through the patient's body, photon-counted detectors can produce detailed three-dimensional images that can ultimately aid in diagnosis or treatment-related decisions.

Computer tomography is an important medical imaging tool that can help diagnose diseases, injuries or abnormalities, plan and conduct interventional or therapeutic procedures, and monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments, said Lorel Burka, assistant director of the FDA's Diagnostic X-Ray Systems Group. He added that today's solution represents the first major new technology for computed tomography in nearly 10 years and highlighted the FDA's efforts to promote innovation in the areas of scientific and diagnostic progress.^[1]

Notes