New detector technology, combined with Siemens’ established dual-source CT, offers reduced electronic noise for optimum low-signal imaging
Siemens Healthcare has announced that the SOMATOM Definition Flash dual-source computed tomography (CT) system with the new Stellar Detector – the first fully integrated detector that virtually eliminates electronic noise – has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale and distribution in the United States. The new Stellar Detector further enhances the already outstanding SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system by delivering high spatial resolution, generating ultra-thin slices and providing an outstanding level of sharpness in CT at impressively low levels of patient radiation. With the combination of the SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system and the new Stellar Detector, even the finest image details can now be visualized. This exciting innovation is an example of Siemens’ approach to delivering innovative solutions that provide maximum value to customers – primary goals of the Healthcare Sector’s recently announced Agenda 2013.
Since its debut in late 2008, the SOMATOM Definition Flash dual-source CT system has distinguished itself by requiring only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to image even the smallest anatomical details.
With the addition of Siemens’ TrueSignal technology – which, for the first time, integrates the electronic detector components into the photodiode to reduce power consumption – the new Stellar Detector significantly reduces electronic noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of CT images created by the SOMATOM Definition Flash. The electronic noise reduction capabilities would not be possible without the cutting-edge Ultra Fast Ceramics (UFC) detector material that is available across all Siemens CT scanners. The UFC advantages of high X-ray absorption, short afterglow and luminous efficiency ultimately enable efficient CT acquisition. With the Stellar Detector, noise reduction is possible from the very small to the very large – pediatric as well as bariatric patients.
“We are very excited about this breakthrough technology,” said Kulin Hemani, U.S. VP of CT, Siemens Healthcare. “Bolstered by the new Stellar Detector, the SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system will enable clinicians to visualize more anatomical details at a lower dose, resulting in a more confident patient diagnosis and demonstrating Siemens’ enduring commitment to our customers to deliver high levels of patient care.”
Utilizing the unique ability of the Stellar Detector, the new SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system may help enable physicians to visualize even very fine details. The system enables cardiac scanning in only a quarter of a heartbeat. Together with its maximum temporal resolution of 75 ms, it freezes any cardiac motion. For this reason, clinicians have the option of not requiring patients to hold their breath during the exam.
“Johns Hopkins is proud to be one of the first facilities to acquire the SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system with the new Stellar Detector,” said Eliot K. Fishman, MD, director of diagnostic imaging and body CT at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore. “Clinical results achieved by facilities outside the U.S. indicate that this technology will help us to better view the vascular system that feeds tumors, enabling us to more accurately determine the patient’s stage of disease.”¹
Additionally, Siemens’ FAST CARE (Fully Assisting Scanner Technologies/Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure) workflow acceleration and dose reduction technology increases patient-centric productivity. For example, with the help of the FAST Spine feature, which enables one-click preparation of complex vertebrae and disc reconstructions, physicians are able to provide earlier, more accurately targeted treatment related to trauma imaging and neurological CT examinations.
Launched by Siemens Healthcare Sector in November 2011, Agenda 2013 is a two-year global initiative to further strengthen the Healthcare Sector's innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures will be implemented in four fields of action: Innovation, Competitiveness, Regional Footprint, and People Development.
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 51,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2011 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 12.5 billion euros and profit of around 1.3 billion euros. For further information please visit: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.
