Browse
related articles
The system requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before. The Somatom Definition Flash is a new Dual-Source CT from Siemens, featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient's body.
The fastest scanning speed in CT (i.e., 43 cm/s) and a temporal resolution of 75 ms, enable for example complete scans of the entire chest region in just 0.6 seconds. Thus, patients are no longer required to hold their breath during the exam the way they had in the past. At the same time, the Somatom Definition Flash operates at an extremely reduced radiation dose. For example, a FlashSpiral heart scan can be performed with less than 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas the average effective dose required for this purpose usually ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv.
Siemens will launch its new Somatom Definition Flash CT scanner in the Middle East at Arab Health 2009 from January 26 - January 29, 2009 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (Hall 3, Booth A20).
This new generation of Dual-Source CT scanners, featuring two X-ray tubes and two detectors, will provide a genuine innovation boost to Dual-Source technology. The enormous speed of the Somatom Definition Flash offers decisive advantages, especially regarding examinations of moving structures, such as the thorax and the heart. The gantry (i.e., the X-ray detector system surrounding the bore) rotates about its own axis in just 0.28 s. It is this extraordinary rotational speed that enables a scan speed never before attained in CT (i.e., up to 43 cm per second) and temporal resolution of 75 milliseconds.
The patient is moved through the CT tube more than twice as fast as with any conventional system. At the same time, scans acquired with the Somatom Definition Flash require a much lower radiation dose than conventional scans. While the average effective dose for a heart CT scanner ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv, the new Siemens CT scanner gets by with less than 1 mSv. In comparison: The X-ray radiation that everyone is exposed to each year from natural sources ranges from 2 mSv to 5 mSv. The dose values of the new Siemens CT scanner lie far below those of an intracardiac catheter examination, thus opening up possibilities for using CT scanners for routine cardiological examinations.
Dr. Sami Atiya, chief executive officer of Computed Tomography at Siemens Healthcare, said:
"The Somatom Definition Flash is not only the world's fastest CT scanner, but also the one with the lowest radiation exposure. Siemens has always given top priority to radiation dose reduction in the course of CT development. And we are proud that our company has once again set a new standard in this regard."
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services.
Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs around 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €11.2bn, orders of €11.8bn, and Sector profit of €1.2bn.
Posted by Rana Mesbah
