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Siemens Healthineers Expands Photon-Counting CT Portfolio

Three years after the launch of the world’s first photon-counting computed tomography scanner, Siemens Healthineers introduces the Naeotom Alpha class including two additional scanners. Since 2021, Naeotom Alpha has been the only commercially available system with this technology available for clinical use, and more than a million patients have already been scanned worldwide. Photon-counting CT enables the acquisition of more detailed images with anatomical and functional information by “counting” each individual X-ray photon that passes through patients. At lower radiation doses, clinicians can detect and evaluate small structures precisely and with fewer artifacts, maximizing the diagnostic information and accuracy for fast decision-making and optimized imaging workflows.
5min
Published on December 1, 2024

Siemens Healthineers Expands Photon-Counting CT Portfolio

Chicago, Illinois, USA | Dec 1, 2024

  • Naeotom Alpha class: two new photon-counting CT scanners 
  • High image quality at low radiation dose opens new opportunities in diagnostics, with potential of changing treatment pathways 
  • World’s first single source photon-counting CT scanner with wide appeal for healthcare providers 

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Siemens Healthineers introduces Naeotom Alpha.Peak

Siemens Healthineers introduces Naeotom Alpha.Peak.
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Background information

Computed tomography (CT) is an indispensable tool of modern medicine for early and fast detection and diagnosis of diseases. It is the backbone of radiological diagnosis. Yet, not all diagnostic questions can be answered using CT imaging. For some diseases, a CT examination will not produce a conclusive diagnosis from which necessary treatment steps can be derived. In such cases, further examinations with other procedures will be required to diagnose the disease reliably. There are also various reasons why certain patient groups are not examined with fast and straightforward CT imaging, which can delay reporting. These reasons include reticence regarding X-ray dose in the case of children and young adults and the commonly used iodinated contrast media in the case of kidney disease patients.

History of CT technology

1930s - Birth of X-ray tomography

In the early 1930s, the Siemens-Introskop rotates the radiation source and X-ray film around a part of the body for imaging. X-ray tomography was born.

1930er_Introskop

1975 - First commercial CT in series

Godfrey Hounsfield and his team develop the first functional computer tomograph in the early 1970s. Shortly after, in 1972, Siemens starts developing their first CT, the “Siretom” for skull diagnostics with market introduction in 1975. Scanning a two-centimeter slice of the brain takes roughly nine minutes. Two years later, Siemens presents its first full-body CT “Somatom”.

1975_SIRETOM

2005 - First dual-source CT

With the “Somatom Definition”, Siemens presents the world's first dual-source computer tomograph. The device has two X-ray tubes and two detectors, which enables clinical recordings to be made at a previously unknown speed.

2005_Somatom_Definition_16-9

2021 – Photon-counting CT

Conventional CT detectors are developed to their full potential, innovation steps are small. With photon-counting technology Siemens Healthineers makes a significant leap in innovation. For example, radiation or contrast media doses can be reduced by up to 40 percent.1

The insides of a Siemens Healthineers computer tomograph

2021 - Nomination German Future Prize

Experts from Siemens Healthineers are beeing nominated for the German Future Award for their development of the first photon-counting computed tomography scanner.

Close-up of sensorboards in the production mount

2024 – Photon-counting portfolio expansion

Siemens Healthineers expands its Photon-Counting CT Portfolio with two additional scanners, delivering on the promise to make the powerful technology accessible to more clinicians and patients.

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  1. Leng S et al., “Dose-efficient ultrahigh-resolution scan mode using a photon counting detector computed tomography system”, J. Med. Imag. 3(4), 043504 (2016), doi: 10.1117/1.JMI.3.4.043504

  2. Naeotom Alpha.Peak, Naeotom Alpha.Pro and Naeotom Alpha.Prime are pending 510(k) clearance and are not yet commercially available in the United States and other countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed.

  3. The statements by customers of Siemens Healthineers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer's unique setting. Because there is no “typical” hospital or laboratory and many variables exist (e.g., hospital size, samples mix, case mix, level of IT and/or automation adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.