FDA Clears Siemens’ Somatom Scope CT System

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Siemen Healthcare’s Somatom Scope, a new 16-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner.

The Somatom Scope includes eCockpit technology that extends the scanner’s operational lifetime by minimizing wear and tear on its most vital components. Designed for private radiology practices, community hospitals, critical access hospitals, specialty practices such as orthopedics and urology, and veterinary medicine, the Somatom Scope is available in two configurations – Scope and Scope Power – and enables healthcare providers to comply with the NEMA XR-29 Smart Dose Standard, ensuring a safer imaging experience for patients.

“By adding the Scope to our portfolio of Somatom CT scanners, we help bring CT imaging closer to the point of care, enabling our customers to focus on what matters the most: improving care through more informed, timely clinical decision-making,” said Murat Gungor, vice president, computed tomography and radiation oncology business management at Siemens Healthcare. “The Somatom Scope helps ensure that a greater segment of the patient population has access to technologies while enabling facilities to help control costs as well as save time and effort throughout their daily routine.”

While the Somatom Scope is designed for use in routine diagnostic imaging as well as oncological examinations, interventional radiology, and vascular imaging, the more robust Somatom Scope Power – with its stronger X-ray tube, higher performance generator, and faster rotation speed – is ideal for higher volume clinical settings, company bigwigs claim. The Somatom Scope utilizes Siemens’ IRIS (Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space) technology, which accelerates image reconstruction while reducing noise and artifacts. And the system’s Adaptive Signal Boost technology amplifies low signals when high attenuation is present. The Somatom Scope includes Siemens FAST (Fully Assisting Scanner Technology) and CARE (Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure) applications to help reduce radiation exposure and standardize the CT imaging process – freeing up more time for technologists to interact with patients, the company noted in a news release.

The Somatom Scope’s lightweight nature and space requirement of 130.2 square feet enable installation in nearly any room. Energy-saving functions reduce its energy consumption and enable facilities to save on air conditioning due to low heat emissions. Additionally, the system’s eCockpit technology package includes eSleep, which helps to further reduce energy costs by putting the gantry into eSleep mode during periods of extended inactivity. The eCockpit’seMode (previously available only on the Somatom Perspective CT system), enables the scanner to automatically select the optimum scan parameters, curbing wear and tear on the hardware. And with the eCockpit’s eStart feature, the user can extend the lifespan of the system’s X-ray tube through a gradual warm-up process following longer periods of stand-by status.

Based in Germany, Siemens AG develops medical imaging equipment such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging systems, laboratory diagnostics, clinical IT, wind turbine technology, power transmission solutions and automation/software solutions for industry. The company employes roughly 362,000 people worldwide.