Siemens Healthineers Announces First U.S. Installation of Somatom Pro.Pulse

Advanced Imaging of Montana has become the first healthcare facility in the United States to install Siemens Healthineers‘ Somatom Pro.Pulse, a dual-source computed tomography scanner from Siemens Healthineers. The scanner is designed to be affordable for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including outpatient diagnostic centers. 
 
The scanner combines the speed and power of dual-source CT technology—two X-ray tubes and two detectors—with embedded artificial intelligence and user assistance features to deliver workflow efficiencies. Dual-source CT provides high temporal resolution, which, in addition to scan speed, is important for cardiac CT scans to limit imaging artifacts caused by breathing or cardiac motion.

Matthew Dedman, vice president of computed tomography at Siemens Healthineers North America, said: “With this installation of the nation’s first Somatom Pro.Pulse, Advanced Imaging of Montana is now able to address the increasing demand for advanced cardiac imaging to better serve their patients—at the same total cost of ownership as a typical single-source CT scanner.”  
 
The Pro.Pulse has an AI-powered intelligent user interface, myExam Companion, that combines patient data and collects scan-relevant information such as heart rate or breath-hold capabilities to develop a patient-specific scan protocol. The optional FAST (Fully Assisting Scanner Technologies) 3D camera automatically performs precise, consistent patient positioning. 
 
The scanner has an air-cooled gantry, requires 31 percent less space for installation than the company’s previous dual-source systems, and consumes 20 percent less power than traditional water-cooled dual-source CT scanners.
 
“Thanks to the Somatom Pro.Pulse, Advanced Imaging is able to provide our adult and pediatric patients with the dual-source CT technology that otherwise would have been beyond our means,” said Jenny McGuinn, clinical manager of Advanced Imaging of Montana, located in Missoula, Montana. “The scanner is enabling us to meet an increasing demand for cardiac CT studies and CT-guided interventional procedures, and its ease of use and smoothness of workflow benefits our staff.”