Siemens presents new 16-slice CT scanner Somatom Scope

At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna (March 6 – 10, 2014) Siemens Healthcare will premiere its latest 16-slice CT scanner for the entry-level segment: Somatom Scope offers remarkably efficient operating costs over the entire operational lifetime – up to 35% lower than with the previous model.

With this efficient CT scanner for clinical routine, Siemens Healthcare is helping its customers to tackle rising cost pressures in healthcare systems and is enabling access to innovative technologies for radiology patients around the world.

The new CT scanner is available in two configurations: the particularly cost-effective Somatom Scope and the higher-performance Somatom Scope Power. Both models include the eCockpit technology package, which makes the systems easier to use and extends their operational lifetime.

Several factors are responsible for the noticeable reduction in overall operating costs, beginning with the very low space requirement of just eight square meters and the light weight of the new CT scanner. This means that it can be installed in almost any room with little inconvenience. Energy consumption also plays an important role throughout the entire lifespan.

Several energy-saving functions not only reduce the energy required by both Somatom Scope configurations, but also save on air conditioning due to low heat emissions. Energy savings of up to 65% can be made compared with the previous generation. The eCockpit technology package helps to further reduce energy costs through its eSleep function, which puts the gantry in sleep mode if it is not used for an extended period.

eCockpit makes devices easier to use and last longer

In addition to eSleep, Siemens Healthcare is now bringing the other innovative technologies of the eCockpit to the entry-level market for routine scanners. eMode and eStart not only make it easier to use the Somatom Scope CT scanner and extend its lifespan, but also enable further savings over the entire operational lifetime.

For example, eMode (already known from Somatom Perspective) automatically selects the optimum scan parameters to reduce wear and tear on the scanner hardware, thus making the device more efficient and reducing maintenance costs and device downtimes while maintaining the right balance between radiation dose and image quality.

In addition, eStart enables extension of lifespan of the X-ray tube – one of the most expensive CT components – by a dedicated warm-up procedure before the first scan after longer periods in stand-by to protect the tube material. This avoids cold starts, which place considerable strain on the tube.

With the combination of eStart, eMode and eSleep as the eCockpit, all phases of the scanner utilization, from stand-by to warm-up to scan, are taken into consideration in order to increase efficiency and scanner uptime. This helps to reduce operating costs by up to 35% over the operational lifetime (average eight years) compared with the previous generation of CT scanners.

This high cost efficiency means that, in times of limited budgets, the new CT scanner is particularly suitable for private radiology practices and small- to medium-sized hospitals. It covers routine oncological examinations as well as trauma diagnostics, interventional radiology, and vascular imaging. For greater clinical requirements and larger patient numbers, Somatom Scope Power is recommended: With a stronger X-ray tube, a higher performance generator, and faster rotation speed, it enables greater volume coverage, for example.

Whether a Somatom Scope or Somatom Scope Power is installed, users with a Siemens service contract for their system who use eMode and eStart in more than 80% of CT examinations will be able to choose from a variety of additional service benefits. For example, customers in Germany will receive a service cost reduction of up to 10%.

Flexible image reading solution

For both configurations syngo.via Element, an entry-level solution for CT image reading, is available. This software package includes basic functions such as 3D reading as well as optional applications for use in complex neurological and oncological cases, for example. As with the new CT scanner, syngo.via Element is geared toward the requirements of radiology practices and local hospitals.

Both Somatom Scope models are available for delivery from mid-2014.
Press pictures are available at www.siemens.com/press/somatom-scope.