Continuous monitoring of the X-ray tube assembly

Siemens Healthcare now offers “TubeGuard” for all computed tomography (CT) scanners of its Somatom Definition product family. TubeGuard is an additional option of the proactive, real-time monitoring of customer systems via the “Guardian Program”.

It continuously checks the operability of the X-ray tube assembly in the customer's CT system. TubeGuard informs the Siemens Service Center online via Siemens Remote Service (SRS) in due time before a tube assembly actually fails, e.g. at the end of its time of operation. A replacement can thus be supplied immediately, thus reducing the risk of unforeseen system failures considerably.

Many customers use their CT scanners for emergency and cardiac examinations, and therefore require the highest possible level of reliability. A CT X-ray tube assembly is therefore a wearing part with a usage-dependent service life. Failure of the X-ray tube assembly necessitates a complete interruption of the clinical workflow. The patient may have to be given another appointment or brought to another department. “The risk of a system failure can be reduced considerably by the Guardian Program including TubeGuard”, said Dr. Wolfgang Heimsch, CEO Customer Services, Siemens Healthcare. “With the help of TubeGuard, we know in the majority of all cases in advance where an X-ray tube assembly will soon fail and can thus react accordingly. This gives our customers the advantage of being able to plan clinical workflows more reliably than ever before.”

The CT X-ray tube assembly features many functions, e.g. cooling, vacuum and rotation. Once TubeGuard has been installed, sensors monitor these functions proactively in real time and transmit the data via SRS. In this way, deviations can be detected before problems actually occur. “Customers can book TubeGuard as an option of the Siemens Guardian Program. They can thus adapt their service expenditures to suit their own specific clinical requirements”, said Dr. Heimsch.

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 more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion.