3. Siemens CT Vision
Today’s reality Our approach • to maximize workflow efficiency
Better healthcare for all patients is a key In order to meet our share of responsibility • to make state-of-the-art CT affordable
priority for the entire medical industry. in addressing these challenges, Siemens, • to set the standard in customer care
But the realities of clinical practice often from the earliest stages of research, product
make this simple-to-understand goal quite development, and design, relies upon the Our vision
difficult to realize: staying within budgets, advice and recommendations of external As a partner to our customers, we create
reducing hospital stays, speeding up time to medical experts to determine our focus – CT innovations that lift clinical practice to
diagnosis, and dealing with personnel issues, and this focus has been on the needs and the next level of excellence and enable wide
while maintaining high clinical standards demands of our end users. Over the years, access to better patient care. We believe
and throughput. At the same time, patients this focus has been fine-tuned in four that even the farthest technical horizons
demand better and faster results. key areas: are temporary and can be surpassed
• to lead technological and medical with consistent dedication to improved
advancement healthcare. This visionary approach, backed
2
4. up by the, by far, largest R&D budgets in the standard for Single Source CT: the patient radiation. With the SOMATOM
healthcare industry, has made Siemens the SOMATOM Definition Edge with the revo- Definition Edge, Siemens again pushes the
undisputed innovation leader in CT over lutionary Stellar Detector with TrueSignal boundaries of patient care.
the last 35 years. And our ambitious global Technology. Developed with the clear goal
team continues to set the trend in an of providing the latest in CT technology,
always changing environment, providing the SOMATOM Definition Edge integrates
Answers for Life. the unique innovations of the SOMATOM
Definition Flash into a groundbreaking
Our solution Single Source CT system. Finally, Single
In 2008, Siemens introduced the gold Source CT imaging can unleash its
standard in CT technology, still unrivaled full potential: offering uncompromised
today: the SOMATOM® Definition Flash. diagnostic outcome with highest image
And now, again, Siemens sets the quality, acquired at impressively low
3
6. See the Unseen 09
Unprecedented spatial resolution 12
Uncompromised temporal resolution 14
Clinical field: Cardiovascular 16
Unparalleled acquisition speed 18
Clinical field: Acute care 20
Get More from Less 23
Dose reduction in low-signal imaging 26
Dose reduction with SAFIRE 28
Dose reduction with CARE kV 30
Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure (CARE) 32
Specify the Unspecific 35
Calculi characterization in clinical routine 38
Gout identification in clinical routine 40
Reducing metal artifacts in clinical routine 42
Improved dynamic imaging in clinical routine 44
Benefits and Technical Specifications 46
International Version. Not for distribution in the US.
Scan to see
the unseen of
Edge Technology
features.
www.siemens.com/somatom-definition-edge
5
7. SOMATOM Definition Edge
The Reference in Single Source CT
See the unseen
Get more from less
Specify the unspecific
For decades, Siemens has been the undisputed innovation leader in high-end CT
imaging. But the clinical need for higher image quality persists. Therefore, we proudly
introduce the SOMATOM Definition Edge with the revolutionary Stellar Detector,
the first fully-integrated detector. Designed to minimize electronic noise, it takes
CT imaging where it has never gone before.
6
8. The uniqueness of the Stellar Detector allows the SOMATOM Definition Edge
to generate ultra-thin slices, thus delivering the highest spatial resolution in CT.
You can visualize even the finest image details, for example, for the most
accurate stenosis and stent analysis. It lets you see what was previously unseen.
The minimized noise level of the Stellar Detector together with SAFIRE – our
raw-data-based iterative reconstruction – is perfect for ultra low-dose imaging,
eliminating the contradiction of outstanding image quality with minimal dose.
You get more diagnostic quality with less patient radiation.
Additionally, Dual Energy (DE) is a reality for Single Source CT imaging.
With the novel capabilities of the Stellar Detector and the only dose-optimized
Single Source DE scan mode, the SOMATOM Definition Edge enables you to
add tissue characteristics to the morphology. You can now specify formerly
unspecific information for higher diagnostic outcome.
With these unrivaled features, the SOMATOM Definition Edge enters new
frontiers in medical imaging, becoming: The Reference in Single Source CT.
7
11. See the Unseen
Introducing the latest generation of CT detector technology:
Siemens’ unique Stellar Detector, together with innovative Edge
Technology, delivers slices thinner than the detector spacing.
focal spot
The Stellar Detector
Edge Technology A general principle in CT is that thinner slices The Stellar Detector introduces the
Minimized cross-talk from the deliver more image detail, but also less light next generation in detector technology,
Stellar Detector creates an quants per voxel, i.e., higher image noise. succeeding gas and solid-state technology.
almost perfect model of the
This lowers the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) Using nanotechnology, it is possible to
focal spot. The result is a slice
thickness of 0.5 mm.
and leads to slice blurring. Conventional CT miniaturize the electronic components
compensates by increasing dose. Clinical on the detector elements, enabling their
Conventional Technology experience following the ALARA (As Low As integration directly at the photodiode.
Cross-talk resulting Reasonably Achievable) principle has shown So, for the first time, the electronics of
from slice blurring in that a 0.6 mm collimator width is the opti- the detector elements are fully integrated
conventional detector. detector
mum combination of slice thickness and in the photodiode. This full electronic
projection
dose. So further reduction of slice thickness integration is Siemens' revolutionary
was limited. Until now. TrueSignal Technology.
10
12. Edge Technology
Electronic noise and cross-talk are mini-
mized thanks to full electronic integration.
Without cross-talk, intrinsic slice blurring
between neighboring detector rows can
be avoided and individual slice profiles
are much more precise. Siemens’ Edge
Scan to learn
Technology creates an almost perfect model
more about
of the focal spot and detector, generating
the new
a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Thanks to
Stellar Detector.
minimized electronic noise, the 0.5 mm
slice has a sufficient signal contribution
to be used in clinical routine.
www.siemens.com/edge-stellar
11
13. 0.30 mm
Unprecedented
spatial resolution
Innovation delivers outstanding results Increased image detail Higher signal-to-noise ratio
High spatial resolution in combination In addition to the Stellar Detector, the But how can the reduced light quants of
with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a SOMATOM Definition Edge is equipped with a 0.5 mm slice be compensated for? The
reliable indicator for excellent image quality. Siemens’ renowned STRATON® tube with secret is the TrueSignal Technology of the
Together they describe the image detail level z-Sharp™ Technology. This combination is Stellar Detector. Instead of increasing dose,
and sharpness that can be made visible while the essence of increasing spatial resolution. it makes more efficient use of the initially
acquiring diagnostic CT images. In addition, Using a flying focal spot with two distinct available quants per voxel: As the electronic
a homogenic slice profile with the same spa- X-ray beams, z-Sharp acquires two individ- noise of the detector is virtually eliminated,
tial resolution and SNR everywhere in the ual, overlapping slices. With Edge Technol- the overall noise is reduced so that the quants
entire Field of View (FOV) is essential for con- ogy, the Stellar Detector now delivers slices contribute to a higher SNR. Consequently,
sistent high image quality. Other approaches with a thickness of 0.5 mm, resulting in a thin slices of 0.5 mm can be used in
in the market had to make compromises, for spatial resolution of up to 0.30 mm, which clinical practice.
example by reducing the FOV size. is equivalent to approximately 19 lp/cm.
12
14. More consistent image quality
By acquiring two distinct slices, z-Sharp
collects twice the amount of projections.
This avoids miscalculation of data points,
as they are measured and not interpolated,
providing a higher data quality. And as the
slices are acquired in parallel, the data points
are equidistant, resulting in a more consis-
tent slice thickness compared to conjugate
approaches. Adding the reduced slice blurring
of the Stellar Detector, the slice profile over-
all becomes more homogeneous with con-
sistent spatial resolution over the entire FoV.
13
15. 142 msec
Uncompromised
temporal resolution
Uncompromised rotation speed Uncompromised performance
The core technology to achieve high noise. Until now, this typically had to be The unique combination of Stellar Detector,
rotation speed is the renowned STRATON compensated for by increasing the applied STRATON tube and new gantry is the key
tube. Based on direct anode cooling, it current which consequently required a benefit of the SOMATOM Definition Edge.
eliminates the need for heat storage and higher generator power. But the Stellar With a rotation speed of 0.28 sec, it delivers
has an unmatched compact design. Detector with TrueSignal Technology a temporal resolution of 142.5 msec. At the
Together with new gantry architecture, reduces electronic noise in the detector. same time, it utilizes the unique spatial
this enables an additional increase in the This optimizes the initial SNR and thus resolution of up to 0.30 mm provided by
rotation speed of the SOMATOM Definition avoids the need to further increase the Stellar Detector. And its gantry concept
Edge. Increased rotation speed means generator power. now makes it possible to use it within the
shorter rotation times. That means that the entire FoV of up to 500 mm. Only with this
available signal per rotation is also reduced, uncompromised performance can you
which results in lower SNR or higher image achieve outstanding clinical results.
14
16. Uncompromised image detail
High temporal resolution is essential for
motion-artifact-free imaging, e.g., in cardiac
examinations to perform accurate stenosis
measurements. But this benefit is contra-
dicted when compromises like reduced
image detail or limited FoV have to be made
in order to utilize high rotation speeds.
Therefore, the SOMATOM Definition Edge
was specifically designed to go beyond
these limitations. Its revolutionary Stellar
Detector provides unprecedented image
detail independent of rotation speed.
15
17. Clinical field:
Cardiovascular
High spatial resolution High temporal resolution In-stent restenosis
Cardiac imaging combines two In cardiology, high spatial resolution only Spatial resolution is of no benefit without A common clinical question typically posed
crucial requirements in CT makes sense when it can be provided in high temporal resolution. Limited spatial in stent follow-up examinations is whether
imaging: high spatial resolution concert with high temporal resolution. resolution can lead to motion artifacts from the vessel has re-occluded after the stent
at high temporal resolution. One
With only limited spatial resolution, the the respective vessel. This increases the has been set. As stents are very small
example that demonstrates the
benefits of the new SOMATOM
visualization of small occlusions might be danger of false positive findings, meaning objects within constantly moving vessels,
Definition Edge regarding impaired, resulting in blurring artifacts. a stenosis is diagnosed, although the this procedure requires precise image details
artifact-free high resolution is These may affect the diagnosis, as it can finding is a result of the misinterpreted without motion artifacts. With the unique
stent imaging in cardiology. conceal the actual stenosis. With higher fuzzy visualization of the vessel. Therefore, combination of highest spatial resolution at
spatial resolution, blurring artifacts are high spatial resolution must be delivered uncompromised temporal resolution, the
reduced, allowing better assessment of together with high temporal resolution; SOMATOM Definition Edge offers the most
the lumen. not one or the other. advanced solution for this clinical challenge.
16
18. collimation:
128 x 0.5 mm
spatial resolution:
0.30 mm
temp resolution:
142 msec
scan time:
5 sec
scan length:
119 mm
rotation time:
0.28 sec
CTDIvol:
38 mGy
DLP:
656 mGy cm
eff. dose:
9.2 mSv
High resolution imaging of
stents at uncompromised
temporal resolutions allows
for sound exclusion of
in-stent stenosis.
17
19. 230
mm / sec
Unparalleled
acquisition speed
Uncompromised spatial resolution
In conventional CT systems, high One of the most challenging demands In such cases the SOMATOM Definition
resolution means scanning at in CT is providing high acquisition speed Edge is in a class of its own. The new level
reduced pitch. With z-Sharp, without compromising spatial resolution; of image detail with a spatial resolution of
high resolution is independent
for example, in acute-care scenarios when up to 0.30 mm provided by the Stellar
of pitch, making high resolution
available for high-pitch acute
unconscious or uncooperative patients Detector allows visualizations of even the
care examinations. have to be scanned quickly. Here the finest fractures or lesions. Additionally,
‘golden hour’ to diagnosis mandates the newly designed gantry, together with
precise localization and identification of Siemens’ most advanced patient table,
critical injuries. The goal is to prevent now allows an acquisition speed of up to
motion artifacts when patients have only 230 mm/sec. This takes motion out of
a limited ability to hold their breath. the equation, increasing the diagnostic
reliability in such crucial cases.
18
20. Conventional technology z-Sharp technology
R2 R1 R2 R1 R2 R1 R1 R1 R1
pitch = 1.4 pitch = 1.0 pitch = 0.55 pitch = 1.4 pitch = 1.0 pitch = 0.55
High-pitch high-resolution CT
Increasing spatial resolution beyond the The uniqueness of the SOMATOM Definition
detector width requires overlapping slices. Edge is the combination of the Stellar
For conventional CT systems, this means Detector, the STRATON tube with z-Sharp,
reducing pitch to facilitate the slice overlap. the new gantry with 0.28 sec rotation speed,
For scans requiring high pitch, the reduced and the patient table that supports a pitch
or missing overlap then reduces spatial of 1.7. This allows a scan speed of up to
resolution. But with z-Sharp, the overlap 230 mm/sec. Clinically, this means scanning
results from an acquisition with two distinct the whole heart in half a second, a 50 cm
projections coming from the STRATON tube. thorax in roughly two seconds or performing
Consequently, the two slices overlap inde- a two-meter scan of the entire body in
pendently of the pitch used and can always nearly eight-and-a-half seconds, all at a
provide highest resolution. spatial resolution of up to 0.30 mm.
19
21. Clinical field:
acute care
The golden hour High-resolution high-speed imaging
Acute care is one of the most Acute care demands the highest spatial In addition to the fact that every second whether very small fractures of the spine
challenging applications in CT. resolution at the fastest possible acquisition counts in the golden hour, there is another have impacted the spinal cord. So it is
This clinical field shows how the speed, which is very challenging. The reason to use the fastest possible acquisition imperative to acquire the highest possible
new SOMATOM Definition Edge
reason is that the ‘golden hour’ is crucial: speed. Acute-care patients are often spatial resolution at the fastest possible
is the answer when examining
an acute-care patient with severe
Appropriate therapy which is instituted uncooperative, so it is essential that the acquisition speed. The SOMATOM Definition
injuries of the upper spine. within this time frame is likely to have a CT scan is performed as fast as possible to Edge with the unique STRATON tube makes
much more significant impact on improving reduce movement artifacts. But you want to spatial resolution independent of the
patient outcome by decreasing morbidity be sure you are not reducing spatial resolu- selected pitch. And having the patient table
and mortality. Consequently, the guiding tion. When looking at fractures, for example, from the SOMATOM Definition Flash at
imaging for these decisions must deliver the it is essential to assess whether larger a pitch of 1.7 is possible. This allows an
required answers quickly. Therefore, CT is fractures or broken bones have ruptured small acquisition speed of up to 230 mm/sec at
the modality of choice. vessels and caused internal bleeding, or a spatial resolution of 0.30 mm.
20
22. collimation:
128 x 0.5 mm
spatial resolution:
0.30 mm
scan time:
7.6 sec
scan length:
230 mm
rotation time:
1.0 sec
CTDIvol:
22.4 mGy
DLP:
590 mGy cm
eff. dose:
8.9 mSv
Spine image of a 70-year-old
patient with vertebrae
degeneration visualizing even
the finest bone structures.
21
25. Get More from Less
The unique Stellar Detector with TrueSignal Technology
reflects the continuation of Siemens’ commitment to
deliver best image quality at lowest signal or lowest dose.
TrueSignal Technology
The low signal capability There are various reasons to scan with TrueSignal Technology with the full
of a detector can be described low signals. For example, bariatric patients integration of the Stellar Detector virtually
best by a high SNR. The Stellar can cause strong attenuation. But low eliminates electronic noise in the detector
Detector with TrueSignal
signals can be fully intentional, mainly elements. The resulting SNR is increased so
Technoogy minimizes electronic
l
noise – optimal for low signal
driven by the desire to reduce dose. Many that even very low signals are sufficiently
and dose imaging. recent innovations, especially iterative strong enough for the detector to cope with.
reconstruction solutions, reflect this. Low-signal images benefit from increased
They were explicitly developed to lower the sharpness and clarity, as the detector can
applied dose. So it follows to introduce a now differentiate the signal of an individual
detector that is specially optimized for voxel much better than the surrounding
low-signal imaging: the Stellar Detector image data.
with TrueSignal Technology.
24
26. SOMATOM noise
Definition Edge [HU]
40 cm
40 cm fit
Conventional CT
40 cm
300
40 cm fit -25% at 200 mA
-20% at 300 mA
200
-12% at 400 mA
100
0 current [mA] Dose savings at the
same noise level with
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 SOMATOM Definition Edge
Comparable noise level at lower signal
The outcome can be best visualized when Due to minimized electronic noise, the
looking at noise measurements of large available signal is less impaired, so that the
patients. When comparing conventional CT same noise level can be achieved with
technology with the SOMATOM Definition significantly lower signal levels. This means
Edge and the Stellar Detector with TrueSignal that when there is high attenuation from
Technology, the resulting noise is more or very large patients, the detector can make
less the same for high signals. But when better use of the resulting low signal. Or,
the signal is lowered – either by high the dose can be further reduced to achieve
attenuations from obese or broad- a comparable image quality.
shouldered patients, or by reducing the
applied mA – the impact of TrueSignal
Technology increases.
25
27. Up to
25%
Dose reduction in
low-signal imaging
Obesity – the new global disease Optimized bariatric imaging
More and more patients suffer One example of how reducing electronic By minimizing electronic noise, the State-of-the-art CT systems have to react
from obesity. Therefore, the noise with TrueSignal Technology benefits detector’s SNR increases, providing much to the new challenges presented by the
capability to deliver sound low-signal efficiency is bariatric imaging. more flexibility in handling low signals. This increasing number of bariatric patients. This
bariatric imaging is essential for
Obesity is on the rise: In the US and some is essential for bariatric imaging, as often means having the appropriate ergonomics
state-of-the-art CT imaging.
European countries, more than 1/3 of the maximum power is applied, but the signal to handle these patients, as well as having
population is considered obese. Therefore, reaching the detector is very low. Conven- the technology to achieve the image quality
there is a growing need to scan large tional detectors have a comparatively high necessary for reaching sound diagnoses.
patients. However, obese patients attenuate intrinsic noise level and impaired image The SOMATOM Definition Edge delivers the
a significant portion of the signal, so quality. Due to the electronic integration of ideal solution with a 78 cm gantry bore, and
regardless of scanner ergonomics, many the Stellar Detector, this noise level is a table load capacity of more than 300 kg,
conventional CT systems are unsuitable, significantly lower, so the available signal all enhanced by the new Stellar Detector
as the signal is too low. can be processed more efficiently. with TrueSignal Technology.
26
28. collimation:
64 x 0.6 mm
spatial resolution:
0.33 mm
scan time:
1.5 sec
scan length:
155 mm
rotation time:
0.5 sec
CTDIvol:
21 mGy
DLP:
325 mGy cm
eff. dose:
4.55 mSv
Conventional detector
technologies have difficulties
handling low signals, resulting,
for example, in streak artifacts
(left). With its higher SNR,
the Stellar Detector is perfectly
designed to cope with low
signals (right).
27
29. Up to
60%
Dose reduction
with SAFIRE
Low dose is low-signal imaging Iterative reconstruction SAFIRE and the Stellar Detector
* The following test method was used The significant reduction of mA when scan- After the initial reconstruction using Superior image quality in regard to
to determine a 60% dose reduction ning with iterative reconstruction solutions weighted filtered back projection (WFBP), contrast and noise can be obtained with
when using the SAFIRE
reconstruction software: Noise, like SAFIRE (Sinogram Affirmed Iterative the CT images are retransferred to raw data. this methodology. And it can be used to
CT numbers, homogeneity, Reconstruction) also results in lower signals By comparing this new synthetic raw data initially acquire the data at lower mA and
low-contrast resolution and high- at the detector, so these examinations also with the acquired data, differences can be then compensate the image quality during
contrast resolution were assessed
in a Gammex 438 phantom. benefit from the advantages of TrueSignal identified by applying a dynamic raw-data the reconstruction. By using this approach,
Low-dose data reconstructed with Technology. The computational power of based noise model. An updated image is SAFIRE enables a dose reduction of up to
SAFIRE showed the same image systems like FAST IRS fascilitate iterative then reconstructed, with reduced image 60%.* This reduction in dose means a lower
quality compared to full-dose data
based on this test. Data on file. reconstruction in a wider range of clinical noise but without noticeable loss of sharp- signal at the detector. So now unique low-
applications. The number of iterative ness. This is repeated several times – image signal capabilities of the Stellar Detector
reconstruction scans is thereby increased, noise can be incrementally reduced and further optimize the image quality, resulting
resulting in more benefits for patients. geometrical imperfections corrected. in even higher sharpness and clarity.
28
30. collimation:
128 x 0.6 mm
spatial resolution:
0.33 mm
scan time:
11 sec
scan length:
245 mm
rotation time:
0.5 sec
CTDIvol:
8.5 mGy
DLP:
460 mGy cm
eff. dose:
6.9 mSv
Significantly improved image
quality at lower dose using
SAFIRE with the Stellar Detector
(right) compared to a regular
WFPB on a conventional
detector (left).
29
31. Up to
60%
Dose reduction
with CARE kV
Real time dose modulation CNR optimized kV settings
The main dose-relevant In 1994, Siemens introduced CARE Dose4DTM After the patient’s stature and the mAs, the kV, and sets all other parameters accordingly
parameters for a CT scan are the to actively modulate the applied power for selected voltage (kV) is the third dose- to get the defined CNR. Reducing the tube
applied current and voltage, scans, according to patients’ anatomy. relevant value for a CT scan. Selecting the voltage helps optimizing dose and improves
depending on the examination
CARE Dose4D aims to regulate mA in real right kV settings is essential for achieving image quality, e.g., for contrast-media
type and the patient's habitus.
Only when taking all parameters
time so that image quality is uniform across optimal clinical outcome. CARE kV can auto- enhanced examinations. With the new,
into consideration, does the whole scan range. But CT scanning is matically suggest kV and effective mA to improved STRATON tube, the voltage range
dose protection become compre- not only adapting mA values: The right kV optimize the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of is lowered to 70 kV. This, together with the
hensive and patient-centric. settings play an equal if not more important the image, while limiting the applied dose. unique CARE Child scan modes, helps further
role in achieving optimum clinical outcome. CARE kV takes the patient’s habitus from the reduce the dose for pediatric or neonate
Changing kV values also means adapting all topogram and the chosen examination type patients. With these features, an additional
other values according to the respective (non-contrast, bone, soft tissue, vascular) dose reduction of up to 60% is possible.
patient and examination type. into consideration, proposes the appropriate Additionally, the system identifies bariatric
30
32. kV usage [%]
100
90
Without CARE kV
80
70
60
With CARE kV
50
40
30
20
10
0 Tube voltage [kV] Lower dose in 67% of patients
70 80 100 120 140 with CARE kV
Benefit for many patients
patients and sets the parameters accordingly An evaluation of CARE kV with more than 30% came with no compromise in image
to make full use of the system’s reserves to 12,000 patients in the first months after its quality; CNR could be maintained with
optimize CNR, and achieve the best image introduction showed that there was a clear no impact on workflow, as all system
quality possible for these patients. shift towards 100 kV and 80 kV scans (see parameters are automatically set.
above). Dose could be saved in more than
two thirds of these patients, compared to
the initial protocols. And the dose reduction
itself was significant. For example, regular
abdomen scans could be reduced to below
10 mGy using 100 kV, down from 14.1 mGy
with the former standard protocol set at
120 kV. This dose reduction of approximately
31
33. Combined Applications
to Reduce Exposure (CARE)
Radiation
exposure 9
Comprehensive dose protection
Dose reduction lies at the [mSv] Dose reduction in cardiac CT Following the ALARA principle, Siemens
heart of the CARE philosophy. 8
introduced its CARE philosophy in the
Each application is designed to 7 mid-1990s. The idea is to utilize every
contribute dose reduction during
6 means available to reduce patient exposure.
every step of the examination
process resulting in an absolute
Siemens is the only vendor to offer a
5
minimum exposure. dose protection portfolio that comprehen-
4 sively takes all relevant scan parameters
3 into consideration and optimizes the
scan accordingly, from patient size to
2
examination type, from mA to kV, and
1 from scan preparation to data evaluation.
0
Adaptive CARE kV CARE MinDose Adaptive SAFIRE
ECG Pulsing Dose4D Dose Shield
32
34. collimation:
128 x 0.5 mm
spatial resolution:
0.30 mm
temp resolution:
142 msec
scan time:
5 sec
scan length:
119 mm
rotation time:
0.28 sec
CTDIvol:
7 mGy
DLP:
95 mGy cm
eff. dose:
1.33 mSv
Cardiac examinations are
amongst the most sensitive
when it comes to dose,
so combining all available
applications to reduce
exposure is key.
33
37. Specify the Unspecific
The TrueSignal Technology of the Stellar Detector brings yet another
innovation: HiDynamics. Its unique, full dynamic range provides higher
image sensitivity, especially for low-signal and low-energy scans.
HiDynamics
A larger dynamic range expands Thanks to the full electronic integration of
the detector’s sensitivity. As in a the TrueSignal Technology, the Stellar
backlit photo with a conven- Detector can now utilize its full dynamic
tional camera, the front regions
range instead of having to switch bandwidth
turn black. But with higher sensi-
tivity, details remain visible. 1st scan 140 kV like conventional detectors. This unique
feature is called HiDynamics. It increases the
detector’s sensitivity at the respective energy
level and allows for differentiation of
2nd scan 80 kV even the slightest signal changes, especially
when scanning with very low kV levels.
36
38. Comparison of the 80 kV Dual
Energy data set (left) with the
140 kV Dual Energy data set
(right) shows: almost identical
image detail level in 80 kV due
to the improvement resulting
from HiDynamics.
The benefits of the Stellar Detector Dose-optimized Single Source DE
The benefits of TrueSignal Technology and When multiple scans of the same region The scan mode consists of two successive
HiDynamics are also clear in functional have to be performed, dose protection spiral scans at different energy levels. In
imaging applications, such as Dual Energy, becomes even more important in order to order to avoid doubling the dose, both spi-
as well as in dynamic examinations. They adhere to the ALARA principle. Therefore, rals are performed at half the dose, so that
acquire multiple scans of the same region it is imperative to exploit every possibility there is no dose penalty for the resulting
to add functional information, such as to reduce dose. Following this philosophy, Dual Energy image. But, as it uses regular
tissue characteristics or perfusion data to Siemens has introduced a Single Source spirals, all dose reduction features can be
the morphology. In both cases, the scan Dual Energy scan mode that utilizes all utilized without limitations. The capabilities
modes acquire data at low kV. HiDynamics dose-reduction functionalities without of the Stellar Detector regarding low
significantly increases the detail level and limitations: e.g., CARE Dose4D for real-time dose / signal imaging represents the
sharpness of the images for these data sets. mA modulation, or SAFIRE to reduce the industry’s only Single Source Dual Energy
mA created by iterative reconstruction. scan mode optimized for low dose.
37
39. Calculi characterization
in clinical routine
Urinary stone disease
Kidney stones are a good Approximately 13% of men and 7% of require intervention later. Current evidence does not require intravenous contrast and
example of how tissue women in the United States will be from the study “Urological Diseases in covers the entire abdomen and pelvis. With
characterization can lead diagnosed with urinary stone disease in America” suggests an increasing prevalence this imaging modality, nearly all stone types
to finding the appropriate
their lives. Most stones are symptomatic of urinary stone disease in the United can be visualized. The essential benefit in
therapy. Dual Energy informa-
tion adds tissue information
and cause pain, obstruction, and infection. States. In addition, the likelihood of recur- the diagnosis with Dual Energy CT is that
to the morphology. They frequently require visits to the emer- rence is estimated to be up to 50 % during the stone type can be identified. With this
gency room, hospitalization, mechanical a five-year period. Thus, the diagnosis of information at hand, the appropriate
extraction or even surgical removal. Some kidney stones has substantial impact with treatment can be applied. For patients, this
stones may be asymptomatic and are respect to patient morbidity and healthcare means that many interventional treatments
only detected incidentally. However, even budgets. The imaging modality of choice for can be avoided, as it can be determined
when stones are initially asymptomatic, urinary stone disease is a low-dose, non- upfront if a stone can be treated with
symptoms may develop very quickly and contrast CT scan. It is very easy to perform, drugs or not.
38
40. collimation:
128 x 0.6 mm
spatial resolution:
0.33 mm
scan time:
1.3 sec
scan length:
117 mm
rotation time:
0.5 sec
CTDIvol:
5.28 + 3.02 mGy
(140 / 80 kV)
DLP:
80 + 40 mGy cm
(140 / 80 kV)
eff. dose:
1.8 mSv
Characterization with syngo
Single Source DE Kidney Stones
supports treatment decisions.
39
41. Gout identification in
clinical routine
Gout
Gout is the most widespread Gout is the most widespread form of recurrent episodes. The classic symptoms duced by the disease is directly verified,
form of crystal arthropathy and a crystal arthropathy and the most common of gout are painful, visibly swollen confirming the definite diagnosis of gout.
common inflammatory joint inflammatory joint disease in men. It is peripheral joints. However, gout is difficult The benefit for patients is not only that
disease. However, gout is difficult
caused by the deposition of uric acid to diagnose, as there are various forms of the painful puncture in a conventional
to diagnose. Dual Energy can
detect gout in regions that are
crystals in joints. Up to 1 in 200 people in arthritis that have similar symptoms. With examination can be avoided, but also
often overlooked. the western world, 2.1 million people in the Dual Energy CT and syngo® Dual Energy that the risk of false negative outcomes
US, and some 1.5 million people in Germany Gout, a non-invasive assessment of gout is is reduced in cases where the puncture
are currently afflicted by this painful, feasible. The algorithm color codes different misses the respective tissue.
destructive disease. Furthermore, due to our attenuation values at different energy levels
eating habits, these figures are constantly so that the uric acid crystals are color coded
increasing. Gout can affect numerous joints in red, while calcium and bone formations
throughout the body, especially during are displayed in blue. Thus, uric acid pro-
40
42. collimation:
128 x 0.6 mm
spatial resolution:
0.33 mm
scan time:
4 sec
scan length:
181 mm
rotation time:
0.5 sec
CTDIvol:
3.32 + 4.46 mGy
(140 / 80 kV)
DLP:
71 + 95 mGy cm
(140 / 80 kV)
eff. dose:
0.13 mSv
Clear identification with syngo
Single Source DE Gout avoids
false negative diagnosis of
conventional procedures.
41
43. Reducing metal
artifacts in clinical routine
Metal artifact reduction with Dual Energy
Metal artifacts pose severe A big challenge in CT imaging is the impact artifact free as possible. For example, when And syngo Dual Energy Monoenergetic
difficulties in CT imaging of metal objects on image quality. Due to assessing organs in the pelvic region, images Imaging enables the minimization of metal
due to the resulting artifacts. the high attenuation of metal compared to are often impaired if the patient has a hip artifacts by specifically selecting the respec-
Single Source Dual Energy
the surrounding tissue, images can suffer prosthesis. The high attenuation of this mas- tive kV level at which the metal objects have
now delivers a solution.
from streaks or even shadows around sive metal object causes adjoining regions least impact on image quality. With this
the metal objects. The cause for this is to suffer from very low signals. Until now, unique combination, implants, clamps or
so-called ‘beam starvation.’ Typical metal these artifacts could not be compensated screws can be ideally dealt with in order to
artifacts result from implants, e.g., in teeth, for. But now, two solutions come together: obtain the highest diagnostic outcome.
or when clamps and screws are used in The unique Stellar Detector in the
invasive treatments. But when it comes to SOMATOM Definition Edge is specifically
treatment decisions or treatment follow-up, optimized to handle low signals with its
it is essential that the image is as TrueSignal Technology and HiDynamics.
42
44. collimation:
128 x 0.6 mm
spatial resolution:
0.33 mm
scan time:
5 sec
scan length:
228 mm
rotation time:
0.5 sec
CTDIvol:
12.31 + 4.46 mGy
(140 / 80 kV)
DLP:
380 + 129 mGy cm
(140 / 80 kV)
eff. dose:
7.64 mSv
Significant reduction of metal
artifacts from hip implant with
syngo Single Source DE Monoen-
ergetic delivers much higher
diagnostic image quality
43
45. Improved dynamic
imaging in clinical routine
Adaptive 4D Spiral and HiDynamics
Perfusion information is Stroke is one of the three most frequent With the Adaptive 4D Spiral, Siemens has Spiral are specifically set to this length
crucial in many clinical fields causes of death worldwide. The diagnosis introduced a scan mode that performs per- for stroke evaluations. In addition, the
such as stroke or tumor and treatment of stroke cases is a clinical fusion evaluations beyond the limitations of SOMATOM Definition Edge, with the Stellar
assessments. The Adaptive 4D
field in which time is of the essence – or a static detector. By applying a continuously Detector and HiDynamics, is the perfect
Spiral is key to making these
exams ready for clinical practice.
where ‘time is brain,’ meaning that the right repeated bi-directional, smooth table choice for better differentiation of the
decisions have to be made ideally within the movement over the desired scan range, perfusion level, as brain perfusion studies
first hours after the first symptoms have a perfusion assessment covering a region are typically performed at 80 kV. Regardless
occurred. Consequently, it is essential that of up to 15 cm can be performed. Recent of cause – from infarctions due to stroke
the diagnostic information is delivered publications have shown that a scan range and extensive bleeding, to subarachnoid
quickly, reliably, and accurately, and gives of approximately 10 cm is ideal to assess hemorrhage or a ruptured aneurysm –
a comprehensive overview about the status brain perfusion. Consequently, the neuro seeing clearly makes a crucial difference
of the disease. perfusion scan modes with the Adaptive 4D in determining treatment.
44
46. collimation:
128 x 0.6 mm
scan time:
45 sec
scan length:
100 mm
rotation time:
0.285 sec
CTDIvol:
260 mGy
DLP:
3069 mGy cm
eff. dose:
6.4 mSv
Comprehensive perfusion
evaluation with syngo VPCT
Neuro delivers crucial
information regarding tissue
at risk after a stroke.
45
47. SOMATOM Definition Edge
The Reference in Single Source CT
See the unseen
Edge Technology – The
reference in image quality
• Unprecedented spatial resolution
• Uncompromised temporal resolution
• nparalleled acquisition speed
U
Get more from less
TrueSignal Technology – The
reference in dose efficiency
• Optimized low-signal imaging
• ptimized low-dose imaging
O
• ptimized patient-centric imaging
O
Specify the unspecific
HiDynamics – The reference
in functional imaging
• Routine ready Single Source Dual Energy
• Routine ready metal artifact reduction
• Routine ready dynamic imaging
46
48. Technical Specifications
• Stellar Detector with TrueSignal Technology
• 256 x 0.5 mm slices and 0.30 mm spatial
resolution with Edge Technology
• Dose-optimized Single Source Dual Energy
and HiDynamics
• 128-slice acquisition with STRATON tube
and z-Sharp Technology
• Up to 384-slice reconstruction
• 0.28 sec rotation time with
142.5 sec temporal resolution
• 1.7 maximum pitch with
230 mm/sec acquisition speed
• Patient table: 227 kg capacity
(300 kg optional), 200 cm scan range
• With up to 60 fps FBP and
20 fps SAFIRE reconstruction speed
• 4D scan range: 15 cm for perfusion,
48 cm for CTA imaging with
Adaptive 4D Spiral
• Reduced energy consumption by up to
20% in system stand-by with the
Stellar Detector
47
