Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha pro Photon-Counting CT Scanner Dual-Source for Ultra-High Resolution Imaging
The Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha pro Photon-Counting CT Scanner represents a significant advancement in medical imaging as a dual-source photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system. This system integrates the speed of a dual-source scanner with the precision of photon-counting detector technology, marking a substantial evolution from conventional CT imaging.
Core Technology & Technical Specifications
The fundamental breakthrough of the Naeotom Alpha.Pro lies in its photon-counting detector technology. Unlike traditional CT scanners that use energy-integrating detectors, this system employs a semiconductor material that directly converts each individual X-ray photon into an electrical signal, offering several key advantages:
- Ultra-High Resolution: Detector element size enables spatial resolution up to 0.11 mm in Quantum HD mode, visualizing fine anatomical details previously difficult to distinguish.
- Spectral (Multi-Energy) Imaging: Measures each photon's energy for material decomposition, differentiating iodine, calcium, and soft tissue without separate scans.
- Reduced Noise and Artifacts: Filters electronic noise and reduces common CT artifacts like beam hardening and metal blooming.
Key Technical Specifications
| Scan Speed |
491 mm/s with high pitch up to 3.2 |
| Temporal Resolution |
As low as 66 milliseconds |
| Detector Coverage |
192 slices per source (96 x 0.4 mm z-axis coverage) |
Clinical Applications & Patient Benefits
Cardiology
Enables high-quality coronary CT angiography (CCTA) even with severe coronary artery calcifications. Ultra-high resolution minimizes "blooming" artifacts from calcium for more accurate stenosis assessment, potentially reducing need for invasive diagnostic catheterization.
Pulmonology
High scan speed reduces required breath-hold time, benefiting patients with respiratory conditions and allowing for free-breathing scans in certain cases.
Pediatrics
Combination of high speed and resolution often eliminates need for sedation in children by minimizing motion artifacts.
Oncology and Vascular Imaging
Superior contrast resolution and spectral data provide detailed tumor and vascular plaque characterization, improving stent patency assessment and enabling iodine maps for perfusion analysis.
Dose Efficiency
Achieves diagnostic images with 43-50% reduced radiation dose compared to conventional CT, without compromising image quality.
Operational and Workflow Advantages
- AI-Driven Workflow: Integrated myExam Companion uses AI to guide technologists through exam preparation, acquisition, and post-processing.
- Hub-and-Spoke Model: Dual-source architecture makes it ideal as a central hub for complex cases within healthcare networks.
- Environmental Design: Incorporates eco-friendly features including 0.7L liquid helium cooling system and 96% recyclable materials, reducing energy consumption by 40%.
The Siemens Healthineers Naeotom Alpha.Pro redefines CT imaging capabilities by delivering unprecedented spatial and contrast resolution at lower radiation doses with enhanced patient comfort, positioning itself as a pivotal tool for advancing diagnostic confidence.
