The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the SOMATOM go. computed tomography (CT) platform from Siemens Healthineers — an entirely new CT platform designed for highly diverse sets of user needs. Created with extensive customer feedback, the new platform includes the SOMATOM go.Now and SOMATOM go.Up CT scanners, which offer automated, standardized workflows that help users achieve more consistent, profound clinical results at a lower total cost of ownership.
The tablet-based workflow concept facilitates more comprehensive patient care and allows radiology providers to use a cost-efficient single-room concept for the first time. With products and solutions such as the SOMATOM go. CT platform, as well as a new name that underlines the company’s pioneering spirit and engineering expertise, Siemens Healthineers — the separately managed healthcare business of Siemens AG — is helping healthcare providers worldwide meet current challenges and excel in their respective environments.
The 32-slice SOMATOM go.Now CT scanner is particularly suited to radiology providers who want to leverage a low-cost but clinically robust CT solution. With a wide detector that provides up to 64 slices, the SOMATOM go.Up offers faster scanning and tin filtration, which is particularly important for lung imaging (e.g., to screen for lung cancer). It also uses some of the lowest radiation doses achievable for a CT of this class. For this reason, the The 32-slice SOMATOM go.Now CT scanner is particularly suited to radiology providers who want to leverage a low-cost but clinically robust CT solution. With a wide detector that provides up to 64 slices, the SOMATOM go.Up offers faster scanning and tin filtration, which is particularly important for lung imaging (e.g., to screen for lung cancer). It also uses some of the lowest radiation doses achievable for a CT of this class. For this reason, the SOMATOM go.Up is ideally suited for organizations that want to expand their portfolio.
(image credit: Siemens Healthineers)
To collaboratively identify key characteristics of an ideal CT scanner, Siemens Healthineers held interviews and workshops with over 500 radiologists, radiologic technologists, and radiology administrators worldwide. The result, says Douglas Ryan, Vice President of Computed Tomography at Siemens Healthineers North America, “is a platform that offers unique capabilities that respond to the needs of today’s healthcare providers — including radiologic technologists, radiologists, and other physicians — utilizing groundbreaking GO. Technologies based on mobile, tablet interface. These technologies elevate quality, consistency, and standardization to dramatic new levels. The SOMATOM go.Now and SOMATOM go.Up will have a wide-ranging impact, targeting healthcare providers looking to maximize their healthcare delivery business.”
Users of the SOMATOM go. platform can control routine examinations using only the tablet and remote, paving the way for a new, mobile workflow. Standardized work steps allow users to run the scan with just a few inputs. Automated postprocessing facilitates efficient scanner operation with zero-click reconstruction tasks that enable technologists with wide-ranging proficiency to generate consistent, high-quality studies. The standardization also provides radiologists with greater assurance regarding diagnostic image quality, helping them avoid errors and repeat scans, and thus unnecessary wait times.
The new usage concept at the heart of the SOMATOM go. scanners offers other advantages. Since workflow can be controlled via tablet, staff must no longer move between the scanner and control room. Technologists can remain with patients during scan preparation, which can make the experience more pleasant, particularly for children.
Since all computer hardware formerly located in the control room is now integrated into the gantry, SOMATOM go. scanners can be controlled on the move, enabling a flexible room concept. Rather than require two or three rooms for the scanner, the control unit, and possibly additional technology, SOMATOM go. systems can be installed in one room with a minimum size requirement. With this setup, a shielded niche can sufficiently protect radiology staff. This room concept drastically reduces installation costs.
The SOMATOM go. platform’s holistic service approach – the Siemens Healthineers Connect Plan — focuses on remote diagnostic and service capabilities, online training, and novel concepts for extended spare parts coverage. This solution optimizes financial performance and enables highly reliable operation. For example, the new Chronon X-ray tube is designed for a long lifespan to relieve customers’ financial burden. Innovative remote service also significantly reduces downtime, and customers can install many upgrades remotely at their discretion without disrupting scanner operation.
The clinically relevant features of the SOMATOM go. platform are particularly important for many routine applications — and in this case, allow users to expand their portfolio. A new Stellar detector with integrated electronics, coupled with spectral tin filters previously available only on the company’s most advanced single- and dual-source CT scanners, are included as standard. For vascular imaging, the Chronon tube is designed to deliver High Power 80 – another feature migrated from the premium CT segment — which uses low 80 kV tube voltages at high mA to potentially reduce radiation dose and optimize usage of iodine contrast.
