Siemens Healthineers presents its new Somatom X.cite single-source CT scanner, together with the new myExam companion user guiding system, based on artificial intelligence (AI).
The intelligent user guidance system guides the user through the workflow using specific questions. The user interface works with the latest scanner hardware “to open up new possibilities,” a company press release states. myExam companion makes use of available patient data, such as sex, height, and age, and combines these with additional patient-specific information gathered by asking the user specific questions; for example, about the presence of metal implants, or the ability of patient to hold their breath. The scanner then optimises the scan parameters accordingly to ensure the best possible result. Siemens say that, in combination, these innovations help structure workflow more efficiently, smooth out differences in experience between the users, and achieve extremely high-quality results even in difficult diagnostic situations.
The first CT scanner with myExam companion is the new Somatom X.cite, featuring the Vectron X-ray tube that has previously only been used in the Somatom Force dual-source CT scanner.
“We have been testing Somatom X.cite with the new software platform for the past two months with successful results. We were impressed by both the excellent images and the way the new user guidance system made the workflows faster. The large gantry [82cm] facilitates the examination of seriously ill patients”, comments Christoph Stippich, chair and director, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
“We are driving the digital transformation of radiology through constant innovation of our devices. At the same time, we offer—for example, through remote solutions—more and more ways for our partners to create high-quality diagnostics. Somatom X.cite and myExam companion are a big step for our imaging portfolio along this plan into the world of intelligent user support and for Siemens Healthineers on our way to becoming a leader in clinical decision support “, says André Hartung, president Diagnostic Imaging at Siemens Healthineers.
myExam companion
The new intelligent user guidance system lets users utilise the full potential of the new Somatom X.cite, as well as the Somatom go scanner platform, which is already used on the market. It is now also possible to share established examination protocols between scanners quickly and without complications. Using AI, Siemens Healthineers has analysed thousands of scanning processes and identified key questions about the general conditions for achieving optimized scanning results. This led to the development of decision trees that ask the users relevant questions at each stage, thus guiding them through the scan preparations without complications. Workflows and their results are also more standardised, since this makes it possible to reduce deviations at a patient and user level.
“The decision trees found in almost every hospital, which have often previously been sketched on paper at an individual department level and define particular scanning parameters for different cases, are now directly integrated in the scanner software—in other words, exactly where they are needed,” comments Hatem Alkadhi, consultant radiologist at University Hospital Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland).
