FDA Clears SOMATOM Pro.Pulse Dual-Source CT Scanner From Siemens

Siemens Healthineers announced the US FDA clearance of the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse, a dual-source computed tomography scanner designed to be more affordable for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including outpatient diagnostic centers. The scanner combines the power and speed of dual-source CT technology—two X-ray tubes and two detectors—with embedded artificial intelligence and user assistance features to deliver workflow efficiencies.

Dual-source CT allows for high temporal resolution, which, along with scan speed, is important for cardiac CT scans to limit artifacts caused by breathing or cardiac motion. In recent years, interest in CT’s cardiovascular applications has increased in the US. This interest may be attributed in part to a 2021 decision by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to give cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) its highest recommendation as a frontline test to evaluate patients with stable and acute chest pain who have no history of coronary artery disease.

The AI-powered intelligent user interface, myExam Companion, combines patient data (including gender, height, and age) and collects scan-relevant information such as heart rate or breath-hold capabilities to tailor a patient-specific scan protocol. The optional FAST (Fully Assisting Scanner Technologies) 3D camera automatically performs precise, consistent patient positioning.

The SOMATOM Pro.Pulse has an air-cooled gantry, requires 31% less space for installation than the company’s previous dual-source systems, and consumes 20% less power than traditional water-cooled dual-source CT scanners. These features reduce the scanner’s installation and operational costs compared to similar scanners in the company’s portfolio.