Siemens Healthineers Launches First U.S. Mobile Stroke Unit Featuring Somatom On.site Head CT Scanner
Siemens Healthineers has unveiled the first mobile stroke unit (MSU) in the United States equipped with the Somatom On.site head CT scanner, now in operation at UCLA Health in Southern California. This high-tech ambulance is designed to deliver rapid, advanced stroke care directly to patients, improving their chances of recovery through faster diagnosis and treatment.
The MSU, which functions as a specialized emergency vehicle, allows on-site stroke evaluation. At its core is the Somatom On.site CT scanner, seamlessly integrated into the workflow to enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable immediate, potentially life-saving decisions. When emergency services receive a 911 call indicating a possible stroke, an MSU is dispatched either alongside or instead of a traditional ambulance. Upon arrival, the care team performs a CT scan on-site to determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, consulting remotely with a stroke specialist via telemedicine for rapid decision-making.
“The phrase ‘time is brain’ is used frequently when discussing stroke. The Somatom On.site head CT scanner at the heart of our mobile stroke unit empowers MSU teams to make informed decisions sooner and potentially improve patient outcomes,” said Matthew Dedman, head of Computed Tomography at Siemens Healthineers North America. “This innovative CT solution will help stroke care teams improve access to care and reduce the critical time from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment.”
Dr. May Nour, medical director of the Arline and Henry Gluck Mobile Stroke Rescue Program at UCLA Health, added, “Advancements in mobile stroke imaging represent a significant step forward in pre-hospital stroke care. Our commitment to innovative approaches in emergency medicine aims to improve patient outcomes through rapid assessment and treatment when every minute counts.”
Stroke remains a leading medical emergency in the U.S., with one occurring every 40 seconds and a fatal stroke happening approximately every 3 minutes and 11 seconds. Many stroke survivors suffer long-term disabilities due to delayed treatment. MSUs can significantly reduce treatment delays—by an average of 30 minutes compared to traditional emergency pathways—and improve recovery rates, with 65% more patients experiencing no lasting health issues.
The Somatom On.site scanner offers hospital-grade image quality in a mobile setting. Its design includes integrated support tools such as an isocentered head holder and a custom shoulder board, making patient positioning easier and more efficient. A self-shielded telescopic gantry ensures high-quality imaging, while a user-friendly touchscreen interface and AI-powered myExam Companion workflow assist CT technologists in capturing and automatically reconstructing detailed scans.