The SOMATOM Force, The Dual Source CT Scanner

The SOMATOM Force, The Dual Source CT Scanner

What Is the SOMATOM Force?

The World’s first fast 4D Dual Source CT scanner, the SOMATOM Force, is equipped with two detector arrays and two X-ray sources which are used at the same time. The two X-ray sources are positioned at 90 degrees from one another in order to achieve higher temporal resolutions and spectral image information. In contrast to conventional CT scanners, SOMATOM Force can scan patient at up to 737 millimeters per second, with a spatial resolution of 0.24 mm, and at a low dose of radiation and contrast agent.

Why Is It Done?

Listed below are few clinical applications of The SOMATOM Force:

Cardiac Disorders

• Cardiac CT for Myocardial Infarction.
• CT Coronary Angiography.
• Walk In – Walk Out Cardiac Machine, as Coronary angiography is possible without any heart controlling medications.
• Myocardial Perfusion

Pulmonary Disorders

• Lung Perfusion for Pulmonary Embolism, COPD, Chronic Lung diseases

Neuro Disorders

• Whole Brain Perfusion for early Stroke detection

Liver Disorders

• Tumour detection in Liver, Pancreas etc.
• Fat Quantification for diagnosing Liver Cirrhosis

Gastro Disorders

• Detection of Radiolucent Gall Bladder Stones

Kidney Disorders

• Tumour Detection in Kidney
• Chemical Composition of Renal Stones

Regardless of a patient’s age and health condition the SOMATOM Force delivers precise diagnostic results that enables our doctor to take informed decisions for better treatment outcomes. The new CT Scanner takes image quality to the next level with free-breathing and low radiation dose. It can scan obese, tall, children, elderly, critical and unconscious patients with minimized motion artifacts and without sedation.

What happens during the Scan?

During the CT scan, you will be asked to remove your jewellery and change into a hospital gown. You will lie down on the table, on your stomach, back or side. The table will slide into the center of the scanner, where the two X-ray tubes and detectors will rotate around you, acquiring the imaging information twice as fast as single source scanners.

A special dye, known as contrast agent, may be needed for the CT scan in order to highlight a particular area and generate a clearer image. If the contrast is used during your scan, you will either be asked to drink it or will be given to you through a vein in your hand or forearm.

How Long Will Scan Take?

The new CT scanner has unmatched rotation speed. It can scan an entire heart in approximately
150 ms and an entire patient from head-to-toe in less than 20 seconds.

What Happens After The Scan?

You can go home after the scan, which just takes a few minutes and can be completed on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up consultation and along with the reports to discuss the results and future treatment options.

Apollo Expertise In The Procedure

Siemens Healthineers’ Dual Source CT scanner, the SOMATOM Force, brings new levels of image quality. These high-quality and information-rich images obtained at low radiation doses aids our doctors to have a more precise understanding of the disease before treatment thus ensuring a better outcome.

Get In Touch

The world’s fastest Dual Source CT Scanner, the SOMATOM Force, is available at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai.

FAQs

How should I prepare?

• It is important that you inform your doctor about your health issues or allergies such as kidney issues or iodine allergy as contrast agent may be used.
• Before the scan, you may be instructed to fast for four hours.
• Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications you take on a regular basis, including blood thinners.

How the SOMATOM Force is superior?

The following factors make the SOMATOM Force superior:

• Potential for a sedation-free workflow.
• Allows free breathing during scan
• Use of low radiation dose and low contrast material.
• Ultra-fast scanning speed.
• Provides information rich high-quality images.
• Reduces motion artifacts.

How is it beneficial to the patient?

• Superfast: Less than 0.23 seconds are needed for an accurate scan with Flash Technology per rotation.
• High Accuracy: The Dual Energy Technology assures fewer repeat scans and offers ultra-fast scan mode for sick patients.
• Early Detection: The Powerful Vectron X-ray Tubes allows wide and micro coverage. This enables higher chance of detecting tumours leading to better outcomes.
• Ultra Safe: Due to its unique Tin Filter Technology it lowers radiation damage, and is safe for patients and children. It also uses less contrast agent, which reduces side effects.
• Better Comfort: It allows patient to breath freely during the scan and is convenient for both short and tall patients.