Siemens Healthineers expands photon-counting CT scanner lineup with FDA clearance

GERMANY – Siemens Healthineers has received FDA clearance for its expanded Naeotom Alpha series of photon-counting CT scanners.

The new lineup includes the Naeotom Alpha.Pro, a dual-source system, and the Naeotom Alpha.Prime, the first commercially available single-source photon-counting CT scanner.

Since its introduction in 2021, the Naeotom Alpha has been the only photon-counting CT scanner in clinical use, with over a million patient scans completed worldwide.

The original dual-source model, now renamed Naeotom Alpha.Peak, will remain the highest-end option.

“With the Naeotom Alpha class of photon-counting CT scanners, Siemens Healthineers is expanding access to this advanced technology, allowing more clinicians and patients to benefit,” said Matthew Dedman, head of computed tomography at Siemens Healthineers North America.

Photon-counting CT technology directly measures individual X-ray photons, improving image resolution while reducing radiation exposure.

It enhances visualization of small anatomical structures and minimizes image artifacts compared to conventional CT scanners.

The Naeotom Alpha.Peak leads the lineup with the fastest scan speed of 737 mm per second and offers Quantum HD resolution at 0.2 mm slice thickness.

The Naeotom Alpha.Pro also features dual-source technology, scanning at 491 mm/sec, making it ideal for pediatric and cardiology patients by reducing breath-hold times and the need for sedation or beta-blockers.

Designed for a wider range of clinical settings, the Naeotom Alpha.Prime is a single-source scanner with a scan speed of 345 mm/sec.

It incorporates automation features to simplify workflows, including Siemens Healthineers’ AI-powered myExam Companion.

This interface helps standardize exam setup, image acquisition, and post-processing across various patient types and procedures.