Multi-slice CT technology continues to capture interest as technology continues to push the envelope of slices per rotation, with 16 being the “sweet” number for the moment. While many healthcare providers today are opting for dual-slice or four-slice systems, engineers are pushing the limits and the radiology community is watching closely as boosting patient throughput and clinical applications remain high on the priority list.

Siemens AG, Medical Engineering Group (Erlangen, Germany) is expanding its line of multi-slice CT systems in 2003. At RSNA 2002, Siemens introduced a new six-slice technology with the Somatom Emotion 6 CT scanner.

The Emotion 6 joins Siemens’ Emotion single-slice and dual-slice CT scanners in the Emotion product line and “brings high-end scanning capabilities into smaller, more routine environments,” says Markus B. Lusser, Siemens’ segment manager for radiology and CT.

Siemens also gave attendees a peek at its Sensation 10 CT scanner. The company says the works-in-progress 10-slice CT system will handle applications, such as cardiac and whole-body organ-trauma imaging. Siemens adds that it is developing the Sensation 10 to help healthcare facilities face the issues of increased patient volume, fewer technologists and radiologists, and lower capital budgets.

The Sensation 10 would become part of the Sensation line that includes a four-slice Sensation CT scanner and the Senation 16 16-slice system. As of press time, Siemens had approximately 200 installations of the 16-slice CT scanner worldwide and expected to have shipped some 300 16-slice CT systems by the end of 2002.

The multi-slice CT scanner options are based on a price performance strategy, Lusser added, “and also a strategy based on different cultures in different countries. The United States is, by tradition, more driven toward high-end CT systems.”

Please refer to the January 2003 issue for the complete story. For information on article reprints, contact Martin St. Denis