Malvern, Pa. -- Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) has reached a milestone with the 300th global installation of its SOMATOM Definition AS (Adaptive Scanner), the world's first adaptive computed tomography (CT) scanner, which adapts to virtually any patient, adapts for complete dose protection, adapts for new dimensions, and adapts to the user's space. The new system was recently installed at Community Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed, Critical Access hospital in Staunton, Ill.

"Moving from a single-slice CT scanner to a SOMATOM Definition AS 64-slice CT scanner, has given us the privilege to serve the surrounding communities with state of the art diagnostic technology," said Wendy Webster, director of Radiology at Community Memorial. "The radiology department is now able to provide CT angiograms that only require an I.V. stick, which is vastly different from a formerly invasive procedure. The images are pristine down to the tiny vascular anatomy."

SOMATOM Definition AS has found its home in many facilities, raging from Diagnostic Imaging Centers to leading academic institutions.
"The platform is user friendly, as well. Moving from a single to a 64-slice scanner is a huge step in technology to operate. We were very pleased that the transition was so smooth," said Webster.

"The installation of the SOMATOM Definition AS 64-Slice CT system was the first in our region, and it has certainly allowed Community Memorial to step to the forefront in regards to computed tomography," said Sue Campbell, CEO, Community Memorial Hospital. "I compare it to someone driving on unpaved country roads and suddenly turning onto a multi-lane super highway."

"This updated technology not only serves our patients and physicians much better, but it enables the hospital to increase revenue. I am totally confident that this was the best decision the hospital could have made in regards to upgrading our CT scanning capability," Campbell said.

As CT procedure volumes continue to grow, the need for new applications is also growing. However, in the current economic climate, many hospitals are looking twice at their budgets, as some radiology departments may need to adjust their purchasing strategy. Many are looking for a scanner that will adapt to their circumstances.

The SOMATOM Definition AS adapts to each patient's clinical situation and also opens the door to new applications in CT imaging. It features a 78-cm gantry bore and the ability to add a high-capacity 660-pound patient table. These features allow even the most clinically challenging patients (i.e., trauma and bariatric patients) to be imaged rapidly, from head to toe, without difficulty. The unique Adaptive 4D Spiral mode of the SOMATOM Definition AS is able to address functional imaging (perfusion images of blood flow over time) of whole organs. This allows Siemens to offer dynamic information of up to 27 cm. In the case of a stroke, physicians can use whole-organ perfusion imaging, not only for a small part of the brain, but for all of it.

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