Interventional radiology has become a rapidly growing area of modern medicine and covers multiple diagnostic and interventional procedures. Computed tomography (CT) has developed a set of important techniques for minimally invasive interventions such as percutaneous biopsy, drainage, ablation, and neurolysis. Diseases and lesions of various organs can be approached for treatment and management of tumors, fluid collections, and pain therapy, which leads to a tremendous benefit for the patient. For example, the ablation of a liver tumor with radiofrequency requires only a two-night stay in the hospital, whereas conventional surgery requires more than seven days. Minimally invasive CT-guided interventions thereby also generate a positive impact on the health system: They heavily contribute to cost reduction through this far shorter stay in the hospital.

State-of-the-art CT-guided intervention technology needs to come along with the best CT scanner features and easy-to-use software. The combination of Siemens’ SOMATOM^® Definition scanners and the Interventional Suite for 3D-guided interventions fulfill these requirements in an exemplary manner.
When performing a CT-guided intervention, the challenge usually is to get an appropriate access to the patient and position the instruments as needed. Not anymore with SOMATOM Definition scanners. There are no patient exclusions with its large 78-centimeter gantry opening. Patients can be comfortably treated with CT-guided intervention and interventional devices can be easily handled.

SOMATOM Definition scanners allow the clinician full control in any plane with 3D-guided interventions. It provides a more accurate overview of the needle position and surrounding organs during difficult procedures. This is especially helpful when using oblique needle positions, whether fluoroscopic or non-fluoroscopic procedures are performed. And, when it comes to in-room operation, SOMATOM Definition scanners offer the freedom to manipulate the entire procedure with just the touch of a button – without ever leaving the patient’s side. That is, the SOMATOM Definition scanners in combination with the 3D CT guided intervention make routine and complex CT interventional procedures easier and safer. This adds precision and brings new revenue opportunities.