The latest innovation in dose reduction is the Adaptive Dose Shield – first introduced with the SOMATOM® Definition AS computed tomography (CT) scanner at the RSNA 2007. Through a tube-side dynamic collimator, this technology completely eliminates unnecessary radiation that cannot be used for image reconstruction. The collimator blades can be moved at high speed. They open and close asymmetrically at the beginning and end of each spiral scan, thereby eliminating spiral over-radiation.

Another breakthrough in CT technology was already reached in 2005 with the introduction of Dual Source CT. With the pioneering Dual Source CT scanner SOMATOM Definition, heart scanning and imaging becomes available for virtually all cardiac patients, at the same time drastically reducing dose. A 120-patient study of the University of Zurich has shown that the heart dose can be reduced to 2,5 Millisievert (mSv), what means, the new Adaptive Cardio Sequence decreases dose significantly below the level achieved with coronary catheterization while producing exceptionally clear and high-quality images of the coronary arteries.

Already in 2003, Siemens had introduced Care Dose4D, the first completely automated X-ray exposure control. This is based upon real-time, anatomy-specific dose modulation and makes possible – depending upon the body region involved – an additional dose reduction of up to 66 percent. And already back in 1999, Siemens scientists and engineers had developed the first ECG-pulsing system (ECG-synchronized dose modulation) for cardiac imaging. Academic and medical studies clearly indicate that dose reduction with ECG for heart exams was routinely 30 to 50 percent compared to systems without ECG pulsing.

Future Commitment
Reduction of the radiation dose will continue to have highest priority for Siemens. New technical developments such as, for example, organ-specific dose modulation or fully automated kilovoltage adaptation are on the horizon and will further minimize the radiation burden for the patient.