Due to a tremendous shift in demographics to an aging population, a new generation of medical professionals willing to accept computer technology, and a healthcare industry that is seeking greater efficiency are all opening the door for innovative Computed Tomography (CT) interventional procedures in the medical community. This is particularly evident in the surgical field where healthcare facilities are seeking after operational improvements. Medical technology has changed significantly over the last 20 years. This includes innovations in computed tomography and a more pervasive use of the modality for minimally invasive procedures. Current market potential evaluations indicate a strong increase of CT-guided procedures such as pain therapy, tumor biopsy, radio-frequency ablation, vertebroplasty and other minimally invasive surgery procedures [1] within the next years.

Since a CT-guided exam is a minimally invasive procedure, there are fewer complications (e.g. less infections), a faster recovery of the patient and thus an earlier discharge as compared to an open surgery (e.g. deep vein thrombosis etc.). Increases in procedural success rates will decrease the number of repeat procedures and the risk of malpractice. Lowered infection rates will limit the number of patients being treated for hospital-related sepsis, which otherwise cause beds to be occupied and lead to higher per-patient costs. Quicker recovery times can provide additional bed space, allowing more patients to be addressed. All-in-all, CT-guided exams often can be performed on an outpatient basis providing a cost benefit and thus a competitive edge for hospitals.

Through recent technology innovations at Siemens Healthcare, 3D-guided CT interventions are first ever made available in the market and are applicable for clinical routines. In addition to traditional CT-guided procedures, 3D-guided CT interventions now enable physicians to address procedures that might have once been considered too risky or complicated - another tremendous progress and benefit for both patients and hospitals. In particular this will lead to a progress in modern critical care medicine, for instance for the early fracture stabilization of trauma patients. The majority of complications of traditional stabilization techniques for trauma patients are related to the surgery itself, rather than the initial injury. Thus it is very reasonable to seek after less invasive treatment alternatives.

By using a Siemens SOMATOM Definition CT scanner and the new Siemens Interventional Suite for 3D-guided interventions, the CT-guided osteosynthesis can be dramatically improved. The lead time for the overall workflow and the radiation exposure may be significantly reduced due to innovative workflow elements such as the table-side control module “i-Control” which enables the operation of all table and scanner movements from inside the gantry room. In addition, capabilities such as automation and adaption to personal needs increase the interventional radiologist’s confidence not to harm any structure within the target area.