Siemens Healthineers Introduces Next-Generation CT Technology in Vietnam, Bringing Imaging Diagnostics Closer to the Clinical Frontline

At the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Vietnam Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Siemens Healthineers showcased two new advances in CT: the second-generation photon-counting CT system NAEOTOM Alpha Class, and the SOMATOM On.site mobile CT system, making its debut in Vietnam. These two product lines target high-precision imaging diagnostics and point-of-care bedside examinations respectively, reflecting how CT technology is moving beyond the mere pursuit of image quality toward greater clinical scenario adaptability and workflow optimization.

The NAEOTOM Alpha Class is the next-generation product following the global launch of NAEOTOM Alpha in 2021. Photon-counting CT provides physicians with richer diagnostic information through higher detail visualization and multi-energy data acquisition. The newly launched Alpha Class comes in three versions—Alpha.Prime, Alpha.Pro, and Alpha.Peak—designed for routine examinations, more demanding cardiovascular applications, and complex diagnostic needs at tertiary hospitals and specialized centers respectively, enabling healthcare institutions to select configurations based on their positioning and operational conditions.

From a technical standpoint, the NAEOTOM Alpha Class features Quantum HD technology, an ultra-high-resolution slice thickness of 0.2 mm, and multi-energy data capabilities, helping physicians visualize fine structures and assess lesions. The Alpha.Pro and Alpha.Peak achieve a temporal resolution of up to 66 milliseconds, while the Alpha.Peak reaches a maximum scan speed of 737 mm/s, making it suitable for cases requiring high scan speeds and motion artifact control. The system also integrates radiation dose and contrast agent optimization protocols, offering practical benefits for pediatric patients, elderly patients, and those requiring repeated follow-up examinations.

Another key product, the SOMATOM On.site, embodies the trend of "bringing CT to the patient's bedside." This system is primarily used for head and neck CT examinations and can perform scans in bedside settings such as intensive care units. For critically ill ICU patients, conventional CT examinations often require preparation, transport, and coordination across multiple departments—both time-consuming and risk-prone. Mobile CT allows physicians to acquire imaging information at the patient's location, helping reduce transport steps and bringing imaging results closer to the moment of clinical decision-making.

According to Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, bedside CT examinations can reduce average processing time from approximately 50 minutes to about 20 minutes, and lower patient transport requirements in appropriate clinical scenarios. The joint showcase of the NAEOTOM Alpha Class and SOMATOM On.site highlights two development directions for CT technology in the Vietnamese market: on one hand, photon-counting technology enhances diagnostic capabilities for complex diseases, serving key areas such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, and oncology; on the other hand, mobile devices improve diagnostic and treatment efficiency in acute and critical care scenarios, bringing imaging diagnostics closer to patients and clinical decision-making sites.