Siemens has installed Somatom Definition Adaptive Scanner (AS+) - the world's fastest single source Computed Tomograph (CT) scanner at Chitra Scan & Imaging Center in Dadar, Mumbai. This CT that adapts to virtually any patient and clinical need is capable of all routine diagnostic work as well as advanced examinations in cardiology, neurology and oncology. It is also suited for emergency situations like accidents, strokes or heart attacks requiring speedy diagnosis. Even difficult patients - obese, trauma and children - can be quickly scanned with high diagnostic confidence.

The system with its 128 slices/per rotation has industry's highest rotation speed of 300 milliseconds. The system is capable of performing cardiac coronary CT angiography in just four seconds. It also allows a whole body scan with outstanding results in a single breath-hold. Equally important is that all examinations are performed with the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient - thereby addressing this growing concern on radiation exposure among the clinicians and the general public.

Somatom Definition AS+ is the first scanner to combine dynamic components such as the unique Adaptive Dose Shield that enables significant dose reduction in routine applications. Further, the Siemens' 'award winning' and integrated 'Z Sharp' technology in the system allows finer imaging details at higher speed.

The high speed, adaptability and image quality of this CT scanner not only accelerates all clinical investigations but also permits faster application of life-saving treatment. Another significant feature of Somatom Definition AS+ is the unique Adaptive 4D-Spiral with its bidirectional movement of the patient table. With this technique, entire organs like the whole brain can be imaged for dynamic evaluation (whole body perfusion) in a single scan, which is another 'first' for the CT technology.

At the launch, D Ragavan, executive vice president, Siemens Healthcare informed, "This is a major breakthrough for Siemens as Somatom Definition AS+ is the fastest single source CT scanner in the world. With the new Adaptive Scanner, this CT allows multiple usages. In addition to the conventional scans, it can now be used for stroke diagnosis and can function as a non-invasive catheter laboratory or as a tool for therapy management with cancer patients or even as an interventional suite - all according to the need of an individual patient."

Ragavan continued, "Somatom Definition AS+ is the result of several years of R&D efforts, in which Siemens AG has spent several million Euros and with this installation in Mumbai, we once again demonstrate our keenness and ability to let the Indian healthcare community to access the latest technologies at the earliest. We would like to congratulate Chitra Scan to have taken this step to bring in the best possible technologies for the benefit of their patients."

"Heart Attack is now the number one killer disease in Mumbai. Hectic schedules, changing lifestyles, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all synonymous with citizens of Mumbai. The 128 Slice Cardiac CT scanner is a revolution in diagnosing silent heart diseases non-invasively," informed Dr Mehool Mehta, director, Chitra Scan & Imaging Centre Pvt Ltd.

Further, Dr Rajesh Asnani, director, Chitra Scan & Imaging Centre Pvt Ltd added, "This CT scanner can accurately diagnose the number and extent of blockages in the coronary arteries having cent per cent negative predictive value. The beauty of the equipment is the speed of scanning with the lowest radiation dose making it the ideal modality for screening. Chitra Scan Center shall be launching the 'save your heart' campaign very soon."

Chitra Scan & Imaging Center is a frontrunner in high-end medical diagnostic imaging centre in Central Mumbai.