Siemens launches X-ray tube and detector technology for the Artis Q and Artis Q.zen angiography systems

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Siemens Healthcare has developed a new X-ray tube and detector technology for its Artis Q and Artis Q.zen angiography systems to improve minimally invasive therapy of diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke and cancer. The new development was presented for the first time at the 98th Congress of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA, Chicago, USA, 25–30 November). 

According to a company release, in both the Artis Q and Artis Q.zen series, the new X-ray tube can help to identify small vessels up to 70% better than conventional X-ray tube technology.

The Artis Q.zen combines this X-ray source with a new detector technology that supports interventional imaging in ultra-low dose ranges. This protects patients, doctors and medical staff, especially during longer interventions.

Two hardware components are crucial for angiographic image quality: the X-ray tube and the detector. The X-rays emitted by the tube pass through the patient and hit the detector, which converts them to image signals.

 

The second generation of Siemens’ flat emitter technology is key to the advances made in the X-ray tube for the Artis Q and Artis Q.zen product lines. Instead of the coiled filaments used in conventional X-ray tubes, flat emitter technology is used exclusively in the new tube to emit electrons. Flat emitters enable smaller quadratic focal spots that lead to improved visibility of small vessels by up to 70%.