MEDTECH To staycompetitive in the CTmarket, companies need to prioritise innovation

In conversation with Kalyani Sharma,KN Sudhir ,Business Head-Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthineers,Zone India,expounds on the promising prospects of Computed Tomography (CT) in the healthcare domain.He emphasises on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms within CTsystems

How do you envision the future of CT technology in the healthcare industry, and what strategies do you believe can be employed to realise this vision?

CT technology will continue to play a crucial role in the future, of the healthcare industry, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient care. CT scanners will become more advanced, offering higher resolution images, reducing radiation dose, and improving patient experience. The integration of AI algorithms into CT systems will further enhance diagnostic capabilities and assist radiologists in interpreting and analysing images.

To achieve this vision, several key factors need to be considered. Continued investment in research and development is essential to drive innovation in CT technology. This includes advancements in hardware, such as detector technology and scanner design, as well as software improvements to enhance image reconstruction algorithms and AI integration.

Additionally, collaboration between industry stakeholders, including CT manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies, is vital. By working together, they can share knowledge, address challenges, and establish guidelines for the safe and effective use of CT technology.

What strategies can be employed to stay competitive in the CT market, considering the rapid advancements in technology and the emergence of new players?

To stay competitive in the CT market, companies need to prioritise innovation and adapt to the rapid advancements in technology. This can be achieved by investing in research and development to develop new features and capabilities that meet evolving customer needs. For example, integrating AI and machine learning algorithms into CT systems can provide automated analysis, improved image quality, and advanced diagnostic tools. Innovations in new detector materials like photon counting technology to improve image resolution, reduce radiation dose further and carry out spectral imaging are revolutionising CT and overcoming many limitations that existed so far. Companies should also focus on improving patient experience and workflow efficiency. This includes developing user-friendly interfaces, implementing automation features, and providing seamless integration with other healthcare systems.

Additionally, offering comprehensive training and support services to healthcare professionals using CT scanners can help build customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Furthermore, fostering strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and research institutions can enable collaboration in research, clinical trials, and product development. By aligning with key stakeholders, CT manufacturers can stay at the forefront of emerging trends and gain a competitive edge in the market.

What steps can be taken to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders (hospitals, medical professionals, and regulatory bodies,) to promote the adoption and use of CT solutions?

To foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, CT manufacturers should prioritise effective communication and collaboration. This involves actively engaging hospitals, medical professionals, and regulatory bodies through various channels, such as conferences, workshops, and industry forums.

Understanding the specific needs and challenges of healthcare providers is crucial. By listening to their feedback and incorporating their input into product development, CT manufacturers can create solutions that address realworld problems and add value to their customers. Complying with regulatory standards and actively participating in discussions with regulatory bodies is essential for promoting the adoption and use of CT solutions. By demonstrating the safety, efficacy, and benefits of their products, manufacturers can build trust and credibility with regulatory bodies, fostering a supportive regulatory environment for CT technology.

How do data analytics and AI contribute to CT solutions, and how can their potential be harnessed to elevate diagnostic capabilities?

Data analytics and AI play a significant role in CT solutions by enabling advanced image analysis, decision support, and workflow optimisation. AI algorithms can assist in tasks such as image reconstruction, noise reduction, and artifact correction, leading to improved image quality and diagnostic accuracy. AI-based automation can help standardise the workflow for each clinical condition and patient type, irrespective of the experience level of the CT technologist.

Moreover, AI can aid in the detection and characterisation of abnormalities in CT scans, helping radiologists identify potential areas of concern more efficiently. By leveraging large datasets and machine learning techniques, AI algorithms can learn from past cases and provide valuable insights to support clinical decision-making.

Data analytics can also be employed to analyse and optimise CT scanner performance, patient throughput, and resource allocation. By analysing data from CT scanners, hospitals can identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency. use energy-integrating detectors that measure the overall energy deposited by Xray photons passing through the body. In contrast, photon counting CT employs specialised detectors capable of counting individual X-ray photons.

Could you provide insights into some of the recent innovations in the field of CT technology?

The most recent innovation is CT based on Photon counting detector technology. It represents a breakthrough in medical imaging by providing enhanced image quality, improved diagnostic accuracy, and reduced radiation exposure for patients.

The key advantage of photon counting detectors is their ability to measure the energy of each detected photon accurately. This information enables the differentiation of photons based on their energy levels, leading to improved tissue characterisation and material decomposition. It allows for the extraction of quantitative information about tissue composition, such as distinguishing between different types of calcium deposits or identifying specific contrast agents. It helps reduce radiation dose further and doubles the image resolution compared to the best of conventional CT scanners.

What does the company envision for its future in the Indian market, and are there any upcoming products in the pipeline that you can share with us?

We have already launched our NAEOTOM Alpha, Photon Counting CT scanner in the Indian market. Any new product launched by us globally would also be launched in India after the due regulatory approvals.

Kalyani.sharma@expressindia.com journokalyani@gmail.com