The First Photon-Counting CT in Moravia Is Already Examining Patients
76 ǀ POSITIV 4/2025
WELLBEING
The First Photon-Counng
CT in Moravia Is Already
Examining Paents
Groundbreaking Technology Brings More Accurate Heart
and Vascular Diagnoscs to Paents from Across the Region
An investment of more than one hundred million crowns, the most advanced technology in Europe,
and above all a signicant step forward in the eld of computed tomography – this is the
NAEOTOM Alpha® scanner with quantum, photon-counng technology, which has been operated
since October by AGEL Třinec-Podlesí Hospital on the premises of AGEL Ostrava-Vítkovice
Hospital.
“It provides us with more informaon, higher-quality imaging and therefore beer examinaon
results,” says MUDr. Stanislav Holesz, Head of Intervenonal Radiology, who leads the team
operang the scanner.
Doctor, could you briefly explain what photon-
counting CT is and how it differs from standard CT?
Photon-counting CT is a new-generation device
that represents a revolution in CT imaging and CT
technology. Thanks to modern, innovative methods
of radiation detection, it delivers more information
in higher quality, which naturally leads to significantly
improved examination results.
As a patient, will I notice any difference between
photon-counting CT and standard CT?
During the examination itself, an ordinary patient will
not notice any difference between a standard CT scan
and a scan performed on a photon-counting CT.
How big of a difference does it make for the doctor?
In general, I could say that working with this device
is similar to working with any other CT scanner. The key
difference, however, lies in the amount of information
we gain thanks to the new technology.
Which patients is this device intended for?
The photon-counting CT we installed at AGEL Ostrava-
Vítkovice Hospital is part of the comprehensive
Cardiovascular Centre of AGEL Třinec–Podlesí Hospital,
so it is primarily used for diagnosing heart and vascular
diseases. Specifically, it is used for examinations such
as CT coronary angiography, CT angiography of the
arteries, the aorta or cerebral arteries.
What specific information does this new device
provide to doctors?
In vascular diseases, photon-counting CT gives us the
most accurate image possible. Based on these scans,
we can then determine whether a patient should
undergo surgery, a minimally invasive catheter
procedure, or treatment with medication. Put simply,
it helps us significantly in deciding when invasive
treatment is necessary and when it is not. In addition,
CT coronary angiography performed on a photon-
counting CT can replace invasive catheter-based
diagnostic procedures for many patients.
The new device also operates with a lower radiation
dose for the patient. How much lower is it?
The reduction is generally around thirty to forty per
cent. However, for certain types of examinations,
the decrease in radiation exposure can be even more
significant.
Is this innovation suitable for all patients, or are
there situations in which a patient cannot undergo
photon-counting CT?
The limitations are the same as with standard
CT scanners. This means we must always keep in mind
that it is still an examination involving radiation, and that
administering contrast dye places a strain on the kidneys.
The examination is absolutely unsuitable for patients who
have a history of allergic reactions to contrast agents.