Siemens Healthineers has unveiled a new mobile stroke unit integrating the Somatom On.site CT scanner with the digital platform Stroke Connect, enabling earlier intervention and remote assessments by hospital specialists.

FDA approved in 2020, the Somatom On.site is designed for use in ambulances, and delivers head CT images with quality comparable to stationary hospital scanners. It features a telescopic gantry, allowing for patient positioning while they remain on a stretcher. Stroke Connect facilitates remote evaluations by hospital physicians, using telemedicine to support rapid clinical decision-making before a patient arrives at a medical facility.

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with one in four people over age 25 expected to experience a stroke in their lifetime. Mobile stroke units have been shown to reduce time-to-treatment by an average of 30 minutes compared to conventional emergency pathways. Studies indicate that this faster response can significantly improve patient outcomes, with 65% more patients recovering without long-term health complications.

“Somatom On.site, a dedicated head CT scanner which is designed for use in an ambulance, will enable our care teams to make early treatment decisions at the point of care," said Dr. Johann Rink, senior physician in radiology and project lead for the mobile stroke unit at University Medical Centre Mannheim in Germany. "Stroke Connect, a software solution, is aimed at collecting all relevant clinical patient data and brings our intrahospital expertise into ambulances via telemedicine.”

By enabling early stroke detection and direct triage to specialized care, Siemens Healthineers aims to optimize stroke workflows and improve patient outcomes.

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