Schneller, genauer, strahlungsärmer: Modernstes Ganzkörper-PET-CT am UKL feierlich eingeweiht

Leipzig University Hospital is now the third hospital in Germany to have the most advanced combined system of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scanners. "The system not only enables more precise imaging, but also delivers these images faster and with significantly reduced radiation exposure," explains Prof. Osama Sabri, Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Leipzig University Hospital. Whole-body PET scans can now be performed in two to three minutes instead of the previous 20 to 30 minutes. If necessary, this time can even be reduced to under 60 seconds. Unlike many other devices, this system allows the entire body, from head to mid-thigh, to be examined simultaneously, and metabolic processes can be recorded in almost the entire body at the same time. "We can now determine much earlier in the overall diagnostic imaging process whether cancer therapy has been successful and, if necessary, provide important information for treatment adjustments," says Prof. Sabri. Whole-body PET scans can now be performed in two to three minutes instead of the previous 20 to 30 minutes. A total of approximately €10 million was invested in the equipment and the extensive associated construction work, using funds from the Free State of Saxony and the University Hospital Leipzig's own resources. "I am very pleased about the substantial investment of €9.6 million from the state budget. It made possible the acquisition of a system designed for both clinical applications and translational research to develop therapies and procedures for improved treatment outcomes," said Saxony's Minister of Science, Sebastian Gemkow, at the official inauguration on June 19. The success of this major equipment project was primarily due to the efforts of the clinic's team, the management of the construction and installation project at Siemens, the project development and materials management departments at the University Hospital Leipzig, and, finally, the various stakeholders and companies involved in the construction and installation on site.