Nation-Leading CT Technology Enhances Emergency Care at OU Health

Through its long-term Value Partnership with Siemens Healthineers, OU Health is expanding its portfolio of advanced diagnostic and imaging technologies, including the recent addition of one of the nation’s most sophisticated CT scanners. These innovations strengthen OU Health’s ability to deliver faster, more precise care, increasing access for patients across all 77 Oklahoma counties. 

The installation of the NAEOTOM Alpha photon-counting CT scanner, among the most advanced systems available, reflects the kind of innovation made possible through the partnership. As the academic health system of the University of Oklahoma, OU Health is focused on bringing the latest medical technology into clinical practice to improve care, support research and education, and expand access for patients statewide. 

“This new technology is a big step forward for our emergency care,” said Dr. Anthony Alleman, M.D., MPH, radiologist and chair of the Department of Radiological Sciences at the OU College of Medicine. “It helps our doctors make better decisions faster, which can save lives.”  

What Makes the NAEOTOM Alpha CT Unique 

OU Health is among the first health systems in the country to install this technology in an emergency department. Unlike older CT machines, the NAEOTOM Alpha produces clearer images using special detectors that capture incredibly fine details — as small as 0.2 millimeters — helping doctors identify problems that might otherwise go undetected. Patients also benefit from reduced use of radiation and contrast dye, which lowers potential side effects and costs.  

The system includes the Bayer Centargo Injector, marking the first time this advanced injector has been paired with the NAEOTOM Alpha anywhere in the country. Together, the scanner and injector improve care today and expand opportunities for future medicine. By distinguishing between different types of tissue, the technology helps physicians study how diseases affect the body, develop better treatments and train the next generation of doctors.  

The scanner operates rapidly, providing an opportunity to decrease the patient's wait time on the CT table and improving patient comfort. 

Why This Matters for Oklahoma 

OU Health is Oklahoma's leading Level I Trauma Center, treating the most seriously injured patients in the state. Having this type of leading-edge technology in the emergency room means more patients can get scanned quickly, allowing the care teams to handle more cases. 

OU Health and Siemens Healthineers entered into a comprehensive 10-year Value Partnership in December 2023, designed to enhance healthcare delivery across Oklahoma through the implementation of leading-edge diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. The collaboration includes 278 individual pieces of equipment and software packages across four key areas that include Lab, Digital & Automation, Imaging, and Radiation Oncology.  

As of July 2025, the partnership has completed 88 technology deployments, advancing clinical care, workforce development, and research across the state.