Hospitals Achieve Enhanced Patient Care, Optimized Workflow and Expanded Clinical Capabilities with Toshiba's Infinix-i Series Vascular Imaging Systems.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2004

Across the country, healthcare institutions both large and small are experiencing the measurable benefits of improved patient care, optimized workflow and expanded clinical capabilities by taking advantage of the flexibility, image quality and reliability of the Infinix(TM)-i series family of vascular and cardiac imaging systems from Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. (TAMS). Infinix systems recently installed at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals (Chapel Hill) and Berger Hospital (Circleville, Ohio) demonstrate the high performance achieved with the system's new architecture based on dual PC processors and digital network communication.

"The Infinix-i series has been uniquely designed to take into consideration a wide variety of factors that impact cardiac imaging and patient care, including workflow capabilities, ease-of-use, system configuration, dose management and patient comfort. As a result, Infinix systems offer the ideal performance for fast, precise diagnostic and interventional procedures," said Raymond Dimas, vascular X-ray product manager, Toshiba America Medical Systems. "Furthermore, the Infinix architecture allows for the systems to be field-upgradeable to the next-generation of flat-panel detector(a) (FPD) technology. In fact, Toshiba technicians can replace the standard imaging chain with the new cardiac FPD in about three days."

Superior Image Quality, Outstanding Reliability and Networking Key for UNC

Performing approximately 2,400 cardiac imaging and interventional studies annually, the cardiac catheterization department at the University of North Carolina Hospitals uses three Infinix systems to meet its varied case load needs. The facility operates the Infinix CC-i cardiac cath lab, the Infinix CB for pediatrics and the Infinix DP-i for peripheral vascular and cardiac work. The university hospital also is participating in clinical trials for FDA (510K) submissions for Toshiba's works-in-progress cardiac FPD.

"Since installing the Infinix systems, we have been pleased with the performance and reliability. The systems are extremely reliable. We run the equipment all day and have had very few problems. And, the imaging is outstanding," said Rick Stouffer, M.D., director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories and Director of Interventional Cardiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals.

"The image quality on the Infinix systems is excellent. We had high expectations, and it has consistently delivered good, solid images," Dr. Stouffer added. "With the Infinix technology we can clearly see the edges of the coronary arteries, which has made stent placement more accurate. This type of precision has a positive impact on patients and outcomes."

UNC also utilizes the Infinix systems' networking and digital archiving capabilities to improve efficiencies and enhance patient care. "The newer networking system is a much improved system than what we had before," said Stouffer. "The advantage is that we can now easily send images in real-time to the operating room for improved efficiency and outcomes. If the surgeons have any question, they can immediately pull up the image. Our next step is to make images available in the critical care unit."

Expanded Capabilities and Improved Productivity Achieved by Berger Hospital

As a small community hospital, Berger Hospital has relied on the unique design and flexibility of the Infinix DP-i system to expand the facility's diagnostic imaging capabilities and increase productivity. In the first six months of operation, the department more than doubled the number of cases it performed compared to the previous 12-month period. Additionally, the facility expects to outperform its initial projections for an increased procedure volume.

"Acquiring the Infinix DP-i allowed us to establish a completely new service line for our patients. It has opened the door for us to perform cardiac catheterization, while at the same time expanding and enhancing our existing peripheral angiography capabilities," said Greg Campbell, manager of diagnostic imaging services, Berger Hospital.

The Infinix DP-i is a dual C-arm system with two C-arms that share a common generator, table and monitors. The system has a nine-inch imaging chain for cardiac work and a 16-inch imaging chain for peripheral work.

"With the Infinix system we are now routinely performing cardiac cath lab procedures. And, because we have the system in a special procedures room, we've been able to use it for non-traditional work, including vascular stent placements. For example, we have used the Infinix to insert vasculature access devices, which would normally be done in the surgical suite. As a result, we are freeing up the surgical suite for increased productivity as well as cost savings," explained Campbell.

He added: "Our ability to perform many of these new procedures, such as tilt table studies, is a reflection of the machine and its capabilities. Within a single room, we now have more flexibility, and we are able to keep this room very busy."

About the Infinix-i Series

The Toshiba Infinix-i series is the industry's only system that is truly field-upgradeable to flat-panel detector technology. This capability enables clinicians to expand the system and take advantage of next-generation technology for superior image quality, while reducing upgrade costs.

Toshiba's Infinix-i series vascular systems include single-plane, bi-plane and dual-plane configurations designed with advanced technologies that deliver fast and accurate diagnostic and interventional exams.

For more information about the Infinix-i series of vascular X-ray systems, TAMS and its wide range of medical imaging products, please visit www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has 166,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of more than $47 billion.

Note to Editors: Infinix is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.

(a) Works-in-progress.