Toshiba Hosts Seminar on First-Ever International Cardiac CT Study; Presentation Addresses Patient and Economic Benefits of 64-Slice CT Cardiac Imaging.

TUSTIN, Calif. -- Further contributing to the body of knowledge supporting the use of multislice CT for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging using 64-slice CT technology, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today hosted a physician seminar to discuss CorE 64 (Coronary Evaluation on 64) -- the industry's first multi-center clinical study using 64-slice technology that compares the clinical benefits of coronary CTA with more invasive cardiac catheterization.

The seminar, which was held in Tokyo, included presentations highlighting the study's design and protocol, and was attended by nearly 300 physicians interested in CorE 64's progress. Other studies currently underway support the potential benefits of multi-slice CT as a fast, accurate alternative to cardiac catheterization -- allowing clinicians to render earlier diagnosis and improving the delivery of care. Researchers further anticipate that the CorE 64 multi-center trial could have significant potential in minimizing the number of patients undergoing needless cardiac catheterization -- an invasive diagnostic procedure wherein a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery to determine stenosis.

With more than 300 patients enrolled, the study will be the largest trial ever initiated evaluating the use of 64-slice CT technology -- resulting in the most statistically reliable data to date. In addition, early secondary findings indicate significant economic benefits associated with 64-slice CT, which is expected to have a positive impact on the overall reimbursement guidelines for multi-slice CT and broaden patient access to these exams.

According to Toshihiro Rifu, general manager, CT Business Unit, Toshiba Medical Systems Company, data collected to date indicates that CT holds a favorable place as a diagnostic alternative to cardiac catheterization and has the potential to change the delivery of healthcare moving forward. "We are encouraged by the findings gathered to date, and believe the final study outcome will play a significant role in further establishing multi-slice CT as a viable tool in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke -- conditions that cost the U.S. healthcare system $393.5 billion in 2005(1). It is our hope that these findings aid in the normalizing of reimbursement for cardiac CT in an effort to make it available to all patients."

The CorE 64 multi-center study participants include: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, led by primary investigator Dr. Julie Miller; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands; Humboldt University, Campus Charite Mitte in Germany; INCOR Heart Institute of the School of Medicine Hospital, Sao Paulo University in Brazil; Iwate Medical University in Japan; Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore; and Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada. Study results are anticipated to be released in 2006. For more information about CorE 64, please visit www.medical.toshiba.com, or visit the Toshiba booth #660 at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics' annual meeting, held Oct. 16-21 in Washington, D.C.

"This is the first international study of this scope done to date, and we believe it will have great impact on the healthcare system and patients," said Robb Young, senior manager, Cardiology CT, Toshiba America Medical Systems. "Uniformity in reimbursement may encourage hospitals to acquire diagnostic imaging technologies offering improved diagnostic capabilities to their communities. So there is tremendous potential for impact."

Benefits of Good Design

The CorE 64 clinical trial utilizes a different approach when compared to previous studies on the topic. This is attributed in large part to the study's unique design, which calls for an international, multi-center approach, bypassing limitations associated with previous studies that focused on one geographic area or utilized smaller patient samples. In addition, CorE 64 is the first trial that evaluates all of its more than 300 study participants that are between 50 and 70 percent stenotic, resulting in statistically significant data.

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, an independent group company of Toshiba Corporation, 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 Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 162,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $55 billion.

Aquilion(TM) is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.

References

(1) Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2005 Update. American Heart Association. www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3000090. Accessed 9/2005.