Toshiba Presents DynaDirect Flat Panel Detector Technology for the Infinix DP i-Series.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

ACC Booth #1433

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2003

Dual Plane Cardiovascular Imaging System Offers

Exceptional Image Quality and Enhanced Clinical Benefits with

Liquid Metal Bearing X-ray Tube 

Designed for cardiologists seeking the best technology for interventional procedures and vascular studies, the Infinix(TM) Dual Plane i-Series imaging system from Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. (TAMS) offers direct conversion DynaDirect(TM) flat panel detector technology (works-in-progress) for superior image quality, and a liquid metal bearing x-ray tube for improved performance and utmost reliability. The company will demonstrate Infinix DP i-Series' enhanced features for the first time at the 52nd Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

"At Toshiba, we are dedicated to delivering the innovative technology to enhance the ease and accuracy of cardiac and angio procedures," said Don Volz, director, Vascular X-ray Business Unit. "With Toshiba's Infinix DP i-Series, cardiologists can take advantage of the industry's best resolution images through DynaDirect flat panel detector technology, and a liquid metal x-ray tube which offers ensured reliability and high throughput. Moreover, the Infinix DP is the only compact, single-room design in the industry that meets ACC's stringent guidelines for peripheral and coronary examinations."

Improved Cardiac Procedures with DynaDirect FPD Technology

With the ability to directly convert incident X-rays to digital signals, Toshiba's Dynamic Direct Conversion FPD technology is more efficient and effective than the indirect FPD that must first convert X-rays to light. Through fewer material layers, simpler construction and structure, DynaDirect ensures increased reliability and performance.

In addition, Toshiba's DynaDirect is the only FPD technology that delivers a 150-micron pixel size, which produces higher image resolution than other dynamic FPD systems. It is also the largest cardiac FPD with a 9-inch by 9-inch square detector. For the angio c-arm, the FPD is a 14-inch by 14-inch detector for peripheral procedures.

The DynaDirect FPD technology will be available for all Infinix systems as a field upgradeable package that only requires the exchange of a few critical components.

Clinical Benefits with Liquid-Metal Bearing X-ray Tube

Toshiba's high-performance liquid-metal bearing x-ray tube for the Infinix DP i-Series is designed to meet the toughest clinical demands. The liquid-metal bearing system provides anti-abrasion performance for a long, reliable tube life. And, the 3.0 MHU is the industry's highest anode heat-capacity tube that virtually eliminates overheating and ensures high patient throughput. Additionally, a unique triple-focus design provides small focal spot redundancy for fail-safe cardiac imaging, while the acoustically quiet operating design permits clear communication in the examination room among the physician, staff and patient.

For more information about the Infinix DP i-Series, TAMS and its wide range of medical imaging products, please visit our Web site at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research and has responsibility for research and development for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Corporation, Medical Systems Company is a world leader in the development of medical imaging equipment, with a product line-up that includes CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and both conventional and vascular X-ray systems. Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has 176,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over $40 billion.