Toshiba Showcases Vantage Atlas Plus Large Bore System at RSNA.

New Elliptical Bore Design Provides the Largest Field-of-View and Increases Overall Patient Comfort

CHICAGO -- Enhancing diagnostic confidence through the development of cutting-edge imaging technologies, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced it will showcase the company's newest innovation - EXCELART Vantage[TM] Plus powered by Atlas - a works-in-progress 1.5T large bore system. Both the Vantage Atlas system and the Vantage Atlas Plus will be on display at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 26-Dec. 1 in Toshiba booth #1129, located in South Building, Hall A.

The Vantage Atlas Plus' unique elliptical large bore design will decrease incidents of claustrophobia, giving patients more room during an MRI exam. The system also provides an expanded field-of-view (FOV) at up to 55cm - allowing clinicians to capture high-quality images across the entire bore. The new system is an example of Toshiba's no-compromise approach to MRI.

"The Vantage continues to prove its clinical value with high-quality performance and patient-focused features for more comfortable MRI exams," said Bob Giegerich, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. "With the Atlas Plus, Toshiba will continue to lead the industry with the world's largest FOV, the shortest magnet and our patented Pianissimo[TM] technology, which significantly reduces acoustic noise. Now more than ever, our system can significantly reduce the most common causes for patient discomfort and deliver superior clinical results."

The Vantage Atlas 1.5T MRI system features a complete redesign of the system. The new 128-element system will meet clinical demands for an MRI system that delivers high-resolution images across the entire body with faster imaging times, rendering quick and accurate diagnosis, and will increase patient comfort. The new Atlas system design is an integrated coil concept that will allow clinicians to perform multiple exams without repositioning the patient. This will mean more comfortable exam experiences and will result in enhanced workflow and technologist productivity. Also, the Vantage Atlas' optional 205-cm acquisition range allows for feet-first imaging for the entire body, except the neck and head.

Vantage MRI: Unmatched Clinical Performance

Featuring some of the most advanced MRI applications available in the industry, the Vantage offers a wide range of optional packages for cardiac imaging, including advanced Echo Planar Imaging, Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging, Peripheral Angiography and Fresh Blood Imaging, SuperFASE (Fast Advanced Spin Echo) imaging and Body Vision. In addition, Toshiba's SPEEDER parallel imaging allows for increased acquisition speed and reduced examination times.

With Toshiba's patented Pianissimo(TM) technology, the Vantage dramatically reduces acoustic noise, the most significant cause of patient discomfort during an MRI exam, and enables clinicians to better utilize all of the system's high-field MRI capabilities. For more information about the Vantage Atlas, visit Toshiba at RSNA booth #1129 (South Building, Hall A).

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., 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, Cath & EP Labs, 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 approximately 161,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $54 billion.

EXCELART Vantage[TM] and Pianissimo[TM] are trademarks of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.