Toshiba Unveils Aquilion 64-Slice CT with the World's Most Advanced Quantum CT Detector.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Aquilion 64-Slice CT Takes CT Imaging to New Heights With Faster, More Accurate Diagnostic Capabilities And Better Delivery of Noninvasive Patient Care

Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) today demonstrated its continued commitment to being at the forefront of computed tomography (CT) technology in a presentation by Prof. Kazuhiro Katada, M.D., highlighting his clinical experience with Toshiba's latest generation Aquilion(TM) 64-slice CT, which has been installed at the Fujita Health University in Japan since late March. Prof. Katada shared his findings with attendees at the 6th Annual International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT on June 23-26, 2004, in San Francisco.

Featuring the most advanced multislice CT technologies available, the Aquilion 64-slice CT is built on the same platform as the Aquilion 32, utilizing Toshiba's unique 64-row Quantum detector, volume imaging capabilities and advanced software application. Because of this reliable design with more than 2,000 patients scanned to-date with the Aquilion 32 product at its installations worldwide, the Aquilion 64-slice system will be available for delivery in 2005. The Aquilion 32 can be upgraded to a 64-slice system.

"Toshiba's Aquilion 64-slice CT and Quantum 64-row detector technology will set new healthcare standards with unmatched image quality and the industry's best isotropic slice thickness of 0.5 mm for volumetric cardiovascular and radiology studies, especially in trauma applications such as chest pain or stroke," said Doug Ryan, director, CT Business Unit, Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. "With the recent completion of more than 2,000 combined patient scans at leading medical institutions globally, Toshiba has validated the significance of its 64-row Quantum CT detector technology and strengthened its leadership position in the U.S. CT market."

Quantum Detector and Precise Isotropic Scanning Expand Clinical Capabilities

At the heart of the Aquilion 64-slice CT is its superior multidetector design, the most sophisticated CT detector that enables high-speed, high-resolution imaging with the lowest noise and superior anatomical coverage.

The Quantum detector enables the Aquilion CT scanner to acquire 64 simultaneous slices of 0.5 mm with each 400-millisecond gantry revolution for a total Z-axis coverage of 48 mm per rotation. The result is precise isotropic imaging of any region of the body during a breath-hold under ten seconds.

"With the volumetric imaging of the Aquilion 64-slice CT, our sites are capturing and seeing more anatomical information than previously thought possible. The coverage and speed of the Aquilion 64-slice CT expands noninvasive capabilities for a wider range of patients," said Ryan. In addition to Fujita Health University, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has been scanning with the Aquilion Quantum 64 technology since February.

"Toshiba's Aquilion 64-slice CT is the world's first FDA-cleared true 64-slice system providing the industry's best low-contrast detector and isotropic-slice resolution at 2 mm and .35 mm. CT can now be used on a greater range of patients to more accurately visualize soft plaque and measure coronary stenosis," said Ryan.

Furthermore, 0.5 mm slices, the thinnest in the market for scanning, improve the measurement accuracy and make scans with the Quantum detector more useful for quantitative treatment planning and calculation of volume. The Quantum detector design also enables minimal dose due to Toshiba's use of highly efficient ceramic material. This material allows for the lowest noise and highest dose efficiency available on the market, which is reflected in the outstanding low-contrast performance of the Aquilion.

SUREWorkflow Automated Scan Technologies Deliver Greater Efficiencies

In order to optimize the Aquilion 64-slice CT and its Quantum detector for the larger studies especially in cardiovascular CT imaging, Toshiba developed the SUREWorkflow applications suite to ensure clinical accuracy and productivity by automating complex CT studies. The Aquilion 64-slice CT automatically acquires scan data, reconstructs images and sends the results to the selected review station. Advanced applications in the SUREWorkflow suite include:

--SUREStart(TM) - Real-time contrast monitoring that automatically starts the scan at the right time, reducing contrast load by 20 to 40cc (the lowest of all CT systems)

--SUREExposure(TM) - Dose control ensures optimum image quality at the optimum patient dose, providing up to 40 percent total dose reduction for the patient

--SURECardio(TM) - Automated cardiac scan, clinically validated automated protocols ensuring the best temporal resolution regardless of a patient's heart rate or condition

--SURESubtraction(TM) - Removal of interfering calcium with rapid angiographic views

For more information about the Aquilion 64-slice CT with the Quantum detector, TAMS and its wide range of medical imaging products, please visit www.medical.toshiba.com.

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, 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 $55 billion.

Note to Editors: Aquilion(TM) is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.