Toshiba introduces compact, 1-second, helical CT scanner.

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1995--Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc., (TAMS) Monday introduced the Xpress/GX helical CT scanner. The announcement was made by Skip Dionne, director, CT Business Unit.

"The Xpress/GX is the newest addition to Toshiba's Xpress line of premium slip-ring CT scanners," said Dionne. "It is particularly suited for institutions which require the high-performance capabilities of helical scanning and the image quality of solid-state detectors, but due to space limitations have little siting flexibility," says Dionne.

The Xpress/GX provides the performance of helical scanning in a compact system opening the way to wider use of CT scanning. The Xpress/GX is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than today's standard systems. Where previous helical CT scanners have required a 30-35m2 room, the new system can be installed in a space as small as 20m2 (a 10x20-foot room). Bringing a new versatility to CT imaging, the Xpress/GX may even be installed in the operating room to support surgical procedures with volumetric imaging.

The system's small size does not diminish performance. The gantry is still substantial at 72 cm with a couch-width of 42 cm, making it capable of handling large-size patients. And, because of its proven slip-ring technology, the system performs 1-second, 360-degree scans to meet the high-speed demands of dynamic and helical examinations.

The performance of the Xpress/GX has been achieved by using Toshiba's advanced packaging technology to incorporate the system's high-voltage X-ray generator into the gantry. In other designs it forms a separate unit. Small size and high-level performance are also reinforced by applying a new optical data transmission technology for transferring data from rotating X-ray detectors to the display.

Other features:

--Standard image reconstruction takes just five seconds. A six-second cycle includes scanning, table movement, image reconstruction and archiving.

--The system provides a continuous 100 seconds of helical data, as well as sequential, multi-directional helical acquisitions, with or without convention scans, which can be easily programmed by the operator.

--Continuous 100-second helical scanning is achieved by a high-capacity X-ray tube (3.5 MHU) used in combination with a high-speed data transmission system and high-capacity magnetic disk.

--The fast operation of the Xpress/GX is complemented by its superb image quality. Close to 900 solid-state detectors have twice the photon absorption efficiency of Xenon. The scanner achieves spatial resolution equivalent to 18-line-pairs per centimeter and is able to resolve objects as small as 2.5 mm at 0.25% contrast.

--Dedicated software detects and compensates for bones and autonomous movement of internal organs in scanned images.

--A 32-bit CPU and high-capacity memory allow parallel processing of multiple functions -- from scanning to data storing -- eliminating time taken for sequential tasks.

--Customized and programmable examination procedures allow even new operators conduct the same examinations as experienced technicians.

CT scanners have won a positive response from the medical community for their clear images and diagnostic accuracy. Today, over 30,000 systems are used worldwide. Toshiba pioneered the development of helical scanning, a method offering significant advantages over the rapid sequence scanning it replaces, including a speed five times faster and greater patient comfort. Helical scanning, which Toshiba originally developed also provides more accurate information: continuous data for scanned areas can be reconstructed at arbitra intervals, in increments of 0.1 mm or more, limiting the possibility of missin a small lesion or other abnormality.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems. Toshiba's imaging product include CT (computed tomography), MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and both conventional and vascular X-ray systems. Toshiba America MRI, Inc., in South San Francisco, is a subsidiary of TAMS and has responsibility for research and development, engineering and manufacturing of diagnostic imaging equipment in the United States.

CONTACT: Toshiba America Medical Systems

Catherine M. Eilts, 714/669-4140