Worldwide Leader in Multi-Slice CT, Toshiba, Exhibits Latest Advances for Less Invasive and More Accurate Cardiology Exams.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

American College of Cardiology Meeting 2002

Booth #2943

ATLANTA--(BW HealthWire)--March 19, 2002

Aquilion Delivers Superior Coronary Artery Imaging

With Soft-Tissue Detail

As a worldwide leader with more than 600 health-care facilities using its multi-slice computed tomography (CT) systems, Toshiba will offer cardiologists a chance to see the latest developments in coronary artery imaging at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), March 17-19 in Atlanta.

At the center of these advancements is Aquilion(TM), the industry's most powerful CT system, which will demonstrate the power of its Quantum Detector technology for faster, easier and more accurate cardiac studies.

The Aquilion technology provides an accuracy that makes it possible for cardiologists to more clearly visualize soft plaque and other vessel details inside the coronary artery to better detect heart disease using non-invasive CT technology. Investigators are already seeing dramatic opportunities with the current version, and the next-generation 16-slice holds the promise of imaging the entire heart in a single rotation.

Commenting on recent advances in CT technology, Dr. Mark L. Winkler of Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, the nation's busiest imaging center, said: "We can find tumors, diseases in the lungs and diseases in the heart that would otherwise go undiagnosed. We can really have a big impact on the quality and the duration of someone's life."

At ACC, Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) also will highlight clinical images from several recognized institutions that focus on imaging of the coronary arteries, including Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore), Straub Memorial Hospital (Hawaii), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, Iowa), University of Texas at Tyler and Fujita Health University (Japan).

Capturing Small Coronary Details for More Accurate Diagnosis

It is the automated imaging application, called multiplanar reconstruction, combined with Quantum Detector technology that allows for the accurate imaging of soft tissue. Aquilion features the industry's only 3D images with a consistent resolution of 0.5 mm from all views because the system acquires four simultaneous 0.5 mm slices per one-half second rotation.

In addition, the Aquilion's 3D reconstruction enhances surgical planning by allowing clinicians to view a patient's exact anatomy prior to an operation. Accurate and detailed measurements also can be taken in advance to improve the precision of procedures like stent placements.

By capturing the smallest coronary details, the Aquilion, in conjunction with the Vitrea II workstation by Vital Images, also performs effective coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS) studies that are comparable to those of the electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) technology in the early detection of heart disease.

Efficient Full-Body Scanning

In addition to its superior detector technology, Aquilion is equipped with the industry's largest heat capacity Megacool(TM) X-ray tube with the fastest cooling capability. As a result, cardiologists can perform long, run-off studies extending from the abdomen to the feet in less than 60 seconds. Because there is no tube cooling delay, the system ensures optimal throughput and the ability to handle a high volume of exams.

Future Developments

At the ACC meeting, TAMS will discuss its next generation of the Quantum Detector Series that is capable of 16 simultaneous 0.5 mm slices per half-second rotation (32 slices per second). This works-in-progress technology is expected to further increase efficiency, enhance clinical data and decrease patient X-ray dose. It also shows promise in making it possible to image the entire heart in a single rotation.

For more information about TAMS, visit the company's Web site at http://medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., TAMS, the U.S. arm of Toshiba Corp.'s Medical Systems Company (MSC), 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.

MSC is a world leader in the development of medical imaging equipment, with a product lineup that includes CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and both conventional and vascular X-ray systems.

Toshiba is a major provider of electronics and energy systems and products and a $60 billion organization with more than 190,000 employees worldwide.