News | Press Releases


November 19, 2004

TOSHIBA INSTALLS FIRST T.RAD PLUS DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY X-RAY SYSTEM AT KUAKINI HOSPITAL

New X-Ray System Delivers Flexibility, Increased Patient Throughput and Patient-Focused Care to Hawaiian Hospital

TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 19, 2004 – Meeting diverse customer needs with patient-focused imaging technology, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. (TAMS) today announced the completion of its first T.RAD Plus Digital radiography (DR) system installation at the Kuakini Hospital in Honolulu.  The hospital is part of the Kuakini Health System, which is nationally and internationally recognized as a leading healthcare provider that develops innovative ways to improve the access, delivery and quality of healthcare.

“With the first installation of the T.RAD Plus Digital, Toshiba customers are realizing the benefits of eliminating film and will be able to take advantage of its useful single DR panel (offset C-arm) configuration for more flexible exams,” said Don Volz, director, X-ray Business Unit, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.  “Toshiba is focused on meeting the diverse needs of our customers from both the clinical performance and equipment service standpoint.”

The T.RAD Plus Digital is designed to dramatically improve staff productivity, eliminating the use of plain film and enhancing patient care with a variety of system configurations and X-ray imaging technology.

“We chose the T.RAD Plus Digital mainly because of its flexibility and ease-of-use.  Already, the system has improved our overall patient throughput more than four-times at our facility and handles the exam volume of three imaging rooms,” said Sandy Lai, imaging manager, Kuakini Hospital.  “More than just improving productivity, the T.RAD Plus Digital also has enhanced our patient care with its unique C-arm design, which makes it possible to conduct exams with or without the table.  Even the lower table height has made a dramatic difference with our patients, who are mainly older patients with limited mobility.  Moreover, Toshiba is the only vendor with a dedicated sales and service representative on the island to ensure that our T.RAD Plus Digital will be operational for years to come, which is crucial for us here in Hawaii.”

DR System Performance and Flexibility
The T.RAD Plus Digital series consists of systems equipped with one or two DR panels providing filmless radiography while offering exceptional system positioning capabilities.  Using a highly sensitive digital detector and uniquely designed C-arm, the T.RAD Plus Digital integrates advanced technologies for exam efficiency and increased staff productivity, including the industry’s fastest image preview capabilities.

The systems also feature a 17×17-inch DR panel for the largest anatomical coverage, providing clinicians with high-quality images that capture more information for increased diagnostic confidence and improved patient care.

The T.RAD Plus Digital series has a flexible design to adapt to customers’ changing department needs.  Equipment initially can be configured either as a DR or traditional X-ray system, providing customers the option to easily upgrade to digital technology at a later date.

For more information about T.RAD Plus Digital, 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, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States.  Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, an independent group company of Toshiba Corporation, 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 Corporation 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 $53 billion.