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June 17, 2005

TOSHIBA AMERICA MEDICAL SYSTEMS UNVEILS AFFORDABLY PRICED XARIO ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AT AIUM

Cost-Effective, Multi-functional System Increases Diagnostic Confidence, Enhances Efficiency and Improves Workflow

ORLANDA, Fla., June 17, 2005 – Delivering maximum value and superior image quality, Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. (TAMS) today introduced its latest ultrasound system, Xario^TM, at the 2005 Annual Convention of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) in Orlando, Fla.  The Xario ultrasound system offers clinicians in growing and high-volume imaging centers an affordable system that is capable of providing high-quality images for many of the most common diagnostic applications.  The Xario ultrasound system will be demonstrated at booth #127 during the meeting.

“Toshiba Ultrasound has enjoyed 30-35 percent growth annually over the past few years,” said Gordon Parhar, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. “The introduction of the Xario meets the needs of an important segment—customers with constrained budgets who are seeking a sophisticated system capable of addressing a diverse patient population. We expect the Xario to contribute extensively to Toshiba’s continued growth over the next few years.”

Ultrasound is an integral piece of diagnostic equipment in high-volume and growing hospitals and clinics owing to its ability to quickly scan for a large array of medical conditions.  However, due to the traditionally high costs associated with ultrasound technology, high-volume and growing hospitals and clinics are often required to purchase last generation or lower quality ultrasound systems to reduce costs, which may compromise imaging capabilities.

The Xario ultrasound system delivers maximum value and superior image quality, at a price point that is affordable to growing and high-volume imaging centers and practices that require high-quality systems with a full range of imaging functions.  

“Many small and growing hospitals and clinics are required to sacrifice image quality and product performance because of budgetary restraints,” said Parhar.  “The Xario is an ideal solution for centers that see a variety of patients with a wide-range of ailments.  The system not only offers superior image quality, it also allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently transition from patient to patient, or scan-to-scan, with ease and certainty.”

“We are very pleased with the Xario system because it provides us exactly what we need: high quality images and extensive capabilities, without compromising efficiency,” said Dr. Beverly Spirt, Oneida Medical Imaging Center in Oneida, NY. “The system produces excellent high-resolution images of the breast and thyroid, for example. The anatomical detail for obstetric ultrasound is excellent and 3-D is included as well. The color flow Doppler is superb, and vascular studies are easy to perform. The transducers are light and comfortable to use, and the machine is very maneuverable.”

According to Suzanne Hennessey, radiology manager, Oneida Medical Imaging Center, “We evaluated many ultrasound systems before deciding on Toshiba.  Our technologists were very impressed with the features of this machine and its ability to provide superior image quality.”

Developed using proven platform technologies, the Xario ultrasound system delivers superior images to ensure diagnostic confidence.  Among its many optional features, the Xario provides outstanding radiology performance through ApliPure^TM, the company’s real-time spatial and frequency compounding technology that delivers ultrasonic images with outstanding clarity, detail and definition, as well as trapezoid imaging. 

The Xario ultrasound system provides clinicians with flexible solutions that can be customized based on the individual needs of each user.  Patient data such as still images and video clips can be printed, stored and network transferred with ease.  In addition, the system supports all seven classes of DICOM connectivity.  And the patient browser enables clinicians to review studies and export them to PC compatible formats at the touch of a button.  The system also includes a CDR, integrated DVD recorder and DVI interfaces.

Toshiba improves comfort and efficiency by providing an ergonomic user interface with programmable key functions and exchangeable key tops, an elevating panel and display monitor, as well as a color Touch Command Screen to simplify system operation.  In addition, the Xario is ideal for mobile imaging applications due to its compact size, small footprint, quick stand-by mode and integrated on-board data management tools.

For more information about the Xario ultrasound system, 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 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.
Xario^TM and ApliPure^TM are trademarks of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.