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August 12, 2005

TOSHIBA AND COLUMBUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PARTNER TO DEVELOP FIRST CARDIAC BI-PLANE FLAT PANEL SYSTEM

New Infinix CB-i System Gives Clinicians New Capabilities for Superior Pediatric Care 

TUSTIN, Calif., August 12, 2005 – Following years of research and development, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., in conjunction with Columbus Children’s Hospital, has unveiled the InfinixTM cardiac bi-plane (CB-i) flat panel diagnostic imaging X-ray system, the first of its kind to be installed worldwide.  In addition, the system serves as the cornerstone of a newly opened and innovative pediatric unit at Columbus Children’s Hospital, the fifth largest children’s hospital in the country.

The development of the Infinix CB-i flat panel system follows a successful, multi-year collaboration between Toshiba and Dr. John Cheatham, director, cardiac catheterization and interventional therapy, the Heart Center, Columbus Children’s Hospital. Cheatham’s vision for a top-notch pediatric lab and the first dedicated hybrid catheterization suite in the world drove the technology’s development.  “I am proud to have been involved in the development of this state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic imaging technology.  The system’s design aims to quickly and accurately diagnose patients and improve overall care and treatment.  It brings me great joy to know that children will benefit from this system’s advances for years to come,” stated Dr. Cheatham.

“We are very excited about the new capabilities this system provides for improved patient care and are pleased to be associated with such an outstanding institution as Columbus Children’s Hospital,” said Don Volz, director of the vascular and X-ray business unit at Toshiba.

The new Infinix CB-i flat panel system has many unique features, including the five-axis positioner, which provides fingertip-to-fingertip and head-to-toe coverage for diagnostic and interventional cath procedures.  Other system characteristics include: 

Patient Focused Technology
The Infinix CB-i provides two different views from a single injection, reducing overall contrast dose to patients and thereby ensuring less risk.  The system offers easy access to the patient, while still providing the necessary views for imaging the anatomy.  A full 180-degree access to the patient can be provided, ensuring that multiple specialists can meet the patient’s needs quickly during the exam.

The specially designed flat-panel detectors deliver high-resolution images with uniform brightness and no distortion.  Besides excellent imaging, the Tantalum X-ray beam filtration also minimizes dose to patients and staff.  The system’s high frame rate and the short exposure times of bi-plane imaging allow clinicians to freeze the motion of rapidly moving hearts that are typical of pediatric patients. 

Optimum System Performance
The innovative Infinix CB-i features parallel processing, which allows various tasks to occur simultaneously and enhances overall workflow.  The system’s unique variable iso-center allows centering of anatomy to occur quickly and easily, delivering two optimum views of the anatomy.  For more information about the Infinix CB-i, Toshiba and its wide range of medical imaging products, please visit www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Columbus Children’s Hospital 
Columbus Children’s Hospital has been caring for sick and injured children and adolescents for more than 110 years.  Today, Children’s is the primary pediatric health care provider for 37 counties, with more than 800 medical staff members and 4,500 employees who provide expert care to children regardless of ability to pay.  For more information, visitwww.columbuschildrens.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 162,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $55 billion.

InfinixTM is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.