News | Press Releases

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May 23, 2006

TOSHIBA INSTALLS 300th VANTAGE 1.5T MRI SYSTEM

Patient-Focused Technology Results in Major Success for Family of High-Performance Systems

TOKYO, Japan – May 23, 2006 –Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation (TMSC) today announced that it has installed its 300^th Excelart Vantage^TM magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.  The 1.5T, high-field MRI system was installed at the Center for Advanced Imaging in Roanoke, Va., and will be used to conduct a wide range of advanced diagnostic imaging applications to aid in the early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases.

At the heart of the line’s success is Toshiba’s patented Pianissimo^TM technology, which reduces acoustic noise by almost 90 percent, reducing the most significant cause of patient anxiety and often eliminating the need for anti-anxiety medication or sedation during routine scans.  In addition, Toshiba’s SPEEDER parallel imaging technology allows clinicians to perform exams in a single breath hold, reducing motion artifacts and increasing image quality.

According to John Mathis, M.D., radiologist, Center for Advanced Imaging, the installation of the center’s new Vantage will allow the center to offer its patients the latest in MRI technology.  “We typically conduct about 4500 MRI scans a year, and anxiety caused by system noise is a significant issue for many of our patients.  In fact, we receive countless referrals because we offer the latest in MRI technology with improved patient comfort.”

“The installation of our 300^th system is a testament to the success of our entire Vantage line and its ability to deliver the speed, clinical accuracy and patient comfort that clinicians have come to expect from Toshiba,” said Bob Giegerich, director, MR Business Unit. “This is a major accomplishment for the company and a validation of developing technology with both the physician and patient in mind.”

Vantage MRI: Unmatched Clinical Performance
The Vantage line offers four models: AGV (50 T/m/s), MGV (86 T/m/s), XGV (130 T/m/s) and ZGV (200 T/m/s).  Featuring some of the most advanced MRI applications available in the industry, the Vantage offers a wide range of optional packages for cardiac imaging, including advanced Echo Planar Imaging (EPI), Perfusion and Diffusion Imaging, Peripheral and contrast-free MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), SuperFASE (Fast Advanced Spin Echo) imaging, Fresh Blood Imaging (FBI) and Body Diffusion.  In addition, Toshiba’s SPEEDER parallel imaging allows for increased acquisition speed and reduced examination times.  For more information about the Vantage, Toshiba and its wide range of medical imaging products, 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, as well as cardiac cath and EP labs.  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.

Excelart Vantage^TM and Pianissimo^TM are trademarks of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.