News | Press Releases

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March 24, 2008

TOSHIBA INSTALLS MILESTONE 500TH VANTAGE 1.5T MR SYSTEM AT JEFFERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

New Advanced Image Processing Feature Improves Diagnosis with Increased Visibility; Will be Showcased with Infinix VF-i/SP at ACC

TUSTIN, California — March 24, 2008 — Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., an industry leader in magnetic resonance (MR) technology, reached a significant achievement in installing its 500th Vantage™ 1.5T MR system at Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff, Ark. JRMC will use the Vantage system for a variety of diagnostic procedures including orthopedic, head and abdomen imaging.

JRMC’s Radiology Department was upgrading its MR equipment as a way to continue to provide the highest level of patient care. The Vantage’s bore size and high homogeneity were key factors in selecting the Vantage.

“The Vantage’s high image quality and patient-focused features were important qualities when upgrading our equipment,” stated John Stansbury, director of Medical Imaging at JRMC. “Toshiba’s Vantage MR system was quieter than other systems on the market and noise is a significant reason for patient discomfort when undergoing an MR. Also, the image quality on the Vantage is fantastic and provides our physicians with the best images for accurate diagnoses.”

Toshiba’s patented Pianissimo™ technology, which reduces acoustic noise by as much as 90 percent, eliminates most patient nervousness and dissatisfaction associated with MR exams. The system’s integrated coil concept allows physicians to perform multiple exams without repositioning the patient. This means a more comfortable exam experience and results in enhanced workflow and technologist productivity. Also, Toshiba’s SPEEDER parallel imaging allows for increased acquisition speed and reduced examination times.

“Installing the 500th Vantage MR system speaks volumes about the industry’s response to the product and our commitment to image quality and patient care,” said Bob Giegerich, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. “The Vantage system meets clinical demands and delivers high-resolution images across the entire body with faster imaging times.”

Finally, JRMC was also interested in Toshiba’s proprietary, contrast-free MRA techniques — Fresh Blood Imaging (FBI), Contrast-free Improved Angiography (CIA), Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) and Time and Space Angiography (TSA). These techniques are available on all Toshiba MR systems. Contrast-free imaging is particularly important because gadolinium, the most common contrast agent used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) exams, has been directly linked to a sometimes fatal disease that occurs in patients with renal insufficiency, called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).

Toshiba’s Vantage product was named Best in KLAS in 2007 and 2006. It also holds the number one rating with MD Buyline.

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 Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, Cath & EP Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 191,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $60 billion. For more information, visit www.medical.toshiba.com.