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September 22, 2009

MIDWEST ULTRASOUND SELECTS TOSHIBA ULTRASOUND PRODUCTS

Midwest Ultrasound Chooses Toshiba Following Extensive Quantitative Selection Process

TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 22, 2009 – Midwest Ultrasound, a proven leader in providing quality cardiac and vascular ultrasound systems to a diverse client mix from small rural and community hospitals to major urban academic centers and large physician practices, entered into a two-year renewable partnership with Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. Through the agreement, Midwest Ultrasound purchased an initial 11 Xario™ XG ultrasound systems to be utilized at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and various other clients. The Xario has been named Best in KLAS 2009 in KLAS Enterprises 2009 Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards: Medical Equipment (www.KLASresearch.com).

Midwest Ultrasound, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Christ Hospital, started with the purchase of 11 Xario XG systems to provide its clients with unique features and clinically proven technologies for unsurpassed image quality. The full range of imaging functions on the Xario XG let operators precisely visualize minute cardiac and vascular structures for fast and accurate diagnosis. Under the two-year agreement, Midwest Ultrasound has plans to purchase additional systems for other clients.

Prior to selecting Toshiba and the Xario XG, Midwest Ultrasound developed an extensive buying matrix and competitive analysis to determine which diagnostic imaging vendor would be selected. They evaluated numerous vendors on their qualifications in 14 different categories, some of which include: price, system longevity, clinical performance, product line fit, ergonomics and interface, advanced features, service quality, technical protection, education and relationship potential. Through this unique and exhaustive process, the Xario XG and Toshiba graded the highest among ten competitive systems.

“We evaluated systems and vendors on a 14-category buying matrix to more accurately and quantitatively determine the best systems for our clients’ needs,” said Dave Parlato, chief of clinical operations, Midwest Ultrasound. “When conducting the ultrasound analysis for this agreement, the Toshiba product line received the overall highest score and excelled in clinical performance, system longevity, ergonomics and interface, service quality and relationship potential. Toshiba also provided an upgrade path to ensure our clients would have the latest ultrasound technology for their patients.”

“Toshiba is committed to flexibility in our offerings to meet the clinical and service requirements of our customers,” said Girish Hagan, vice president, Marketing, Toshiba. “The scoring system used by Midwest Ultrasound demonstrates our commitment across all aspects of our business and how we strive to develop partnerships with our customers.”

Xario XG

The Xario XG ultrasound system delivers an abundance of features that promote operator comfort and ease of movement while streamlining workflow. The Xario XG ultrasound system features a 19-inch monitor and comes standard with a bundled software package consisting of: Advanced Dynamic Flow™, which accurately displays blood flow with directional information, even for tiny vessels, and improves diagnosis. Additionally, the Xario XG features ApliPure™, which uses real-time spatial and frequency compounding technology to deliver clearer image quality and QuickScan, one touch auto optimization for 2D and Doppler imaging. Another feature is Trapezoid, which provides wide or expanded field of view imaging.

About Midwest Ultrasound

Midwest Ultrasound, Inc. began in 1983 as a small mobile ultrasound company, and has grown to be the regional leader in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky providing diagnostic ultrasound services (cardiac, vascular, and general) in partnerships with hospitals and large physician practices. We have a comprehensive program that includes top-quality testing through state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained professional sonographers, lab accreditation, physician education, quality assurance, and a focused management approach of a facility’s ultrasound department.

In July 2008 Midwest Ultrasound was purchased by The Christ Hospital, a nationally-recognized Top 50 hospital and regional leader in cardiovascular services. Midwest is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Christ Hospital, and remains dedicated to serving our clients with the highest quality service.

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, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 198,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $77 billion. For more information, visit www.medical.toshiba.com.