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March 3, 2010

CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS INSTALLS TOSHIBA VASCULAR X-RAY SYSTEMS WITH NEXT GENERATION AIP

Unprecedented Patient Access of Infinix Systems Ideal for Pediatric Imaging

TUSTIN, Calif., March 3, 2010 – To bring the latest in cardiovascular X-ray technology to its pediatric patients, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo., has installed two InfinixTM CF-i/BP vascular X-ray systems with 8″ x 8″ flat panel detectors (FPD) from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. These systems are the first pediatric bi-plane systems in the U.S. equipped with Toshiba’s Next Generation Advanced Image Processing (AIP) capabilities.

Children’s Mercy will utilize the systems for numerous clinical applications, including cardiac catheterizations, interventional procedures, electrophysiologic studies, device implantation and general diagnostic imaging. With the new Infinix systems, the medical center is now performing hybrid procedures that bring multiple clinical experts together in the operating room (OR) to offer a complete and collaborative medical solution. Additionally, the system is equipped with a comprehensive dose management package and provides the actual measurement of radiation dose administered during the exam, enabling physicians to rely on more than just fluoroscopy time in determining radiation dose emitted during each study. This is particularly important because limiting radiation dose in pediatrics is crucial.

“The installation of the Infinix CF-i/BP cardiovascular X-ray systems has made a major impact on our facility, as we are now able to complete hybrid procedures that allow patients to be treated in a single OR suite,” said Marius M. Hubbell, M.D., cardiovascular lab director, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “Additionally, the new systems are providing us greater access to the head of the patient, which is critical in certain procedures and for the anesthesiologist, as many pediatric exams are performed under general anesthesia.”

The Infinix CF-i/BP vascular lab’s five-axis bi-plane system allows for superior patient access, an extremely important feature in pediatrics. The Infinix CF-i/BP floor based rotation mechanism of the C-arm allows 180 degree access around the head end of the table. The freely moving components, ergonomically friendly design, five-axis positioner and mobile 8″ x 8″ flat panel detectors enable the physicians at Children’s Mercy to obtain optimal angles for cardiac diagnosis and interventional procedures without re-positioning the patient. These features also improve department workflow. In December 2009, Children’s Mercy completed 60 procedures, a record number.

Children’s Mercy is the first pediatric hospital in the U.S. with cath labs featuring Next Generation AIP, which improves patient safety and diagnostic confidence by increasing accuracy and visualization during interventional procedures, including cardiac. This proprietary technology provides clearer, sharper images and enhanced system utilization, all of which are important features for today’s cath lab. Creating images with more detail during fluoroscopic intervention enhances device guidance and deployment, creating safer, faster exams for the patient and clinical team.

“The Infinix CF-i/BP, with its versatile five-axis positioner, unprecedented patient access and Next Generation AIP create a cardiovascular X-ray system perfectly suited for pediatric imaging,” said Robert Micer, director, X-ray Vascular Business Unit, Toshiba. “The installation of two systems at this leading pediatric medical center demonstrates the real-world capabilities of our technology to improve patient care.”

About Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo. is one of the nation’s top, pediatric medical centers. Recognized by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing services, and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” in 2009, Children’s Mercy continues to provide outstanding pediatric care for children from birth through the age of 18. With a 314-bed facility, Level IIIc neonatal intensive care unit, Level I pediatric trauma center, faculty of 600 pediatricians, and 40 subspecialties, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric medical centers in the country. In addition to a mission of caring for children regardless of their family’s ability to pay, Children’s Mercy is actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research, and educating the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. More information about Children’s Mercy and its research can be found on our web site at childrensmercy.org. For breaking news and videos, follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

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 worldwide leader in technology, electronic and electrical products, digital consumer products, electronic devices and components, power systems, industrial and social infrastructure systems and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875 and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies with 199,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $73 billion. For more information, visit Toshiba’s web site at www.medical.toshiba.com.