News | Press Releases

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April 11, 2011

THUMB MRI CENTER, LLC CHOOSES TOSHIBA AND CLEVELAND CLINIC TO SET THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF CARE IN MRI IMAGING

TUSTIN, Calif., April 11, 2011 – Trying to improve MR exam workflow without sacrificing patient comfort or image quality can be a struggle for many healthcare facilities. To better accomplish this, Thumb MRI Center in Cass City, Mich., has used Toshiba MR technology that is designed to be patient-friendly while improving diagnostic confidence. Currently, Thumb MRI uses the Vantage Titan^TM 1.5T from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., with an open bore that has helped the center to provide imaging to a wider range of patients, with the superior quality needed for easy diagnosis.

“Our relationship with Toshiba goes back more than 10 years. From the first open superconductive magnet in Michigan to the new Vantage Titan, Toshiba has been our vendor of choice because of their superior image quality, reliability, technological advancements and upgradeable path,” said Anand Kancherlapalli, co-founder of Thumb MRI with more than 30 years experience in MRI/CT.

Thumb MRI initially owned the Toshiba Opart, later transitioned to a Vantage and now has upgraded to a Titan through Toshiba’s MR reNEW^TM program. reNEW provides customers with an easy upgrade path for the Vantage line, allowing access to more advanced features by utilizing the same magnet.

“We chose the Toshiba Vantage MR system because we knew it would be important for us to have an MR system with an easy and reliable upgrade path,” said Diane Ruhlman, director, Thumb MRI. “When it came time to choose an upgrade path, the Titan’s features met our needs. The comfort of a large, open bore and advanced applications has improved the exam experience for our claustrophobic patients. This has led to a decrease in the need for sedation and, with the Titan’s non-contrast techniques, allows us to image patients more safely with improved diagnostic confidence.”

“The state-of-the-art imaging from the Toshiba Titan system, paired with radiology services provided by Clinical Medical Services, LLC (CMS), a subsidiary of Cleveland Clinic, allow us to offer advantages to patients and referring physicians by offering the services of more than 160 board-certified radiologists with advanced subspecialty training,” said Kancherlapalli. “Our MRI examinations will be tailored to each patient’s symptomatology and personal medical history, based on orders from their referring physician.”

“We look forward to this opportunity to help enhance Thumb MRI’s mission to provide excellent services to rural Michigan physicians and their patients,” said Paul N. Grooff, MD, Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute.

“At Toshiba, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art technology to better serve patients,” said Aaron Hudy, vice president, Sales, Toshiba. “As a loyal Toshiba customer, Thumb MRI will be able to use the Titan to ease MR patient complaints with features like the large, open bore, noise-reduction technology, non-contrast techniques and Atlas coil technology.”

About Thumb MRI

Thumb MRI, in a collaborative effort with American Diagnostic Medicine, Caro Community Hospital, Hills and Dales General Hospital, Huron Medical Center, Marlette Regional Hospital, McKenzie Memorial Hospital, and Scheurer Hospital has been bringing state of the art imaging technology to more than 6 counties and over 2000 doctors in Michigan since 1997.

For more information: www.thumbmri.com; druhlman@thumbmri.com;
samk@admaccess.com; anand@admaccess.com

About Clinic Medical Services

Clinic Medical Services, LLC is a subsidiary of Cleveland Clinic which provides sub-specialty imaging exam interpretations to facilities in many areas across the United States. Cleveland Clinic is recognized by many organizations for the quality of care it provides. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.

For more information: www.starimaging.ccf.org

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 742 companies with more than 204,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $68 billion. For more information, visit Toshiba’s website at www.medical.toshiba.com.