News | Press Releases


July 11, 2012

TOSHIBA’S SMART FUSION TECHNOLOGY HELPS MAKE INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES SAFER AND MORE ACCURATE

University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, Uses Aplio 500’s Ultrasound-CT Fusion Technology to Reduce Radiation Dose for Improved Quality of Care During Biopsies

TUSTIN, Calif., July 11, 2012 – When conducting ultrasound-guided biopsies, the ability to link previously acquired CT images with ultrasound enables more accurate treatment while reducing radiation dose with fewer interventional CT procedures. University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) utilizes Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.’s flagship AplioTM 500 ultrasound system with Smart Fusion technology to improve liver biopsy accuracy and reduce radiation dose.

“Toshiba’s Aplio 500 ultrasound system and Smart Fusion improve visualization during liver biopsies, giving our team the ability to see CT and ultrasound images side by side on a single screen,” said Dr. Nami Azar, assistant professor, Case Western Reserve University School and a radiologist at its primary affiliate, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Division of Abdominal Imaging. “In a retrospective review, Smart Fusion has shown the potential to reduce radiation dose by lowering the number of CT procedures needed. It also has the potential to decrease costs compared to CT-only guided biopsies.”

The Aplio 500 combines advanced imaging capabilities, workflow automation tools and superior ergonomics for more accurate diagnoses and improved departmental efficiency. Smart Fusion synchronizes CT or MR with ultrasound images on a single screen, helping to locate hard-to-find lesions and aiding in more accurate ultrasound-guided biopsies. Smart Fusion is easy to use, with intuitive user setup.

“Aplio 500 with Smart Fusion is an example of Toshiba’s ability to develop multi-modality solutions that improve patient safety and care,” said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. “Dr. Azar and UHCMC’s utilization of Smart Fusion shows the clinical impact the technology has in facilitating more accurate and efficient biopsies while reducing radiation dose.”

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba’s website at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.