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July 30, 2012

TOSHIBA’S NON-CONTRAST MR ALLOWS NON-INVASIVE VISUALIZATION OF CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID

Industry-First Capability Improves Patient Diagnoses of CSF Disorders

TUSTIN, Calif., July 30, 2012 – Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), the clear water-like fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord, plays a key role in maintaining balanced brain dynamics. For the first time, CSF bulk flow can now be visualized non-invasively with Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.’s Vantage TitanTM 1.5T and 3T MR systems. Using Toshiba’s proprietary Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) non-contrast technique, CSF flow disorders such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformations and Subarachnoid Cysts, which often require invasive procedures to diagnose and treat, can be visualized quickly and easily with MR imaging.

Using a 2D FASE sequence, Toshiba’s Time-SLIP technique can acquire a series of single-shot images to help visualize CSF flow without the use of contrast. Time-SLIP offers the ability to evaluate CSF disorders and may positively impact patients who require a shunt to restore CSF flow, drain it from a cyst or open a pathway that is currently blocked. 

“Toshiba’s advanced CSF flow MR visualization technique is an industry breakthrough as it allows the understanding of CSF disorders in a new way that can directly and immediately benefit patient care,” said Stuart Clarkson, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. “Time-SLIP’s ability to evaluate and observe CSF flow on Toshiba’s 1.5T and 3T MR systems provides clinicians with an advanced solution to improve patient diagnoses and outcomes.”

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 web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.