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November 19, 2013

A Better Patient Experience with Toshiba’s Quiet MR Technology

Pianissimo Addresses Patient and Business Needs of MR 

TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 19, 2013 – One of the biggest complaints patients have with MR imaging is the loud acoustic noise. The sound produced by the powerful gradients makes patients uncomfortable. This discomfort results in longer exams and sometimes poor image quality because patients can’t stay still. Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. is helping clinicians improve the MR experience with its Pianissimo^TM technology. Pianissimo is a hardware solution that reduces gradient acoustic noise, producing the quietest MR exam on every sequence.

Introduced in 1999, Toshiba’s Pianissimo technology has helped MR customers solve this problem for nearly 15 years. Clinicians at Winn Army Community Hospital, who installed Toshiba’s Vantage Titan^TM 3T, were surprised by how much noise was reduced. “Recently, we conducted an MR exam with one of our lieutenants, who asked if the system was on because it was so quiet. The noise-reduction technology truly addresses one of the major compliance issues in MR,” said Brad Wilkes, MRI technologist, Winn Army Community Hospital.

Pianissimo reduces MR acoustic noise by up to 90 percent or 33 dB(A) on every single sequence on both 1.5T and 3T systems. It accomplishes this through an innovative hardware solution that includes a vacuum-sealed gradient coil and sound-dampening materials built into the system. It also helps minimize gradient vibration, producing higher overall image quality. Pianissimo is available as standard technology on Toshiba’s entire Vantage^TM MR product line so customers don’t have to pay extra to make their patients comfortable.

“Toshiba was the first in the industry to introduce a quieter MR system and we’ve continued to focus on improving the patient experience,” said Beverly Plost, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. “Instead of sounding like a jackhammer, the system ensures that patients hear much less noise during exams, putting them at ease and allowing clinicians to get accurate diagnoses as quickly as possible.”

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiovascular equipment, 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. Visit Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation’s website at www.toshibamedicalsystems.com.

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 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.