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December 3, 2013

New Toshiba Ultrasound Technology Shows Blood Flow Like Never Before

Latest Innovation Will Give Clinicians a Worry-Free Experience So They Can Focus on What Matters Most 

CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2013 – Ultrasound will be able to depict blood flow with more detail and accuracy using Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.’s new innovative ultrasound technology (works-in-progress). This capability is the latest advancement to Toshiba’s premium Aplio™ 500 ultrasound system, which will help provide clinicians with a worry-free experience.

Despite advances in ultrasound, current imaging techniques struggle to detect microvascular blood flow in areas like the liver, kidneys, abdomen and lymph nodes, because of limitations in conventional Doppler technologies. Toshiba’s new technology will help solve this problem and current evaluations have shown great promise in its ability to characterize tumors.

Dr. Flemming Forsberg, Ph.D., professor of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University, is impressed with his early analysis of the technology. “The images we’ve produced so far with this technology are stunning,” Forsberg said. “It is able to clearly show low blood flow in small vessels throughout the body. The potential clinical utility for characterizing lesions, cysts and tumors could make ultrasound an even more important tool in diagnoses.”

Dr. Jiro Hata, Ph.D., professor, Dept. of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Kawasaki Medical School in Japan, an early evaluator of this technology, is excited about its potential. “This level of vascular visualization combined with high frame rates is something we could not do before in ultrasound,” Hata said. “For example, ultrasound can now help with the evaluation of changing blood flow patterns, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.”

“This innovation allows for the visualization of microvascular blood flow never before seen with ultrasound,” said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. “Expanding ultrasound’s capabilities means safer exams for patients and more cost-effective solutions for hospitals.”

Toshiba is introducing the new technology at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Dec. 1–6, 2013 (Booth #7330, North Hall).

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.