April 6, 2021
Philips SmartCT 3D Image Acquisition, Visualization and Measurement Software for its Azurion Image Guided Therapy System Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance
SmartCT is a key component of Philips Azurion Image Guided Therapy System, providing interventionalists with CT-like 3D images (Cone Beam CT) to support diagnosis, therapy planning, treatment and follow-up for interventional procedures. Bringing intuitive touchscreen control of advanced 3D image acquisition, visualization, vessel/organ segmentation, and quantitative measurements to the table-side, within the interventional lab’s sterile zone, SmartCT helps enhance clinical confidence, smooths workflows, and increases productivity.
August 8, 2019
Corindus Vascular Robotics Announces Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Siemens Healthineers
Mark J. Toland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corindus stated, "“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Siemens Healthineers.... The combination of Siemens Healthineers’ advanced, high-quality imaging, digital and artificial intelligence tools with Corindus’ precision robotics platform has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered to those suffering from cardiovascular or peripheral disease. The tremendous technology synergies and shared vision between both companies should allow us to achieve a seamless integration between our businesses."
April 24, 2019
Bringing Japanese Know-How to the Global Market:
A Visit to Shimadzu Medical Systems
TCROSS NEWS and its global partner, Angioplasty.Org, visited Shimadzu Corporation, a major Japanese company founded in 1875, to learn about its plans for future overseas business development of its angiography systems. We saw demonstrations of the Trinias Angiography System, the SCORE StentView software and more.
October 31, 2017
Complex CTO-PCI: Japanese Approach
This 20 minute video shows a complex CTO case, in which an RCA obstruction, complicated by a sharp bend and tortuous anatomy, was revascularized using both the antegrade and retrograde approaches, facilitated by IVUS and biplane angiographic imaging. The operator is Dr. Etsuo Tsuchikane; the case was broadcast live during the Japanese CTO Club course in June 2017. (Posted in collaboration with TCROSS NEWS.)
November 4, 2016
Interview with Dr. Hiroki Shiomi
Dr. Hiroki Shiomi discusses the ReACT study from Japan which he presented at TCT2016. This study randomized 700 patients to either routine angiographic follow-up post-PCI or to clinical follow-up only to see if there was any additional benefit to angiography which is practiced in 80% of patients in Japan. (Posted in collaboration with TCROSS NEWS.)
February 9, 2016
St. Jude Launches Mobile OCT/FFR/Angio System for Cath Labs in Europe and Japan
St. Jude Medical (NYSE:STJ) recently announced that it has launched a mobile version of its OPTIS™ Integrated System in Japan and Europe. Like its built-in console cousin, the new system, dubbed OPTIS Mobile System, brings together optical coherence tomography (OCT), fractional flow reserve (FFR) and standard angiography.
November 30, 2015
Happy 100th Anniversary to the RSNA
This week the Radiological Society of North America, a.k.a. RSNA, is holding its annual meeting in Chicago. RSNA is an international society of radiologists, medical physicists and other medical professionals with more than 54,000 members from 136 countries across the globe. And this year the 55,000 attendees in Chicago are celebrating something special: the 100th anniversary of the RSNA.
March 14, 2015
SCCT Statement on the PROMISE Clinical Trial Presented at the ACC Scientific Sessions
At the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Scientific Sessions in San Diego, results from the keenly anticipated PROMISE clinical trial confirmed what many cardiologists and radiologists have long suspected to be true: coronary computed tomographic angiography (coronary CTA) is extraordinarily effective in accurately diagnosing patients with low to moderate chest pain. In most cases, coronary CTA is at least as effective as diagnostic methods such as stress tests such as SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging.
March 11, 2015
Consumer Reports Overstates Cardiac CT Radiation Dose
Consumer Reports regularly publishes health information to aid the consumer/patient in making decisions. And that's a good thing. But also important is having the most current information, which their January 27, 2015 article, titled "The surprising dangers of CT scans and X-rays," does not. I'm talking about the radiation dose from a Cardiac CT scan. The article states that a Cardiac CT Angiogram (CTA) exposes the patient to 12 mSv of ionizing radiation, or 120 times that of a chest X-ray. This was true years ago, when CTA was first being used to diagnose coronary artery disease. But it is not true today.
February 27, 2015
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Names Norm Linsky New Executive Director
The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Board of Trustees today announced that Norm Linsky, MPA, MA has been selected as the Society's new Executive Director. Linsky comes to SCCT from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), where as Executive Director for 14 years he partnered with physician volunteers to dramatically increase SCAI's membership, educational programs, advocacy efforts, guidelines and international partnerships.
December 19, 2014
Philips Buys Volcano: It's About Money, Technology, and History
Commentary from the Editor's Blog: The acquisition of Volcano by Philips is a landmark event in the world of imaging. For years, Volcano's mantra was "angiography alone is not enough." Well now, angiography agrees and one of the largest manufacturers of cath labs will be offering IVUS, FFR and iFR modalities as part of its total imaging package. The potential spread of these technologies can only benefit patients, with better outcomes and more targeted procedures, and also save hospitals and healthcare systems money.
April 4, 2011
Toshiba’s
Infinix-I Vascular Systems Help Memorial Hermann To
Improve Care Through Transradial Intervention
Relying on the Infinix-i vascular labs, the interventional team at Memorial
Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute – TMC transitioned into performing more
radial interventional procedures. The design of Toshiba’s Infinix-i systems
with the flexible five-axis C-arm movement facilitates the radial approach
with ease, as it allows clinicians to access the patient from either side,
move the C-arm seamlessly, and situate the monitors and control panel to meet
the needs of the interventional team. (Read
more...)
January 28, 2011
Cath
Lab of the Future: Angioplasty, Stents, Robots and
More
A new paper, titled "The Catheterization Laboratory and Interventional Vascular
Suite of the Future: Anticipating Innovations in Design and Function," appears
in the current issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.
It features predictions on the future of these medical spaces, including advances
in technology and design as well as changes in function, staffing and economics. (Read
more...)
July 29, 2009
Is Radioactive
Isotope Shortage an Opportunity for CT Scans to Shine?
From the Editor's Blog: Maybe the shortage of technetium, used in nuclear stress
tests, will increase the utilization of CT Angiography. (Read
more...)
June 22, 2009
Texas
Governor Signs Landmark Early Heart Disease Detection
Screening Legislation
Today Governor Rick Perry of Texas signed the nation's first preventive cardiovascular
screening bill for early detection of coronary artery disease. The legislation,
which will take effect on September 1, requires Texas insurers to pay up to
$200 for a either a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan measuring coronary
artery calcification, commonly known as a Calcium scoring exam, or ultrasonography
for measuring carotid intima-media thickness and plaque. (Read
more...)
May 28, 2009
Heart
Experts: Texas Gov. Perry Can Save Thousands of Lives,
Reduce Healthcare Costs
Both houses of the Texas Legislature have passed HR 1290 which mandate that
Texas insurers must cover simple Calcium Scoring and ultrasound tests for the
early detection of coronary artery disease. The leaders of SHAPE (Society for
Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication) which count among them some of the
leading cardiologists in both the U.S. and Europe now hope that Governor Rick
Perry will sign the bill, making Texas the first state to make available what
these experts feel is a critically important diagnostic test. (Read
more...)
May 26, 2009
Texas
Senate Passes Calcium Scoring Bill
On Saturday May 23, the Texas State Senate passed the Texas Heart Attack Preventive
Screening Bill (HR 1290) by a vote of 26-5. This is significant because it
mandates insurers in Texas to cover Calcium Scoring, the first legislature
to do so. (Read
more...)
March 29, 2009
Society
of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Announces
Third Annual Young Investigator Awards
The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), the leading international
professional society devoted to cardiovascular computed tomography (CT), is
now accepting submissions for the third annual Young Investigator Awards. Sponsored
by Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., the unrestricted educational grant
will be awarded to two residents or fellows in either radiology or cardiology
for their patient care research in the categories of technical and clinical
advancement of cardiovascular CT. The deadline for submissions is April 6,
2009 (Read
more...)
March 26, 2009
ACC
2009 Sessions on Intravascular Imaging and Functional
Measurement
The upcoming American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions, being
held in Orlando, Florida from March 28-31 is featuring more than 50 presentations,
case reviews and abstracts focused on intravascular imaging and functional
measurement modalities, such as Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), as well as newer technologies,
like Forward-Looking IVUS and VH plaque composition. (Read
more...)
March 10, 2009
Bent
Out of SHAPE
Did the American Heart Association give its support to a Texas bill which would
put the SHAPE Task Force recommendations into law regarding Coronary Artery
Calcium screening...or not? (Read
more...)
March 9, 2009
Interview
with James K. Min, MD, FACC
The "Advances in Imaging" interview series presents discussions with researchers
and leading specialists in the field of coronary imaging. This current discussion
is with Dr. James K. Min, Director of Cardiac CT labs at Weill-Cornell Medical
College at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital about the role of CT vis-a-vis nuclear
stress testing, radiation dosage from Cardiac CT and more. (Read
more...)
February 5, 2009
CT
Heart Scans, Radiation and the Media
Commentary from the Editor's Blog: Many headlines have been generated by a recent
study in JAMA -- headlines proclaiming the high radiation doses from Cardiac
CT scans. But the real news is how low some of the doses were, and that much
lower radiation levels are achievable by all centers currently doing multislice
computed tomography. (Read
more...)
February 4, 2009
CT
Scans of the Heart Can Be Done with Low Radiation Dose
Physicians are able to perform CT scans of the heart with minimal radiation
exposure, according to a study published in today's Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA). However, this new study shows wide variation in
centers and calls for increased education and training to achieve optimum results. (Read
more...)
January 25, 2009
Study:
CT Scans and Stents Successful in Treating Strokes
Emergency use of CT scans and stents may be able to treat and significantly
reduce the symptoms of a stroke. That is the conclusion of a small 16-patient
study presented this week by Dr. L. Nelson "Nick" Hopkins of the University
at Buffalo, SUNY. The data, presented at the 21st Annual International Symposium
on Endovascular Therapy (ISET), showed that stents were able to open blocked
brain arteries in all of the patients, and that 11 patients (69 percent) had
significant improvement in their stroke symptoms. (Read
more...)
December 9, 2008
Interview
with Szilard Voros, MD
Virtual Histology IVUS allows the cardiologist to see not only the plaque inside
the artery, but what the composition of that plaque is. We discuss this new
technology with one of the leading researchers in the field. (Read
more...)
November 30, 2008
Popular
Press Continues to Breed Confusion Over CT Heart Scans
Two articles in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine cause
a Rashoman effect: is CT angiography useful for diagnosing coronary artery
disease or not? (Read
more...)
September 20, 2008
Volcano
Corporation Schedules Events for 2008 TCT Transcatheter
Cardiovascular Therapeutics Meeting
Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading manufacturer of intravascular
ultrasound (IVUS) and functional measurement (FM) technology, has scheduled
several events to be held during the 2008 TCT meeting in Washington DC, being
held October 12-17, 2008 at the Washington Convention Center. (Read
more...)
September 2, 2008
Volcano's
Virtual Histology Imaging Allows Major Drug Study (IBIS-2)
to Measure "Vulnerable Plaque"
Volcano's VH® IVUS technology is being used in an imaging study of GlaxoSmithKline's
novel investigational compound, Darapladib. Dubbed the IBIS-2 (Integrated Biomarker
and Imaging Study) the study results demonstrate the benefits of VH® IVUS
in drug development. (Read
more...)
July 26, 2008
CT
in the OC and the DC
Commentary from the Editor's Blog: the topic of CT angiograms is discussed
by an article in the OC Register and by a panel of imaging experts at the NIH. (Read
more...)
July 8, 2008
CT
Heart Scan Experts Criticize New York Times Article
(Updated) -- A recent New York Times front page
feature on CT angiography has produced strong reactions
from cardiologists who work in the field of Computed
Tomography -- reactions that range from surprise to anger.
Several of the imaging specialists who were quoted in
the article were particularly upset by the coverage. (Read
more...)
July 8, 2008
Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) May Reduce Drug-Eluting Stent Thrombosis
by a Third
A provocative study in the current issue of the European Heart Journal concludes
that: "IVUS guidance during DES implantation has the potential to influence
treatment strategy and reduce both DES thrombosis and the need for repeat revascularization." The
results were striking, surprising even the investigators. At 12 months, definite
stent thrombosis had occurred in 0.7% of the patients in whom intravascular
ultrasound guidance had been utilized, but in patients where IVUS was not used,
the stent thrombosis rate was 2.0%, almost three times higher. (Read
more...)
July 7, 2008
CT
Tour of the Heart
An extensive refutation of last week's New York Times article on CT Angiography
was posted this morning on Angioplasty.Org, but the coolest part of the article
is Dr. Henry Hecht's "CT Tour of the Heart". (Read
more...)
June 29, 2008
Misleading
Report on CT Heart Scans
Commentary from the Editor's Blog: A major article about CT angiograms in this
morning's New York Times has some major omissions and takes an inappropriately
negative view of an imaging technology that can save lives and money. Significant
facts are left out of the article, facts that would refute much of its critique. (Read
more...)
June 28, 2008
Interview
with Ron Waksman, MD, FACC
Our IVUS Center features a discussion about an important new study, just published
in the European Heart Journal, showing that IVUS guidance can improve
outcomes with drug-eluting stents, including significantly lower rates of stent
thrombosis. (Read
more...)
June 19, 2008
Young
Investigators Award Finalists Announced by Toshiba
Medical
Continuing its mission to improve the quality of patient care, Toshiba America
Medical Systems, Inc. has named the finalists of the second annual Young Investigators
Award. Sponsored by Toshiba through an unrestricted educational grant, the
Young Investigators Award will be awarded to two physicians for their patient
care research in the categories of clinical and technical cardiovascular CT. (Read
more...)
June 16, 2008
Toshiba
Infinix Hybrid Systems Used in Three Live Demonstrations
at ISHAC Symposium
Toshiba America Medical Systems' Infinix™ Hybrid cardiovascular X-ray
imaging system will be featured in three live cases during the International
Symposium on the Hybrid Approach to Congenital Heart Disease (ISHAC), June
16-18, 2008. Coordinated by Nationwide Children's Hospital and in its third
year, ISHAC is the most comprehensive symposium on cardiac hybrid procedures. (Read
more...)
June 3, 2008
When
Can I Stop Taking Plavix? -- A New Imaging Modality
May Help Patients and Physicians Determine Optimal
Duration of Antiplatelet Therapy in the Not-Too-Distant
Future
(Updated) The question on the minds of a great
many patients who have had a drug-eluting stent implanted
is: "When can I stop taking Plavix? When will my drug-eluting
stent be completely healed?" It's THE question of the
day, and no one is really sure of the answer. However,
a new imaging technology, called Optical Coherence
Tomography or OCT, may help with this issue in the
not-too-distant future.. (Read
more...)
May 31, 2008
Toshiba
Medical Names Trish Malone as Director of Financial
Programs
Malone will lead Toshiba's new leasing group, Toshiba America Medical Credit,
Inc. (TAMC). TAMC will provide Toshiba customers with optimal financing solutions
including extensive financial product offerings, competitive interest rates,
upgrade programs and quick credit decisions. (Read
more...)
May 20, 2008
Toshiba's
320-Row Aquilion ONE™ Dynamic Volume CT Installed in
Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Teaching Hospital
"In one of the country's leading medical teaching hospitals, we hope the Aquilion
ONE's ability to image an entire organ and show function for the first time will
mean faster, more accurate diagnosis, better patient outcomes and ultimately
lower healthcare costs for our patients," explained Dr. Vassilios D. Raptopoulos,
interim radiologist-in-chief, Department of Radiology and director, CT services,
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "We are grateful to be one of the first
teaching hospitals in the United States using this advanced technology." (Read
more...)
May 15, 2008
CVCTA
Education, AMIgenics And Nevada Imaging Centers Partner
To Introduce The First Dynamic Volume CT Education
Center
Dynamic volume CT is unparalleled in diagnostic imaging today. It produces
4D clinical videos showing up to 16cm of anatomical coverage -- enough to capture
the entire brain or heart and allow visualization of how blood is flowing into
these organs. This ability to image an entire organ and show function means
faster, more accurate diagnosis, better patient outcomes and ultimately lower
healthcare costs. (Read
more...)
May 15, 2008
Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) Use Growing with Integration into
Routine Cath Lab Imaging
Intravascular Ultrasound, or IVUS, is an imaging technology that looks at arteries
from the inside out. Invented two decades ago, IVUS recently has been gaining
in usage due to safety concerns about stent thrombosis and proper stent placement
during angioplasty. (Read
more...)
May 14, 2008
Leading
Hospitals Adopt Toshiba's Advanced Image Processing
for Infinix Line
Already being used in more than 25 hospitals across the country, Toshiba America
Medical Systems' new Advanced Image Processing (AIP) feature is improving patient
care. Developed for the Infinix(TM) X-ray line, AIP is increasing the quality,
sharpness and contrast of images gathered during interventional procedures
in some of the country's top facilities. (Read
more...)
May 12, 2008
Volcano
Announces Placement of 1,000th s5 and s5i IVUS Imaging
System; Presence at the EuroPCR08 will highlight choice
of different modalities available on single integrated
imaging platform
Scott Huennekens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volcano, commented, "Reaching
this milestone as quickly as we have is a clear indication of the clinical
adoption of IVUS and FFR, and the competitiveness of our product. More and
more physicians are using intravascular imaging to measure lesion significance
and improve PCI technique. The ease of use and flexibility of our newest systems
have been very well received. These new systems are gaining traction with both
new IVUS users, as well as those who are looking to replace their legacy IVUS
technology." (Read
more...)
May 8, 2008
Nevada
Imaging Centers Installs the First Toshiba Aquilion
ONE™ Dynamic Volume CT System in the Western
United States
As a testament to the growing demand to improve patient care while reducing
healthcare costs, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has installed the first
Aquilion ONE™ dynamic volume CT system in the Western U.S. at Nevada
Imaging Centers in Las Vegas. "As the only dynamic volume CT system in the
world, the Aquilion ONE's ability to image an entire organ and show function
means faster, more accurate diagnosis, better patient outcomes and ultimately
lower healthcare costs," explained Dr. William W. Orrison, chief of Neuroradiology,
Nevada Imaging Centers. (Read
more...)
May 8, 2008
Volcano
Corp Announces First Human Use of the Volcano Optical
Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging Catheter
Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC) announced today the first human procedure
using the Volcano OCT Imaging catheter. The procedure was performed by Dr.
Patrick Serruys at the Thoraxcenter, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Volcano OCT
will complement its existing line of IVUS imaging catheters and pressure guidewires
used for coronary imaging and lesion assessment. (Read
more...)
May 8, 2008
Nevada
Imaging Centers Installs the First Toshiba Aquilion
ONE™ Dynamic Volume CT System in the Western
United States
As a testament to the growing demand to improve patient care while reducing
healthcare costs, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has installed the first
Aquilion ONE™ dynamic volume CT system in the Western U.S. at Nevada
Imaging Centers in Las Vegas. "As the only dynamic volume CT system in the
world, the Aquilion ONE's ability to image an entire organ and show function
means faster, more accurate diagnosis, better patient outcomes and ultimately
lower healthcare costs," explained Dr. William W. Orrison, chief of Neuroradiology,
Nevada Imaging Centers. (Read
more...)
May 7, 2008
Volcano
Reports 24 Percent Increase in First Quarter Revenues;
IVUS Disposable Revenues Increase 30 Percent
Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading manufacturer and developer of
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement (FM) and Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of
coronary and peripheral vascular disease, today reported results for the first
quarter of fiscal 2008. (Read
more...)
May 5, 2008
Volcano
Announces Participation in SATURN Clinical Trial Sponsored
by AstraZeneca
SATURN is a 104-week, parallel-group, multicentre, double-blind, Phase IIIb
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging study of approximately 1,300 patients
at 170 centres This study by AstraZeneca is designed to measure the impact
of CRESTOR™ (rosuvastatin) 40 mg and atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 80 mg
on the progression of atherosclerosis in high risk patients. SATURN will compare
the effects of these two statins on the ability to decrease progression or
induce regression of atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular disease,
following two years of treatment in patients with coronary artery disease. (Read
more...)
April 29, 2008
Volcano
Corporation Schedules First Quarter Conference Call,
Webcast
Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading manufacturer and developer of
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement(FM) and Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of
coronary and peripheral vascular disease, today announced that it will report
its operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2008 on Wednesday, May
7. (Read
more...)
April 1, 2008
Toshiba
Introduces Advanced Image Processing for Its Infinix
Cardiac Systems
At this year's American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting in Chicago,
March 30-April 1, 2008 (Booth # 8001), Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.
will be showcasing its Advanced Image Processing (AIP) technology for its Infinix™ X-ray
product line. With AIP, physicians will be able to better visualize even the
smallest interventional devices and provide better patient care to patients
undergoing interventional procedures. (Read
more...)
April 1, 2008
Toshiba
Demonstrates Newest CT Software at ACC
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. is committed to new CT clinical applications
that improve throughput and workflow, while further reducing contrast and radiation
dose to patients. At this year's American College of Cardiology annual meeting
in Chicago, March 30-April 1, 2008 (Booth # 8001), Toshiba will demonstrate
new applications that embody this commitment -- SURECardio™ Prospective
and Variable Helical Pitch (vHP), which was recently cleared by the FDA. (Read
more...)
March 31, 2008
Volcano
Corporation Announces North America Resale Agreement
with Royal Philips Electronics
Volcano Corporation, leading manufacturer of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS),
announced today that it has entered into a non-exclusive, resale agreement
covering North America with Royal Philips Electronics. Under this agreement,
Philips will resell Volcano-branded s5i IVUS systems and accessories alongside
of the Philips Allura Xper FD X-ray systems. (Read
more...)
March 31, 2008
Toshiba
Introduces Aplio™ Artida™ -- New Cardiovascular
Ultrasound Product at ACC
With its comprehensive applications, the Artida meets the demands of the growing
cardiac 4D market. With Artida's real-time, multi-planar reformatting capabilities,
physicians can quantify global and regional LV function, including LV ejection
fraction, volume and severity of regurgitation. Arbitrary views of the heart
not available in 2D imaging are also obtained that can help with surgical planning. (Read
more...)
March 30, 2008
Toshiba
Launches Breakthrough CT System — the Aquilion ONE
For the first time, physicians can see not only a three-dimensional depiction
of an organ, but also the organ's dynamic blood flow and function. Unlike any
other CT system, Toshiba's Aquilion ONE can scan one organ — including the
heart, brain and others — in one rotation because it covers up to 16 cm of
anatomy using 320 ultra high resolution 0.5 mm detector elements. This reduces
exam time, as well as radiation and contrast dose. With the Aquilion ONE, the
organ or area is captured in a single rotation at one moment in time, eliminating
the need to reconstruct slices from multiple points in time. (Read
more...)
March 28, 2008
Volcano
Announces U.S. and European Launch of Rotational IVUS
and Integrated FFR
Volcano Corporation,
a leading manufacturer and developer of intravascular
ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement
(FM) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
products designed to enhance the diagnosis
and treatment of coronary and peripheral
vascular disease, announced today the U.S.
and European launch of the s5-Revo and s5-FFR
(fractional flow reserve) options for the
s5i integrated Imaging platform. (Read
more...)
March 28, 2008
FDA
Approves CT Software from Toshiba to Reduce Radiation
Dose and Improve Patient Care and Workflow
Toshiba America Medical
Systems, Inc. has received FDA clearance
for two new CT clinical applications that
will improve throughput and enhance workflow,
while further reducing contrast and radiation
dosage. The applications, SURECardio™ Prospective
and Variable Helical Pitch (vHP), are available
for new Toshiba Aquilion™ 32- and 64-slice
CT systems. (Read
more...)
March 27, 2008
Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) Events at American College of Cardiology
Annual Meeting
Intravascular ultrasound
(IVUS) is scheduled to be part of 29 separate
sessions at this weekend's annual meeting
of cardiologists in Chicago. In addition,
IVUS will be used by interventionalists who
will be performing 14 live procedures, to
be broadcast to the Convention Center at
McCormick Place from Lenox Hill Hospital
in New York, and other medical centers in
California, London, Germany, Japan and Australia. (Read
more...)
March 24, 2008
Toshiba
Installs Milestone 500th Vantage 1.5T MR System at
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., an industry leader in magnetic resonance
(MR) technology, reached a significant achievement in installing its 500th
VantageTM 1.5T MR system at Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine
Bluff, Ark. Citing Vantage image quality, patient comfort and Toshiba's gadolinium
contrast-free techniques, JRMC will use the Vantage system for a variety of
diagnostic procedures including orthopedic, head and abdomen imaging. (Read
more...)
March 15, 2008
Medicare
Reverses Decision to Limit Coverage of Cardiac CT Heart
Scans (updated)
To the relief of many in the cardiology and radiology community, the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week that it will not
change current coverage for Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA). (Read
more...)
March 12, 2008
Volcano
Corporation Presentation at Cowen Healthcare Conference
to be Webcast
Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading provider of intravascular ultrasound
(IVUS) and functional measurement (FM) products designed to enhance the diagnosis
and treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease, will be participating
in the Cowen and Company 28th Annual Health Care Conference on Monday, March
17. The presentation by president and CEO, Scott Huennekens, will begin at
3:15 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (12:15 Pacific Daylight Time). (Read
more...)
March 6, 2008
Toshiba
MR, CT and Ultrasound Named Best in KLAS in 2007
KLAS recently named Toshiba's AquilionTM 64, XarioTM and Vantage 1.5T MR "Best
in KLAS" in its Top 20 Year-End Report for 2007. This recognition for
leadership in working with customers to maintain satisfaction, gives Toshiba
America Medical Systems, Inc. the top ratings in the CT, MR and ultrasound
categories. (Read
more...)
March 5, 2008
Heart
Doctors Await Medicare's Decision on Reimbursement
for Cardiac CT Scans
Next week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is scheduled
to announce a decision on coverage for Computed Tomographic Angiography, commonly
called Cardiac CT or CT Angiography (CTA). This memo, if enacted, would represent
a wholesale cut back in the utilization of coronary CT nationwide -- including
its use in emergency situations. (Read
more...)
February 26, 2008
Toshiba
Medical Names Girish T. Hagan as Vice President of
Marketing
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. announced today that Girish T. Hagan
has been named vice president of Marketing. Hagan will head Toshiba's business
units including CT, MR, Ultrasound, X-ray and X-ray Vascular, as well as handle
strategic marketing for Toshiba and its products in the medical imaging industry.
The company adds that Hagan's expertise will build on Toshiba's strength in
customer loyalty and technology innovation. (Read
more...)
February 12, 2008
Volcano
Reports 35% Increase in Quarterly Revenues; IVUS Disposable
Revenues Increase 46%
"This growth in our IVUS business occurred despite a sluggish global PCI
market. We believe the ease of use and integration provided by our s5 family
of consoles, along with a growing volume of data demonstrating the value of IVUS
in stenting procedures, is driving our increased market presence in the IVUS
arena," he added. "We are encouraged by what appear to be recent favorable
trends in stenting procedures and believe this will further the growth of our
IVUS offerings," he continued. (Read
more...)
February 7, 2008
Volcano
Announces FDA 510(k) Clearance of Revolution Rotational
Catheter and FFR for the s5i Integrated IVUS Console
These two new product offerings now enable rotational IVUS and FFR to operate
on the same integrated Volcano s5 Imaging System as Volcano's previous line
of phased array IVUS catheters and functionality. For the first time, physicians
can choose among three powerful diagnostic tools -- all on the same integrated
IVUS platform. (Read
more...)
January 28, 2008
FDA
Approves Toshiba Medical's Vantage Titan MR System
With this clearance, Toshiba is on schedule to make the system commercially
available in the first quarter of 2008. The open-bore of the Vantage Titan
is 18 percent larger than other 1.5T systems on the market, featuring a large
71-centimeter patient aperture. (Read
more...)
January 13, 2008
An
Open Letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS)
We at Angioplasty.Org urge CMS to extend the comment period and to consider
the complications inherent in standard invasive angiography before deciding
to restrict coverage for CT Angiography (CTA). Recent studies of multislice
CTA have shown extremely high negative predictability, equal to, if not better
than, standard catheter-based invasive angiography. Considering that most data
show at least one-third of invasive angiograms are negative for significant
coronary artery disease (CAD), CTA presents several advantages for patients. (Read
more...)
December 10, 2007
Volcano
Announces Agreement to Acquire CardioSpectra
Volcano Corporatio, a provider of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and functional
measurement (FM) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of
vascular and structural heart disease, said today that it has reached a definitive
agreement to acquire CardioSpectra, Inc., a privately-held company developing
innovative Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. CardioSpectra's unique
OCT imaging system is expected to complement Volcano's existing product offerings
and will further enhance Volcano's position as an imaging technology leader
in the field of interventional medicine. (Read
more...)
November 26, 2007
Toshiba
Launches Breakthrough CT System: The AquilionONE
For the first time, physicians can see not only a three-dimensional depiction
of an organ, but also the organ’s dynamic blood flow and function. Unlike any
other CT system, the AquilionONE can scan one organ -- including heart, brain
and others -- in one rotation because it covers up to 16 cm of anatomy using
320 ultra high resolution 0.5mm detector elements. This reduces exam time,
as well as radiation and contrast dose, and dramatically increases diagnostic
confidence. (Read
more...)
November 15, 2007
Toshiba
Medical Announces 4th Generation Gadolinium Contrast-Free
Technique: Time and Space Angiography (TSA)
Adding to the robust offering of contrast-free techniques from Toshiba Medical,
TSA creates images that show dynamic blood flow without using contrast agents,
such as gadolinium. As the first medical imaging company to introduce advanced
contrast-free MRA techniques, Toshiba is further expanding the capabilities
and safety of MRA imaging. (Read
more...)
November 8, 2007
Cordis
Europe Partnering With Volcano Europe to Provide Access
to Intravascular Imaging (IVUS) for Use in Drug-Eluting
Stent Procedures
One of the major drug-eluting stent makers seems to agree with the idea that
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance is critical for the proper placement
of their devices. This move is a significant one for Volcano, which has long
been trying to educate the interventional cardiology community about IVUS. (Read
more...)
November 6, 2007
Toshiba
Medical Announces Study on Use of 64-Slice CT Angiography
in the Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronary Artery
Disease in Diabetics
More than 1,000 patients from Utah, women older than 55 years old and men older
than 50 years old, will be enrolled in the faCTor64 study using Intermountain
Healthcare's diabetes registry of 30,000 patients, who have already received
best-practice diabetic care. Intermountain, known for its quality initiatives,
has one of the largest diabetic databases in the country. (Read
more...)
November 6, 2007
The
Super X-Ray
(The Editor's Blog)
A few comments on the mainstream media coverage of the CorE 64 study from Johns
Hopkins. (Read
more...)
November 5, 2007
64-Slice
CT Heart Scan Gets High Marks As Test for Blocked Arteries
A study by an international team of cardiac imaging specialists, led by researchers
at Johns Hopkins, concludes that sophisticated computed tomography (CT) scans
of the heart and its surrounding arteries are almost as reliable and accurate
as more invasive procedures to check for blockages. (Read
more...)
November 1, 2007
CVCTA
Education to Offer Live Case Training for Level I Participants
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced that its partner, CVCTA
Education, will provide access to live case training for ACCF/AHA Level 1 cardiac
competency requirements. Typically, live cases are only shown during level
II training. CVCTA will use Toshiba's Aquilion™ 64-slice CT to provide physicians
with this advanced training. (Read
more...)
October 23, 2007
Toshiba
Announces First U.S. Install of Infinix CF-i/SP at
Arlington Memorial Hospital
Robert Micer, director of Toshiba's X-Ray Vascular Business Unit states, "Arlington
Memorial’s mission to improve the health of the communities they serve
aligns with Toshiba’s goal of advancing diagnostic imaging and improving
overall patient care and comfort. We look forward to working with the hospital
to build upon its cardiac program for patients." (Read
more...)
October 22, 2007
Toshiba
Introduces New Infinix VF-i/SP Vascular X-Ray System
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced the introduction of its
Infinix(tm) VF-i/SP X-ray system, a universal cardiovascular system designed
to accommodate diagnostic and interventional procedures. The system will be
showcased at the 19th Annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics show,
being held October 22-24, 2007 in Washington, DC. (Read
more...)
October 17, 2007
Toshiba
America Medical Systems Vehicle Fleet Going Green
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., a leader in diagnostic and medical imaging
systems, announces its commitment to replacing the company's entire fleet of
sedans for its sales and service teams with hybrid cars over the next three
years. As part of Toshiba Corporation's global environmental initiative, Toshiba
chose the Toyota Camry Hybrid to replace one-third of the current gas-only
fleet each year. (Read
more...)
September 4, 2007
Dye
used in heart procedures may damage diabetics' kidneys:
study
(source: Associated Press)
Diabetic patients with normal kidneys may suffer damage as a result of a dye
used in the angioplasty heart procedure, a study by Singapore's National University
Hospital (NUH) said on Wednesday. The kidney damage can be permanent in some
cases, and severe enough for the patient to require dialysis. (Read
more...)
August 30, 2007
Toshiba's
Aquilion 16- and 64-slice CT Systems Installed in East
Tennessee Children's Hospital
With its advanced dose reduction, 32mm detector coverage and low contrast-resolution
features, the Aquilion line allows clinicians to conduct complex exams on children
without sacrificing patient safety. Aquilion's ability to image at 0.5mm isotropic
slices is particularly important when imaging children because the isotropic
resolution allows for improved visualization of smaller anatomies. (Read
more...)
August 27, 2007
Toshiba
Installs Two Infinix CF-i/BP Vascular X-Ray Systems
at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart
Center
"In addition to offering greater patient access, the Infinix CF-i/BP also
helps improve patient care by reducing the amount of contrast media needed in
pediatric patients," explained Robert Micer, director, X-Ray Vascular Business
Unit, Toshiba. "Physicians are able to image using two planes simultaneously,
reducing the amount of contrast given to infant patients compared to when using
a single plane system."(Read
more...)
July 26, 2007
Live
Demonstration Using Toshiba Infinix CF-i/BP to be Performed
at Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Symposium
Dr. Zahid Amin, professor and medical director of Catherization Services in
the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Creighton University Medical Center
Joint Division of Pediatric Cardiology and at Children's Hospital in Omaha,
will perform a closure of coronary artery fistula and a stent placement in
branch pulmonary artery via live simulcast on July 24, 2007, using the Toshiba
Infinix CF-i/BP. (Read
more...)
July 24, 2007
Volcano
Corporation Announces Japan Approval of the s5i Integrated
IVUS Platform
Volcano Corporation today announced approval of the s5i Integrated IVUS System
by necessary regulatory authorities in Japan, granting entry into the Japanese
market. Volcano expects to launch the s5i into Japan, which represents the
largest Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) market worldwide, during the current
quarter. (Read
more...)
July 5, 2007
Use
of CT Scans to Diagnose Peripheral Vascular Disease
Subject of New Training Course Being Offered by CVCTA
Education and Toshiba
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced a partnership with CVCTA
Education to provide a Peripheral Vascular CTA (PV-CTA) training course. This
course will be the first of its kind to exceed current ACCF/AHA Level 2 requirements
in the ACCF/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Cardiac Imaging with Computed
Tomography and Magnetic Resonance. (Read
more...)
July 3, 2007
First
U.S. Hospital Installation of New MRI Technology at
Platte Valley Medical Center
(source: Platte Valley Medical Center)
Platte Valley Medical Center’s new Medical Imaging Department will offer one
of the highest combined levels of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed
tomography) imaging in the world with new features that enhance both patient
comfort and image accuracy. (Read
more...)
July 3, 2007
Update
on CorE 64 Study of CT Heart Angiograms
Since the advent of multidetector (or multislice) CT angiography over the past
few years, one of the big questions has been whether or not this non-invasive
imaging technology might ulitmately replace the standard invasive coronary
angiogram for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease. CT angiography
is faster, less expensive and safer than a cardiac catheterization. (Read
more...)
June 20, 2007
Additional
Virtual Colonoscopy Training Programs Being Offered
by Harvard Medical School
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced it will sponsor a continuing
medical education course in Virtual Colonoscopy in collaboration with Brigham
and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Having offered courses since 2004, Harvard is now expanding the program and
will also be teaching the course at the Toshiba Education Center in Irvine,
Calif. with open enrollment to physicians worldwide. (Read
more...)
June 13, 2007
Toshiba
Reduces Neurological CT Angiography Exam Time with "SURE" Subtraction
Software
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba's SURESubtraction technology completely automates the bone subtraction
process, reducing exam time by as much as 90 percent and resulting in faster,
more accurate exams. (Read
more...)
June 8, 2007
Consumer
Reports Gives Incorrect Information About Angioplasty
and CT Angiograms
Last week Consumer Reports posted their recommendations on angioplasty and
CT angiograms, as part of their CR Medical Guide web site. The article is riddled
with incorrect information and assumptions and leaves one with the impression
that coronary artery disease is best treated with medications alone, or bypass
surgery. (Read
more...)
May 22, 2007
Toshiba
Names Jeff Howorth Vice President of Strategic Business
Group
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Howorth will be responsible for developing Toshiba's Strategic Business Group,
a new division within the company focused on developing partnerships with Integrated
Delivery Networks (IDNs). He will oversee strategic business account managers
across the country who will be equipped with a portfolio consisting of Toshiba
medical equipment, as well as products from Toshiba sister companies, customized
marketing services, financing programs and consulting services. (Read
more...)
May 7, 2007
Toshiba
Installs First Vantage Powered by Atlas MRI System
at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Center
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., a global leader in diagnostic and medical
imaging systems, today announced it has installed its first Vantage powered
by Atlas 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at Steinberg Diagnostic
Medical Imaging (SDMI), one of the country's premier imaging centers located
in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Read
more...)
May 3, 2007
Toshiba
to Provide 20 Xario Ultrasound Systems to Oregon Institute
of Technology
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Martha Anne Dow, president, Oregon Institute of Technology, states, "Our
goal is to offer students training on the best technology available to prepare
them for high-tech, high-demand careers in the medical field. Using Toshiba
Xario ultrasound systems provides our students access to cutting-edge technology
and software that is setting standards in many hospitals today."(Read
more...)
May 2, 2007
Toshiba's
CorE 64 Multislice CT Study Completes Enrollment
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba's CorE 64 trial investigates the use of multi-slice CT as the primary
diagnostic tool for detecting cardiovascular diseases and disorders, as compared
to cardiac catheterization, a costly, invasive technique. Data collected to
date from CorE 64 indicates CT holds a favorable place as a diagnostic alternative
to cardiac catheterization and has the potential to change the delivery of
healthcare. (Read
more...)
May 1, 2007
Society
of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Announces Young
Investigator's Award
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), the leading professional
society devoted exclusively to cardiovascular computed tomography (CT), today
announced a new annual award program focused on innovation in the field of
patient care: the Young Investigator's Award, sponsored by Toshiba America
Medical Systems, Inc. through an unrestricted educational grant. (Read
more...)
April 30, 2007
Cincinnati's
Children's Hospital Medical Center Selects Toshiba's
Aplio XG Ultrasound System
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Less than six months after Toshiba America Medical Systems introduced the Aplio™ XG
ultrasound system, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the nation's
premier site for pediatric radiology, purchased 13 of the systems for its pediatric
ultrasound division. (Read
more...)
April 25, 2007
Volcano
Corporation Schedules First Quarter Conference Call,
Webcast
(source: Volcano Corporation)
The company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results and
operating activities to all interested parties at 2 p.m., Pacific Daylight
Time (5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), Monday, May 7, hosted by Scott Huennekens,
president and chief executive officer, and John Dahldorf, chief financial officer. (Read
more...)
April 18, 2007
COURAGE,
SPIRIT Data May Support Role of Advanced Imaging and
Diagnosis With IVUS and FFR
(source: Volcano Corporation)
The results of recent studies presented at this year's American College of
Cardiology may support the role played by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and
fraction flow reserve (FFR) in diagnosing the need for stenting more accurately
than standard angiography and, when the use of a stent is indicated, aiding
in the accuracy of stent placement. (Read
more...)
April 9, 2007
First
Toshiba Aplio XG Ultrasound Installed at Largest Outpatient
Imaging Practice in U.S.
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging (SDMI) in Las Vegas reports better diagnosis
and improved patient outcomes with Toshiba;s new, state-of-the-art system. (Read
more...)
April 4, 2007
Volcano
Corp. Reports Use of Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
Increasing as Physicians Refocus on Stent Technique
While use in the United States of DES has decreased from 89% to an estimated
70% over the past year, driven by concerns over stent thrombosis causing heart
attacks, and confidence in Bare Metal Stent (BMS) safety, for the same period,
Volcano has seen an increase of 25% in IVUS revenue, demonstrating more reliance
on detailed imaging to guide optimal DES and BMS placement. (Read
more...)
April 4, 2007
Toshiba
MR Systems Allow for Safe MRA Exams
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has developed three imaging techniques
for its MR product line, including the Vantage systems, that allow for contrast
free imaging during MRA procedures. Contrast-free imaging is particularly important
because gadolinium, the common contrast agent used for magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) exams, recently has been directly
linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis also known as nephrogenic fibrosing
dermopathy (NSF/NFD), a sometimes fatal disease that occurs in patients with
renal insufficiency. (Read
more...)
April 3, 2007
Volcano
Corporation and ev3 Inc. Announce Joint Marketing and
Distribution Agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, Volcano will have the opportunity to sell
ev3's SpiderFX Embolic Protection Device in conjunction with their Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) and Functional Measurement (FM) devices for use in saphenous
vein grafts (SVG's) in the U.S. (Read
more...)
April 3, 2007
Johns
Hopkins University Installs Toshiba Infinix DP-i/FD2
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart Institute is
installing the Infinix™ DP-i/FD2 imaging system from Toshiba America Medical
Systems, Inc. Johns Hopkins will use the system for detailed peripheral vascular
work and coronary studies for more efficient, comprehensive patient care. (Read
more...)
March 28, 2007
Johns
Hopkins Now Testing Only 256-Slice CT Scanner in North
America
The new 2-metric-ton device - the first of its kind in North America and only
the second outside of Japan, where its manufacturer is based - has four times
the detector coverage of its immediate predecessor, the 64-CT. It can measure
subtle changes in blood flow or minute blockages forming in blood vessels no
bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 millimeters) in the heart
and brain. (Read
more...)
March 20, 2007
Multislice
CT Scan Diagnoses Chest Pain in ER
A new study in Circulation shows that Multislice CT scanning in the
Emergency Department can accurately diagnose chest pain of unknown origin.
Published online yesterday, this study, the third such reported in as many
months, adds more evidence that 64-slice CT scans are a major diagnostic tool
for establishing the presence of coronary narrowing. (Read
more...)
March 7, 2007
Toshiba
Installs Landmark 400th VANTAGE 1.5T MRI System
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The installation occurred at LakeWest Hospital in Willoughby, Ohio (part of
the Lake Hospital System) and marks more than 100 Vantage installs in the last
nine months. Toshiba's patented Pianissimo™ technology, which reduces
acoustic noise by as much as 90 percent, is a key component of the line's rapid
adoption and clinical acceptance. (Read
more...)
February 28, 2007
CT
Heart Scan in ER Saves Time and Money
This week's Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that Multislice
CT can save time and money in the Emergency Room to determine whether chest
pain is cardiac-related. (Read
more...)
February 22, 2007
Kidney
patients at risk from MRI dye
Federal health officials are warning doctors that certain types of metallic
dye, containing gadolinium, injected for MRI scans have been linked to a rare
and dangerous skin disease in kidney patients. More than two dozen dialysis
patients in St. Louis over a four-year period contracted the unusual skin ailment,
which causes burning and itching that can lead to discoloration and stiffening
of the skin. (Read
more...)
February 13, 2007
Volcano
Corporation and Cordis Endovascular Japan Announces
Distribution Agreement for IVUS Indications
(source: Volcano Corporation)
Volcano Corporation today announced the signing of a distribution agreement
with Johnson & Johnson K.K., Medical Company.The agreement appoints Cordis
Endovascular Systems Japan as a distributor of IVUS products for use in peripheral
and endovascular procedures in Japan.
February 7, 2007
Emergency
Room Cardiac CT Used to Rule Out Coronary Artery Disease
A study published in the current issue of "Academic Emergency Medicine" finds
that Cardiac CT (also called CT Angiography or Multislice CT) can be used in
the Emergency Room to quickly rule out heart problems in low-risk patients
who come in with chest pain. (Read
more...)
February 6, 2007
Frost & Sullivan
Acknowledges Toshiba’s Phenomenal Rise in the North
American CT Market
(source: Frost & Sullivan.)
Toshiba America Medical Systems make significant inroads to the North American
CT market, capturing 19% of the 2005 market to become a major player in the
highly competitive field of CT, X-ray and MRI medical imaging.(Read
more...)
February 5, 2007
Brigham
and Women's Hospital Selects Toshiba's Aquilion 64
CFX
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba's Aquilion CFX will play an important role in BWH's ongoing evaluation
and validation of cardiac CT as a tool for diagnosing early stage heart disease
without the use of interventional procedures that can cause greater risk for
the patient. (Read
more...)
January 29, 2007
Toshiba
America Medical Systems Named Best in KLAS in CT and
MR for 2006
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The Aquilion™ 64-slice CT and the Vantage 1.5T MRI systems from Toshiba America
Medical Systems, Inc. received top honors in the Medical Equipment Leaders
category with two 2006 Best in KLAS awards one in CT and one in MR. (Read
more...)
Toshiba News from
RSNA 2006
(source:
Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
November 30,
2006
Toshiba
Showcases Suite of Interventional
Planning Tools for Infinix-i
Series Product Line
“The planning tools available on our Infinix product line improve the visualization
of bone and vessels to assist in surgical planning and enhance the accuracy of
interventional procedures – ultimately delivering better care to the patient,” said
Robert Micer, director, X-ray Vascular Business Unit, Toshiba. “The latest upgrades
to the Infinix-i series demonstrate Toshiba’s long-term commitment to innovation
and extending imaging capabilities to further clinical value.”.
November 30,
2006
Toshiba
Demonstrates State-of-the-Art
X-Ray System Offerings with DR
at RSNA 2006
The company announced it will demonstrate two of its state-of-the-art
X-ray systems featuring digital radiography (DR) technology at this year’s
RSNA annual meeting. As part of the demonstration, Toshiba will display
its innovative DR technologies, including the popular T.Rad-PLUS™ Digital
and Kalare™ systems. Both systems utilize a removable DR panel and allow
clinicians the flexibility to obtain images from virtually any position
without moving the patient. The enhancements improve patient comfort
and result in faster exams – supporting today’s imaging needs by handling
ambulatory, wheel chair and stretcher patients..
November 29,
2006
Toshiba
Showcases Aquilion Workflow and
Storage Enhancements at RSNA
Enhancements for Toshiba's Aquilion™ CT systems include a new V3 software
release on the CT console that enables faster scanning and data analysis,
resulting in improved efficiency and more accurate diagnoses. Toshiba
also is demonstrating the new Automated PhaseXact™ software (an additional
component of the SURECardio™ package) that automatically locates the
optimal phase of the heartbeat assuring the best image quality, decreasing
image reconstruction time by at least 50 percent and reducing storage
requirements. Advanced rendering and analysis in seconds is now possible
with V3’s enhanced DICOM data transfers. This new option enables data
transfer at up to 60 images-per-second.
November 29,
2006
Toshiba
Introduces the New Infinix VFi/BP
System
At the heart of the Infinix VFi/BP system is a versatile multi-axis floor-mounted
positioner with a 12” x 16” flat panel detector (FPD) that allows unprecedented
clinician access and anatomical coverage of the patient. In combination
with an 8” x 8'' FPD on a ceiling suspended omega C-arm, the FPDs deliver
high-quality, distortion-free images needed for complex vascular and
neuro interventional, and general angiographic procedures.
November 29,
2006
Toshiba
Education Center Launches e-Learning
Toshiba’s e-Learning site is open to all healthcare professionals. Toshiba
customers now can register online, at their convenience, for courses
at the Toshiba Education Center in Irvine, Calif., giving them the opportunity
to schedule training that best suits their busy schedules. Additionally,
technologists being cross trained on Toshiba systems will be able to
complete preparation guides in advance of their onsite training in Irvine,
ensuring that the time spent at the Center is used to maximum efficiency.
Customers, as well as those not currently using Toshiba systems, also
will have access to an extensive catalog of courses, including principles
of diagnostic imaging courses in CT, MR, vascular, cardiology, anatomy
and medical ethics. Continuing Education (CE) and Continuing Medical
Education (CME) credits can be issued for these courses.
November 28,
2006
Toshiba
Showcases Vantage Atlas Plus
Large Bore System at RSNA
The Vantage Atlas Plus’ unique elliptical large bore design will decrease
incidents of claustrophobia, giving patients more room during an MRI
exam. The system also provides an expanded field-of-view (FOV) at up
to 55cm – allowing clinicians to capture high-quality images across the
entire bore.
November 28,
2006
Toshiba
Introduces APLIO XG at RSNA
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced the company’s newest
innovations for its Aplio™ ultrasound system, including new 4D technology,
which allows users to acquire volume data sets for subsequent, off-line
review. The Aplio XG’s 3D multi-slice view delivers sequential imaging
with a presentation format similar to CT and MR.
November 28,
2006
Toshiba
Features New 3T MR System at
RSNA
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced it will preview
its first 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance (MR) system as a works-in-progress
at the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) annual meeting
in Chicago. Developed based on the popular EXCELART Vantage™ platform,
the new 3T system boasts a revolutionary new magnet design and short-bore
combination.
November 27,
2006
Toshiba
to Install First U.S. Beta 256-Slice
CT at Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine and Heart
Institute
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced that it will install
the first U.S. site beta 256-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart Institute
in February 2007. Johns Hopkins will test the beta system for its value
in early assessment of critical radiology and cardiac CT protocols. The
beta system will be at Hopkins for a limited time to acquire data to
further clinical research and product development. Toshiba’s 256-slice
works-in-progress CT is designed to acquire a large volume of data that
can cover the brain or heart in a single rotation. The system’s volume
acquisition provides more accurate images and lowers dose, resulting
in more accurate, quicker diagnoses. Additionally, dynamic multiple phase
studies such as perfusion of the brain, heart or other organs are possible.
November 27,
2006
Toshiba
and McKesson Launch Horizon Medical
Imaging Store at RSNA
As part of an ongoing partnership to deliver turnkey picture archiving
and communications systems (PACS) solutions to the medical community,
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. and McKesson Corporation today
introduced the Horizon Medical Imaging™ Store 100, a cost-effective mini-PACS
solution, exclusively available for Toshiba products, which will enable
smaller hospitals and imaging centers that don’t need an enterprise PACS
system to store data in a manageable and cost-effective way.
November 27,
2006
Toshiba
Announces FDA Clearance for New
Vantage Atlas MRI System
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced that the Food and
Drug Administration has cleared for market its new EXCELART Vantage™ powered
by Atlas 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The Vantage Atlas
1.5T MRI system features a complete redesign of the system. The new 128-element
system will meet clinical demands for an MRI system that delivers high-resolution
images across the entire body with faster imaging times, rendering quick
and accurate diagnosis, and will increase patient comfort. |
November 27, 2006
Intravascular
Ultrasound (IVUS) Imaging Technology May Help Lower
Rates of Late Stent Thrombosis
While there are a number of causes of late stent thrombosis that have been
identified, one of the factors most associated is poor apposition (incomplete
expansion or suboptimal positioning) of the drug-eluting stent. A recent presentation
by Dr. William Wijns of Aalst, Belgium at last month's TCT meeting showed that
in 77% of the late stent thrombosis cases (clotting one year after implantation)
the stent showed incomplete apposition (mal-apposition was seen in only 12%
of cases where there was no stent thrombosis). (Read
more...)
November 21, 2006
Toshiba's
Diagnostic Imaging System Used to Investigate Aircraft
Component Reliability
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Demonstrating the ability of Toshiba's Aquilion LB (Large Bore) CT scanner
to iamge vedry large objects, Lockheed Martin is utilizing the scanner to ensure
the integrity and reliability of aircraft parts.
November 20, 2006
Toshiba
and Liberty Pacific Medical Imaging Partner to Deliver
Innovative Cardiac CT Training Program
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Furthering the availability of training for Cardiac CT, Toshiba America Medical
Systems, Inc. announced a new partnership with CVCTA Education and San Francisco
Advanced Medical Imaging, a Liberty Pacific Medical Imaging Company, to serve
as the company's newest education and training partner. Recently, LPMI's San
Francisco Advanced Medical Imaging installed Toshiba's Aquilion™ 64 CFX system — one
of the most advanced cardiac computed tomography (CT) systems available in
the marketplace today and the cornerstone of the program.
November 13, 2006
Volcano
Announces Clinical Review of Key Presentations From
TCT 2006
(source: Volcano Corporation)
The whole field of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is gaining in importance
as problems are surfacing about drug-eluting stents. The value of IVUS
November 8, 2006
Toshiba
Celebrates Grand Opening of the Toshiba Education Center
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
As part of its ongoing commitment to customer training, Toshiba America Medical
Systems, Inc. today announced the grand opening of the Toshiba Education Center.
The center, a $6 million, 4,840 square-foot expansion to the Toshiba Training
Academy, provides a full complement of state-of-the-art classrooms and labs
equipped with Toshiba’s advanced CT, MR and Vascular products, including the
Aquilion™, Vantage and Infinix™ systems.
November 2, 2006
Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Selects Toshiba CT
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The nation’s premier site for pediatric radiology - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Medical Center - has selected an Aquilion™ 64 CFX from Toshiba America Medical
Systems, Inc. to strengthen its position as a provider of patient-friendly
imaging technology and improve evaluation and treatment capabilities for its
pediatric patients. The Aquilion 64 CFX was chosen based on several factors,
including the system’s scanning speed, radiation dose profile, and expanded
cardiac capabilities.
October 31, 2006
Toshiba
Names Robert Micer Director of X-Ray/Vascular Business
Unit
(source:
Toshiba
America
Medical
Systems,
Inc.)
In this new role, Micer will be responsible for implementing tactical and strategic
marketing plans for a business segment that helps to drive overall growth and
profitability for the company. This key Toshiba leadership position is responsible
for interfacing with Toshiba's global business unit in Japan to effectively
communicate the needs and requirements of the U.S. markets.
October 30,
2006
Coronary
Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Assessment
of Patients With Acute Chest Pain
(source: Circulation)
Multislice CT scanning is now making inroads in the emergency room as a tool
to quickly screen patients presenting with chest pain and eliminating non-cardiac
causes with great accuracy. In this blinded study, CT scanning had a 100% negative
predictive value, meaning that 100% of all patients who were having non-heart-related
chest pains -- and were not suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) --
were identified.
October
30, 2006
Toshiba
Receives FDA Approval for Injector Synchronization
Option
(source:
Toshiba
America
Medical
Systems,
Inc.)
The company announced in a press release today that it has received Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for a new CAN Level 1 injector synchronization
option for its Aquilion™ 64- and 32-slice computed tomography (CT) systems.
The new option facilitates contrast enhanced CT exams by interfacing the CT
scanner to a contrast injection system – giving clinicians the option to activate
the contrast and the scanner without leaving the patient's side.
October 20,
2006
Volcano
Corporation and MediGuide Ltd. Announce Collaboration
for Advanced Imaging and Navigation Technology
(source: Volcano Corporation)
The companies initially plan to develop Guided IVUS (GIVUS), a product which
will integrate MediGuide's Medical Positioning System (MPS) with Volcano's
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) system. This combination of technologies will
expand the two dimensional aspect of the existing IVUS image into a three dimensional
image that is designed to provide more useful clinical information, allow for
easier interpretation of the image by interventional cardiologists and improve
the clinical utility of the image.
October
16, 2006
Toshiba’s
Vantage MRI System Achieves No. 1 ranking in
KLAS Performance Study
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
In March, Toshiba's Aquilion 64-slice CT system ranked top in overall vendor
ratings in the KLAS study. Now its MRI system has achieved a similar distinction.
October
11, 2006
Volcano
Announces First Permanent Installations of
the Integrated s5i IVUS Imaging System
(source: Volcano Corporation)
The company today announced the first permanent installations of the s5i IVUS
(intravascular ultrasound) imaging system in both the U.S. and Europe. The
s5i is Volcano's first IVUS system that can be integrated into any new or existing
cath lab configuration. Through a series of customizable components, Volcano
can now tailor an integrated IVUS solution to the unique user and workflow
needs for any vendor's cath lab type or configuration.
October
2, 2006
Assessment
of Coronary Artery Disease by Cardiac Computed
Tomography
(source: Circulation, American Heart Association)
A long-awaited Scientific Statement on the value and use of coronary calcium
scoring was released by the American Heart Association. The document represents
a consensus view on which patients are best candidates for getting calcium
scoring CT exams.
August 24, 2006
GE
Healthcare and Volcano Corporation Announce FDA Clearance
of Fully-Integrated Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging
on the Innova Platform
(source:
GE Healthcare and Volcano Corporation)
The FDA has given clearance to a new integrated state-of-the-art intravascular
ultrasound (IVUS) platform with an all-digital X-ray cath lab imaging system. (Read
more...)
August 23, 2006
Toshiba
Partner Awarded First Place for Cardiac Imaging Research
at ISMRM
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Dr. Katsumi Nakamura of Tobata Kyoritsu Hospital in Japan received first place
honors for his research in the area of non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography
(MRA) imaging. Nakamura, a radiologist and long-time Toshiba collaborator,
received accolades for his poster presentation comparing non-contrast fresh
blood imaging (FBI) to 16-slice computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis
of peripheral vascular disease using Toshiba's 1.5T MRI system. The poster
was presented at the 14th annual International Society for Magnetic Resonance
in Medicine (ISMRM) Scientific Meeting & Exhibition, held May 6-12, 2006,
in Seattle. (Read
more...)
August 21, 2006
Toshiba
Secures Exclusive Five-Year Equipment Agreement with
OhioHealth
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Further establishing its business in the Midwest, Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc. today announced an exclusive five-year agreement with OhioHealth. Under
the terms of the contract, four award-winning OhioHealth hospitals — Grant
Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Doctors Hospital and Grady Memorial
Hospital — and six diagnostic imaging centers will acquire more than 20 Aquilion™ computed
tomography (CT) scanners — the most advanced multislice CT technology available. (Read
more...)
August 15, 2006
ACCF
Releases Appropriateness Criteria for Cardiac CT and
Cardiac MR
To address the many questions of when and for whom the new imaging technologies,
like Multislice CT scanning and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging, should
be used, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) released Appropriateness
Criteria this week for these two relatively new clinical cardiac imaging modalities. (Read
more...)
August 1, 2006
Toshiba
Announces Version 3.0 Software for Aquilion 64
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The company announces new software for their current state-of-the-art 64-slice
CT scanner that will "deliver one of the industry's fastest 'data to diagnosis'
solutions and advanced workflow improvements that increase productivity and
help make departments more efficient." 64-slice CT scanners generate vast amounts
of data that needs to be processed before a meaningful image can be viewed.
With the increasing use of multislice CT scanners in ER and Trauma Centers,
speed of diagnosis is critical.
July 28, 2006
FEATURE: Will
Multislice CT Angiography Replace Catheterization?
A study from the Cleveland Clinic was published earlier this week in JAMA comparing
multidetector computed tomography ((a.k.a. Multislice CT) to the more invasive
catheter-based angiography, currently considered the "gold standard" for measuring
the blockage in coronary arteries. News media reports on the study were mixed.
So one might wonder exactly what the study means for patients: are CT coronary
scans good or not? (Read
more...)
July
26, 2006
Toshiba's
New NEMIO XG Ultrasound Upgrade Improves Diagnosis
and Patient Care
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The company today announced the availability of a new upgrade for the popular
Nemio™ ultrasound system. Using next-generation technology, the Nemio XG provides
the image quality needed to render a fast, accurate diagnosis – limiting the
number of patients who are referred for more serious procedures, testing and
follow up.
July 26, 2006
McKesson
and Toshiba Target Small Hospitals and Imaging Centers
with Combined Medical Imaging Solution
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
McKesson announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Toshiba
America Medical Systems, Inc. The agreement calls for Toshiba to offer McKesson's
No. 1 ranked Horizon Medical Imaging™ PACS solution with Toshiba's innovative
diagnostic imaging devices, including the Aquilion™ line of CT scanners. The
agreement is designed to offer imaging centers and hospitals under 200 beds
a turnkey solution that's affordable, easy to implement and easy to support.
In a joint statement, McKesson and Toshiba noted that they believe this agreement
is the best way to offer the community market affordable, easily installed
best-of-breed diagnostic imaging solutions.
July 25, 2006
FEATURE: SHAPE
Guidelines On Diagnosis Generate Heated Controversy
These recommendations were characterized in one medical publication as "a bold
new report", yet in another they were labeled as "scientifically extremely
questionable" and they "should be repudiated". In the public realm, today's
Boston Globe ran a feature story questioning the apparent conflict of interest
involved by who paid for the publication of the guidelines, which ran as a
supplement in the July 17 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology. (Read
more...)
July
21, 2006
Hospitals
snap up 64-slice heart scanners
(source:
Alan Bavley, The News-Sentinel,
Fort Wayne, Indiana)
This feature article covers a wide range of topics concerning the rapidly growing
use of 64-slice CT scans to diagnose coronary artery disease, a subject not
without controversy. The article states an oft-quoted fact, that one-third
of all diagnostic cardiac catheterizations (angiograms) turn out to be normal.
Most current studies of Multislice CT scans show a negative predictive value
in the high 90's (the patient does not have significant disease) -- at a cost
that 10% of a standard angiogram and non-invasive.
related stories:
Multislice
CT
Angiogram -- Angioplasty.Org
Interview
with
Daniel
S.
Berman,
MD -- Angioplasty.Org
July 10, 2006
New
guideline for screening apparently healthy individuals
to prevent a heart attack
(source:
Association for Eradication
of Heart Attack)
A group of influential cardiologists, imaging and other specialists has produced
a dynamic and somewhat controversial report, which appeared as a supplement
to today's American Journal of Cardiology. In it, the authors call
for carotid ultrasound and CT scanning for all "at risk" men and
women, defined as those men over 45 and women over 55 who meet one or more
of the following risk factors, even if they have no symptoms: raised cholesterol
(> 200mg/dL), high blood pressure (> 120/80 mm Hg), diabetes, family
history of heart disease, metabolic syndrome or smoking. The task force named
themselves SHAPE (Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education). (Read
more...)
May
30, 2006
St.
Francis and Temple University Hospitals Expand
Vascular Imaging Capabilities with New Toshiba
Infinix DP-i/FD2
(source:
Toshiba America Medical
Systems)
Toshiba's new system, introduced in March, is the only single lab that meets
American College of Cardiology guidelines for both cardiac and peripheral work.
The availability of this system and its adoption reflects the growing trend
in medicine toward treating vascular disease as an entity, whether heart-related
(coronary artery disease) or in the peripheral circulation (legs, kidney, etc.)
-- many patients who have vascular disease in one area often have it elsewhere.
According to Dr. James Burke, director, cardiac catheterization laboratories
and interventional cardiology at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, "With
our patients as our top priority, we chose Toshiba's Infinix DP-i/FD2 because
it was clear that the technology would enable us to improve our diagnosis and
treatment capabilities.... We can diagnose and treat all of the cardiac and
vascular problems in our patients without compromising either area. This is
the future of comprehensive cardiovascular care."
May
23, 2006
Toshiba
Installs 300th Vantage 1.5T MRI System
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems)
Toshiba's advantage in this field is its patented Pianissimo™ technology, which
reduces by almost 90% the acoustic noise, identified as the most significant
cause of patient anxiety. Reduction of the noise often eliminates the need
for anti-anxiety medication or sedation during routine scans. In addition,
Toshiba’s SPEEDER parallel imaging technology allows clinicians to perform
exams in a single breath hold, reducing motion artifacts and increasing image
quality. In this company press release radiologist John Mathis from the Center
for Advanced Imaging in Roanoke, Virgina, where the 300th Vantage was installed,
states, “We typically conduct about 4,500 MRI scans a year, and anxiety caused
by system noise is a significant issue for many of our patients. In fact, we
receive countless referrals because we offer the latest in MRI technology with
improved patient comfort.”
related stories:
Magnetic
Resonance
Imaging
and Angiography
(MRI /
MRA) -- Angioplasty.Org
May
12, 2006
Toshiba's
Technology Contributions Featured on Top Morning
Talk Show "Live With Regis and Kelly"
(source: Toshiba
America
Medical
Systems)
Toshiba Medical and other Toshiba divisions have donated over $80,000 worth
of ultrasound and other equipment to Partners for Healing clinic (PFH) which
serves an uninsured community in Tullahoma, Tennessee, as part of “Live with
Regis and Kelly’s” 16th annual “Mom’s Dream Come True” Mother's Day special.
May
9, 2006
Toshiba
Achieves Educational Milestone for Unique Physican-to-Physician
Speakers Bureau Program
(source: Toshiba America Medical
Systems)
The company has now enrolled more than 2,500 cardiologists and radiologists
in its education and training programs to help expand the knowledge base among
medical professionals regarding the latest diagnostic imaging modalities, and
64-slice CT technology in particular.
related stories:
MultiSlice
Computed
Tomography
(MSCT) -- Angioplasty.Org
May 9, 2006
FEATURE: Safety
Risk of Multislice CT Angiogram Compared to Cardiac
Catheterization
Two articles in the recent Journal of the American College of Cardiology, published
online on April 17, address the debate of how non-invasive MultiSlice Computed
Tomography (MSCT) imaging compares to standard angiography (cardiac catheterization)
on the issue of safety. Whether or not the radiation dosage of one procedure
is higher than another is only one part of the safety equation. (Read
more...)
May
8, 2006
Toshiba
Ships 600th Aquilion 64-Row Detector System
Worldwide
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems)
In their press release, Toshiba states that this is "a significant milestone
for the company’s CT business, which has installed more than 17,000 CT systems
in hospitals, imaging centers and medical group practices worldwide, including
the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center, Shands at the University of Florida and Cardiovascular Institute of
the South (CIS). According to Peter S. Fail, M.D., cardiologist, CIS, growing
patient awareness about advances in diagnostic imaging and physician demand
for cutting edge imaging technologies has encouraged many healthcare facilities
to acquire 64-slice CT systems to remain competitive and better serve patients."
April 11, 2006
Toshiba
Names General Manager
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The company has named diagnostic imaging industry veteran, Lawrence Dentice,
general manager, senior vice president and an officer of the company. Dentice
has been Toshiba’s vice president, sales, since he joined the company in 2002.
Former general manager, Edwin Lodgek, has left the company.
April
10, 2006
Toshiba
America Medical Systems Becomes American College
of Cardiology Foundation "Imaging Champion"
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
Toshiba has announced major support of a series of educational programs presented
over the next year by the American College of Cardiology Foundation that will
bring together clinical experts in ultrasound, nuclear cardiology, angiography,
computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to present the current state-of-the-art
in imaging and update medical professionals in the field. Of note is the inclusion
of Cardiac CT for the first time in several of the programs, indicating the
growing interest in this imaging modality.
March
30, 2006
Parma
Community Hospital Enhances Patient Care, Optimizes
Workflow and Expands Clinical Capabilities
with Toshiba's New Infinix-i Series
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
The company announces installation of its latest flat panel detector vascular
and cardiac imaging system in Parma (Ohio) Community Hospital. A company spokesperson
says, "The Infinix CC-i FPD is uniquely designed to meet the select needs
of clinicians conducting complex cardiac imaging procedures. In addition to
the system’s unparalleled image quality and lower dose, it improves diagnosis
and treatment while maintaining patient safety."
March
28, 2006
Borgess
Medical Center Enhances Cardiac Capabilities
for Advanced Patient Care
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
In this press release, the company announces installation of five new catheterization
labs in this Kalamazoo Michigan hospital, in addition to the existing Aquilion
CT scanner. "According to Tim Fischell, M.D., director of cardiac research
at the Borgess Heart Center for Excellence, incorporating diagnostic imaging
into the center’s practice has dramatically improved the level of cardiac care
they are able to deliver to patients. “CVD continues to be a major problem
in our communities, and advances in diagnostic imaging have had a significant
impact in diagnosing disease of the heart at its earliest stages and preventing
death.” Dr. Fischell is the co-inventor of the BX Velocity stent, which forms
the foundation of Cordis' Cypher drug-eluting stent.
March
14, 2006
256
Multislice CT Angiography One Beat Whole Heart
Scan: First Clinical Data at ACC
(source:
American
College
of
Cardiology)
Developed in Japan by Toshiba Medical, this experimental CT multislice scanner
was able to image the entire heart in a single heartbeat in 1.5 seconds.
March
7, 2006
KLAS
Survey Ranks Toshiba's Aquilion 64-Slice CT
System Top Among Leading Medical Imaging Technology
Vendors
(source:
Toshiba
America
Medical
Systems,
Inc.)
The survey included more than 300 healthcare professionals, including imaging
directors and managers, C-level executives and physicians on survey categories,
including service; ability to deliver product; upgrade path; scanner reliability;
end- user presentation; cost and value; technology and architecture; post-processing
capabilities; and PACS (picture archiving and communication systems) integration.
In addition to Toshiba’s top distinction in overall vendor ratings, the survey
revealed that Toshiba scored highest in four categories, including cost and
value, technology and architecture, post processing capabilities, and integration
into existing PACS solutions.
March
5, 2006
A
64-slice heart X-ray, sans catheter, is catching
on quickly at Sequoia Hospital
(source:
Sam
Whiting,
San
Francisco
Chronicle)
This feature, about a community hospital in Redwood City, discusses the benefits
of the new 64-slice CT scan technology.
February
14, 2006
CT
Scanner reveals hidden threats
(source: San Jose Mercury News)
Story about a 62-year-old California man who volunteered for a test of a new
64-slice CT scanner at Kaiser Permanente. Although he had no history, indications
or symptoms of heart disease, the scan revealed extensive blockage in one of
his coronary arteries. The blockage was addressed later with a stent.
related stories:
Image
Makers
--
The
Promise
of
Cardiac
CT
Angiography -- "Voice
in
The
Ear":
The
Stent
Blog
January 24, 2006
Toshiba
and Cardiovascular Institute of the South Establish
Cardiovascular CT Education Partnership
(source: Toshiba America Medical Systems,
Inc.)
As multislice CT angiography becomes more widespread, regional centers of excellence
are springing up -- hospitals or imaging centers where physicians can go to
attend training. This press release announces that Toshiba has teamed up with
CIS in south Louisiana to provide training in CT angiography.
January
3, 2006
Coronary
CT workups save time, money
(source:
In-Sung
Yoo,
Delaware
Online)
Is cardiac CT scanning an alternative to cardiac catheterization for screening
patients? This article from a local Delaware paper speaks to some physicians
about this growing imaging technology, known as MultiSlice Computed Tomography
or MSCT.
January 2006
Comparison
of patient doses in 256-slice CT and 16-slice CT scanners
(source:
British
Journal
of
Radiology)
When less is more -- a study of the radiation dose from a new prototype 256-slice
CT scanner was compared to that of a third generation 16-slice scanner. One
would think the radiation dose would be higher with the higher resolution 256-slice
unit, but just the opposite was true. The authors attribute this to the fact
that the 256-slice scanner is able to image a large area at once, whereas the
16-slice system took multiple scans that had to include a slight overlap. Thus
the total radiation exposure for the given studies was greater in the 16-slice
scanner. |
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