Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. 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 Baltimore, Maryland 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.

(NOTE: New equipment from Toshiba shown at RSNA 2006 can be seen by scrolling down.)


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.

“Toshiba has enjoyed a collaborative partnership and worked closely in the development of Cardiac CTA (computed tomography angiography) with Johns Hopkins,” said Doug Ryan, senior director of Toshiba’s CT Business Unit.

“The installation of the 256-slice beta system will be used by both radiology and cardiology and provides a tremendous opportunity to further medical imaging and research utilizing revolutionary CT technology.”

New Vantage Atlas MRI system and Aplio XG ultrasound introduced at RSNA 2006


The Vantage Atlas 1.5T MRI features
a new 128-element system

Toshiba showcase its new EXCELART Vantage™ powered by Atlas 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system as a works-in-progress at RSNA 2006.

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. The new Atlas system design is an integrated coil concept that will allow clinicians to perform multiple exams without repositioning the patient. This will mean more comfortable exam experiences and will result in enhanced workflow and technologist productivity. Also, the Vantage Atlas’ optional 205-cm acquisition range allows for feet-first imaging for the entire body, except the neck and head.

“The Vantage Atlas features state-of-the-art technology and is designed with exceptional patient care and comfort in mind,” said Bob Giegerich, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. “The system not only decreases imaging time and broadens future upgrade capabilities, its imaging quality is second-to-none.”

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