Toshiba unveils fast computed-tomography system

MARCH 21--Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. (Tustin,CA; www.tams.com), a vendor of diagnostic imaging systems, is offering its multislice Aquilion computed-tomography (CT) system. This imaging system provides a 0.5-s rotation speed and can acquire eight 0.5-mm slices/s to aid cardiologists and clinicians with a speedy imaging tool for cardiac applications.

When integrated with the Vitrea 2 for Windows workstation from Vital Images (Plymouth, MN; www.vitalimages.com), the Aquilion system can perform coronary artery calcium scoring by capturing scans via a 0.3 to 0.5-second prospective-gating technique. This technique allows physicians to quickly and efficiently evaluate images as well as generate a calcium score report for assessing the risk of heart disease in patients.

Cardiologists also benefit from the diagnostic features of Aquilion technology in coronary CT angiography. This minimally invasive procedure helps identify the extent and location of coronary blockages using CT scans. The Aquilion system can capture cardiac images in less than 0.3 s. Image selection and analysis also can be performed off-line. Moreover, the multislice Aquilion system can perform peripheral vascular evaluation, which reveals more anatomical detail than conventional CT technologies.