Toshiba Introduces Advanced Image Processing for Its Infinix Cardiac Systems

Business Wire, April 1, 2008

New Advanced Image Processing Feature Improves Diagnosis with Increased Visibility; Will Be Showcased with Infinix VF-i/SP at ACC

CHICAGO -- 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[TM] 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.

"The image quality offered by Toshiba's Infinix line, particularly the AIP feature, is remarkable," said Dr. John S. Wilson, medical director, cardiovascular services, Washington Hospital. "AIP allows us to image bariatric patients, which was difficult to do before. It also gives us reduced background noise and improved device and vessel visualization, which allows us to increase workflow and provide better patient care during our interventional procedures."

Benefits of the technology include:

* Programmable image display: The system works with new software to allow clinicians the ability to optimize image viewing based on clinical preferences.

* Reduced background noise for fluoroscopic and digital acquisition imaging: This new processing is designed to compress background noise and enable physicians to better see vasculature and cardiac devices.

* Improved device and vessel visualization: AIP enhances contrast, improving the ability to see vessels and devices without increasing the overall image noise.

* Improved resolution in dark areas: AIP combined with high resolution flat panel detectors allow vessels near dense anatomical areas to be seen more easily.

* Improved dynamic range: This technology significantly reduces the blurring effect that can sometimes occur in areas of high contrast (i.e. heart tissue to lung field), providing a much clearer image for physicians to review.

Toshiba will showcase AIP in conjunction with its Infinix VF-i/SP X-ray system, a universal cardiovascular system designed to accommodate diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Developed based on the popular Infinix-i series platform, the new floor-mounted, single plane system features a multi-axis positioner with extremely versatile movement for unprecedented patient access and anatomical coverage, including head-to-toe, finger tip-to-finger tip coverage. These features allow clinicians to complete procedures more quickly and comfortably than traditional systems, reducing procedure times and improving overall departmental workflow. In addition, a high-resolution 12"x16" flat panel detector provides the uniform, distortion-free images required for the full range of cardiovascular studies.

For more information about AIP and the Infinix VF-i/SP or Toshiba's wide-range of diagnostic imaging technologies, visit www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, Cath & EP Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 191,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $60 billion. For more information, visit www.medical.toshiba.com.