Toshiba debuts 64-slice CT for cardiac use

Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. this week unveiled the new Aquilion 64 CFX computed tomography system designed for examining coronary arteries.

Built on the same platform as the Aquilion 32, the Aquilion 64 CFX features Toshiba's 64-row Quantum detector for simultaneous 64-slice scanning with spatial resolution of 0.35 mm, volume imaging capabilities and proprietary software applications designed to automate complex diagnostic cardiac studies.

Toshiba said the software applications include its sureWorkflow applications suite to ensure image quality, repeatability and productivity by automating complex CT studies. The sureWorkflow application suite for the Aquilion 64 CFX includes: SURECardio - automated cardiac scan protocol clinically validated to ensure the best temporal resolution regardless of a patient's heart rate or condition; and SUREPlaque - Soft plaque identification and measurement protocol for cardiac and peripheral vessel analysis using a color-coding system based on tissue density.

The Aquilion 64-slice CT scanner, which has been scanning at the Fujita Health University in Japan since March 2004, is in clinical trials of its cardiac imaging capabilities and Toshiba said it will be available for delivery in 2005.

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