Houston Healthcare makes CT exams safer with Toshiba’s PROTECT Program and AIDR 3D

TUSTIN, CALIF. — Houston Healthcare is putting patient safety first by offering low dose CT exams with the industry’s best solutions and a comprehensive dose management approach from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. Working in partnership with Toshiba, Houston Healthcare has implemented the PROTECT program, resulting in the lowest possible dose without compromising diagnostic image quality.

“Technology upgrades through Toshiba’s VeloCT program, such as AIDR 3D, have been imperative to achieving dose levels significantly lower than the standards set by the American College of Radiology,” said Tim Sisco, Director of Cardiovascular and Imaging Services, Houston Healthcare. “Toshiba has developed a program, PROTECT, that is easy to implement, working with our technologists and dose committee every step of the way to ensure we obtain the best image quality at the lowest possible dose.”

With AIDR 3D and the PROTECT partnership program, Houston Healthcare has achieved tremendous dose savings. Clinicians saw a 65 percent reduction in routine abdomen/pelvis exams, a 59 percent dose reduction in routine chest exams and a 7 percent reduction in routine head procedures. Houston Healthcare uses three AquilionTM 64s and an Aquilion PRIME from Toshiba, utilized for all general CT exams including head, abdomen, pelvis and chest.

Houston Healthcare has also developed a dose reduction committee with Toshiba’s strategic partner Phoenix Technology Corporation. Through the partnership, Houston Healthcare can identify and track dose data while quantifying the differences and levels it is achieving.

“By providing the industry’s best solution for dose reduction, Toshiba worked with Houston Healthcare to ensure that dose and safety is not a choice that its staff or patients had to make,” said Satrajit Misra, senior director, CT Business Unit, Toshiba. “With PROTECT, we were able to identify ways in which we could help their team improve performance and then implement a plan that enables Houston Healthcare to obtain the necessary images for accurate diagnoses.”

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiovascular equipment, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website atwww.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba. Visit Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation’s website at www.toshibamedicalsystems.com.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba's website at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.