Shimadzu announces U.S. availability of T-smart advanced tomosynthesis algorithm designed to render metal artifacts “invisible”

TORRANCE, CA – July 28, 2015 -- Shimadzu Medical Systems USA announces the availability of T-smart, a new tomographic image reconstruction function using iterative reconstruction that improves the clarity of tomosynthesis-acquired orthopedic images containing metal implanted objects such as used in orthopedics. T-smart made its U.S. debut at the AHRA annual meeting of radiology hospital administrators held in Las Vegas last week.  T-smart (Tomosynthesis-Shimadzu Metal Artifact Reduction Technology) is a method of image reconstruction designed for imaging metal implants such as artificial joints. It uses a tomographic image reconstruction algorithm combining iterative reconstruction approximation and a metalisolatingalgorithm that further reduces the few metal artifacts that remain with tomosynthesis.  Artifacts are reduced to the degree that they are barely noticeable, a factor that is particularly relevant in total hip arthroplasty where reducing the presence of artifacts allows clearer depiction of trabecula (fine folds) inside the bone at points of contact with the artificial joint. For artificial joints and other treatments that use metal implants, how the contact surface between a metal implant and human tissues such as bone changes over time is an important element in diagnosis.  The T-smart option would be integrated into the dedicated image processing workstation for the SONIALVISION Safire and G4 series of multipurpose radiography/fluoroscopy (R/F) DR systems. This workstation performs the image processing functions that generate reconstructed images from radiographic images taken by the system. Its tomosynthesis capabilities produce images with high spatial resolution and results in exposure doses lower than similar images obtained using CT. It is an excellent imaging method in orthopedics to acquire 3D information that depicts fine structures inside the bone. T-smart improves upon this, further reducing the presence of metal artifacts beyond what is possible with tomosynthesis alone.  Shimadzu dealers throughout the United States and in the Caribbean are now accepting orders for the T-smart software upgrade.  About Shimadzu Shimadzu Corporation, founded in 1875 in Kyoto, Japan, is a global provider of medical diagnostic equipment including conventional, interventional, and digital X-ray systems. Shimadzu Medical Systems USA is headquartered in Torrance, California, with direct operations headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It maintains sales and service offices throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Call 1-800-228-1429 ext. 145 or visit www.shimadzu.com for detailed information.