Aquilion ONE, World's First Dynamic Volume Computed Tomography Scanner With 320 Simultaneous Slices

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;  Medical Devices
Article Date: 17 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Toshiba Medical Systems has introduced the Aquilion ONE CT scanner, a revolution in Computed Tomography (CT) technology that dramatically shortens the diagnosis of cardiac and stroke patients to a fraction of the usual time.

As the world's first dynamic volume CT, the Toshiba Aquilion ONE captures dynamic processes such as blood flow and organ function, in real-time three-dimensional (3D) clarity. With this technology, a medical exam can be completed in mere minutes, and with less radiation and contrast dose to the patient.

"The introduction of dynamic volume CT marks an important milestone in the history of computed tomography," said Yusuke Toki, General Manager, CT Division, Toshiba Medical Systems. "Aquilion ONE is the culmination of a decade of dedicated research and establishes a new frontier in CT imaging, offering advanced applications that can significantly enhance patient care while reducing the cost of healthcare worldwide."

Imaging the heart, brain or pancreas in a single rotation

The wish of medical professionals for the ability to scan an entire organ in one rotation and hence in a fraction of a second, has now become a reality. The Toshiba Aquilion ONE is the first dynamic volume CT system in the world and boasts an anatomical coverage of 16cm in one rotation, thanks to its array of 320 ultra high resolution 0.5mm detector elements. This innovation means it is now possible to image an entire human organ such as the heart, brain or pancreas in a single rotation. Currently, it takes an average of 7 to 10 rotations to image a human heart, and 7 rotations for the brain.

This ability to carry out a complete examination in just 350 milliseconds eliminates the need to reconstruct data from several points in time, significantly enhancing accuracy and diagnostic confidence. In the case of a cardiac scan, medical professionals using the Aquilion ONE will see dramatically clearer images with perfect time registration.

Real-time 3D information of organ function now available

The revolutionary dynamic volume CT technology of the Aquilion ONE enables medical professionals to view crucial information such as blood flow (arterial and venous) and function in the heart, brain, joints and other parts of the body.

The resulting functional images of the scanned area is in effect similar to a real-time video of the organ(s). Real-time whole organ dynamic volume analysis was previously unavailable in any modality (CT, MRI, Ultrasound), and is a quantum leap in imaging accuracy.

This reduces the need for additional (sometimes duplicative) tests and invasive procedures Patients exhibiting symptoms of heart conditions may be given an ECG, calcium study, CT angiography (CTA), nuclear test and catheterisation before a diagnosis is made. This process typically takes a few days. Patients exhibiting symptoms of stroke may be given a CT scan and MRI (if the former proves inconclusive). The time-to-diagnosis may take a few hours.

. In a two-year study with 291 patients in nine major hospitals around the world Sources: Two articles on the CorE64 study have been included in the press kit.

CorE 64: 64-slice CT sees cardiovascular disease as well as cardiac cath

Coronary Artery Evaluation Using 64-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography (CORE-64): Results of a Multicenter, International Trial to Assess Diagnostic Accuracy Compared With Conventional Coronary Angiography (see here) , it was found that 64-slice CT matched cardiac catheterisation in the primary diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and disorders. The study also showed that early detection with 64-slice CT is a good predictor of who would need angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery.

Real-world patient benefits documented at Mount Elizabeth CT Centre

A Toshiba Aquilion ONE dynamic volume CT was installed at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital CT Centre in March 2008.

Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of Parkway Holdings Limited, said, "Parkway Health is proud to be the first user of the Toshiba Aquilion ONE CT scanner in Asia, outside of Japan. I am happy to note that our hospitals' commitment to better diagnosis and treatment is supported by such high levels of innovation by our vendors. The Aquilion ONE marks a milestone, not just in CT technology but also in the quality of healthcare available to the world."

Dr Robert Kwok, Medical Director, ParkwayHealth Imaging Services observed, "The Toshiba Aquilion ONE is a paradigm shift in imaging technology. This will rewrite diagnostic protocols and make the early diagnosis of patients with heart and stroke conditions the main beneficiaries of this enhanced ability.

"With this technology, we may soon be able to not only assess the coronary arteries, the most common site of cardiac disease but also acquire additional information about other aspects of cardiac anatomy and function.

"There is also a possibility that we will be able to evaluate and assess plaque and help determine the groups of patients which could be at highest risk for a cardiac event.

"It is indeed exciting to have access to this new technology in Singapore now and being able to develop new diagnostic pathways to be able to benefit more patients," he continued.

Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the no. 2 and 4 killers in Singapore respectively, accounting for over 25 per cent of deaths in Singapore in 2006. Source: Ministry of Health. Statistics on the principal causes of death in Singapore Stroke is also the biggest cause of long term disability in the country. Each year, approximately 10,400 people are admitted to Singapore hospitals for stroke. Source: Singapore National Stroke Association

The success of the Aquilion line

Since its launch in November 2007, 14 Aquilion ONE systems have been installed in seven countries, including Japan, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, the United States, Canada and most recently, Singapore. The installation at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital CT Centre marks the first installation in Asia, outside of Japan.

The Toshiba Aquilion CT line is one of the most successful in the industry, with nearly 1,700 Aquilion 64-slice systems installed worldwide. The company recently celebrated the production of its 20,000th CT system.

Aquilion ONE and Aquilion are trademarks of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.

About Toshiba Medical Systems

Headquartered in Singapore, Toshiba Medical Systems Asia markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in Southeast Asia.
v Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading manufacturer 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 Medical Systems Corporation is the number one medical systems provider in Japan. The company has delivered a series of 'world firsts', including the first electric scantype Ultrasound system, the multislice and half-second helical Computed Tomography Scanner and now the world's first dynamic volume CT system.

About Toshiba Corporation

Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information & communications equipment and systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems, including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and operates a global network of more than 670 companies, with over 191,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing US$60 billion.

http://www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

About ParkwayHealth

Parkway Holdings Limited (PHL) owns Parkway Hospitals Singapore Pte Ltd which runs the East Shore Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital and the ParkwayHealth Day Surgery and Medical Centre.

Parkway Holdings Limited wholly-owns the newly incorporated Parkway Novena Holdings Pte. Ltd. (PNH), principally as an investment holding company with its subsidiary companies Parkway Novena Pte. Ltd. and Parkway Irrawaddy Pte. Ltd.

The Group also includes Parkway Shenton Pte Ltd, a major provider of primary healthcare services; Medi-Rad Associates Ltd, a leading radiology services provider; and Parkway Laboratory Services Ltd, a major provider of laboratory services. Contract research services are also provided by Gleneagles CRC Pte Ltd. Parkway Group Healthcare Pte Ltd also operates over 45 International Patient Assistance Centres across the globe, accessible via www.ipac.sg and a 24-hour hotline +65 67355000.

Over 1500 accredited medical specialists support Parkway's Clinical Programmes in Heart and Vascular, Neuroscience, Oncology, Musculoskeletal, Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Women and Children, Chronic Disease Management and Surgery. These clinical programmes involve renowned experts in their fields to provide comprehensive, integrated care and are founded on a reputation for quality clinical outcomes and service excellence.

For more information please visit our websites at: http://www.ParkwayHealth.com or http://www.parkwayholdings.com