Next-Generation CT Scanner Launched

An innovative 80-row CT scanner that features a new detector with a significantly improved imaging efficiency and many other new technologies has been launched.

The new Computed Tomography (CT) scanner features a range of premium technologies and an improved workflow. The new detector is up to 40% more efficiency from photon generation to detection and enables a significantly reduced radiation dose with improved image quality.

The new Aquilion Prime SP was launched by Toshiba Medical Systems Europe (Zoetermeer, the Netherlands). Besides the new PUREViSION detector, the scanner also enables automatic selection of kV based on the size of the patient and the clinical task. Toshiba’s SUREExposure technology optimizes the use iodine contrast agents, reducing patient risk and costs, and a new suite of Adaptive Diagnostic solutions decreases to the time needed to make complex exams, improves diagnostic precision, as well as reproducibility. Toshiba’s Single Energy Metal Artifact Reduction (SEMAR) dose-neutral metal artifact reduction technology uses an advanced reconstruction technique that removes metal artifacts in images and improves implant visualization.

The new scanner also features Dual Energy, Toshiba Medical’s proprietary Iodine Mapping technology, and the new 3-phase Variable Helical Parameters (3-phase VHP) for changing table speed and imaging parameters in the same. The scanner enables up to three protocols to be combined in a single CT scan, reducing patient dose and motion artifacts, and allowing more efficient use of the contrast agent.

Senior Manager, European CT Business Unit, Henk Zomer, said, "Aquilion Prime is a very successful product in our market. Our customers value the system’s strong performance and ease of use. With the new Aquilion Prime SP we take the next step by introducing major improvements in functionality, imaging performance and clinical applications. Aquilion Prime SP makes it possible to perform examinations at lower exposure and iodine doses, while acquiring high-resolution images thanks to breakthrough technologies such as PUREViSION Optics. In addition, the scanner incorporates cutting-edge clinical applications which further enhance throughput to ensure outstanding efficiency and high quality diagnostics."