Ultrasound Application Provides Clearer Images for More Accurate Diagnoses

A new ultrasound application should provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis, particularly in technically difficult studies where penetration and resolution have been suboptimal.

In December 2008, at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, held in Chicago, IL, USA, Toshiba Medical Systems, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) presented features now available on its Xario XG ultrasound system. Differential tissue harmonic imaging (D-THI) has been so instrumental in helping clinicians better visualize the anatomy that Toshiba has extended the availability of the application to its Xario XG system. Moreover, features are now available with the volume-imaging package, including spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC), and cavity imaging.

D-THI is a Toshiba exclusive patented nonlinear technique where a dual frequency pulse is emitted, which results in uniform imaging for both superficial and deep structures and anatomy. Image quality sacrifices have been virtually eliminated. Using STIC, data are acquired via an automatic volume acquisition capturing a high number of two-dimensional (2D) frames in a volume set. The resulting volume image displays a loop of the beating fetal heart. Because there is 3D data behind each frame, scan planes can be moved, rotated, and manipulated. Combined with cavity imaging, where hollow structures are displayed as solid and the tissue is removed, STIC may be beneficial in the detection of fetal heart pathologies.

"Toshiba continues to find ways for our ultrasound products to better serve the physician and patient,” said Gordon Parhar, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. "We don't believe trade-offs should have to be made when it comes to your health. We will continue to innovate applications like D-THI and STIC to further help the medical community be able to make more accurate diagnoses.”

Xario XG features a 19-inch monitor and comes standard with a bundled software package consisting of advanced dynamic flow, which accurately displays blood flow with directional information, even for tiny vessels, and improves diagnosis; ApliPure, which uses real-time spatial and frequency compounding technology to provide clearer image quality; QuickScan, one touch auto optimization for 2D and Doppler imaging; and Trapezoid, which provides wide or expanded field of view imaging.

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