Toshiba Optimizes Open MR Imaging with OPART Upgrades; Version 5.0 Software Packages and High-Performance Computer Processor Improve Clinical Imaging Capabilities and Speed
As an ongoing commitment to enhance its open magnetic resonance (MR) system and provide existing customers with the latest imaging technology, Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. (TAMS) today announced Version 5.0, a combined software plus central processing unit (CPU) upgrade program for the OPART(TM), the industry’s only cryogenless, superconducting, mid-field (0.35T) open-MR system. Available for all OPART system configurations, the new upgrades expand the system’s pulse sequence capabilities and provide significant improvement in image processing speed.
“Toshiba’s OPART is recognized in the industry for its high level of excellence in open-MRI, and the new Version 5.0 software package and CPU upgrade continue to add value to the product,” said Anita Bowler, product manager, MR Business Unit, Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. “Our customers will have the ability to select the software package or packages to meet all their clinical requirements with improvements in image quality and productivity.”
OPART Version 5.0 Software Packages
The OPART Version 5.0 software upgrades have been packaged into four categories to meet the imaging requirements of various imaging facility types:
— Basic Package: Includes basic pulse sequences with FASE (Fast Advanced Spin Echo) and 3D Swirl Encoding for imaging flow artifact.
— MR Angiography (MRA) Package: Includes 3D TOF (time-of-flight) MRA providing new Sliding Slab option, 2D/3D TOF MRA with Flow Averaging, and Segmented and Gated 2D TOF for carotid artery or peripheral vessel imaging.
— Orthopedic Package: Includes the new Water Fat Separation options of Duo and Tri – enabling users to either gain signal-to-noise ratio or reduce the acquisition time, Extended Fast Spin Echo sequences for high-resolution imaging, and SST2 (Steady State T2) for heavily weighted T2 image.
— Advanced Neurological Package: Includes brain imaging enhancements with improved Spin-Echo (SE) Diffusion and Perfusion imaging, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) mapping and new Line Scan Diffusion, which provides more robust imaging against undesired patient movements than conventional SE DWI (Spin-Echo Diffusion-Weighted Imaging). Also includes new SSFP (Steady State Free Precession) for superior CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) contrast spine imaging with high signal-to-noise ratio.
Toshiba also offers a wide selection of radio frequency (RF) coils to complement each software package.
Superior Image Processing Speed
The new high-performance CPU upgrade of the Toshiba OPART significantly improves the speed of important routine imaging functions, such as image reconstruction, display and post-processing, and multitasking functionality.
For more information about the OPART, Toshiba and its wide range of medical imaging products, please visit www.medical.toshiba.com .
About Toshiba
With headquarters in Tustin, Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 161,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $53 billion.
Note to Editors: OPART(TM) is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.
