Cardiac CT Exam Can Eliminate Need For Cardiac Angiogram

Tustin, CA -- While patients take a single breath and hold it for just 6-10 seconds, a new computed tomography scanner, the Aquilion(TM) 64 CFX from Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. can capture superior, precise images of their hearts. These diagnostic images help their physicians check for suspected heart disease, often eliminating the need for invasive cardiac angiograms.

"Our new cardiac CT scanner offers doctors a new way to diagnose and treat patients with coronary heart disease," said John Zimmer, vice president, marketing, with Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS), a leader in diagnostic imaging systems.

The Aquilion 64 CFX delivers high-speed, high-resolution imaging, which allows physicians to capture precise images of any area of the body, including the rapidly moving heart and lungs. The fast scanning capability allows important diagnostic information concerning the heart to be obtained within a single breath-hold.

"We are now equipped to deliver the latest, noninvasive cardiac exams to our patients," explained Craig Sherman, M.D., of Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology, one of several hospitals and imaging centers in the U.S. with the new system.

"The new scanner helps us detect signs of heart disease at its earliest stages by quickly and easily capturing images of the heart and coronary arteries that we can analyze for the presence of soft plaque or coronary blockage," said Dr. Sherman.

"At the first sign of symptoms, we can quickly scan for blocked arteries to see if patients are at risk for a heart attack."

SOURCE: Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc.