CIS is First Cardiac Center to Install 10 Toshiba Aplio 500 Ultrasound Systems

TUSTIN, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) now offers its patients the most advanced cardiac ultrasound, thanks to its purchase of 10 Aplio^TM 500s from Toshiba (News - Alert) America Medical Systems, Inc. This is the first acquisition of Toshiba's newest and most advanced system in a dedicated cardiac setting.

"The image quality on Toshiba's Aplio 500 is impressive and gives us the capabilities for advanced cardiac imaging," said Jaime Aubin, ultrasound team leader, Cardiovascular Institute of the South. "We conduct a wide variety of heart and vascular ultrasound exams, and the improved penetration and color flow result in more accurate diagnoses. Aplio 500 is very user-friendly and our entire technologist staff learned quickly to perform better exams."

The systems will be utilized throughout the CIS network to improve all types of cardiovascular imaging, including general, congenital, pacemaker, resynchronization, wall motion scoring and quantitative ejection fraction measurements, among other applications.

"Aplio 500 delivers picture-perfect imaging with advanced visualization and quantification (Wall Motion Tracking) features, improving diagnoses for numerous cardiac conditions," said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. "CIS's use of Aplio 500 is a great example of how leading healthcare facilities are realizing the benefits of our most advanced system to improve patient care."

CIS has a long partnership with Toshiba and also uses 13 Aplio MX ultrasounds, three Aquilion^TM 64 CTs and three Infinix^TM-i dual-plane cardiovascular X-ray systems (located atTerrebonne General Medical Center, a CIS partner).

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South

CIS is one of the most respected groups of cardiologists, representing nearly every specialty in heart and circulatory medicine. With a team of nearly 500 dedicated team members, CIS serves communities throughout Louisiana, as well as national and international patients, at its 14 clinics. CIS consistently positions itself at the forefront of technology by providing the most up-to-date technology coupled with compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 29 years of service to south Louisiana. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiovascular equipment, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba's website at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.