Toshiba introduces new CT system for pediatric imaging

Nov 30 2009

With smaller vessels, lower bone density and less body fat, pediatric patients have different imaging needs than adults. Pediatric patients frequently have difficulty holding their breath or staying still during a scan, creating the need for CT technology tailored for their needs.

Understanding the importance of technology designed for the pediatric market, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.’s Aquilion^® ONE 320-detector row CT system is ideal for pediatric imaging. Its ability to capture up to 16 cm in a single rotation reduces the amount of radiation a patient receives and lessens the need for sedation. Toshiba will feature the Aquilion ONE at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, held in Chicago, Nov. 29 – Dec. 4 (Booth #5629, South Hall).

Arkansas Children’s Hospital was the first pediatric hospital to install the Aquilion ONE. “Any type of exam can be frightening for children, so the Aquilion ONE’s ability to reduce radiation and sedation is a tremendous benefit to our patients,” said Cindy Holland, vice president, Ancillary Services, Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “The Aquilion ONE has been beneficial in multiple settings at our facility, including cardiology, orthopedics and neurology.”

Traditionally, when children are imaged using multi-detector CT, sedation is frequently required to keep the patient still long enough to obtain a clear diagnostic image. The Aquilion ONE captures up to 16 cm of anatomy in one rotation, consequently less patient sedation is required.

The volume acquisition mode of the Aquilion ONE exposes patients to less radiation, providing safer pediatric exams. The Aquilion ONE also features Toshiba’s ^SUREExposure™ Pediatric software, which automatically takes inputs on the size and age of each patient and tailors radiation dose to achieve the best and safest image quality for each exam. The software uses protocols selected based on the patient’s age and size, and type of exam to ensure patients receive only the radiation required to obtain a clear diagnostic image. ^SUREExposure Pediatric software comes standard on all Aquilion products.

In addition to ^SUREExposure Pediatric, the Aquilion ONE is available with a Pediatric Kit that includes child-friendly accessories and features, including:

• iStation, an audio-visual instructional tool to help children maintain breath-hold during exams by displaying animated movies specially designed to teach them when to hold their breath and relax them during the exam
• Colorful designs and images on the Aquilion ONE’s exterior, creating a more visually compelling and child-friendly looking system
• Pediatric accessories such as child-size table straps and infant cushion to provide a stable, comfortable exam for pediatric patients of all sizes
• A smaller replica of the Aquilion ONE allowing children to interact with the CT to understand more about the imaging process and alleviate fear about the exam

“Toshiba recognizes that children have different imaging needs than adults and that limiting radiation and sedation is crucial for safe pediatric exams,” said Doug Ryan, senior director, CT Business Unit, Toshiba. “We developed the Aquilion ONE and ^SUREExposure Pediatric to guarantee the best care is provided to all patients, no matter the size.”