Spectrum Health installs Toshiba's Aplio 500 ultrasound system

To enhance the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound and improve patient care, Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich., has installed the first Aplio^TM 500 ultrasound system from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. Aplio 500 offers advanced visualization capabilities, workflow automation tools, superior ergonomics and cutting-edge Fly Thru and Smart Fusion technologies, enabling clinicians to see what they have never seen before.

"As we searched to upgrade our ultrasound equipment, our main criteria were image quality, ergonomics and advanced imaging technologies," said Clifton F. Ferguson, M.D., ultrasound section leader, Spectrum Health. "Toshiba's Aplio 500 features advanced grayscale imaging, with additional controls to enable the clinician to manipulate and produce stunning images for quick and accurate diagnoses, which makes it easier to evaluate difficult and heavier patients."

Spectrum Health will use the Aplio 500 to diagnose a variety of diseases and will take advantage of Fly Thru and Smart Fusion technologies, two advanced features unmatched in ultrasound:

• Fly Thru: This industry-first technology uses 4D ultrasound to "fly through" interiors of ducts and vessels for better exploration of lesions and masses and to assist in planning interventional procedures. Fly Thru gives a new perspective of 4D imaging, looking from the inside out.
• Smart Fusion: Smart Fusion syncs CT and ultrasound, helping to locate hard-to-find lesions and aiding in ultrasound-guided biopsies. Toshiba's Smart Fusion is easy to use with an intuitive user set up.

Additional features delivering picture-perfect images on the Aplio 500 include: Tissue Standard Optimization (TSO), Precision Imaging, Differential Tissue Harmonics (DTH-I), Advanced Dynamic Flow (ADF) and ApliPure+. Toshiba's iStyle™ Productivity Suite offers a full range of workflow automation tools combined with superior ergonomics including a 19-inch LCD with handle for easy repositioning, an adjustable console for convenient patient access, a lighter weight and a smaller footprint.

"Aplio 500 is another example of Toshiba's continued commitment to developing advanced imaging capabilities that not only boost a hospital's workflow and productivity, but improve patient care and safety," said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Spectrum Health in order to provide innovative products that meet our customers' need."