Toshiba’s Aquilion ONE CT system improves detection of acute stroke

Kaleida Health's Gates Stroke Center (GSC) at the Gates Vascular Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., a world-class neurological and stroke care center, recently completed the second phase of its study analyzing the patient and fiscal benefits of using Toshiba America Medical System, Inc.'s Aquilion^TM ONE CT system in diagnosing acute stroke. GSC achieved $1.31 million in annualized cost savings, a reduction in patient length of stay and improved discharge dispositions as a result of its multidisciplinary approach, enhanced education and training, and advanced Aquilion ONE CT imaging technology. These results are particularly important, as containing costs while delivering high-quality, effective care is a directive of healthcare reform. GSC was formerly the Kaleida Stroke Center at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital.    

GSC set out to quantify the benefits of the Aquilion ONE in stroke diagnosis through a non-controlled study, evaluating imaging procedures, inpatient length of stay and discharge disposition. The study compared inpatient data sets from July to September 2007, prior to the Aquilion ONE installation, with data sets from July to September 2009 (phase one) and July to September 2010 (phase two), which utilized the Aquilion ONE and addressed the top three discharging ICD-9-CM codes.

"Being able to perform whole brain perfusion and digital angiography with the Aquilion ONE has enabled more efficient and accurate stroke diagnoses, while resulting in tremendous patient and cost savings benefits," said Elad Levy, MD, FACS, FAHA, professor of Neurosurgery and Radiology, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, and director of Endovascular Stroke Service, GSC. "The study also shows year-over-year improvements as we continue to find additional ways to maximize the technology."