Published on July 30, 2012 at 6:03 AM
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), the clear water-like fluid that surrounds
the brain and the spinal cord, plays a key role in maintaining balanced
brain dynamics. For the first time, CSF bulk flow can now be visualized
non-invasively with Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.'s Vantage TitanTM
1.5T and 3T MR systems. Using Toshiba's proprietary Time-Spatial
Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) non-contrast technique, CSF flow
disorders such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformations
and Subarachnoid Cysts, which often require invasive procedures to
diagnose and treat, can be visualized quickly and easily with MR imaging.
Using a 2D FASE sequence, Toshiba's Time-SLIP technique can acquire a
series of single-shot images to help visualize CSF flow without the use
of contrast. Time-SLIP offers the ability to evaluate CSF disorders and
may positively impact patients who require a shunt to restore CSF flow,
drain it from a cyst or open a pathway that is currently blocked.
"Toshiba's advanced CSF flow MR visualization technique is an industry
breakthrough as it allows the understanding of CSF disorders in a new
way that can directly and immediately benefit patient care," said Stuart
Clarkson, director, MR Business Unit, Toshiba. "Time-SLIP's ability to
evaluate and observe CSF flow on Toshiba's 1.5T and 3T MR systems
provides clinicians with an advanced solution to improve patient
diagnoses and outcomes."
Source: Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.