Press Releases

12/1/2002

For Immediate Release

HITACHI DEMONSTRATES PREMIUM MID-FIELD PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS OF AIRIS II OPEN MR SYSTEMS AT RSNA

CONTACT:
Philip Chang
Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.
1959 Summit Commerce Park
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
800.800.3106 or 330.425.1313 Ext. 4510
330.425.1410 Fax
info@hitachimed.com
www.hitachimed.com

Chicago, Illinois - December 1, 2002 - Customers of the AIRIS® II premium performance Open MR system from Hitachi will receive a version 4.5 software upgrade package in early 2003. The new software enhancements will include a host of new pulse sequences, post-processing tools and user interface features, and will maintain AIRIS II’s position as the premium mid-field Open MR system of choice. They will be demonstrated at RSNA and include:

• A new driven equilibrium fast spin echo pulse sequence and Balanced SARGE offering important new clinical capabilities.

• Optional diffusion-weighted EPI capability with fat suppression.

• A new multi-plan/multi-scan acquisition mode for faster pre-scans and dynamic scanning.

• Pre-programmed Radial Multi-Planar Reconstruction for faster, more efficient collection and reformatting of acquired slices.

• ADC Map Capability for more extensive diagnostic information of diffusion disorders as observed in neuro-ischemia.

• Optional DICOM Modality Worklist, allowing more efficient communication between RIS and HIS systems from imaging workstations.

The upgrade, free for customers enrolled in Hitachi’s industry-leading Elite Plus Customer Assurance Program, takes advantage of the fact that the AIRIS II platform was designed from the start to incorporate continuous upgrades. So, as market forces continue to drive demand for Open MR, performance enhancement solutions like these will permit the AIRIS II Open MR system to meet it with superb image quality, unmatched patient comfort and continued high return on investment.

It’s all in keeping with a commitment to customer solutions that has made Hitachi a world leader in medical imaging. Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. markets premium, high performance magnetic resonance imaging products of Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan. These include the Altaire™ high-field performance Open MR system and the AIRIS II Open MR system with advanced permanent magnet technology. HMSA also markets Hitachi Ultrasound, PET imaging systems and ddR direct digital radiography systems. Hitachi has established a leadership position in diagnostic imaging with more than 1,200 Open MR imaging systems installed throughout the United States and over 2,300 worldwide.