Ultrasound Technology Utilizes Elastography and Acoustic Structure Quantification

A new ultrasound system provides cutting-edge technology including elastrography and acoustic structure quantification, incorporated into a compact platform with diagnostic precision in a small, environmentally friendly unit.

The compact platform Aplio MX is a new member of Toshiba Medical Systems (Tokyo, Japan) ultrasound product line. "We have built a tremendous success with Aplio XG and its advanced clinical applications, such as differential tissue harmonics, MicroPure, or the recently introduced precision imaging, just to name a few.” Dr. F. Christoph Simm, senior manager of the ultrasound business unit explained, "Many of these applications, such as quantitative elastography and acoustic structure quantification, are based on Toshiba's raw data technology. We know that there is a big demand for a premium platform capable of supporting these technologies at a price point slightly below Aplio XG. With Aplio MX we target precisely this market segment and we will be able to migrate important clinical tools once they become important for clinical routine also in future. Toshiba's quantitative elastography is a good example for such a development. With expanding the Aplio family we believe we can expand our market opportunities in the premium segment considerably.”

Aplio MX shares its core imaging architecture as well as its transducers with Toshiba's flagship diagnostic ultrasound system Aplio XG. Focused on clinical efficiency, Aplio MX features a complete range of advanced imaging functions including differential tissue, harmonics, ApliPure+ and precision imaging to provide unprecedented image clarity to the user for better informed disease management decisions in the shortest possible time.

Dr. Keith Dewbury, consultant radiologist of Southampton General Hospital (UK), said, "After using the new Aplio precision imaging to say that we were impressed would be an understatement. The software produced a simply stunning performance, improving both the contrast and the spatial resolution across all applications.”

Aplio MX is Toshiba's first diagnostic ultrasound system that has been awarded the ECP mark for outstanding environment-friendly product design. Dr. Joerg Schlegel, global marketing manager of the Ultrasound Business Group commented, "Being successfully listed for 10 consecutive years in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index [DJSI] and as a top scorer in the environment category, Toshiba is clearly recognized as a driving force in the entire industry. With the introduction of Aplio MX we reach another milestone in minimizing environmental impact of our products throughout their entire lifecycle. An impressive 50% reduction in main body volume, very low energy consumption and the consistent use of electronic documentation and option software licensing help save valuable resources in manufacturing, packaging, shipping, as well as during the daily use of the product.”

The system is extremely lightweight and easy to move. It incorporates a complete set of innovations designed for better ergonomics, operator comfort, and productivity. The unit's fully programmable user interface as well as its adjustable main panel and 19-inch monitor with fully articulating arm allow sonographers to configure their work environment optimally according to their clinical needs and personal preferences. The pioneering IASSIST Workflow Navigation feature simplifies complex examinations through user-definable protocols and macro-driven operation of the system.

The system's three-dimensional (3D)/4D imaging package including the newly introduced third-generation high frequency volume transducer PVT-675MV extends Aplio MX's diagnostic capabilities into the next dimension of imaging and intervention by providing accurate renderings and arbitrary volume cuts in real time or offline.

The modular and upgradable platform of Aplio MX makes it easy for users to gradually introduce advanced tools such as 3D/4D, microcalcification detection with MicroPure, elastography or contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) into their clinical practice. While new technologies will continue to be developed and initially released on Toshiba's flagship system Aplio XG, they can quickly and easily be migrated to Aplio MX as soon as there is a strong demand for use in clinical routine.

Toshiba Medical Systems Corp. is an independent group company of Toshiba Corporation. The company is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray, ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, and information systems for medical institutions.

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