FDA OKs for New Imaging Device from Toshiba

Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Vantage Titan 3-T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system, which features a 71-centimeter opening and Pianissimo noise-reduction technology.

According to the Tustin, Calif.-based company, Pianissimo technology reduces noise by up to 90 percent. The company claims that quieter exams help patients relax, causing them to move around less and resulting in better images. The Vantage Titan system also offers non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography technologies for examining blood vessels without using contrast agents.

“From listening to our customers, we understand that patient compliance is one of the major issues impacting patient throughput and exam efficiency in the [magnetic resonance] industry today,” Stuart Clarkson, director of Toshiba’s Magnetic Resonance business unit, said in a statement.