Toshiba releases Xpress/GX CT scanner

Toshiba America Medical Systems has released a new CT scannerthat moves the spiral scanning technology of the company's premiumXpress/SX scanner to a more compact package. Xpress/GX is a one-secondscanner that is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than most systemson the market, according to the Tustin, CA, vendor.

Toshiba achieved space savings by incorporating the scanner'sx-ray generator into the gantry. The system also uses a new opticaldata transmission technology for transferring data from rotatingx-ray detectors to the display. Xpress/GX can be installed intoa 10 x 20-foot room and weighs just over 4100 pounds.

The scanner employs nearly 900 solid-state detectors, has aspatial resolution of 18 lp/cm and ships standard with a 3.5-million-heat-unit x-ray tube. It can resolve objects as smallas 2.5 mm at 0.25% contrast, and standard image reconstructiontakes five seconds. Xpress/GX will carry a list price of $890,000.

Toshiba's new scanners, including the Xpress/SX, have improvedthe company's CT market-share position this year, according toJohn Ariatti, vice president of marketing. Toshiba estimates itsU.S. market share at just under 10%, several points higher thanits share last year, Ariatti said.