Contrast-Free Angio Introduced by Toshiba
Toshiba America Medical Systems announced the availability of a new, fourth generation, contrast-free imaging approach for angiography, Time and Space Angiography (TSA). The launch was described in a press release from the organization.
TSA enables visualization of blood flow in motion without using contrast agents, as are routinely used to complete angiography. TSA provides high levels of temporal resolution and a constantly changing inversion pulse time. This enables dynamic imaging which captures the blood flow. This approach is founded in the Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse technique (time-SLIP) developed by Toshiba.
TSA imaging is indicated, for example, in patients with suspected stroke or TIA. Imaging facilitates examination of blood flow to the brain and can accurately define areas of the brain where blood flow is impeded by a clot. The tool can also be used to assess and diagnose patients with diseases of cerebrospinal fluid without requiring use of invasive procedures.
The ability to complete imaging without the use of contrast agents is especially beneficial among patients with compromised renal function and compromised circulation. The complications associated with use of contrast agents have recently gained significant attention, including addition of new black box warnings mandated by the FDA.
The TSA product is added to the existing line of contrast-free imaging approaches available from Toshiba. Toshiba was the first company to offer contrast-free approaches for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging. With the continued development of multiple products, the safety profile is improving. Moreover, the detail captured with images is also improving as techniques are refined.
November 21, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Product Launches, Imaging, Diagnostic, Renal & Urology, Radiology