Tustin, Calif.-based Toshiba America Medical Systems is set to demonstrate its portfolio of imaging solutions at AHRA 2017, taking place in Anaheim, Calif., this month. Ahead of the meeting, 24×7 Magazine caught up with Satrajit Misra, Toshiba America Medical Systems’ vice president of marketing and strategic development, to preview some of the systems that will be on display, as well as talk about current issues impacting the imaging community—and healthcare industry, at large. Here’s the scoop.
24×7: In your opinion, what are the biggest issues currently affecting the medical imaging sector and why?
Satrajit Misra: The uncertainty surrounding the future of healthcare in the United States—including the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act and insurance companies opting out of the program—is a major issue affecting not only the medical imaging sector, but all stakeholders in healthcare. This uncertainty is likely to put a huge burden on integrated delivery networks that have undertaken significant expansion plans and invested heavily in accountable care.
Patient satisfaction and quality of care will continue to be important factors for providers looking to succeed in this new competitive marketplace. Stakeholders will be focused on the utility of imaging studies as they pertain to risk-sharing models, such as payment bundling, accountable care organizations, etc. This has only reinforced Toshiba Medical’s commitment to our “Made for Life” philosophy—providing technology that is designed to meet the needs of our customers and their patients.
24×7: Of all the different medical imaging modalities, which is Toshiba Medical most excited about and why?
Misra: At Toshiba Medical, patient health is at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited about transforming the patient experience through innovation in all of our modalities. During last year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual conference, we introduced new technologies across all of our modalities with a focus on improving patient care, and we will continue on this path.
At RSNA, we launched the Aquilion One/ Genesis Edition with FIRST (model-based iterative reconstruction) to offer faster, sharper CT imaging within a smaller footprint. Further, with the debut of our Vantage Galan 3T MR system, we brought research-grade MRI technology to an everyday clinical setting, providing quiet and quick exams for patients, and improving image quality for diagnostic confidence.
Also, our new Aplio i-series ultrasound platform delivers imaging clarity and definition that expands the clinical utility of ultrasound, enabling providers to offer more patients a cost-effective, safer and less invasive imaging solution.
Finally, the introduction of Toshiba Medical’s Infinix-i Sky + angiography system, with its double C-arm design, gives clinicians the operational flexibility to perform a wider array of procedures with high quality imaging that doesn’t sacrifice efficiency or safety. Â
24×7: What are some imaging equipment innovations Toshiba Medical will be rolling out/showcasing at AHRA 2017?
Misra: At this year’s AHRA annual meeting, Toshiba Medical will be showcasing:
- Aquilion Lightning CT systems, a total cost of ownership system with slice flexibility ranging from Aquilion Lightning 16/32 to the newest 40/80/160 version
- Vantage Galan 3T, our premium MR solution with a comprehensive range of clinical applications including neuro, musculoskeletal, abdominal, cardiovascular, breast, and prostate
- The Aplio i-series ultrasound platform, our scalable ultrasound solution comprised of the Aplio i700, Aplio i800 and Aplio i900
- Ultimax-i FPD multipurpose system, which maximizes clinical versatility by providing routine radiography, urology, orthopedic, gastrointestinal pain management and routine angiography lab capabilities within a single R&F room.
24×7: From a service standpoint, what do you want to tell HTM professionals about servicing Toshiba Medical imaging equipment?
Misra: We are unique in that we tailor service solutions specifically to our customers’ individual needs, enabling just the right amount of collaborative, customized service for providers. Further, we are committed to providing the most personal attention and contact in the industry.
Additionally, we continue to make investments in people and facilities in order to maintain a low ratio of customers-to-engineers and customers-to-service managers, so we have the people power to be responsive and uphold our promised response and uptime commitments.