Brainlab Collaborates With Toshiba Medical Systems on Integrated Surgical Suite

MUNICH, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Brainlab AG today announced that it has signed an agreement with Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Inc., a business unit of the Toshiba Group, to integrate its Aquilion™ LB Computed Tomography (CT) scanner with the Brainlab Brainsuite® iCT digitally integrated operating room (OR).

Stephan Holl, Chief Operating Officer, Brainlab, indicated that the Toshiba Aquilion LB CT scanner offers hospitals an attractive and cost-effective technology option. "Integration of the Toshiba Aquilion LB CT scanner with Brainsuite will further improve our ability to address customers' needs for seamless integration of intra-operative imaging and navigation. With the largest gantry in the market, the Toshiba Aquilion LB is highly suitable for intra-operative use."

"Brainlab is a global leader in surgical navigation and its integration with intra-operative imaging," stated Yasuo Nobuta, General Manager CT, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation. "This collaboration is a winning combination for neurosurgeons that are looking for quality surgical navigation featuring Toshiba CT technology."

Brainsuite iCT integrates intra-operative CT scans with surgical planning and ceiling-mounted navigation. Automatic Image Registration uses the latest intra-operative images to ensure fast and sterile patient registration for uninterrupted navigation back at original accuracy. Up-to-date images combined with navigation provide surgeons with immediate quality control and the ability to check their progress before concluding surgery. Intra-operative CT is considered to be a versatile tool for multiple surgical specialties. Because the scanner can be used for surgical and diagnostic imaging, it is considered a financially feasible solution for hospitals worldwide.

The 16-slice Aquilion LB features the industry's largest gantry aperture of 90 cm and the industry's largest scan field of 70 cm, covering more anatomy.

The unique 70 cm scan field, up to 40 percent greater than other large-bore CT systems, delivers detailed image quality and reduces hidden anatomical areas for diagnoses, simulation and planning. The Aquilion LB delivers a field-of-view of 70 cm without requiring extrapolation algorithms through Toshiba's Quantum Detector technology. 

About Brainlab

Brainlab develops, manufactures and markets software-driven medical technology that supports targeted, less-invasive treatment. Core products are image-guided systems and software that provide real-time information used for surgical navigation and radiosurgical planning and delivery.

Brainlab technology drives collaboration between hospitals and clinicians from a wide variety of subspecialties—from neurosurgery and oncology to orthopedics, ENT, CMF and spine & trauma. This integration delivers better access to improved and more efficient treatment.

Founded in 1989, the privately held Brainlab group has 4,880 systems installed in over 80 countries. Based in Munich, Germany, Brainlab employs 940 people in 16 offices worldwide.

To learn more, visit www.brainlab.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation 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 CT scanners, X-ray, ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI equipment and information systems for medical institutions.

Visit Toshiba's web site at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information & communications systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems, including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 199,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.6 trillion yen (US$73 billion).

Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

Brainsuite® is a registered trademark of Brainlab in Germany and/or the US

Aquilion™ is a trademark of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Inc.

SOURCE Brainlab