Toshiba America Medical Systems has developed a superior imaging system that caters to paediatric imaging needs. Aquilion ONE 320-detector row CT system circumvents the challenges posed by paediatric patients such as smaller vessels, lower bone density and less body fat, difficulty holding their breath or staying still during a scan, to give out a clear diagnostic image.
Often, sedation is required when children are imaged using multi-detector CT in order to keep the patient still long enough to obtain a clear image. Aquilion ONE has the capacity to capture an entire organ or up to 16 cm of anatomy in one single rotation, thereby reducing the amount of sedation required. Additionally, it shows the organ’s dynamic blood flow and real-time function. It also exposes the child to less radiation, thus making this a safer paediatric-imaging exam compared to the rest.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital was the first paediatric hospital to install the Aquilion ONE. “Any type of exam can be frightening for children, so the Aquilion ONE’s ability to reduce radiation and sedation is a tremendous benefit to our patients,” said Cindy Holland, vice president, Ancillary Services, Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “The Aquilion ONE has been beneficial in multiple settings at our facility, including cardiology, orthopaedics and neurology.”
A unique addition to this unit is Toshiba’s SUREExposure™ Paediatric software, which uses specific software protocols to determine the size and age of the patient and therefore determine the right dose of radiation. SUREExposure Paediatric software comes standard on all Aquilion products.
A paediatric kit that comes along with Aquilion ONE includes child friendly accessories like ‘iStation’, an audio-visual instructional tool that teaches children to hold their breath during scans and help them relax. Aquilion ONE also comes with a colourful exterior that engages a child better.
“Toshiba recognizes that children have different imaging needs than adults and that limiting radiation and sedation is crucial for safe paediatric exams,” said Doug Ryan, senior director, CT Business Unit, Toshiba. “We developed the Aquilion ONE and SURE Exposure Paediatric to guarantee the best care is provided to all patients, no matter the size.”
Article by Snigdha Taduri for Biomed-ME