Hitachi Ultrasound Demonstrates Advances, Unique Probe Solutions for HI VISION 5500

RSNA 2008

At this year’s RSNA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Hitachi Medical Systems America will demonstrate advances for their HI VISION™ 5500 ultrasound system as well as unique probe-based solutions, which allow radiology departments to utilize the equipment in their department more efficiently.

For the HI VISION 5500, Hitachi will introduce the Version 6 software upgrade, which adds HI RES speckle reduction resulting in cleaner images. Also included in the upgrade is HI Definition Tissue Harmonic imaging (HdTHI), a harmonic imaging mode, which increases penetration and contrast resolution through a dual-band technique that employs the subharmonic band as well as the 2nd harmonic band. The company has recently begun installing this upgrade for at no cost value for all sites with warranty and extended warranty coverage.

At RSNA, Hitachi will also demonstrate the potential economic and workflow advantages of switching some biopsy procedures from CT to ultrasound. The company reports increased penetration and unique probe designs, like its through-crystal dedicated biopsy and therapy probe, are allowing its customers to overcome limitations used to necessitate CT guidance. It is estimated a potential annual increase of over $300,000 in revenue is possible by using Hitachi technology to efficiently shift utilization in this way.

About Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.

Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc. (HMSA) markets advanced diagnostic medical imaging systems of Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan. The company has more than 1,500 MRI systems installed throughout the United States and also markets multi-slice computed tomography and digital ultrasound.

About Hitachi Ltd.

Hitachi Ltd., (NYSE: HIT) (TOKYO: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including health sciences, information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, visit http://www.hitachi.com. CONTACT:
Raymond Wtulich

WtulichR {at} hitachimed(.)com

www.hitachimed.com

Contacts

Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc.
Raymond Wtulich, 1-800-800-3106
WtulichR {at} hitachimed(.)com
www.hitachimed.com