Hitachi Ultrasound Highlights Elastography Capabilities at RSNA Annual Meeting

RSNA 2008

At this year’s RSNA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Hitachi Medical Systems America will demonstrate advances for the HI VISION™ 900 system as well as unique probe-based solutions, which allow radiology departments to utilize the equipment in their department more efficiently.

A highlight of its exhibition is new developments in Hitachi’s Real-time Tissue Elastography (E-mode) feature. Hitachi reported, with over 800 units delivered, Hitachi’s E-mode is now being used for applications other than just breast imaging. The company will display images of its use in thyroid, prostate, musculoskeletal and colorectal applications. Its new Strain Ratio tool allows Radiologists to quantify the relative differences in stiffness between a mass and any surrounding tissue.

Also featured for the HI VISION 900 will be its recently released Version 2.5 software and 7-Series transducers. Version 2.5 software adds support for new probes and many new features such an onboard DVR that can record clips continuously for up to four hours, DICOM Structured Reporting and HIPAA compliance support. Hitachi’s new 7-series probes feature Expanded Layer Transducer (ELT) technology for clearer, cleaner images at increased depth. The 7-series high frequency probes incorporate Hitachi’s Micro Piezo-composite Transducer technology, the culmination of over 40 years of Hitachi transducer research and development, which provides superb superficial and peripheral vascular imaging.

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 enabling 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