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November 28, 2016

Toshiba Medical’s Fully Integrated Model-Based Iterative CT Reconstruction Receives FDA Clearance

FIRST Technology Improves Image Quality and Lowers Dose for Safer Exams

CHICAGO, Nov. 28, 2016 - Model-based iterative reconstruction is now fast enough for customers’ clinical needs as Toshiba Medical’s Forward projected model-based Iterative Reconstruction SoluTion (FIRST) received FDA clearance. FIRST improves high contrast spatial resolution while reducing radiation dose up to 85.3 percent as compared to filtered back projection and drastically cuts the time needed for model-based computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction.

“FIRST produces images that are natural-appearing and processes them fast enough for routine clinical work,” said Dr. Marcus Chen, director, Cardiovascular CT, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, who was part of the beta testing for FIRST. “With FIRST, we can improve image quality while lowering radiation dose.” NHLBI has a research agreement with Toshiba Medical to help develop and test new technologies for CT.

FIRST can improve high-contrast spatial resolution by up to 129 percent (2.29 times) as compared to filtered back projection for body imaging while reducing radiation dose. The easy-to-use technology can be integrated into scan protocols adapting to the individual patient and clinical task at hand, requiring as little as three minutes for volumetric reconstructions.

“With FIRST, we saw a way to take industry-changing technology beyond the research setting and help our clinical partners use it to benefit their patients,” said Dominic Smith, senior director, CT, PET/CT, and MR Business Units, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. “FIRST is an integrated, fast and easy-to-use clinical solution that makes CT exams safer, reduces noise and offers clinicians high resolution images to make confident diagnoses.”

Toshiba Medical is showcasing FIRST at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, November 27 – December 2, 2016 (Booth #7334, North Hall B).