Acoustic Structure Quantification (ASQ): Looking deeper into ultrasound echo signal information in more than 100 times higher resolution
ZOETERMEER, 13 October 2009 – Toshiba Medical Systems Europe introduces the new Acoustic Structure Quantification (ASQ) technology. A newly developed advanced clinical application that can analyze echo signal data at more than 100 times higher resolution than normal greyscale or colour flow images by using a special hardware extension (Toshiba Ultrasound Raw Data Interface).
“ASQ analyzes the spatial echo patterns in a region of interest selected by the user on a greyscale image acquired during the normal ultrasound examination. ASQ operates in the background with the raw data from this region and extracts a parameter and its complete probability distribution curve, related to the ‘homogeneity’ or ‘smoothness’ of the structures reflecting the ultrasound beam sent by the AplioXG into the body”, explains Dr. Noahisa Kamiyama from Toshiba Ultrasound R&D who has designed the ASQ algorithm. The parameter may indicate pathologic changes of tissue, e.g., fibrotic transformation of liver parenchyma.
“Our initial experiences in a couple of European research collaborations are very promising”, Joop van de Kant, Clinical Market Manager of the Ultrasound Group of Toshiba Medical Systems Europe, continues. “We believe that ASQ, together with other advanced applications we recently introduced such as Precision Imaging and Quantitative Elasto-graphy, enables us to provide valuable packages of diagnostic tools for the clinician to perform comprehensive ultrasound diagnostics in specific regions of the body, e.g., the abdomen”.
ASQ is available, as an option, on Toshiba’s Aplio XG platform and is being highlighted at ULTRASCHALL 2009 at Salzburg, Austria, Oct. 14-17, 2009.
ASQ of the liver of a patient with severe fibrosis (grade 3). In the region-of-interest elevated average value of Cm2 with frequency distribution shifted to the right.
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About Toshiba Medical Systems
With headquarters in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, Toshiba Medical Systems Europe BV markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in Europe.
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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.
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