Hitachi Enhances Echelon 1.5T MRI Scanner with the TIGRE Pulse Sequence for Dynamic Studies

"When we designed Echelon, we incorporated patient friendly features," according to Shawn Etheridge, Director, MR Marketing. "For one thing, the magnet allows nearly all studies, including those of the brain, to be done with the patient entering the magnet feet first. This scanner essentially provides a high performance short-bore magnet without some of the drawbacks typically associated with that design."

Another feature that enhances the patient experience according to Hitachi is HOAST(TM) (Higher-Order Active Shim Technology). HOAST assures uniform RF fat saturation even in a large FOV, and drives excellent saturation in those cases where many other scanners require uncomfortable patient positioning. Echelon also includes the all plane/all coil RADAR(TM) patient motion compensating technique, minimizing the need for patient restraint.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) (TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 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 information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.
For more information, contact:
Shawn Etheridge
Director, MR Marketing
Hitachi Medical Systems America
1959 Summit Commerce Park
Twinsburg, OH 44087
800.800.3106
www.hitachimed.com