Hitachi's Echelon 1.5T Users Receive RADAR(TM) Motion Compensation Technique in New Software Release

Hitachi Medical Systems America recently provided the RADAR™ feature along with a software update to all of its Echelon 1.5T MR imaging system users. RADAR is Hitachi’s new motion compensating image collection technique. RADAR is based on a radial k-space data collection approach delivering reduced vulnerability to both bulk and physiological motion. Images collected with RADAR are typically free from artifacts caused by breathing, gross motion and flow. "RADAR delivers unique image quality benefits and potential reduction in patient study times,” according to Shawn Etheridge, Director of MR Marketing for Hitachi Medical Systems America. "We see RADAR as another way to conform the MR image collection process to the patient, and not the other way around.” Daniel Chernoff M.D. Ph.D., Director of MRI Services for Adirondack Radiology Associates, said, "I find Hitachi’s RADAR technique to be a real problem solver at our Saratoga Imaging Center – it is very useful in imaging the patient who has difficulty remaining motionless during scanning and in reducing respiratory motion artifact in body imaging.” Dr. Chernoff added, "A nice feature of RADAR is its broad applicability – I use it for Neuro, Ortho and Body imaging with complete flexibility of imaging plane.” He went on to say that "The radial scan techniques like RADAR should be in the standard ‘bag of tricks’ for high-field MR imaging.” Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. markets premium and high performance magnetic resonance imaging systems of Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan. The company has 1,500 Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems installed throughout the United States and over 3,100 Open MRI systems installed worldwide. HMSA first established a leadership position in the medical industry with Open MRI systems and has expanded their modality offerings to include the Echelon 1.5T MRI system, the CXR™ line of multi-slice CT systems, and the HI VISION™ line of ultrasound systems. Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) (TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled more than $80 billion. The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services, including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, medical imaging equipment, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information, please contact: Philip Chang Marketing Communications Manager Hitachi Medical Systems America 1995 Summit Commerce Park Twinsburg, Ohio 44087 (330) 425-1313 x4510 changp@hitachimed.com