Toshiba Aquilion CT Scanners – Which Is Best for You
This article has been updated 08-07-2023
By the end of the blog post, you will have a good overview of the Toshiba Aquilion CT scanners on the used market. Moreover, it should be clear which one to use in which clinical setting.
Note: We are using the name Toshiba Aquilion instead of Canon Medical Aquilion as many on the used market are not yet familiar with the new brand name.
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Toshiba Aquilion CT Scanner Ranking
First of all, a brief visual overview of how the different Toshiba/Canon CT scanner models compare to each other.
In the picture below, you can see how they rank based on their capabilities and technologies.
You may notice that CT scanner slice count affects their ranking to a big extent.
Toshiba Aquilion Models with 4 and 8 Slices
These CT scanners are still present on the second-hand market, but they are decreasing in popularity. Therefore, the Aquilion 4 is becoming less available and the Aquilion 8 has almost disappeared.
As these CT scanners are the slowest and least powerful, they are also the cheapest.
These systems are usually used by veterinarians or by low-volume imaging centers.
Toshiba Aquilion 16
The Toshiba Aquilion 16 is still a popular basic CT scanner for general imaging and it is a solid workhorse.
Accelerating rotation time decreases time of scans and reduce distortion of moving organs compared to the systems with 4 and 8 slices.
The Toshiba Aquilion 16 is a good CT scanner for general imaging and has limited capabilities for basic cardiac studies.
Toshiba Aquilion 32
Providing twice as much data in the acquired data set than the 16, the Aquilion 32 allows better coverage.
This gives better accuracy of diagnostic images. The Toshiba Aquilion RXL can come with either 16 or 32 slices.
It comes with workflow-enhancing software that delivers increased image quality and improved dose management.
The Aquilion 32 and 16 are similar in many ways.
However, the big difference is that the Aquilion 32 provides greater coverage per gantry rotation.
The biggest advantage of the Toshiba Aquilion 32 is maybe that it can be upgraded to the Aquilion 64.
This might also be the reason that we rarely see this model on the market anymore.
Toshiba Aquilion 64
The Aquilion 64 is an excellent whole-body machine that is an easy-to-use CT scanner with several workflow-enhancing softwares.
The Aquilion 64-detector is built on the same platform as the 32.
However, during the development of the Toshiba Aquilion 64, the engineers combined highly efficient 64-row Quantum Detector with precise and highly shielded electronics.
Why? – To ensure the quietest, truest signal possible.
The Aquilion 64, is your low budget high-end system, that is capable of performing sophisticated exams while reducing the reconstruction time.
This system can do standard cardiac examinations, but for specialised cardiac examinations you need more slices.
Overall, it is an ideal CT-scanner for basic cardiac, trauma, or high-volume critical care environments where time is important.
Toshiba Aquilion CT Scanners with 128+ Slices
Toshiba has been constantly developing its Aquilion series and the top-of-the-class CT scanners ranging from 128 to 320 slices provide full-body scanning within seconds.
And at the same time, deliver incredibly sharp 3D images of any organ.
These include the Aquilion CXL/CX 128, Toshiba Aquilion Prime and Aquilion Prime SP with 160 slices, and the Toshiba Aquilion One with 320 slices or 640 slices.
They belong to the latest generation of CT scanners and are much more expensive than the previously mentioned machines. You would mostly find them in cardiac or research institutions.
We will go through each below.
Toshiba Aquilion CX and CXL 128
The Aquilion CX is a high quality and versatile CT scanner. And the CXL is the low dose version of the model.
It has many advanced technologies and versatile applications with focus on cardiology.
By combining the latest developed algorithm coneXact, originally built for the Aquilion One, the Toshiba Aquilion CXL can generate 128 unique slices per rotation.
Therefore, every scan with Aquilion CX/CXL delivers excellent results.
Toshiba Aquilion Prime
Another high-end system, even more advanced, is the Aquilion Prime, with 160 slices.
This system features state-of-the-art technologies that meet a wide range of clinical requirements.
Due to these technologies, it produces high-quality images and offers optimized workflow. This ensures accurate diagnostic images, fast.
At the same time, it allows for further dose reductions.
Furthermore, the 78cm bore allows extra space for trauma exams, and decrease patients’ feelings of claustrophobia.
The Aquilion Prime supports all routine exams and is good for cardiac as well.
Toshiba Aquilion One
Last but surely not least is the Toshiba Aquilion One.
This is a top of the line system that goes beyond any other CT scanner with its cutting-edge technology and platform.
It creates a detailed and sharp image of a 16 cm region in just one rotation that takes 0.35 seconds!
With a 320-row detector, the acquisition of volumetric imaging of entire organs is simple and easy.
Therefore, the Aquilion can take a full image of the heart in just one rotation. To this day, the Aquilion One is the only system available on the secondary market with this capability.
You can use the Toshiba Aquilion One in a variety of medical specialties, such as neurology, pediatrics, and general surgery.
Nevertheless, it is most suitable for cardiologists and is rarely a good option for a standard clinic due to its price.
Sum Up – Toshiba Aquilion CT Scanner Series
We hope that this blog post gave you a clear overview of the different systems within the Toshiba Aquilion series.
And that you understand which one is suitable for the diverse types of clinical facilities.
If you are still wondering which Aquilion is best suited for your facility then we offer you a few final points you should consider before purchasing your next CT scanner from this series:
- Type of studies you are going to perform
- Your budget
- Your geographical location and the competitive environment
- Type of facility and number of patients you have
Based on your answers, our team will be able to help you get the best fit.
Because – When buying a Toshiba CT scanner, you should strive to achieve the right balance between your clinical needs, your patients’ throughput goals, and your budget.
There is no overall right choice, only what is right for you.
You can learn more about the Toshiba Aquilion RXL and how it differs from Toshiba Aquilion 32 in our CT comparison. Perhaps you prefer GE CTs? Have a look at our GE Optima 660 vs GE Discovery 750 comparison.
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