Toshiba America Medical Systems has received FDA clearance to use the proprietary Superb-Micro Vascular Imaging technology on its Apilo 500 ultrasound system, the company said Thursday at the Society of Vascular Ultrasound Annual Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The technology lets clinicians use ultrasound to see tiny vessels in and around areas like tumors and lymph nodes, giving them a new tool to diagnose disease quickly and noninvasively, the Tustin, Calif.-based company said.

Doctors who want to see low-velocity microvascular blood flow currently must use contrast agents or more invasive measures. The SMI technology will make imaging exams faster and safer, while still providing the needed diagnostic information, Toshiba said.

“With the development of SMI, clinicians can provide the right diagnosis on all patients earlier for improved care. Additionally, SMI expands the utility of ultrasound, which results in fewer ionizing procedures, improving patient safety,” said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director of Toshiba’s Ultrasound Business Unit. — Kellen Owings

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