Toshiba Aquilion Lightning / RXL CT
Toshiba · Model Aquilion Lightning / RXL CT
LOW-DOSE TECHNOLOGIES Aquilion / RXL incorporates Toshiba's latest technologies for the reduction of exposure dose while maintaining high image quality. LIGHTNING SPEED The new console enables significant improvements in workflow, with faster reconstruction, automated processing, and remote access capabilities. Aquilion / RXL accelerates the process of providing the information required for making the best treatment decisions throughout the workflow. With a reconstruction speed of up to 28 images per second (16 images per second for standard configuration), all the images are available in a flash, even when Toshiba's unique 0.5 mm slice thickness is used. AIDR 3D (Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D) AIDR 3D is a sophisticated algorithm that has been designed to work in both the raw data and reconstruction domains. The collective AIDR 3D process results in robust noise reduction, which is essential for achieving ultra low-dose examinations in routine clinical imaging. This iterative algorithm is superior to non-iterative approaches in removing background noise while preserving diagnostic information. MPR Image Generation- MultiView MultiView automation saves time by reconstructing MPR images as a part of the exam protocol, reducing the number of images for initial review and/or printing Automated Bone Removal Aquilion / RXL incorporates automated bone removal algorithms to quickly and accurately segment bone in CT angiography examinations. In just a few seconds, high-quality angiographic images are available for diagnosis. Lung volume analysis Lung volume analysis* automatically identifies tissues in the lung fields with a CT number lower than the specified value (regions of pulmonary emphysema) by using volume data. Volume, axial, sagittal and coronal images can be analyzed, and low attenuation areas can be displayed in each.
Key tips
- ·Never bypass a radiation interlock to "just get the image" - this is one of the few true zero-tolerance rules in BMET work.
- ·Trend image-quality phantom results over time - drift shows up before an outright failure does.
- ·Portable/mobile units take real physical abuse from transport - check wheel locks and cable strain reliefs more often than fixed units.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Image artefacts (rings / streaks / noise)
HighSymptoms: Ring or band artefacts, excessive noise, HU non-uniformity, failed daily air/water calibration.
Root cause: Detector-channel drift or a bad detector module, a DAS fault, or air-cal / tube-output drift.
X-ray tube fault / end of life
HighSymptoms: Tube-arc errors, exposure aborts, kV/mA faults, spits, or noisy bearing; tube pulls high heat units.
Root cause: Anode / bearing wear or vacuum degradation - the CT tube is a wear item.
Gantry rotation / slip-ring fault
MediumSymptoms: Rotation faults, comms errors during rotation, brush dust, drive alarms.
Root cause: Worn slip-ring brushes, a drive-belt / bearing fault, or the data-transmission link.
Table / patient-positioning fault
MediumSymptoms: Table drifts, will not index to the correct position, height or cradle errors.
Root cause: Table drive, encoder, or brake fault.
Reconstruction / console / network fault
MediumSymptoms: Recon hangs or is slow, images will not send to PACS, console errors.
Root cause: Recon-hardware or console-PC fault, or the network / storage.
Chiller / cooling fault
MediumSymptoms: Over-temperature warnings, exposures inhibited after a series, coolant alarm.
Root cause: Chiller pump / fan, low coolant, or a blocked heat exchanger.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
CT X-ray tube assembly
Major planned replacement; track heat-unit history.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Detector module / DAS board
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Slip-ring brush set
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Gantry drive belt / bearings
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Table drive / encoder
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Chiller pump / coolant
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT X-ray tube assembly Major planned replacement; track heat-unit history. | Periodic replacement | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Detector module / DAS board | Major service part | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Slip-ring brush set | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Gantry drive belt / bearings | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Table drive / encoder | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Chiller pump / coolant | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC per modality: image-quality phantom test
- ·Tube and detector inspection
- ·Annual state-required radiation safety survey
- ·Vendor-scheduled preventive maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Ring or streak artefacts / failed calibration
- Run the daily air (fast) calibration; if it fails, run the full calibration set.
- Scan a uniform water phantom and review HU uniformity and noise.
- Check the tube warm-up and heat-unit status.
- Escalate a confirmed detector-channel or DAS fault to the OEM.
- Re-verify image quality with the phantom after any correction.
Symptom: Exposure aborts / tube-arc errors
- Note the exact error codes and the phase (warm-up vs scan).
- Run extended tube conditioning / seasoning.
- Review the arc-count and heat-unit trend.
- Confirm chiller operation and coolant level.
- Plan a tube replacement when arc counts climb or output drifts.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Radiology / Imaging department
- Emergency Department (portable units)
- Operating Room (C-arms)
- Cath lab
- Bedside ICU (portable X-ray)
Documents & Manuals
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
It has been found that if the scan range extends beyond the maximum Field of View (FOV), a reconstruction operation error may occur. As a result, scanning may be interrupted and rebooting of the system may be necessary. Please note that this issue has not occurred in the U.S.
- RECALL
Toshiba American Medical Systems, Inc. is recalling the TSX-035A because of a potential problem with the Aquilion Lightning CT System iStation cover falling off of the gantry.
- RECALL
If two specific operations are performed in multi-phase helical scanning, the acquired raw data may not be saved.
- RECALL
The firm initiated this recall due to a potential software issue. The DLP (Dose Length Product) value may be displayed incorrectly when the vHP option is used.
- RECALL
There is the potential that the current may not be controlled correctly in examinations using the ECG modulation function, which adjusts the x-ray output in synchronization with the ECG waveform.
- RECALL
The recall was initiated by Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) because the software associated with TSX-101A: Aquilion 64 can prevent scanning from being performed at the specified helical pitch (couch movement speed).
- RECALL
When W-Volume is performed in Prospective CTA or Target CTA studies with ECG gating, unnecessary intervals may be set before starting the volume scan. As a result, scanning cannot be performed at the appropriate timing of constant enhancement and clinically useful images may not be obtained.
- RECALL
ECG Gated Dynamic Volume Prospective scan may stop if preset eXam Plan is confirmed and CTA On is changed to CTA OFF, due to exposure control PWB.
- RECALL
Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc (TAMS) has initiated a field correction on the Aquilion 32 CT Scanners due to the potential for the bolus tracking software (SureStart) to cause delay of the helical scan, up to 10 seconds, when large volumes of data are being reconstructed on the secondary console.
- RECALL
The systems all have a similar table control board. It has been found that this board may cause the table position to be incorrect if the table cradle is moved manually. This is referred to as "Free" mode in the operation manuals. If this error does occur it is possible that the patient could be scanned at an incorrect position.
- RECALL
Excessive radiation: Intermittent shifting of CT numbers causes the actual dose to the patient to be greater than expected, when Sure Exposure option is used.
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