Canon's Multi-position CT System debuts in Canada

 The installation marks the first use of this technology outside Japan at Toronto's University Health Network

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 12, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canon's innovative multi-position CT system has been installed at University Health Network (UHN), marking the first installation of this technology outside of Japan.

Installed in June 2026, the first-of-its-kind CT system enables imaging of patients in standing, sitting, and supine positions.  Since installation, UHN researchers have evaluated more than 200 patients using the new technology. Early clinical experience suggests patients can be scanned while standing with image quality comparable to traditional CT, using a system that can convert between conventional and upright positions in just over a minute, with the potential to support more efficient care delivery.

Unlike conventional CT systems that scan patients only in a supine position, Canon's multi-position CT allows clinicians to capture images while patients are standing or sitting.  These additional imaging positions may offer new ways to study how anatomy and disease appear in more natural body positions, including in areas such as lung abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging.

The convertible design also supports workflow improvements within hospitals and imaging departments. With simplified patient positioning, shorter room turnaround times, and reduced preparation requirements, the system has the potential to increase imaging capacity while maintaining high-quality diagnostic performance.

Research at UHN is being led by Dr. Patrik Rogalla, Site Director of Medical Imaging at UHN's Toronto General Hospital and Professor of Radiology at the University of Toronto. In a recently published paper in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal, titled One Gantry, Two Positions: First Clinical Experience with a Convertible Supine and Upright CT Unit, the research team reported several promising outcomes, including:

• No discernible differences in image quality between upright and conventional supine scans.
• Shorter overall room time compared with conventional supine scanning.
• Simpler patient positioning and reduced disinfection burden.
• Potentially higher patient throughput without compromising image quality.

" Being able to scan patients in positions that more closely reflect everyday life may help us better understand how some health conditions affect the body " said Dr. Rogalla. " Our early experience shows that upright CT can provide high-quality images while also making the imaging process more efficient and, potentially, more comfortable for patients.  Initial findings also demonstrated upright scanning shortened the time patients spent in the CT room by roughly three minutes per chest examination, largely through faster positioning, while our radiologists rated image quality similarly between postures. On the Mult-position CT, we have also acquired chest CT at a dose approaching that of a two-view chest radiograph."

The concept of an upright CT has been in discussion for many years.   In 2017, in collaboration with Professor Masahiro Jinzaki of Keio University, efforts began to transform this vision into reality.  Following years of research, engineering, and clinical development, the concept evolved into a commercially available imaging platform. Today, UHN, Canada's largest research and academic hospital network, is leading the first clinical research initiative on the technology outside Japan.

Beyond its operational advantages, the multi-position CT may improve patient comfort and accessibility. Patients who experience difficulty lying flat due to pain, mobility limitations, respiratory conditions, or other medical challenges may benefit from alternative scanning positions, helping to create a more accommodating imaging experience.

"At Canon, we are committed to developing technologies that advance precision medicine while supporting healthcare providers in delivering exceptional patient care," said Jens Dettmann, President and CEO Canon Medical Systems Canada. "We are proud to collaborate with UHN on this important research and look forward to further understanding the clinical value of multi-position CT imaging."

As research continues, UHN and Canon expect additional studies to explore the technology's potential applications across musculoskeletal, thoracic, and abdominal imaging.

Dr. Rogalla has received research funding, honoraria, and travel reimbursement for speaking engagements from Canon.

About Canon Medical Systems Canada Limited

Canon Medical Systems Canada, a Canon Medical Group company headquartered in Markham, Ontario, delivers comprehensive portfolio of imaging solutions and technologies through value-based healthcare partnerships across the county.  Our people-oriented culture fosters a responsive Canadian-based support team and Applications for Life offering to support healthcare providers and optimize throughput.  This reflects our commitment to impact the well being of patients.

Learn more: ca.medical.canon

About Canon Inc.
The Canon Medical Group within Canon Inc. provides a comprehensive range of medical imaging solutions, including CT, diagnostic and interventional X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, service solutions, and advanced Healthcare IT.

In line with Canon Medical Group's continued Made for Life philosophy, patients are at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is to equip healthcare professionals with innovative solutions that enhance clinical performance, safety, comfort, and outcomes--helping deliver better health opportunities for patients worldwide.

We invest in research and product development that directly addresses the real clinical, operational, and business needs of our customers. By improving accessibility, enabling cross-platform integration, and supporting patient-centered care pathways, we aim to deliver solutions that are both meaningful and impactful.

Working hand in hand with our medical, academic, and research partners, we build relationships founded on transparency, trust, and respect. Together, we strive to create industry-leading innovations that improve patient outcomes and enrich quality of life for communities around the world. global.medical.canon

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SOURCE Canon Medical Systems Canada

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