Aquilion Lightning
by Canon Medical Systems Corporation
· Based in Japan →
— Advanced CT imaging with integrated AI for enhanced diagnostics and patient care.
N/a (pricing for medical equipment like ct scanners is typically negotiated directly with the vendor and depends on configuration, service agreements, and regional factors.)
Regulatory Status Disclosed
Overview
The Aquilion Lightning is a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner developed by Canon Medical Systems Corporation. Contrary to the initial query for an ‘AI tool for a physician directory,’ this product is a sophisticated medical imaging device used in radiology for whole-body imaging. It is available in various configurations, including 16-row, 32-slice, and 80-detector row (160-slice) helical CT systems.
The system incorporates advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning technologies primarily for image reconstruction and processing. Key AI features include AiCE (Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine), which uses deep learning to reduce noise and enhance image quality at low radiation doses. Other intelligent features include automated bone removal algorithms for CT angiography and SEMAR (Single Energy Metal Artifact Reduction) to reduce metal artifacts, improving visualization for clearer diagnoses. The Aquilion Lightning is designed to optimize clinical workflow, increase patient throughput, and provide high-quality isotropic images with low patient dose through technologies like AIDR 3D Enhanced, SUREkV, and SUREExposure 3D.
Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist
Key Features
- AiCE (Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine) Deep Learning Reconstruction for noise reduction and image quality enhancement
- Automated Bone Removal algorithms for CT angiography
- SEMAR (Single Energy Metal Artifact Reduction) for metal artifact reduction
- AIDR 3D Enhanced for adaptive iterative dose reduction
- PUREViSION Detector Technology for efficient X-ray use and image quality
- SURESubtraction CT for bone and calcium removal in data sets
- SUREkV for automated kV selection based on patient size and clinical task
- SUREExposure 3D for optimized tube current and patient exposure
- 16-row, 32-slice or 80-detector row, 160-slice helical CT system configurations
- Spacious 780 mm wide bore and 470 mm wide couch for patient comfort
Use Cases
- Whole-body imaging
- CT angiography examinations
- Oncology imaging
- Cardiology imaging
- Stroke assessment
- Lung cancer screening
What Physicians Need to Know
DICOM Support & Standards
Canon Medical Systems products, including the Aquilion Lightning, fully support DICOM standards, providing conformance statements to facilitate integration into hospital networks.
PACS Integration Method
As an integrated reconstruction technology, AiCE produces standard DICOM images, ensuring seamless integration with existing PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) for image storage, retrieval, and viewing.
Reading Room Workflow Impact
AiCE is designed for seamless integration into routine CT workflow, aiming for operational efficiency without requiring extra steps. It delivers sharp, clear images at low doses, which can potentially shorten reading times by allowing clinicians to focus on a single, high-quality image series for diagnosis.
AI Model Architecture (deep learning approach)
The Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) utilizes a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN). This deep learning algorithm is trained on vast amounts of high-quality image data, often using Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction (MBIR) as a 'gold standard,' to effectively differentiate signal from noise, suppress noise, and enhance signal.
Processing Speed (per study)
AiCE offers fast reconstruction speeds, operating at over five times the speed of traditional MBIR reconstruction, making it suitable for busy clinical environments. A newly developed reconstruction system supports up to 15 images per second.
FDA Clearance Pathway (510k/De Novo)
AiCE has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Supported Modalities
The Aquilion Lightning is a CT scanner. AiCE, Canon's AI reconstruction technology, is available across its CT, MR, and PET/CT systems.
Sensitivity & Specificity Data
While AiCE primarily enhances image quality, specific AI packages utilizing AiCE, such as Canon's Stroke CT Package, have reported performance metrics. For Intracranial Hemorrhage (ICH) detection, a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.93 were reported. For Large Vessel Occlusions (LVO) detection, a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.98 were reported.
RSNA/ACR Validation
AiCE has been showcased at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meetings. Its validation and quality assurance for CT Deep Learning Reconstruction (DLR) algorithms have been discussed in the context of improving image quality and reducing noise, with comparisons to filtered back-projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (hybrid-IR) using an American College of Radiology (ACR) CT accreditation phantom.
Physician Tip
Leverage AiCE for routine CT scans to achieve superior image quality with reduced noise and improved spatial resolution, potentially leading to more confident diagnoses at lower radiation doses. Pay particular attention to its benefits in challenging cases where subtle findings are critical. For stroke imaging, utilize the specialized AI packages that integrate AiCE for automated detection of ICH and LVO to aid in rapid triage and decision-making.
The Aquilion Lightning, with its integrated AiCE technology, produces standard DICOM-compliant images, ensuring straightforward integration with existing PACS and other imaging informatics systems. Canon Medical Systems provides DICOM conformance statements to assist with compatibility checks and network integration. The seamless workflow integration of AiCE means no additional post-processing steps are typically required by radiographers.
Details
| Category | Radiology & Imaging AI |
| Pricing | N/a (pricing for medical equipment like ct scanners is typically negotiated directly with the vendor and depends on configuration, service agreements, and regional factors.) — N/A |
| Deployment | On-premise (Requires physical installation in a hospital or imaging center.) |
| Compliance | |
| BAA Available | Unknown AI-estimated |
| HIPAA Compliant | Unknown AI-estimated |
| FDA Status |
Yes AI-estimated The Aquilion Lightning (TSX-036A/7) V10.2 with AiCE-i received FDA 510(k) clearance (K201836) on January 12, 2021, classified as a Computed Tomography X-ray system (Regulation Number 892.1750). |
| Integrations | |
| EHR | Not specified |
| Specialties | Radiology |
What the Web Says
The Canon (formerly Toshiba) Aquilion Lightning is a CT scanner praised for its balance of advanced technology and cost-effectiveness, designed for high-volume environments. It offers various slice configurations (16, 80, 160-slice systems) and incorporates AI-powered image reconstruction for high-quality images at reduced radiation doses. The system emphasizes efficient workflow, patient comfort, and a compact design.
Overall: PositiveStrengths
- High-quality images with low noise and clear low-contrast detectability, even at reduced radiation doses, thanks to technologies like AiCE and AIDR 3D Enhanced.
- Reduced radiation exposure for patients through features like SUREExposure 3D, SUREkV, and AIDR 3D Enhanced.
- Fast reconstruction speeds (up to 15-50 images per second) and efficient workflow with features like MultiView automation and real-time imaging, leading to higher patient throughput.
- Metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) improves visualization around implants.
- Patient-friendly design with a wide gantry aperture (78 cm) and a low, high-capacity examination couch (down to 312 mm) to accommodate various patient sizes and those in wheelchairs.
- Compact footprint (as little as 9.8 sq. m.) and power-saving modes contribute to lower operating costs and space utilization.
Limitations
- Some sources are over five years old, so newer models or software updates might address earlier limitations.
- Metal artifacts may not be completely removed in areas very close to the metal material, requiring comparison with original images for diagnosis.
- Specific advanced features like coneXact double slice upgrade may be required for certain functionalities.
- Information on long-term reliability and service costs from independent physician reviews is not readily available in the provided snippets.
- No specific reviews from healthcare IT, tech reviewers, G2, or Capterra were found in the provided search results.
- Reddit discussions primarily focus on slice comparisons rather than detailed user reviews of the Aquilion Lightning itself.
Based on reviews from: Reddit, Bimedis, Applied Radiology, Scribd, Canon Medical Systems, Canon Medical, LBN Medical, Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology, Mediram, Turkish Journal of Geriatrics, Expertini
Last updated: 2026-07-20
Ratings & Reviews
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Press & Coverage
PMC
Changes in paranasal sinus volumes, temporal bone pneumatization, internal acoustic canal and olfactory cleft dimensions over the centuries: a comparison of skulls from different epochs in Anatolia
This study, published in July 2024, utilized a Canon Aquilion Lightning device for CT scans of contemporary and ancient skulls to analyze changes in paranasal sinus volumes, temporal bone pneumatization, and other cranial dimensions over centuries. The research found no significant differences in paranasal sinus volumes, but observed a statistically significant decrease in temporal bone pneumatization and internal acoustic canal/olfactory cleft measures over time.
2024-07
ResearchGate
Evaluation of Various Free Software Options for Catphan 504 Phantom Analysis
Published in March 2024, this study evaluated various free software options for analyzing Catphan 504 phantom images acquired with a 16-channel Canon Aquilion Lightning CT scanner. The research focused on image quality parameters such as noise, uniformity, linearity of CT numbers, and high spatial resolution using different convolution filters.
2024-03
MDPI
Development of Imaging Complexity Biomarkers for Prediction of Symptomatic Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Focusing on Underlying Lung Disease
This November 2024 article discusses the development of imaging biomarkers to predict radiation pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer patients using an Aquilion Lightning 80 scanner. The study aimed to measure morphometric complexity in the lung to forecast the risk of radiation pneumonitis.
2024-11
ResearchGate
Effects of convolution filter with beam hardening correction on computed tomography image quality
A May 2023 study investigated the effects of convolution filters with beam hardening correction on CT image quality using a Canon Aquilion Lightning scanner. The research analyzed uniformity, slice thickness, spatial resolution, Hounsfield unit, and noise.
2023-05
Hospital & Healthcare Management
Canon Medical Expands Radiation Therapy Options Across CT Systems to Maximize Scanner Utilization in Oncology
Canon Medical Systems USA announced the expansion of its CT simulation offerings in radiation oncology to include the Aquilion Prime SP and Aquilion Lightning 80 premium CT systems. This expansion aims to provide superior CT imaging and precision tools for oncology planning, increasing scanner utilization and workflow efficiency.
unknown
FDA
Aquilion Lightning (TSX-036A/7) V10.2 with AiCE-i 510(k) Premarket Notification
This January 2021 FDA 510(k) premarket notification details the Aquilion Lightning (TSX-036A/7) V10.2 with AiCE-i, an 80-row CT system. The submission highlights the addition of AiCE-i, a deep convolutional neural network reconstruction algorithm designed to reduce image noise and improve image quality.
2021-01
Canon Medical Systems USA
Community Hospital in Alabama Installs First Toshiba Medical Aquilion Lightning CT, Bringing Advanced Technology for Safer, Comfortable Exams
In November 2016, Community Hospital in Tallassee, Alabama, became the first in the U.S. to install Toshiba Medical's Aquilion Lightning CT system with a powerful 50-kW generator, aiming to provide safer and higher-quality CT imaging for patients.
2016-11
Canon Medical Systems USA
Toshiba's Aquilion Lightning CT Receives FDA Clearance with More Powerful Generator
Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. announced in April 2016 that its Aquilion Lightning CT system received FDA clearance for a more powerful 50-kW generator. This enhancement allows providers to image a wider range of patients with a low cost of ownership, offering advanced technology and patient-friendly features.
2016-04
Videos
Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for Aquilion Lightning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Aquilion Lightning system incorporates AI features like the Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), which uses deep learning to reduce noise and enhance image clarity at low radiation doses, improving diagnostic confidence. It also offers automated bone removal (SURESubtraction CT) for clearer CT angiography and Single Energy Metal Artifact Reduction (SEMAR) to improve visualization around metal implants. These features, combined with automated protocol selection and fast image reconstruction, streamline the clinical workflow and accelerate decision-making.
Canon Medical Systems' AiCE deep learning reconstruction technology, integrated into the Aquilion line including the Lightning, has received FDA 510(k) clearance, indicating its safety and effectiveness for clinical use in the United States. However, specific regulatory availability and approvals for all products and services may vary by country or region.
While highly effective, features like SEMAR for metal artifact reduction may not completely eliminate artifacts in all cases, suggesting that comparison with original images is advisable for diagnosis. Physicians should also be generally aware of broader AI limitations in healthcare, such as potential algorithmic bias and the critical need for human oversight in interpretation, though specific biases for Aquilion Lightning's AI are not detailed.
The Advanced Imaging (AI) Package, including AiCE, has been offered as a promotion with new Aquilion Lightning purchases, potentially at no additional charge for a limited time. While specific pricing models and ongoing subscription costs for AI updates are not publicly detailed, prices are generally indicative and can vary by country, with Canon Medical Systems recommending direct contact with local representatives for detailed quotations and finance options.
Other Canon Aquilion systems, such as the Aquilion Prime SP, Aquilion Serve, and Aquilion Exceed LB, also feature the AiCE deep learning reconstruction technology for enhanced imaging. Beyond Canon, major CT manufacturers like GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, and Fujifilm Healthcare offer their own CT systems with various AI-driven imaging enhancements, though their specific algorithmic approaches and feature sets would differ.
Yes, the Aquilion Lightning incorporates protocol-integrated automation for features like SURESubtraction and SEMAR, which can be set in scan protocols for automatic reconstruction. The system also offers automatic protocol selection based on patient age and allows preprogramming of reconstruction parameters, including axial, coronal, sagittal, and MIP images, to align with specific clinical protocols and preferences.
Canon Medical Systems emphasizes product security information and interoperability (DICOM/IHE) for its systems, including the Aquilion Lightning. In the broader context of AI in healthcare, robust measures typically include data anonymization, encryption techniques, and stringent access controls to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
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| Last Verified: 2026-04-20 | First Added: 2026-04-20