Canon Medical Systems (formerly Toshiba Medical Systems) manufactures the popular Aquilion scanner family known for exceptional image quality and innovative technology. If you operate an Aquilion system, understanding your tube replacement options is essential for managing costs while maintaining the superior imaging performance these scanners deliver.
This comprehensive guide covers the entire CXB tube family from legacy CXB-750D through the latest CXB-500B Lightning series. You'll learn which tubes fit your Aquilion scanner, understand the Toshiba-to-Canon transition impact, discover Richardson Healthcare compatible alternatives, and find strategies to optimize costs without compromising clinical excellence.
Understanding the Toshiba to Canon Transition
What Changed in 2016:
- ✓ Branding shifted from Toshiba to Canon
- ✓ Parts now carry Canon branding and part numbers
- ✓ Service and support transitioned to Canon infrastructure
- ✓ Some distribution channels changed
What Stayed the Same:
- ✓ Tube designs and specifications remained identical
- ✓ Backward compatibility maintained across product lines
- ✓ Aquilion scanner families continue with same technology
- ✓ Parts availability actually improved under Canon ownership
For tube buyers: Older Toshiba-branded tubes are still available refurbished and are 100% compatible with Canon-branded systems. Part number cross-references are available for Toshiba-to-Canon conversion. There are no compatibility issues between Toshiba and Canon branded tubes.
What Makes Canon/Toshiba Tubes Different
- Long Lifespan: 600,000 to 1.5M scan seconds - among the longest in the industry
- Consistent Performance: Maintains image quality throughout lifespan
- Heat Management: Advanced cooling for sustained high-power imaging
- Modular Design: Relatively straightforward installation
- Richardson Compatibility: Growing aftermarket support
- Ball Bearing Focus: Optimized ball bearing technology vs liquid metal
- Reliability Priority: Proven designs with long track records
- HeliCool V: Latest cooling innovation in CXB-500 series
- Image Quality: Excellent performance valued by radiologists
CXB-750D Series: Aquilion Workhorse Family
The CXB-750D series represents Canon's most widely deployed tube family, serving Aquilion scanners from 4-slice through 64-slice configurations. Understanding the variants is essential for proper selection.
Compatible Scanners:
- Aquilion 4, 8, 16, 64
- Aquilion Large Bore 16
- Aquilion CXL
- Aquilion RXL
- VeloCT
- Aquilion Prime Gen 1
Critical: Variant Differences
- CXB-750D/2A: Lower power (500 mA max) - used in 4, 8, 16-slice systems
- CXB-750D/4A: Higher power (600 mA max) - used in 64-slice and higher-end systems
- ⚠ Not interchangeable - Verify which variant your scanner requires
Technical Specifications:
Pricing Overview:
| Option | Price Range | Warranty | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon OEM New | $175,000 | 12-24 months | 3-5 weeks |
| Certified Refurbished | $40,000-80,000 | 6-12 months | Good stock |
| Richardson ALTA750D | $120,000-150,000 | 12-18 months | 2-4 weeks |
Buying Recommendations:
- Best value: Richardson ALTA750D at $120,000-150,000 offers 30-40% savings with proven compatibility
- Refurbished sweet spot: Quality refurbished at $50,000-70,000 for moderate-volume facilities
- OEM choice: Canon at $175,000 for high-volume or contract requirements
Richardson Healthcare Compatible Tubes
Richardson Healthcare has emerged as the primary compatible tube manufacturer for Canon/Toshiba systems, offering proven alternatives that deliver 30-40% savings versus Canon OEM.
Compatible Scanners:
Aquilion 4, 8, 16, 64, CXL, RXL, VeloCT, Prime Gen 1
Key Benefits:
- ✓ Thousands of installations globally
- ✓ Specifications match Canon OEM
- ✓ 12-18 month warranty standard
- ✓ No scanner modifications required
- ✓ Field data shows equivalent performance
$120,000-150,000
30-40% savings vs Canon OEM
Compatible Scanners:
Aquilion Prime, Prime SP, Exceed LB
Key Benefits:
- ✓ Enhanced design features
- ✓ Growing installed base
- ✓ ISO 13485 certified manufacturing
- ✓ Comprehensive testing protocols
- ✓ Technical support included
$130,000-160,000
35-40% savings vs Canon OEM
When Richardson Makes Sense:
- ✅ Cost savings priority (30-40% reduction)
- ✅ Out of Canon service contract
- ✅ Experienced biomedical staff
- ✅ ISO service provider comfortable with Richardson
- ✅ Proven compatible model available
- ✅ Want new tube benefits at reduced cost
When Canon OEM Makes Sense:
- ✅ Under Canon service contract requiring OEM
- ✅ Maximum reliability critical
- ✅ Newest scanner models without Richardson alternatives
- ✅ Facility policy requires OEM parts only
- ✅ Canon financing needed
- ✅ Risk-averse facility preferring OEM backing
Ready to Replace Your Canon CT Tube?
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This guide continues with detailed sections on:
CXB-750E/F/G/U Series • CXB-500B Lightning • Installation & Calibration
Service Contract Strategies • Cost Optimization • FAQs • And Much More
Quick Reference: Canon Tube Comparison
| Model | Scanners | Lifespan | OEM Price | Refurb Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CXB-750D | Aquilion 16/64 | 600K-800K | $175K | $40K-80K |
| CXB-750E | Aquilion ONE | 1-1.5M | $190K | $60K-100K |
| CXB-750G | Aquilion Prime | 800K-1M | $200K | $50K-80K |
| CXB-750U | Aquilion Precision | 600K-800K | $225K | $80K-120K |
| CXB-500B | Aquilion Lightning | 600K-800K | $225K | $70K-100K |