As a supplier of medical imaging equipment in Japan, Hitachi Medical Corporation founded Hitachi Medical Systems America to provide a direct link to the United States marketplace. The companies provide advanced diagnostic imaging products that meet the needs of physicians and patients. Hitachi Medical Systems America is responsible for marketing and support of all Hitachi diagnostic-imaging products in the U.S. It began operations in 1989 when Hitachi s open magnetic resonance imaging was introduced to the market. Since that time, it has developed a leadership position in Open MRI with more than 1,500 installations throughout the United States. The company also offers a line of PET/CT, hi-resolution ultrasound, computed tomography, optical topography and 3D dental imaging products.