Imaging Technology News - October 2008 - (Page 21)

Contrast Media Injectors COMPARISON CHART ACIST Medical Systems his comparison chart covers automatic electroachieve and maintain the selected rate and volume. In mechanical contrast media injectors for angiograaddition to synchronizing the start of an injection with phy, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic the X-ray exposure, electromechanical injectors permit resonance imaging (MRI) procedures; manual injectors the user to delay the start time of the injection and/or the are excluded. Contrast media injectors introduce viscous exposure and to regulate the amount of time between fluids into an artery or vein through a small catheter, them. This feature allows a series of X-rays to be taken making vessels in an angiogram, CT scan or MRI study before, during and after an injection. contrast with their surroundings. Flow control of the delivered contrast media is a priAngiography is a specialized radiographic procedure mary consideration in any angiography or CT procedure. designed to evaluate vascular disease by producing wellAs it enters the bloodstream, the contrast media is dilutdefined images of the vascular anatomy and is considered ed to an extent determined by several factors, including by the American College of the blood vessel selected. Radiology and the Society of The larger the blood vessel, Interventional Radiology the the greater the flow needed Buyers should consider the injector’s capa“diagnostic standard by to maintain the proper conbilities, including programmability (e.g., volwhich the accuracy of other centration of contrast ume, flow rates) and ECG and X-ray genera- media. Inadequate flow will vascular imaging modalities should be judged.” tor synchronization to determine whether not produce sufficient opacAngiographic procedures ity for good contrast and the injector is suitable for the types and examine the vasculature of may necessitate a repeat numbers of procedures performed. the brain; the heart and great procedure, thereby exposing vessels; coronary and renal the patient to increased proarteries; abdominal organs; cedural risks and radiation. and extremities. Such examinations provide information On the other hand, excessive flow can injure the patient useful for diagnosing pulmonary embolus, localized ciror damage the catheter. The rate chosen also depends on culatory disorders, anatomic anomalies, herniations, the type of procedure and the nature of the disease. The aneurysms, constrictions and trauma of the vasculature, flow rate can range from 0.01 to 50 mL/sec. as well as for detecting increased vascularization associIt is difficult to determine an acceptable upper limit ated with tumors. for the pressure created by a contrast media injector. By assuming that the blood and the injected contrast Improperly regulated pressure can damage the catheter media flow at nearly the same velocity, physicians can also and injure the patient. Maximum pressure ratings for use angiography to measure blood flow and to evaluate the angiographic catheters range from 34.5 to 82.8 bar (500 to effectiveness of vascular grafts. In chronic hemodialysis 1,200 pounds per square inch [psi]). patients, who often require arteriovenous shunts, angiogBuyers should consider the injector’s capabilities, raphy can expose shunt abnormalities and aid in selecting including programmability (e.g., volume, flow rates) and appropriate therapy or vessels for recannulation. ECG and X-ray generator synchronization, as well as Automatic contrast media injectors incorporate available configurations (i.e., pedestal, ceiling or table electromechanically driven syringes to deliver contrast mounting), to determine whether the injector is suitable for the types and numbers of procedures performed. media. In electromechanical syringe assemblies, a Suppliers may also offer unit doses with prefilled jackscrew connected to an electric motor moves the syringes. In addition, some systems may have contrast syringe piston into and out of the syringe barrel. Typical media conservation features that could result in signifielectromechanical injectors deliver a given volume of cant cost savings. contrast media at a preselected rate, independent of variations in catheter length or diameter, the viscosity of the Before purchasing an MRI injection or infusion syscontrast media or the characteristics of blood flow at the tem, buyers should make sure that the system is MRI injection site. These constant-flow injectors automaticalcompatible. The system should be tested on site or at a ly regulate the pressure developed during an injection to demonstration site before the purchase. T PARTICIPANTS ACIST Medical Systems www.acist.com Covidien www.covidien.com MEDRAD Inc. www.medrad.com Nemoto Kyorindo www.nemoto-do.co.jp Swiss Medical Care www.swissmedcare.com Comparison Chart Conducted by Reilly Communications Group Reilly Communications Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in this chart. Reilly Communications Group obtained the model specifications from the manufacturers. The chart outline and introduction are from the Healthcare Product Comparison System (HPCS) published by ECRI Institute, a non-profit health services research agency. HPCS is a comprehensive database of brand-name model specifications for more than 450 types of devices available in three ways: online, CD-ROM, or print editions. For more information, contact ECRI Institute at (610) 825-6000, Ext. 5265; eMail: hpcs@ecri.org; or visit www.ecri.org. Open and fold out or remove for wall display Please direct all chart inquiries to: charts@rcgpubs.com ITNonline.net | October 2008 | ITN | 21 http://www.ITNonline.net http://www.acist.com http://www.covidien.com http://www.medrad.com http://www.nemoto-do.co.jp http://www.swissmedcare.com http://www.ecri.org http://www.ITNonline.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Imaging Technology News - October 2008

Imaging Technology News - October 2008 Contents RSNA Low-Field MRI Systems Contrast Media Injectors AM-LCDs Special Report - Agents Target Neurological Diseases and Disorders IT Laser Imagers Monitors Meet Radiology Suite Needs MR Guides Ultrasound in Outpatient Treatments Replacing a Legacy PACS PACS SAs: Titles and Salaries

Imaging Technology News - October 2008

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