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Bracco Diagnostics
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Automated contrast media injectors are used in cardiac imaging to help improve patient safety and enhance image quality. These devices can control contrast dosage, record the amount used, speed injections to keep up with faster computed tomography (CT) scanners, and warn clinicians of potential hazards, such as air embolisms or extravasations.
The biggest challenge in applying best practices in radiology workflow is seeing the big picture. The entire imaging cycle includes identifying the patient data, conducting the imaging exam according to the proper protocols, and then streamlining and processing the data in a timely manner.
Bracco Diagnostics and Acist Medical Systems featured the EmpowerCTA contrast injector, updated with integrated, pre-programmed multislice CT protocols for IsoVue-370 (iopamidol injection)
Robert G. Mitchell, senior manager, contrast imaging solutions, explains how Bracco Diagnostics' acquisition of E-Z-EM further positions the company as a global leader in diagnostic imaging in radiology and cardiology. The merger allows for significant growth opportunities as E-Z-EM complements Bracco's comprehensive repertoire of diagnostic imaging agents.
November 18, 2009 – The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) recently announced it will increase the reimbursement for positron emission tomography (PET) cardiac procedures in 2010.
December 1, 2008 – At RSNA 2008, Bracco highlighted studies of its products that were the subject of multiple studies this past year, which reportedly demonstrated the company’s dedication to the manufacture of products that provide clinical safety and efficacy, including the following:
MultiHance is the highest relaxivity gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent approved for use in the US for MRI of the CNS. ...
In this retrospectively gated full thoracic CT study, the examination was performed using the LightSpeed VCT 64 system with 0.625 mm detector collimation, retrospective cardiac gating and mono-sector reconstruction. The patient received three 5 mg injections of Metoprolol intravenously for cardiac rate control. Heart rate during acquisition was 64 to 65 BPM.
Over the past year, headlines across industry and consumer media have highlighted FDA warnings on the dangers of gadolinium-based contrast agents. To date, it has become common knowledge and a FDA black box warning that gadolinium-based agents run the risk of causing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD).
This case is a routine coronary CTA with the focus on the coronary arteries. The patient was a middle-aged male with a family history of coronary artery disease, moderate risk profile and atypical chest pain. The EKG did not indicate myocardial ischemia and there was no enzyme leak.