In February 2021, Guerbet announced the launch of OptiProtect 3S (Smart Service Solutions), a range of technical services for its injection solutions. OptiProtect 3S is designed to support imaging centers in the daily use and protection of their injection solutions.
Contrast media injectors are used to inject contrast agents to enhance the blood and perfusion in tissues. There have been several recent advances with contrast media injector technology, including cutting costs by reducing contrast waste and automated data collection for the dose a patient receives.
The contrast media injectors market is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period of 2021-2026, according to a new report from Mordor Intelligence.1 Some major factors attributing to the growth of this market include increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, technological advancements and the increasing number of regulatory approvals. However, the rising cost of contrast media injectors could obstruct some segments of the market due to budgetary issues with smaller hospitals.
Most companies are developing innovative products to reduce contrast media waste and gain a competitive advantage. Bracco has developed smart syringeless injectors, which are able to use every drop of contrast loaded into the system for maximum economy. The smart injectors record the amount injected and imaging protocol used, and send that information to the PACS. These constant technological advancements in the contrast media injector technology are expected to boost the contrast media injector market during the forecast period.2
Utilizing Information Technology
Key contrast injector market players are emphasizing the production of IT-enabled contrast media injectors to help eliminate human error. Several contrast media injectors are currently available that can be connected to the hospital’s server to access patient data. Interfacing can be done through the electronic medical record system or hospital information system to monitor and adjust the dose. Future Market Insights predicts that this precision is likely to drive the market during the forecast period.2
Key Market Trends
The Mordor Intelligence report identified these key upcoming trends in contrast media injector systems that are expected to help the market grow over the forecasted period:
•Computed tomography (CT) injectors are expected to grow positively as the usage of the CT systems has been increasing from the past few years, and these CT systems use a dual-head injector, with two syringes for initial and follow-up contrast doses, during imaging. There has been constant R&D activity by major academic centers and pharmaceutical companies to develop protocols, which helps CT users with the advanced capabilities of newer imaging systems. The integration of IT and contrast media dose management are prospective growth factors for the forecast period.
•Manufacturers of CT and automated contrast injectors are partnering to better integrate their systems. This includes contrast dose tracking. Mallinckrodt has launched an OptiSync data management system, which is designed to collect and analyze radiology data when a patient undergoes a contrast-media-enhanced CT imaging procedure.
Technical Services and Support
In February 2021, Guerbet announced the launch of OptiProtect 3S (Smart Service Solutions), a range of technical services for its injection solutions. OptiProtect 3S is designed to support imaging centers in the daily use and protection of their injection solutions. The suite of technical services and support is designed for all Guerbet injectors, with three offerings ranging from preventive maintenance to full equipment protection including service continuity.
Personalized Imaging
Bayer’s Medrad Stellant Flex CT injection system offers Bayer’s CT injection technology with a user-driven design, minimal required technologist training and automation that drives individualized patient protocols and personalized imaging. With this injector, Bayer said it addresses the changing U.S. healthcare environment, which has seen an overall decrease in capital funding. This often results in reduced operational budgets for hospitals, creating the need for institutions to work more efficiently and economically, while maintaining quality patient care. The Medrad Stellant Flex CT injection system was designed to help address these clinical and financial challenges.
Workflow Efficiencies
GE Healthcare has been working with ulrich medical to deliver the ulrich CTmotion in the United States since 2019. The CTmotion supports workflow efficiencies, including quick and easy set-up and patient turnover. The injector can help remove the need for manual syringe filling, which can minimize examination preparation time and minimize contrast media waste.
Nemoto Kyorindo offers contrast media injectors for CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography. Customizable protocols give radiologists the opportunity to tailor programs for any diagnostic objective. The company’s MRI injectors use non-ferrous construction to allow for safe integration in the MRI room.
References:
1.https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/contrast-media-injectors-market. Accessed Jan. 11, 2022.
2. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/contrast-media-injectors-market. Accessed Jan. 11, 2022.
View the Contrast Media Injectors comparison chart here
March 25, 2026 
