Big Data Supports Best Practices in CT Imaging
By McKenna Bryant
Complex datasets derived from artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities inform precision medicine and improve operational efficiency.1 In furtherance of supporting best practices in CT imaging, NEXO® Contrast Management System could contribute to the growing body of research in the procurement of such rich data which may play a more significant role in the clinical field in the future.
One area where data collection efforts have proved useful is in CT contrast and radiation protocol management. Radiology enterprises commonly manage many CT imaging protocols, each containing numerous technical parameters tailored to specific diagnostic purposes or scanner models. But the constant need for protocol changes, combined with broad fleets of machines located throughout large healthcare networks, makes protocol management a daunting task.
In recent years, integrated, server-based software solutions have been developed to support protocol management efforts. At a recent expert panel meeting, Daniele Marin, MD, medical director of the Multi-Dimensional Image Processing Laboratory at Duke University School of Medicine, described his institution’s success with Bracco’s SmartInject Technology, powered by the NEXO Contrast Management Solution.
“We recently implemented this software, which has been advantageous because of its ability to integrate at multiple levels. It communicates with injectors in CT and MR, as well as with PACS, RIS, and EMR systems,” Dr. Marin said.
“We can collect information about a specific patient from our EMR system and send it to the NEXO server, and we can collect injection protocol information from a particular patient at the point of care. Our institution is fairly complex, with multiple sites and numerous scanners, and this has helped us overcome many challenges with protocol management.”
NEXO® Contrast Management Solution features a multi-injector control with seamless connectivity for smoother workflow, easy access to patient past records, protocol management for centralized, standardized quality and compliance, and key performance indicators for tracking and analyzing metrics.
More information available at: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
Ryan Lee, MD, section chief of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair of Safety and Quality at Einstein Healthcare Network, agreed that there are numerous benefits to implementing an integrated data management system, including the ability to access radiation dose and contrast injection protocols.
“Having one integrated software solution that looks at radiation and contrast, instead of two, could be very valuable because you could retrospectively look at the data together and potentially that would accelerate how these software solutions work,” said Dr. Lee.
The advantages of data collection software extend beyond multi-system integration, Dr. Marin notes. “I think it has benefited us from a quality standpoint. We are more consistent in the way we implement protocols at different sites. Duke is moving toward freestanding imaging facilities in the area. It would be hard to control and ensure consistency if you don’t have a system that can help you with that,” he said.
Prior to implementing the NEXO solution, protocol modifications and rollouts were performed manually by chief technologists at each scanner. “The fact that you can do it remotely, from a time-saving standpoint, is huge. It also minimizes the potential risk for errors,” Dr. Marin emphasized.
At New York University Langone Health, Emilio Vega, manager of CT Quality and Safety, believes one of the most useful features of data collection software is the ability to refer to the information after completion of an examination. Click to view the video and learn more.
The future of big data collection is promising, and radiology departments are well-positioned to take advantage of emerging techniques by virtue of their robust technological infrastructure. “There is no question that big data is going to be the future,” Dr. Marin noted. “The growth rate of this technology in medicine is outpacing that of a lot of other areas of our society. So, we will see more and more of this big data in radiology moving forward.” Click the video to hear Dr. Marin.
References:
1. Choy G, Khalilzadeh O, Michalski M, et al. Current applications and future impact of machine learning in radiology. Radiology. August 2018; 288: 318-328.
The views, information, or opinions expressed in the video(s) or article(s) above are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (“BDI”). The primary purpose of this video(s) or article(s) is to educate and inform. This information does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION | INDICATIONS AND USAGE
EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is indicated for the vascular administration of contrast and flushing media in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) scanning of the body with an optional interface to a CT scanner and an optional calculator for glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
INDICATIONS AND USAGE | IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is indicated for the vascular administration of contrast and flushing media in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) scanning of the body with an optional interface to a CT scanner and an optional calculator for glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Protocols have been independently developed and are not intended as medical advice. Bracco and Bracco Injeneering S.A. shall not be responsible for any physicians’ reliance on these or any other products.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System is not intended for use as a long-term infusion pump, nor is it intended to be used to inject any agents other than contrast or flushing media. Do not attempt to use the injector for any other purpose (such as chemotherapy or drug infusion). The EmpowerCTA+ Injector System should not be used to inject substances into nonvascular body cavities. Any applications of the EmpowerCTA+ Injector System other than those described in its Operator Manual are inappropriate and should not be attempted.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
EmpowerCTA+ is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 510 Carnegie Center Drive, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); Scientific Information: 1-800-257-5181 (Option 2); EmpowerCTA+ Email: empowerinfo@diag.bracco.com; Website: https://smartinject.com/ct-solutions/
EmpowerCTA+ is manufactured by Bracco Injeneering S.A., Avenue de Sevelin 46, CH – 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland. https://www.bracco.com/
EmpowerMR® Injector System
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
INDICATIONS:
The EmpowerMR® Injector System is indicated for vascular administration of contrast media and flushing media in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Protocols have been independently developed and are not intended as medical advice, and Bracco shall not be responsible for any physicians' reliance on these or any other protocols.
Bracco Injeneering S.A. reserves the right at any time and without notice, to change the specifications and features described herein, or to change the production or adjust the product described.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
EmpowerMR is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 510 Carnegie Center Drive, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); Scientific Information: 1-800-257-5181 (Option 2); Website: https://smartinject.com/mr-solutions/
EmpowerMR is manufactured for Bracco Injeneering S.A., Avenue de Sevelin 46 CH – 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland. https://www.bracco.com/
NEXO® Contrast Management System
Intended Use:
The NEXO® Contrast Management System is a server-based application intended to be used as a data management and visualization system. The NEXO Contrast Management System can read, store, share, compare/relate, as well as graphically display data and injection programs coming from RIS, PACS, and multiple enabled EmpowerCTA® Injector Systems. This device provides users with record lists, graphics, and reports about data and performances.
This device is intended for retrospective and statistical data management and visualization. It is not intended for real-time data visualization, diagnostic applications, or for any other use for which the device is not indicated. This device is only to be operated by and under quasi-continuous supervision of qualified and trained staff in an appropriately licensed healthcare facility.
The NEXO Contrast Management System is compatible with the EmpowerCTA Injector System version 8.0, and EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System version 10.0 and higher.
Not all products are available in all global markets.
NEXO is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 510 Carnegie Center Drive, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424; NEXO Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); NEXO questions: Nexo.Answers@diag.bracco.com; NEXO U.S. Technical Service and Support: Phone: 888-670-7701; Fax: 609-514-2448; NEXO Email: customer.support@acistmedical.com; Website: https://smartinject.com/digital-solutions
NEXO is manufactured by ACIST Medical Systems, 7905 Full Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA.
About Bracco Injeneering S.A.
Bracco Injeneering S.A., located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the most recently added Business Unit of Bracco Imaging. Bracco Injeneering is committed to developing the best-in-class, integrated injection solutions with a strong heritage in research and innovation. It provides quality solutions for state-of-the-art radiology centers, offering proven injection technology, built on Bracco Imaging’s expertise.
Thanks to this strengthened product portfolio, including the EmpowerCTA®+ Injector System and EmpowerMR Injector System Bracco Imaging will be able to focus on constant innovation, not only for devices but also for software development and data management.
EmpowerCTA, EmpowerMR, NEXO, and IRiSMR are registered trademarks of ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
FastLoad is a trademark of ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3™
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is manufactured by ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
ulrich medical is a registered trademark of ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is a trademark of ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 510 Carnegie Center Drive,
Suite 300; Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Phone: (800) 631-5245; Fax: (609) 514-2424;
Customer Service: 1-877-BRACCO 9 (1-877-272-2269); Scientific Information: 1-800-257-5181
(Option 2); Website: https://smartinject.com
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