Comparing Automated Injectors vs the Manual Administration Method in MRI:
Accuracy and Repeatability, Workflow and Efficiency
Do the Differences Matter In Your Practice?
Key Takeaways In MRI: Automated administration takes less time, maintains target flow rate, and produces accurate and repeatable results, whereas the user-dependent, manual method can produce results that vary widely and, in certain imaging situations, can be inconsistent, inefficient, and ultimately suboptimal.
In a recent laboratory study comparing administration methods, the automated injector method was proven to maintain greater accuracy, offer better efficiency, reduce variability, and deliver more repeatable results than the use of a manual administration method.
Published in Investigative Radiology, the objective of the study was to compare flow rates over time, and examine deviations from target flow rates achieved by automated injectors versus hand injections.
Faster Workflow, More Efficiency
Firstly, authors reported that using manual injections always took significantly longer than using automated injectors, suggesting the potential for time savings when using power injectors.
Time saving is an important metric for success in radiology: delays may lead to potential disadvantages in terms of time, money, and informed-decision making.
The individuals who appear are for illustrative purposes. All persons depicted are models and not real healthcare professionals. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Greater Consistency, Accuracy, and Repeatability
Secondly, the consistency of the target flow rate of 1 mL was precisely reached by the injector method, with almost no gap between the contrast and saline phases, whereas the flow rates for manual injections varied up to 3.1 mL/s.
These are important differences—the total time for the injection, as well as the gap between the 2 injection phases, can have an effect on the accurate timing between the injection and image acquisition, which is crucial for all first-pass, contrast-enhanced MR techniques. If image acquisition and the arterial phase are mistimed, suboptimal arterial enhancement or venous contamination may result in reduced image quality.
In addition, the flow rates were nearly identical across all injector-based contrast agent administrations, while those for manual injections had shown wide variability, both across and within individual patients. Thus, accurate and repeatable injection flow rates are unlikely with the manual administration method.
Consider Situations in Your Practice
Think about your procedures that require highly precise synchronization of contrast delivery and image acquisition; this study proved that such precise synchronization is achievable with automated injectors, but not with manual injections, which are highly user-dependent.
In addition, the authors mentioned pre-clinical data which suggested that injector-based contrast administration also results in more robust visualization of target vessels and hence provides potentially higher diagnostic image quality.
The individuals who appear are for illustrative purposes. All persons depicted are models and not real healthcare professionals. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that due to its minimal deviation from target flow rate, automated injection of contrast media in MRI provides more accurate and repeatable results than with the manual method.
We at Bracco believe this information will be of value to your practice. We’ll continue to support you with updates like these that are designed to help inform sound clinical decision making. Because when it comes to improving the care of your patients, at Bracco, we are all in.
Reference:
1. Endrikat J, Barbati R, Scarpa M, Jost G, et al. Accuracy and repeatability of automated injector versus manual administration of an MRI contrast agent—results of a laboratory study. Invest Radiol. 2018;53(1):1-5.
US-EMPCTA-2400002 04/24
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.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Bldg. H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 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.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Bldg. H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 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.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Building H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 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.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3™
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is manufactured by ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is distributed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; 259 Prospect Plains Road, Bldg. H; Monroe Township, NJ 08831 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
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.
ulrich medical is a registered trademark of ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
ulricheasyINJECT Max 3 is a trademark of ulrich GmbH & Co. KG.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.