From the April 2011 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


Needles hold patents too, but unlike pharmaceuticals, OEMS are able to quickly bring new injector needles to market. And they have a clever way to make them “must haves.”As patents on older needles expire, the attachments accepting the now patent-free needle are phased out. Between the syringes and tubing, a steady stream of supplies leaves the manufacturing plants with a steady cash flow returning.

Meanwhile, with the updates to needles and injectors, a new income generator is emerging. “Once the injector is set up to only handle a pre-filled syringe, contrast agents and saline will start to pick up again,” Florida Service Plus’ Marshall believes.


That is of course, unless Toshiba America Medical Systems has its way.

Clear images, hold the contrast
Little Company of Mary employs Toshiba’s technology to provide those high-quality images sans the contrast. Economics plays multiple roles in this story as well.

Toshiba’s Vantage MRI system was welcomed overseas according to Stuart Clarkson, director of the MR business unit for Toshiba. “Starting in 1999, we investigated vessels and vascular structures difficult to image without Gadolinium. Our research was of particular interest in Japan where Gadolinium contrast-agents were never subject to reimbursement from the government.”




The positive for LCMH is that the facility’s introduction into non-contrast imaging involved fourth or fifth generation technology. That technology, with a current install base of 1,100 worldwide, still carries a significant price tag – ranging from $1.1 to $1.5 million depending upon the configuration.

But the outlay is just one side of the financial story. Erickson believes her hospital has probably already recouped the cost of the technology in the three years it’s been in use.

“We run between 48 and 55 procedures annually that traditionally required contrast,” she says. “We’re experiencing savings throughout our system and an improvement to the workflow surrounding procedures as well.”

Erickson points out that the lack of contrast agents means there’s no need for a lab draw prior to the procedure, so the disposables typically involved are no longer needed. Patients don’t have to have that extra task scheduled and there’s not the extra pay needed to cover staff expenses. A second source of savings is realized the day of the procedure when again, a needle isn’t needed for the IV.

April 2011 Magazine

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