by
Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | April 29, 2014
From the April 2014 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Some of this can be controlled by using prefilled contrast syringes, especially with new sizes being offered. But prefilled can be problematic if there’s any type of issue with the procedure. If for instance, the patient’s vascular output doesn’t perform as expected, additional contrast may be needed. If there are prefilled syringes, some of the contrast may just go to waste. So software solutions are again stepping up to deliver the goods.
Solutions like having a pendant switch next to the patient that the technologist can use to see if they have a good IV can help. Having pressure readings displayed right on the injector head is another useful tool. Both are available with Bracco’s EmpowerCTA.
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Along with reducing the use of contrast is the drive to optimize dose. For the last few years at least, this has been a major topic of discussion and it doesn’t look like it’s going to die down any time soon. For Bayer, this means working on technology to reduce both dose and procedure time. “We’re continuing to invest resources in minimizing exposure to both contrast and radiation,” says Durmis. “We’re really trying to leverage technology to support our customers,” he says.
Another new tool from Bracco is Nexo: The centralized, server-based system for standardized contrast delivery management. This IT solution connects CT injectors to the hospital’s RIS and PACS, addressing customers’ needs to centralize injector management, track contrast utilization, access patient-specific contrast history and key performance indicators.
Software tying into the EHR could help to deliver a better experience for patients in the future. “Collecting information out of the injector and automatically populating the EHR provides some very useful information,” says ECRI’s Launders. “You’ll know that the patient had this amount of contrast and this lot number and you’ll be able to track the optimal results better. You’ll be able to reduce the amount of contrast going into a patient,” he says.
That reduction will come as a relief to patients with any kidney related disease. However, there’s still the troubling occurrence of allergic reactions to contend with. “Allergic reactions aren’t something you can do anything about right now,” says Launders. He believes that may change in the future as contrast dose is tracked more closely and instances of reactions are better-documented and shared.
Maximizing uptime and looking to the future
Like any modality, contrast injectors benefit from a little TLC. With injectors readily carted around and contrast being a viscous substance, there are a number of things that can go wrong, putting the machines out of commission. Obviously, regular maintenance is highly recommended and with CMS’ decree, it’s a must anyway. But there are times that a problem can occur between regular schedules. For those times, rapid response can be a blessing to both patient scheduling and a facility’s bottom line.
