Contrast delivery
Hemel Hempstead Hospital is making use of an advanced contrast delivery system
The ACIST Contrast Management System from APC Cardiovascular helps deliver improved patient care, speeds up operating times and minimises expensive contrast media wastage, according to the maker.
APC also says it allows for greater precision and control in the delivery of contrast media during diagnostic and interventional procedures and due to its ability to quickly change between large and small injections, many physicians are finding an additional use with percutaneous aortic valve replacements.
The ACIST system works by providing a variablerate adjustment of contrast media flow and volume. Clinicians are able to control the rate and flow of contrast injected into a patient simply by adjusting the pressure applied to hand controller buttons.
Such control of contrast media enables clinicians to use less contrast, which potentially reduces the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). This uniform rate of contrast delivery also means that high quality images are produced. Also, because injections are not limited by hand pressure, it enables the use of smaller catheters, which maybe useful during radial procedures, and it helps to speed up patient recovery.
A really important safety feature is the built-in sensors, which monitor the key system functions and contrast lines. This means that the likelihood of injecting air into a patient is reduced.
As well as it allowing for safer patient care, the medical professional is also better protected with the ACIST device. This is because it reduces radiation exposure by allowing the clinician to administer contrast whilst stepping away from an imaging device. The hand controller also reduces hand strain compared to syringe injection.
Mary Kelly, Superintendent Radiographer at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, said: “After I familiarised myself with the system, I found the ACIST reliable, efficient and easy to use.”
Chelsea Herbert who also uses the ACIST at St Mary’s Hospital in London, said: “The ACIST Contrast Injection System enables the doctors to deliver a consistent rate of contrast.”
For details visit www.apc-cardiovascular.co.uk.
