Bracco Launches EmpowerCTA+ Contrast-Enhanced Delivery Systems for CT Imaging

March 6, 2015—Bracco Imaging, through its business unit Bracco Injeneering SA, announced the availability of its EmpowerCTA+ contrast injection system for use in the computed tomography (CT) suite. The system has initially been launched in the United States and will be gradually introduced in Europe.

The company stated that the EmpowerCTA+ contrast injection system was designed to streamline workflow, with enhanced safety and control at the patient side. The system was reengineered with an intuitive and intelligent design with technological enhancements. Its touchscreen technology enables technologists to customize the contrast injection experience right at the patient’s side with new enhancements, including real time variable flow rates, saline advance, and saline jump.

According to Bracco, EmpowerCTA+ has a saline advance function that tests a patient’s patency and vein integrity. The saline jump feature minimizes the amount of contrast a patient receives. The injector’s EDA extravasation detection accessory provides additional safety and peace of mind for the technologist. In addition, its eGFR calculator for estimated glomerular filtration rate simplifies calculations for kidney evaluation function before contrast delivery. The system’s built-in tilt sensor and lock feature reduces the risk of air embolisms.

The company further noted that the EmpowerCTA+ injector system is intended for the vascular administration of contrast and flushing media. The injector system is used in conjunction with computed tomography scanning of the body with an optional interface to a CT scanner and an optional calculator for glomerular filtration rate. The extravasation detection accessory is an optional accessory and is indicated for the detection of extravasations of ionic and nonionic contrast during CT procedures using a power injector.