MEDRAD Introduces New Extravasation Detector Technology
Warrendale, PA - MEDRAD, INC. introduced a new extravasation detector technology for the Stellant CT Injection System that, for the first time, directly senses extravasation pooling under the skin during a Computed Tomography (CT) procedure. The MEDRAD XDS Extravasation Detector is a patented product designed to prevent moderate to severe contrast extravasations that may seriously injure patients.
MEDRAD demonstrated the product publicly for the first time this week at the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.
The XDS Extravasation Detector is an accessory that integrates with the Stellant CT Injection System. It detects mild extravasations and is designed to prevent them from becoming moderate or severe. Using radio frequency (RF) wave technology and a physical property called permittivity, XDS can detect the start of an extravasation under the patient's skin and signal the Stellant to stop injecting until a clinician can examine the patient.
Employing RF wave technology and permittivity enables MEDRAD's new extravasation detector technology to minimize false positive detections. "False positives" can interrupt workflow and inhibit productivity. They are also a major reason why previous extravasation devices that use the indirect detection method of impedance and resistivity have not been readily adopted.
"For years our customers have asked for a MEDRAD extravasation product and now we can offer them a proven technology for the first time in the industry," said Cliff Kress, senior vice president, MEDRAD CT Business Unit. "With XDS, Stellant users now have a tool that can directly sense an extravasation of contrast media to reduce the risk of severe patient injury."
Extravasation is leakage of fluid, including contrast media, drugs, or solutions, from a vein into the surrounding tissue during intravenous administration. Although rare, CT contrast media extravasations are increasingly a concern because faster flow rate protocols may increase the severity of extravasation.
"XDS integrates with our Stellant injector to quickly end an injection, typically after just 5 to 11mL, if an extravasation is detected, and it minimizes the false positives that have been the bane of previous industry attempts at an extravasation detector," said Alan Connor, marketing manager, MEDRAD CT Products. "XDS technology improves patient safety, maintains imaging efficiency, and helps our customer deliver a positive patient experience."
MEDRAD received 510(k) FDA clearance to market the XDS in March 2007. Six installations are currently operating in four clinical sites. MEDRAD will begin full-scale XDS production in the fourth quarter of 2007.
To reduce additional steps required when using the XDS in a CT procedure, MEDRAD developed an innovative set of custom adhesive tape strips. HandiSTRIPS provide a "third-hand" in placing the catheter, tubing, and wires to streamline setup and allow for proper palpation technique. HandiSTRIPSTM can also improve sterility to reduce infection risk.
SOURCE: MEDRAD, Inc.