Automated contrast injectors for angiography: devices, methodology, and safety.

Automated contrast injectors (ACIs) are widely employed in interventional cardiology, radiology and neurology. Information regarding the specifications of advanced ACIs and the appropriate injection settings of these devices is limited in the medical literature. This review describes the specifications of the most widely used ACIs and provides appropriate recommendations for injection settings for the various angiographic studies. These recommendations are based on expert consensus and commercial experience regarding characteristics of devices, catheters and contrast. The suggested settings were not subject to rigorous comparative clinical assessment. This review should increase the familiarity, comfort and appreciation of safety among ACI users. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.