CO2 spray mini-injector for digital subtraction angiography versus PC-controlled injection system: experiments in dogs.

A personal computer (PC)-controlled CO2 injector (consisting of a pneumatic unit, electric/electronic system, and calculator) and a spray mini-injector (consisting of a CO2 spray can and a dosage chamber) were used in 10 dogs to determine their efficacy regarding imaging quality and ease of handling. CO2 was injected into the abdominal aorta, renal artery, and femoral artery. The vessel diameter was determined on each CO2 arteriogram and compared with that determined on a reference arteriogram obtained using an iodinated contrast agent. The filling ratio (CO2/iodine) was calculated for each set of injection parameters. Both injection systems provided good visualization (filling ratio > 0.9) of large and small arteries within a range of injection parameters. In terms of practicality, the spray mini-injector is more appealing, because it is easier to handle and does not require any preparation.