Priya Sarv,  Nagpal Prashant

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-004

This exhibit explores the microbolus injection technique in pediatric cardiac CT angiography, providing a comparison to traditional bolus and test bolus methods. The microbolus technique involves delivering multiple small, precisely timed boluses of contrast media, each followed by saline flushes, using a dual-head power injector. Unlike the standard bolus injection, which administers a single large volume of contrast, the microbolus technique dispenses several smaller doses of contrast at regular intervals, interspersed with saline. This approach synchronizes the contrast circulation with the patient’s cardiac output and vascular dynamics, ensuring enhanced opacification of key heart structures, particularly in pediatric patients. The saline flushes help maintain a steady flow and promote even distribution of the contrast, preventing pooling. The primary aim is to achieve simultaneous, uniform opacification of both right and left heart structures, including coronary arteries, pulmonary arteries, and systemic veins, all within a single scan. This precise timing and contrast distribution have the potential to reduce the need for repeat imaging caused by suboptimal visualization, thus potentially lowering radiation exposure and contrast volume.

This educational exhibit will address the following:

A comprehensive overview of the microbolus injection technique, highlighting its distinction from traditional bolus and test bolus injections.
An explanation of injector requirements and how the precise timing of contrast and saline boluses is achieved.
Potential advantages of achieving simultaneous opacification of both right and left heart structures.
The possibility of reducing the need for repeat or delayed scans, potentially decreasing radiation exposure.
A discussion of the technique's limitations and practical considerations for clinical implementation. Read More

Authors:  Priya Sarv , Nagpal Prashant

Keywords:  Cardiovascular, CT Angiography, Teaching