Medrad Inc. this week introduced the Avanta Fluid Management Injection System and the Vanguard Dx Angiographic Catheters at this week's American College of Cardiology Conference, March 6 - 8, in Orlando, Fla.
   
According to Medrad, the new fluid management injection system improves patient and operator safety by controlling the delivery of contrast at low flow rates and low pressures in variable mode. This enables injections of small vessels, such as the coronary arteries, Medrad said. For larger vessels and peripheral imaging needs, the injector can generate high flow rates and high-pressure injections in fixed mode. In addition, Medrad said saline can be administered at a fixed rate.
   
The fey feature of Medrad's new Vanguard Dx Angiographic Catheter is its patented RadiantFlow tip technology that produces a "cloud" of contrast intended to enhance mixing and distribution. Medrad said the dispersion of contrast has the potential to reduce catheter whipping and enhance tip stability during injections.
   
The new catheters will be available in the fifteen most common shapes and in two sizes: 4 French (FR) and 5FR, Medrad said.
   
Medrad Avanta and Vanguard Dx can work together as a fluid management system. Both products are awaiting U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance.