A computed tomography (CT) power injector (also named pressure injector) is used to deliver contrast agents during CT imaging procedures with high-flow, high-volume, fixed-rate injection at relatively high pressures. The use of power injectors allows precise administration of contrast agent to obtain consistent high quality CT images. A dual-head CT power injector permits loading of contrast and saline onto the same injector. Contrast injection systems manage injector protocol data, improve patient safety, and workflow efficiency. When combined with pressure monitoring systems and hardware to prevent extravasation (accidental leakage of IV material into the surrounding tissue) these CT injectors can simultaneously mitigate risk.

See also Contrast Media Injector, Single-Head CT Power Injector, Multi-Head Contrast Media Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

The industry standard of computed tomography (CT) contrast media power injectors changed over time from single-head to dual-head systems. The advantage of a power (or pressure) injector with two syringes is that a saline solution can be injected first to open the veins, followed by a second injection with contrast agent. Then the first head flushes the saline to maintain contrast flow. As a result, much less contrast agent is needed (about 30 percent less), helping to reduce costs. Dual-head contrast media injectors also provide greater patient safety by reducing the pressure of the flow rate, helping to prevent damage to the veins.
Contrast delivery is much more controlled and efficient when using a dual-head power injector (also called double-piston injector). Also, these medical devices are required to accommodate the quick imaging times typical for a multi-detector CT scanner.

See also Contrast Media Injector, Single-Head CT Power Injector, CT Power Injector, Multi-Head Contrast Media Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

Syringeless CT power injectors (also called pressure injectors) have been developed as a solution to reduce contrast fluid waste. The Joint Commission does not allow the reuse of unused cans from disposable syringes, so the syringeless option allows facilities to use contrast media as efficiently as possible.
A syringeless CT (computed tomography) contrast media injector permits delivery to be made directly from standard contrast media bottles, featuring multi-dosing and programmable automatic saline flush. This higher loading capacity for contrast agent ( up to two contrast bottles or 1000 ml) and a bag of saline at initial setup, enables to perform multiple contrast enhanced CT scans without reloading contrast agent; resulting in increased efficiency and less waste.

See also Single-Head Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, CT Power Injector, Multi-Head Contrast Media Injector.

Contrast media injectors are part of the medical equipment used to deliver fluids in examinations such as CT, MRI, fluoroscopy and angiography. Many of these diagnostic imaging procedures include the administration of intravenous contrast agents to enhance the blood and perfusion in tissues.

Mainly there are two types of injector technology:
See also Single-Head Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

The use of x-ray contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) began with a hand injection by the radiologist in the scan room. During its history, CT scanners have made great improvements in speed and image quality. Actual CT systems with multiple detectors allow scan times of a few seconds per body region. Some CT protocols require multiphase scans, where a body region is imaged with a single bolus of contrast in different blood flow phases. Automatic power (pressure) contrast media injectors are required to provide precise control of flow rate, volume and timing of injection. The use of a saline bolus following contrast administration reduces the volume of contrast required.

Most relevant topics for the use of a power injector in medical imaging procedures such as contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT):
Must have basic injector control options:
Examples of other injector control options:

(W) The SI unit of power.
Definition: 1 watt is equal to a power rate of one joule of work per second of time or in electrical terms it is the power produced by a current of one ampere flowing through an electric potential of one volt.
Power is the rate at which work is done, or the rate at which energy is expended and is used both in mechanics and in electricity.
The unit is named for James Watt, a British engineer.