Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: MRI Contrast Injection
• Medical Term: Injection, gadofosveset trisodium, 1 ml (A9583)

Summary

This procedure involves the injection of a contrast agent called gadofosveset trisodium into the bloodstream to enhance the quality of imaging during an MRI scan. This contrast agent helps to provide clearer and more detailed images of blood vessels and tissues, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Used to identify and assess vascular diseases, tumors, and other abnormalities in the blood vessels and tissues.
• Goals: To provide enhanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and to guide treatment decisions.

Indications

• Symptoms such as unexplained pain, swelling, or vascular anomalies.
• Conditions like suspected blood vessel diseases, tumors, or other abnormalities in soft tissues.
• Patients needing detailed imaging of vascular structures for accurate diagnostic purposes.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Medication Adjustments: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking.
• Diagnostic Tests: Kidney function tests may be required to ensure the safe administration of the contrast agent.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-Procedure: Patient is positioned on the MRI table.
2. Injection: An intravenous (IV) line is inserted, followed by the injection of 1 ml gadofosveset trisodium.
3. Imaging: The patient undergoes the MRI scan as the contrast agent circulates through the bloodstream.
   • Tech Used: MRI machine, IV line, contrast agent (gadofosveset trisodium).
   • Anesthesia: Generally not required, but sedation may be used if the patient has anxiety or difficulty staying still.

Duration

The entire process, including the MRI scan, typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient radiology or imaging center equipped with MRI facilities.

Personnel

• Radiologist (to interpret MRI images)
• MRI technician (to operate MRI machine and perform imaging)
• Nurse or healthcare professional (to administer the injection and monitor the patient)

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor side effects like nausea, headache, or mild discomfort at the injection site.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (in patients with severe kidney disease), or issues related to the MRI environment (such as claustrophobia).

Benefits

• Provides clearer and more detailed images for accurate diagnosis.
• Can help in detecting and assessing conditions that might not be visible with a standard MRI.
• Results are typically available shortly after the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Generally minimal; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Expected Recovery Time: No recovery time required.
• Follow-Up: Patients may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss the MRI results.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Non-contrast MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, or other imaging modalities.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Non-Contrast MRI: Avoids use of contrast agent but may provide less detailed images.
  • CT Scan: Faster and may be more readily available but involves exposure to ionizing radiation.
  • Ultrasound: Non-invasive, does not involve radiation or contrast agents, but may not provide as detailed images of deep tissues.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients might feel coolness or slight discomfort during the injection; a slight pressure from the MRI machine.
• After: Mild side effects (if any) and generally a quick return to normal activities.
• Pain Management: Typically, no pain management is needed, but any discomfort can be addressed by the healthcare team immediately.