Improvement of visualization in computed tomographic colonography after mechanic air insufflation.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to develop an insufflation system for CT colonography enabling even and quick air inflation as well as pressure control and optional emergency decompression.


METHODS
A modified air insufflation system for CT colonography, consisting of an electric air pump, manometer, safety valve, and a balloon tip is presented. Thirty one patients underwent CT colonography from August to December, 2004.


RESULTS
Optimal distension was achieved in 30 patients; the distension was incomplete (partial) only in one case. The insufflation was performed within 60 seconds in 28 of the cases, in 2 patients--within 180 seconds and in one patient--after 180 seconds.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented insufflation system allows optimization of CT colonography technique, reduces the risk of adverse events during examination and improves the precision of the method.
Sirakov
Nikolay V
NV
Department of Imaging Diagnostics, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. mail@nsirakov.com
Velkova
Kichka G
KG
Nikolov
Russin R
RR
Sirakov
Vladimir N
VN
D000388:Air; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*