Contrast Booster

Breathing-guidance device that standardizes the Mueller maneuver to improve image quality in pulmonary CT angiography. Contrast Booster guides the patient through a controlled suction against resistance (Mueller maneuver) during pulmonary CT, mainly CT angiography for suspected pulmonary embolism. According to the manufacturer, this reduces the inflow of unopacified blood from the inferior vena cava, increases contrast density in the target vessels and gives a reproducible breathing position for follow-up scans; its effect on CTPA image quality was examined in a study published in European Radiology (2023). The lightweight patient interface unit is held with the mouth, hands-free, and shows suction intensity with LEDs. The charge and communication unit mirrors this display so the radiographer can intervene at any time. A single-use mouthpiece is used for each patient, and the unit is ready for the next examination in under two minutes.