Bracco Diagnostics, the US subsidiary of Italy-based Bracco Imaging, has launched the CardioGen-82 infusion system after receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CardioGen-82 infusion system is designed to improve automation, efficiency and simplicity in cardiac position emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).

The infusion system model will replace the company’s current infusion system.

The closed system produces rubidium Rb 82 chloride injection for intravenous administration.

Rubidium Rb 82 chloride injection is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for the PET imaging of the myocardium under rest or pharmacologic stress conditions.

It assesses regional myocardial perfusion in adult patients suspected of having coronary artery disease.

Bracco Diagnostics president and CEO Vittorio Puppo said: “The new infusion system exemplifies Bracco’s significant investment in the cardiac PET imaging modality and is the culmination of thoughtful design and feedback from healthcare providers. Developing innovative products that support clinicians in diagnosing coronary artery disease is our commitment to the patients we serve.”

The company said that the new system has better intuitive and ergonomic details that offer easy access to all system components while reducing the radiation exposure for staff and patients.

It provides dosing options and other protocol parameters, which enables clinicians to make changes in scheduling and accommodate patient needs easily.

Last year, Bracco Imaging signed a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of UK molecular imaging company Blue Earth Diagnostics in a deal valued at $450m.

In 2016, the FDA granted approval for Bracco Diagnostics’ Lumason for ultrasonography of the liver.