Performing a Tc-99m Brain Death, or Intracerebral Perfusion, scan presents a unique set of challenges. Moving an unstable patient to the imaging department can be difficult for hospital staff and potentially hazardous to the patient. It is also an extremely sensitive and traumatic experience for the patient’s family.

Brain Death Study Considerations

Patients requiring a brain death study typically are on life support which makes the study logistically complex. Traditionally, brain death studies are performed in the imaging department with the use of a stationary camera. The patient must be carefully stabilized then transported with all the equipment, including power, which necessitates multiple hospital staff members to oversee and handle the transfer. The staff members often need to monitor the patient in the imaging department for the entire duration of the study. This can be costly, as well as challenging for critical care teams left on the patient floors to operate at reduced capacities.

Improving Brain Death Studies with Portable Imaging

The ideal way to handle brain death studies is with the use of a portable imaging system. In doing so, the technologist and the camera are delivered to the patient’s bedside to perform the study, essentially bringing the imaging department to the patient.

Using a portable camera causes substantially less disruption and creates a more peaceful experience while dealing with a traumatic event. Portable systems, such as the Ergo, offer hospitals, patients, and families a more caring and efficient protocol for everyone involved.