The impact of contrast dose reduction on patient care with Dynamic Coronary Roadmap
- By Philips
- September 30 2025
- Duration 1:21
Dynamic Coronary Roadmap (DCR) provides real-time, automatic, motion-compensated coronary imaging for live guidance of wires and intra-coronary devices. DCR is integrated into the Azurion Image Guided Therapy System and creates a motion-compensated, real-time view of coronary arteries. This proven tool also reduces the usage of contrast agent—cutting the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) [1] and easing hospital burdens. Watch the video below to know more about the benefits of DCR and how it improves patient care.
At-a-glance:
- Challenge: [00:18] Frequent contrast injections in coronary procedures increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), adding strain to hospital resources.
- Solution: [00:51] Philips Dynamic Coronary Roadmap reduces contrast agent usage by an average of 28.8% [2], helping lower AKI risk and hospital burden. [1]
- Impact: [00:43] Improved patient care, fewer bed days, and significant cost savings.
How does contrast reduction help improve patient care?
Managing coronary artery disease in the cath lab demands precision, speed, and safety. But that can present its challenges. One main problem is the need for frequent contrast injections. These are essential to visualize coronary anatomy and guide devices. However, they can significantly increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) [1], especially in vulnerable patients. AKI not only compromises patient outcomes but also leads to longer hospital stays and higher costs.
Philips Dynamic Coronary Roadmap (DCR) offers a transformative solution. By overlaying a dynamic, real-time roadmap of the coronary anatomy onto live fluoroscopy, DCR enables clinicians to navigate with confidence, without relying heavily on contrast agents. This innovation has been clinically proven to reduce contrast usage by an average of 28.8% [2], directly lowering the risk of AKI.
Benefits of DCR in patient care
- Reduced risk of acute kidney injury (AKI): DCR significantly lowers the need for contrast injections, leading to a reduction in the occurrence of AKI, a common and serious complication in coronary procedures. This is especially critical for patients with pre-existing kidney conditions. By reducing the incidence of AKI, patient care improves in terms of safety and outcomes. [1]
- Shorter Hospital Stays: Decreasing contrast-related complications leads to faster recovery times and fewer extended hospitalizations. This not only benefits patients but also frees up beds and resources for other critical cases, benefiting the hospital's resource management.
- Improved Procedural Efficiency: With real-time anatomical guidance, clinicians can navigate coronary vessels more confidently and accurately. This reduces the need for repeated imaging and injections, streamlining workflows and saving valuable time during procedures.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: DCR can benefit patients with less invasive procedures, fewer complications, and quicker recoveries. The reduced use of contrast agents also means less discomfort and lower risk, contributing to a more positive overall experience.
- Cost Savings for Healthcare Providers: Fewer complications and shorter stays can lead to measurable financial savings. Hospitals can allocate resources more effectively, reduce readmission rates, and improve operational efficiency, all while maintaining high standards of care.
The clinical and economic value of DCR on patient care
The Philips Dynamic Coronary Roadmap (DCR) is an exclusive imaging technology developed by Philips. Integrated into the Azurion Image Guided Therapy System, DCR provides a dynamic, motion-compensated, real-time view of the coronary arteries, overlaid on a 2D fluoroscopic image with a highlighted coronary angiogram. This technology can maximize clinical and economic value, and here's how:
- 28.8% less contrast volume use [2]
- 26.3% fewer angiograms [2]
- $258,480 reduction in cost per cath lab over 12 year [3]
Download the leaflet below to learn more about the clinical and economic value of DCR.
DCR Health Economic Value Calculator
- Health Economic Value Calculator Dynamic Coronary Roadmap
- Hennessey B. et al. Dynamic Coronary Roadmap versus standard angiography for percutaneous coronary intervention: the randomised, multicentre DCR4Contrast trial. EuroIntervention, 2024; 20:e198-e206
- Based on a conservative estimate of ward bed day cost. Does not include other costs such as renal replacement therapy.