E-Z-EM introduces new bowel agent

Gastrointestinal contrast agent developer E-Z-EM of Westbury,NY, has introduced a new product targeted at improving visualizationof the small bowel in x-ray studies. E-Z-EM's Entero Vu agentenables "see-through" imaging of the small bowel, inwhich the translucency of the intestine is maintained even throughmultiple organ layers. Entero Vu allows radiologists to obtaina clear study of the entire small bowel, according to the company.

E-Z-EM claims that Entero Vu offers clearer images than small-bowelstudies using conventional oral contrast media, which often lackdefinition and detail because of the high density of the media.Because it is administered orally, Entero Vu is also easier tohandle than another small-bowel imaging procedure, enteroclysis,in which contrast is directly infused into the small intestinevia a catheter.

E-Z-EM has set a list price of $198 for a box of Entero Vu, whichconsists of 12 doses.