February 27, 2012 — Medspira introduced at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2012 conference Breath Hold ES (extra sensitive) with ultra-precise breathing pattern visualization optimized for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams as well as diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy (RT) procedures involving the lungs and upper abdomen.
Like the Breath Hold respiratory monitoring system, Breath Hold ES enables patients to self-monitor their breathing patterns based on biofeedback delivered by the device’s visual display. It registers respiratory motion in smaller increments than the original Breath Hold model for greater precision in breathing control. This is beneficial in abdominal and cardiac MRI exams, which can be significantly affected by breathing inconsistencies, and RT in both the planning and delivery stages.
Greater patient breathing control leads to enhanced imaging precision for the development of RT treatment plans as well as a potentially more accurate targeting of desired treatment areas when delivering the therapy.
The Breath Hold ES registers breathing motion on its LED light display at levels ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm of chest movement. In addition, it provides an enhanced signal between the technologist’s remote control and the patient Breath Hold unit to communicate through the protective bunkers that surround the equipment area, enabling technicians in the control room to follow the patient’s breathing motion in real time.
“The impact of respiratory motion on lengthy abdominal and cardiac MRI exams has long been a frustrating problem that can significantly affect image quality,” comments Ryan Gruening, vice president of sales and marketing for Medspira. “To compensate, one strategy has been to direct patients in the already intimidating MRI environment to attempt a series of long, unaided breath-holds. As a result, these holds are often inaccurate and difficult for patients. Another strategy has been to simply allow patients to free breathe and to attempt some degree of compensation when either processing or reading the image.”
Like other Breath Hold products, new Breath Hold ES combines an expandable bellows system and pressure sensitive transducer tube, which wraps around the patient’s chest or stomach to measure changes in abdominal girth due to patient respiration. For breath-hold monitoring, a reference point, typically either inhaling or exhaling, is selected. After selection, the central monitor light communicates when patients have reached their respiratory target, while additional lights visually alert them if they stray from their desired hold position. To support a reproducible shallow respiratory pattern, patients work to keep their breathing within a central group of lights.
Since its introduction in 2009, the Breath Hold product line has already been adopted by numerous hospitals and other medical facilities worldwide.
For more information: www.medspira.com
May 15, 2025 
