ACIST- Injection Systems for Contrast Delivery in Cardiovascular Angiography

ACIST is a world leader in contrast delivery solutions for the imaging field, dedicated to advancing the art of angiography through research and development of new products and technologies – supporting today's needs and anticipating those of tomorrow. More than four million people around the world have had cardiovascular angiographic procedures using an ACIST system. ACIST systems are widely proven in the global health care arena, with clinical usage in over 40 countries and in many world-renowned centers, as well as in community hospitals and university settings.

Company History

1991: The company is founded by Dr. Robert F. (Bob) Wilson, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of the Interventional Cardiology Program at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Wilson envisions an easier way to deliver contrast media during angiography, using a technique that would streamline and simplify the procedure.
1995: The company is incorporated as "Invasatec."
Oct. 1997: The company licenses five-year joint marketing rights to Bracco Diagnostics Inc. , Princeton, NJ, which has an extensive nationwide distribution network.
Dec. 1997: After developing the first injection system for diagnostic and interventional cardiology, the company receives FDA clearance to market the CL100H system.
Jan. 1998: Invasatec's management and board of directors change the company name to "ACIST Medical Systems" to better reflect the company's focus. "ACIST" stands for "Automated Contrast Injection System Technology."
Oct. 1998: First ACIST system is sold, a CL100H, with a single-use syringe. Within three months, thirty systems are sold.
Jan. 2000: ACIST opens a European sales and service office in Ravenswade (near Amsterdam), Netherlands.

Oct. 2000: FDA clearance to market for the ACIST CMS2000 model, featuring a contrast syringe that can be used for up to five procedures.
Dec. 2000: 400 ACIST systems are being used worldwide.

March 2001: FDA clearance to market for the ACIST Voyager System, used for peripheral procedures.
June 2001: ACIST Medical Systems is acquired by the Bracco Group, Milan, Italy, a world leader in the field of diagnostic imaging.
April 2003: The ACIST Europe office moves to Maastricht and Sittard, Netherlands, and becomes the Customer Service and Distribution Centre.
Dec. 2004: 1,000 ACIST systems are in use in over 30 countries worldwide.
Dec. 2005: The ACIST CVi Contrast Delivery System is introduced. This fourth-generation system combines the capabilities of the CMS and Voyager into one user-friendly system.
Dec. 2006: Over 2000 ACIST systems are installed worldwide.
June 2007: ACIST Medical Systems moves into its new headquarters to gain greater manufacturing and product development capabilities- supporting the world market with two other regional offices in Europe and Asia.