Experimental detection of subcutaneous contrast extravasation using radio frequency permittivity sensing

A new method for early detection of extravasations during contrast-enhanced computed tomographic procedures is evaluated. The new method uses radio frequency permittivity-based sensing to detect the onset of an extravasation with high sensitivity and specificity. There were 66 subcutaneous injections performed at the antecubital fossa in 35 volunteers to evaluate the new method. Sensitivity was found to be 98.8% (95% confidence interval, 97.6%-100%), whereas specificity was found to be 99.97% (95% confidence interval, 99.90%-100%).