Abstract: A syringe loading/filling device (or “syringe loader”) includes a syringe mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with an attachment mechanism of a syringe to attach the syringe to the syringe loader and a drive member adapted to impart motion to the syringe plunger. The syringes for use with the syringe loader include a syringe plunger slidably disposed therein and an attachment mechanism for attachment of the syringe to an injector. Such injectors include a mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with the attachment mechanism on the syringe to mount the syringe on the injector.

Abstract: A syringe includes a body and a plunger disposed therein. The body includes a nozzle formed therein and at least one hub member connected thereto or integrally formed thereon for holding an end of a connector tube. The connector tube includes two ends, each end preferably being connected to a respective hub member to retain the connector tube in contact with the syringe. Preferably, the syringe and the connector tube are packaged in a pre-connected condition for ease of use by the customer. Furthermore, flexible inlet tubing for connection to a syringe for filling the syringe with contrast media, for example, is described. The inlet tubing permits filling of the syringe from either a bag or a bottle and may remain attached to the syringe so that it forms at least a part of the connection to the patient. In addition, an apparatus for facilitating the purge of air from a connector tube that will ultimately be connected between a syringe and a patient is described.

Abstract: A syringe system (20) includes an elongated shell (30), a pressure member (80) slidable disposed within the elongated shell (30), and a collapsible cartridge (100). The Collapsible cartridge (100) is inserted within the elongated shell (30), and collapses as the pressure member (30) is advanced within the elongated body (30) to pressurize fluid within the collapsible cartridge (100). The collapsible cartridge (100) preferably further includes a passage (130) through which the fluid passes when pressurized by the pressure member (80).

Abstract: A system for dispensing a medium includes at least a first container to hold the medium, a pressurizing device, such as a pump, in fluid connection with the container for pressurizing the medium, and an agitation mechanism or device to maintain the components of the medium in a mixed state. The container and the pressurizing device can be separate units, as in the case of an bag or bottle in fluid connection with a peristaltic or other type of pump. The container and the pump can also be combined in a single unit, as in the case of a syringe, wherein the syringe barrel of the syringe acts to contain the medium and the syringe plunger pressurizes the medium within the syringe barrel. A method of injecting a multi-component medium includes the step of agitating the medium (for example, as described above) before or during an injection procedure to maintain the components of the medium in a mixed state.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides pressure measuring devices comprising a sensor to detect the force upon at least a portion of a contact surface of a syringe plunger during pressurization of a fluid medium within the syringe. A determination of the pressure of the fluid medium within the syringe is thereby enabled.

Abstract: A luer connector is provided with a tactile and audible torque indicator. The indicator comprises a detent incorporated between the female cylindrical component of the luer connector and a rotatable collar mounted thereon. As the collar is turned in a clockwise direction, the collar is impeded by the detent formed by opposingly projecting protuberances between the inside of the collar and the outside of the female cylindrical luer component. As the threaded luer connection is tightened, requiring additional torque to tighten it further, the additional torque overcomes the resistance of the detent, allowing the collar protuberance to slip past the cylinder protuberance. The female luer component may also be provided with a color patch or pattern, to indicate by its rotation, when the detent has been overcome, that the luer connection has been appropriately tightened.

Abstract: A catheter introducing assembly is provided which includes a self-shielding needle while providing captured visual blood flowback. The catheter introducing assembly includes a clear Y-Connector which is used for contrast injection and has an additional port for medication. A V-Spring is placed unrestricted in a spring holder which is attached to the distal end of the Y-Connector. The spring acts as a guard, once the needle is withdrawn, to protect the needle from forward movement. An injection port is provided for high pressure introduction of medication or contrast media. A silicon ball is retained in the injection port which, when medication is required, will reseal after the needle is withdrawn. A luer/filter assembly is provided in fluid communication with the introducer needle to allow air to escape through the filter for visualization of blood flowback upon needle insertion.

Abstract: A means for detecting the presence of a transparent liquid in the barrel of a transparent angiography syringe comprising a plurality of indicator patterns positioned on the exterior of the barrel, the indicator patterns arranged in a helical array circumscribing the barrel of the syringe. When the syringe is empty, each indicator pattern is seen as having a first elliptical configuration; however, when the fluid is present in the barrel, the indicator pattern appears to have a second circular configuration, and the difference in apparent configuration is indicative of the presence of the liquid. The indicator patterns are arranged in a non-overlapping array, to permit non-obstructed viewing of the patterns, as well as ready comparison of distorted and non-distorted patterns.

Abstract: A retaining device for receiving the curved distal end of a catheter to maintain the catheter in its curved configuration and to prevent straightening of the curved catheter is formed from a pair of flexible sheets face-to-face and sealed to each other along a line conforming to the periphery of the curve of the catheter, the pocket having an opening therein to receive the curved distal end of the catheter. The sheets are permeable to sterilizing agent and may be torn apart to separate them and permit easy removal of the catheter when the catheter is to be used.

Abstract: A guide catheter having a tubular body with a wire-braided Teflon core and a polyurethane jacket. The distal end of the jacket is removed from the core, and a soft polyurethane tip is applied to the core over the region where the jacket has been removed. The tip overlaps the core for approximately two millimeters and extends distally approximately two millimeters beyond the distal end of the core. The tip may be applied to the core as a separate tube bonded to it or be built up on the core by repeatedly dipping the top in a polyurethane slurry, or be molded onto the distal end of the core.