Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.

Abstract: The fluid path set is intended for use in a fluid delivery system. The fluid path set includes a multi-patient use section adapted for connection to a syringe used in the fluid delivery system, and to a source of fluid, such as contrast media, to be loaded into the syringe. The fluid path set further includes a per-patient use section that is removably connected to the multi-patient use section. A connector removably connects the multi-patient use section and the per-patient use section. A drip chamber is provided between the source of fluid and the syringe, and includes a projection for determining a level of fluid in the drip chamber. The per-patient use section includes a pressure isolation mechanism. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a lumen, a pressure isolation port, and a valve member with a biasing portion that biases the valve member to a normally open position.

Abstract: A syringe includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a center section therebetween. The distal end of the syringe body includes a conical portion that extends and tapers from the center section to an injection neck forming a discharge outlet. The proximal end of the syringe body includes a radial expansion section and an outward extending lip. An inner diameter of the radial expansion section is larger than an inner diameter of the center section and the outer diameter of the radial expansion section is smaller than an outer diameter of the center section. A plunger is movably disposed in the syringe body and includes a pair of coupling members defining a slot therebetween, the plunger being substantially seated in the radial expansion section in a pre-use state of the syringe. An alignment flange is formed on the conical portion and extends the distance between the center section and the injection neck.

Abstract: A valve system for use in a system including a first source of a first pressurized fluid and a second source of a second pressurized fluid includes a valve housing including a first inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the first source, a second inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the second source and an outlet port. The valve system further includes a backflow prevention system to prevent flow of the first pressurized fluid through the second inlet and to prevent flow of the second pressurized fluid through the first inlet port. The valve system is adapted to provide a fluid path between at least the first inlet port and the outlet port to enable fluid to be drawn from the outlet port to the first inlet port. Several of the valve systems of the present invention provide for flow from the first inlet port to the outlet port and concurrent flow from the second inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: A system for the collection, management, and dissemination of information relating at least to a medical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a user interface adapted to provide raw data information at least about one of a patient, the medical procedure, and a result of the medical procedure. A medical device communicates with the user interface, receives the raw data information from the user interface, and generates operational information during use. A central database communicates at least with the medical device and receives data from the medical device. The central database is used to create related entries based on the raw data information and the operational information and optionally transmits the related entry to the medical device or the medical device user. The related entry includes information that provides guidance based on previously tabulated, related medical procedures.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for delivering fluid to multiple patients includes a first fluid source, a second fluid source, and a fluid path disposed between the first and second fluid sources and a patient. The fluid path includes a mixing device, a reusable portion for delivering fluid to multiple patients and a per-patient disposable portion removably connected to the reusable portion.

Abstract: The fluid injection apparatus for use with the syringe includes an injector and a pressure jacket assembly associated with the injector. The injector includes a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe. The pressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jacket and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket. The at least one locking member is movable between an engaged position preventing removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe into the pressure jacket.

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 injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, a fluid path set disposed between the source of injection fluid and the pump device, and a fluid control device operatively associated with the fluid path set. The fluid control device is adapted to permit purging of air from the fluid path set and to stop flow of the injection fluid to a patient at substantially any pressure or flow rate generated by the pump device for delivering a sharp bolus of the injection fluid to the patient. The fluid control device is preferably part of the fluid path set between the source of injection fluid and the pump device.

Abstract: An actuator includes a non-magnetic, electroactive material that is suitable to impart force upon application of an electric current, a power supply to provide an electric current to the electroactive material and a controller in operative connection with the power supply to control application of electric current to the electroactive material. In one embodiment, the controller is adapted to limit rates at which electric current is applied to or removed from the electroactive material to predefined rates, thereby reducing the potential for high frequency harmonic emissions.

Abstract: An injector system for injection of a fluid medium into a patient within an electromagnetic isolation area. The injector system includes a powered injector, a system controller therefor, and a plurality of communication units. The powered injector is positioned within the isolation area. A first communication unit integral with the powered injector enables the first communication unit and the powered injector to be moved as a unit. The system controller is positioned outside the isolation area and has a second communication unit integral therewith. An intermediate communication unit ensures communication between the first and the second communication units and therethrough between the powered injector and the system controller using an authentication technique therewith. The first, second and intermediate communication units are adapted to communicate by transmission of radio frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy is chosen to avoid interfering with the operation of MRI scanners.

Abstract: A medical container loading system includes a medical container loading device and a fill station. The fill station is located proximate to the medical container loading device and includes a mounting plate and a holding assembly. The holding assembly is connected to the mounting plate for supporting a medical fluid container adapted for fluid communication with a medical container, such as a syringe, used in the medical container loading device. The holding assembly may include a fixed support and a movable support, which maintain the medical fluid container in the holding assembly. The fixed support may be funnel-shaped with a smooth or stepped inner wall. The fixed support may also be rectangular shaped and have an inclined inner wall or support for supporting the body of the medical fluid container. The movable support may be a resiliently biased support arm or an adjustable strap.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a hazardous pharmaceutical comprising the steps of: connecting a source of flushing fluid to a first port of a fluid delivery set; connecting a pressurizing unit of a powered injector system (including a powered injector and the pressurizing unit) to a second port of the fluid delivery set; purging air from the fluid delivery set; and, after purging air from the fluid delivery set, connecting a third port of the fluid delivery set to a source of the hazardous pharmaceutical. The fluid delivery set can, for example, include a valve system or assembly to control flow of fluid through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A syringe interface for attaching syringes to a drive mechanism which includes a drive member to impart motion to a syringe plunger includes a plurality of syringe mount apertures having different dimensions to attach each of a plurality of syringes to the syringe interface. Each of the syringes for attachment to the syringe interface includes at least one mounting flange, and each of the plurality of syringes has a different mounting flange dimension. Each of the plurality of syringe mount apertures is in general alignment with an axis of the drive member. A syringe drive mechanism includes a syringe interface as described above. The syringe drive mechanism can further include a sensing system to sense which size of the plurality of syringes is mounted on the syringe interface. The syringe drive mechanism can also include a processor and a memory which are in operative communication with the drive member. The memory includes a control program stored therein.

Abstract: A pump includes a motor and a motor control in operative connection with the motor. The motor control provides energy input to the motor to drive the motor and receives feedback from the motor of motor function. The motor control includes a motor control protocol that controls the energy input to the motor based upon the feedback received from the motor. The motor control protocol causes a rapid increase in energy provided to the motor if motor feedback indicates an unusual load on the motor.

Abstract: Apparatuses for supporting medical equipment are provided. Some apparatuses provide a support arm comprising a resilient assembly. The resilient assembly preferably comprises a detent and receives force imparted upon the support arm. Essentially, the assembly limits stress imparted upon the support arm and any other structure that the support arm is operatively connected to thereby making the apparatuses more durable. Another apparatus provides a collet for preventing a support arm from sliding from a housing. Yet another apparatus provides spacers than can be used to virtually extend the length of a support arm. Methods of adjusting a support arm are also provided.