Abstract: Some contrast injection systems use relatively-large inner diameter tubing to inject contrast fluid into a patient. The contrast injection system of the embodiments presented herein takes advantage of the elastic properties of tubing to “pre-stress” smaller inner diameter tubing into larger inner diameter tubing prior to injecting contrast into the patient. As such, the contrast injection system of these embodiments can reduce the risk of system-pressure-limit-induced injection interruption, improve maximum flow rate, and reduce the use of plastics.

Abstract: A solution for injecting one or more fluids into a patient is proposed.

Abstract: Methods and systems may quantify how much contrast fluid is injected into a patient by a powered fluid injector. A controller of the powered fluid injector can receive a command from a user to begin dispensing contrast fluid. The controller may determine whether a hemodynamic pressure signal is present from a pressure sensor in fluidic connection with the vasculature of the patient. The powered fluid injector may dispense a quantity of contrast fluid in response to the command. The controller may add the quantity of contrast fluid to an injection quantity if the hemodynamic pressure signal is present just prior to and/or just after the quantity of contrast fluid is dispensed. The controller may refrain from adding the quantity of contrast fluid to the injection quantity if the hemodynamic pressure signal is not present just prior to and/or just after the quantity of contrast fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: A valve assembly embodiment includes first and second valve devices and a coupling mechanism. Each of the first and second valve devices can include first and second fluid pathways and first and second valve members respectively positioned at the first and second fluid pathways. Both the first and second valve members can have an open position that permits fluid flow and a closed position that prevents fluid flow along the first and second fluid pathways past the first and second valve members. The coupling mechanism can couple to each of the first and second valve members. When the valve assembly is actuated, the coupling mechanism can be configured to transition one or both of the first and second valve members between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An injection setup kit can include a manifold connector, a first packaging container, and a fluid line. The first packaging container can define a first closed interior volume that includes a patient interface connector having a patient interface inlet, a first patient interface outlet, and a valve configured to selectively permit fluid communication through the patient interface connector. The patient interface inlet can be fluidly connected to the manifold outlet. The fluid line can have a first fluid line end and a second fluid line end. The first fluid line end can be connected to the patient interface inlet within the first closed interior volume. The second fluid line end can extend outside of the first closed interior volume and be connected to a manifold outlet outside of the first closed interior volume.

Abstract: Sensor delivery devices and methods of measuring Fractional Flow Reserve in a patient are disclosed. One sensor delivery device includes a distal sleeve, a proximal portion, and a pressure sensor. The distal sleeve is configured to be advanced through a patient's vasculature over a guidewire. The pressure sensor is located on the distal sleeve or the proximal portion. The pressure sensor is adapted to generate a signal proportional to fluid pressure. The pressure sensor includes a material having a low thermal coefficient of pressure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an injector includes a sleeve, a drive assembly, and a drive assembly housing. The sleeve is configured to receive a reservoir having a plunger therein. The drive assembly is configured to pressurize the reservoir and includes a tip, an actuator, and mechanical segments. The tip is configured to be secured to the plunger. The actuator is configured to supply a motive force to the tip for moving it between retracted and extended positions. The mechanical segments are configured to transmit motive force from the actuator to the tip. The drive assembly housing has a housing length in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tip. The reservoir has a reservoir length L. A package length is defined by the housing length and the reservoir length L. The package length is less than 2L.

Abstract: An injection system is described that receives, from one or more sensors, a first group of one or more signals indicating a current volume of injection fluid dispensed from a fluid reservoir at a first time. The injection system determines, based on the first group of one or more signals, that a difference between a dispensed volume limit and the current volume of the injection fluid dispensed from the fluid reservoir at the first time is less than a necessary volume of fluid required to complete both a systolic injection phase and a diastolic injection phase. The injection system further, responsive to determining that the difference is less than the necessary volume of fluid required to complete both the systolic injection phase and the diastolic injection phase, controls the injection system to refrain from performing each of the systolic injection phase and the diastolic injection phase.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed comprising a sheath surrounding an inner lumen. The inner lumen is configured to receive a fluid. The sheath includes a sheath portion that comprises a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophilic material is in direct contact with the fluid. The hydrophilic material helps resist formation of air bubbles along the inner lumen.

Abstract: An injection system is described that receives, from one or more sensors, a first group of one or more signals indicating a current volume of injection fluid dispensed from a fluid reservoir at a first time. The injection system determines, based on the first group of one or more signals, that a difference between a dispensed volume limit and the current volume of the injection fluid dispensed from the fluid reservoir at the first time is less than a necessary volume of fluid required to complete both a systolic injection phase and a diastolic injection phase. The injection system further, responsive to determining that the difference is less than the necessary volume of fluid required to complete both the systolic injection phase and the diastolic injection phase, controls the injection system to refrain from performing each of the systolic injection phase and the diastolic injection phase.

Abstract: An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The imaging probe includes a transducer backing and a transducer configured to generate and receive ultrasonic waves. The transducer includes a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The first surface faces the transducer backing and the second surface is disposed at an angle sloping toward a catheter center axis in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A modular fluid delivery system is disclosed which comprises at least one supply station for supplying at least one fluid, and a pressurizing unit for pressurizing said at least one fluid, said pressurizing unit comprising at least one driving unit and at least one disposable pump module assembly. The disposable pump module assembly comprises at least one disposable pump module and a fluid circuit tubing. The disposable pump module comprises a supporting element which defines at least one chamber, at least one inlet fluid circuit pathway, at least one outlet fluid circuit pathway and at least one recirculation fluid circuit pathway. The fluid circuit tubing comprises at least one inlet fluid circuit tubing, at least one outlet fluid circuit tubing and at least one recirculation fluid circuit tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments for protecting low-pressure blood pressure sensors in high-pressure fluid flow applications by equalizing pressure on both sides of a pressure sensor's diaphragm during high pressure are disclosed. A sensor protection device may include a pressure sensor assembly, a housing, and a plunger assembly. During low pressure, fluid in the primary flow path can flow through the housing, transferring its pressure to a first side of the diaphragm; the plunger assembly can prevent fluid flow into a secondary flow path in the housing, transferring atmospheric pressure to a second side of the diaphragm. During high pressure, fluid can still flow through the primary flow path, and the plunger assembly may now allow fluid flow into the secondary flow path, transferring pressure from the same fluid to the second side of the diaphragm to equal pressure across the diaphragm. The plunger assembly may automatically transition between low- and high-pressure configurations.

Abstract: A fluid injection system includes a valve device and a valve actuation device. The valve device has a valve member and a valve member coupling. The valve member has an open position that permits fluid to pass through and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through. The valve member coupling is configured, when actuated, to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions. The valve actuation device having a valve actuation coupling and a drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is coupled to the valve member coupling and drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is movable independent of the drive mechanism to couple the valve actuation coupling to the valve member coupling. And, the valve actuation coupling is movable with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which comprises at least one first supply station for supplying a first fluid and at least one second supply station for supplying a second fluid different from the first fluid. The fluid delivery system further comprises a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the first and second fluids, said pressurizing unit comprising first and second pump modules, and each pump module comprising a chamber and a piston provided with a plunger to define first and second variable-volume sub-chambers. The fluid delivery system further comprises first and second inlet fluid circuits, first and second outlet fluid circuits, and a first recirculation fluid pathway fluidically connecting the first and second variable-volume sub-chambers of a pump module. Moreover, a first actuator is associated to said first recirculation fluid pathway for managing the fluid passage in both directions between said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers of said pump module.

Abstract: An MRI system (100) is proposed (for generating one or more images of a body-part of a patient under analysis); the MRI system (100) comprises an injector head assembly (155), for injecting at least one medical fluid into the patient, having a clock unit (340) for providing a clock signal with a clock frequency. The MRI system (100) comprises means (420-425; 445-460) for adjusting the clock frequency in response to a manual command and/or to a detection of a degradation of the images. An injector system (155,165) for use in this MRI system (100) is also proposed. Moreover, a corresponding method (500) for managing the injector head assembly (155) is proposed. A computer program (400) for implementing the method (500) and a corresponding computer program product are also proposed.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which comprises at least one supply station for supplying at least one fluid, a pressurizing unit for pressurizing said at least one fluid, an inlet fluid circuit in fluid communication with said at least one supply station and with a pump module of said pressurizing unit and an outlet fluid circuit in fluid communication with said pump module for discharging the fluid from the chamber. The chamber is provided with a piston reciprocating therein, thereby defining first and second variable-volume sub-chambers. The fluid delivery system further comprises a recirculation fluid circuit fluidically connecting said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers, and an actuator associated to said recirculation fluid circuit for managing the passage of said at least one fluid between said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers in both directions. A method of operating the fluid delivery system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments for assessing flow at an anatomical region of interest are disclosed. One embodiment uses pulsed contrast media injections at a known frequency along with corresponding image data to derive a measurement of blood flow velocity at the region of interest. Another embodiment uses incremental changes in known contrast media injection flow rates to match the blood flow rate relative to one of these known contrast media injection flow rates based on the presence of a particular indicia in image data. For example, this indicia can be the flow of contrast media out from a coronary artery back into the aorta or the onset of a steady state pixel density. A further embodiment uses contrast media injections that are synchronized with the cardiac cycle. For example, contrast media injections can be synchronized with the diastolic and/or systolic phases and used to measure blood flow accordingly.

Abstract: A catheter extension can include an extension body with a sheath defining a lumen, a cable extending within the lumen, a proximal connector attached to the sheath and configured to couple to a catheter drive mechanism, and a distal connector attached to the sheath and configured to couple to a catheter. An axial biasing member can be coupled to the cable and integrated into either the proximal or distal connector and configured to exert a force on the cable in a first axial direction and permit movement of the cable in a second axial direction. An axial key can be coupled to the cable and integrated into the connector opposite the axial biasing member. The axial key can include a tab attached to the cable and a slot with an inner profile that complements a tab outer profile that can permit the tab to move in within the slot.

Abstract: Systems can include at least one friction wheel configured to engage a catheter of an intravascular system such that proximal or distal motion of the catheter causes the friction wheel to rotate. A position sensor can include a reference element and a movable element, wherein the movable element is configured to move relative to the reference element in response to rotation of the at least one friction wheel. The position sensor can provide a position signal representative of the rotation of the at least one friction wheel. An intravascular processing engine can receive both the position signal from the position sensor and an intravascular signal from the catheter.