Abstract: Systems and methods for the selection of and application of RF power to a plurality of transmit and/or transmit/receive coil elements to decrease patient SAR and to limit the potential for artifact problems. Without any change to the hardware or software of an MR scanner, the present local coil system provides system logic and coil design flexibility such that only transmit coil elements that are required for a particular portion of an MR scan will be utilized at that time. The local coil system may include any combination of transmit-only, receive-only and transmit/receive coil elements as part of the coil system (array of coil elements). The logic controller of the local coil system gathers input data from the MR scanner, from the attached coil elements and optionally from one or more sensors attached to the coil system itself.

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: A head coil for use with a parallel-imaging compatible MR system is disclosed, as is a method of making, and a neurovascular array (NVA) equipped with, same. The head coil includes conductive rings and rods configured to produce a plurality of electrically-adjacent primary resonant substructures about a birdcage-like structure, with each such primary resonant substructure including two rods neighboring each other and the short segment of each of the first and second rings interconnecting them. The primary resonant substructures are isolated from each other via a preamplifier decoupling scheme and an offset tuning scheme thereby enabling each primary resonant substructure (i) to receive an MR signal from tissue within its field of view and (ii) to be operatively couplable to one processing channel of the MR system for conveyance of the MR signal received thereby (iii) while being simultaneously decoupled from the other primary resonant substructures.

Abstract: A probe for use with a pulse oximeter apparatus is disclosed, as are a fixture for and a method of making the probe. The probe includes a housing and two fiber optic bundles. The first bundle has an emitter portion at one end, and is used for conducting light from a source thereof to the emitter portion from which the light is transmitted for transillumination through a body part. The second bundle is for conducting the transilluminated light incident upon a detector portion thereof to the pulse oximeter apparatus. The housing is overmolded onto the bundles so that the emitter and detector portions are securely positioned diametrically opposite each other across an opening defined by the housing. The overmolding makes the alignment of the emitter and detector portions largely impervious to movement of the body part when placed within the opening and thus between the emitter and detector portions.

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: Embodiments of an injector, injector system, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be seated within an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe about its axis with respect to the injector.

Abstract: A battery charger system, for use with an injector system, comprises a power supply and a battery pack. The power supply converts AC power to DC power. The battery pack includes a battery and a charging module. The module monitors the operating mode of the injector system. When the battery pack is disconnected from the injection control unit, the module enables the power supply to charge the battery with DC power. When the battery pack is connected to the injection control unit: (A) upon detecting the injector system in an idle mode, the module routes DC power from the power supply to both the battery for charging thereof and the injection control unit for operation thereof; and (B) upon detecting the injector system in a non-idle mode, the module prevents the power supply from charging the battery and enables the battery to provide DC power to the injection control unit.

Abstract: The check valve includes a housing body and a valve member. An actuator is associated with the valve member or housing body. The housing body defines a flow passage and an inlet port and an outlet port each communicating with the flow passage. The housing body includes a seal seat in the flow passage between the inlet port and outlet port. The valve member is disposed in the flow passage and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The actuator may be operatively connected to the valve member to place the valve member in an override position permitting bi-directional fluid flow through the flow passage. The valve member may be a cantilever valve member responsive to fluid flow in the flow passage. The valve member may have multiple states or positions. The actuator may be a bypass actuator selectively placing the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A system for confirming agent compatibility with a patient to whom the agent is to be delivered includes at least one detector adapted to read stored biometric data of the patient associated with the agent and to measure biometric data of the patient, and a controller adapted to compare the stored biometric data to the measured biometric data. The controller prevents the agent from being delivered to the patient if a mismatch occurs between the stored and the measured biometric data. The agent can, for example, include autologous cells harvested from the patient.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for more accurately determining a radiopharmaceutical dose administered to a patient by relying on a time factor. Particularly, broadly contemplated herein is the administration of a dose on the basis of an elapsed time from when a dose was last accurately measured in the past to when it is injected into the patient. As such, when a dose is first measured, that timepoint is preferably recorded whereupon the time of injection or administration into a patient is also recorded. Based on the original measured dose, the radionuclide (and thus its known decay rate) and the time elapsed, the dose is calculated and not directly measured on injection. The clocks on the filling station and the transport cart are synchronized to each other or to a known and accepted time standard. In this manner, there is temporal continuity and no inaccuracies of time or loss of time occurs between measurement and injection.

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: A device for detecting a venous structure or vessels in a patient or animal. The device includes an optical source for transmitting optical energy into the tissue of the patient, an optical detector for detecting at least a portion of the optical energy that is transmitted into and reflected by the tissue, and an indicator operably associated with the optical source and the optical detector. The indicator is adapted to indicate relative changes in the detected reflection or scattering of the optical energy transmitted into the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A device for locating a venous structure of a patient includes a frame having a bottom surface and a top surface, an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface of the frame to allow the frame to be removably attached to skin or a patient, and one or more sections removably attached to the top surface of the frame. The sections are formed of a liquid crystal material that is sensitive to human skin temperature ranges.

Abstract: In one form, the therapeutic agent delivery apparatus is used for infusing a therapeutic agent into a body lumen and includes a lumenal body defining a plurality of infusion ports for infusing the therapeutic agent into the body lumen, and a sensing element distal of the infusion ports and adapted to sense the amount of infused therapeutic agent or any compound derived from the therapeutic agent in the body lumen. In another form, the apparatus includes a lumenal body defining a plurality of infusion ports for infusing the therapeutic agent into the body lumen, and a filtration element distal of the infusion ports and adapted to deliver a reaction agent adapted to react with the therapeutic agent in the body lumen. A sensing element may be provided distal of the filtration element for sensing the amount of infused therapeutic agent or compounds derived therefrom in the body lumen.

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: 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, a fluid control device operatively associated with the fluid path set and a hand held control device for controlling the flow rate of the injection fluid. The hand held control device includes a piston slideably disposed within a chamber and adapted to engage a switch that controls the flow rate of the injection fluid. 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: A fluid delivery system includes a source of an injection fluid including a source outlet. The system also includes a control system including a control system inlet in fluid connection with the source outlet, a control system outlet and, alternatively, an actuator. The control system is adapted to deliver a predetermined amount of fluid via the control system outlet upon activation of the actuator or modification of the control system. In several embodiments, the injection fluid in the source is pressurized. The source can, for example, include a plunger slidably disposed therein and a force application mechanism to place force upon the plunger and pressurize the fluid within the source. The control system can further include a metering volume in fluid connection with a valve system. The metering volume can include a plunger slidably disposed therein.

Abstract: Hyperthermia has been applied by, for example, separate ultrasound transducers, RF or microwave transmitters and heated fluids. Imaging by separate MRI imaging coils is usually used to view the anatomical region under treatment. Separate temperature probes (needles, catheters) are often used to monitor tissue temperature. Control of the temperature profile required for effective hyperthermia treatment is usually done by trial and error, involving a human operator. The present invention combines all of these capabilities into a single device, which is MRI compatible and safe. It also allows for automatic control of the RF energy to achieve a prescribed tissue hyperthermia.

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: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid container, two or more pressurizing chambers in fluid connection with the fluid container, a drive mechanism in operative connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers to pump fluid from the fluid container and an outlet in fluid connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers. Each of the two or more pressurizing chambers is formed from a flexible, resilient material that is adapted to be compressed to pressurize fluid therewithin.