Patents Assigned to Medrad, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20100174183
    Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Eugene A. Gelblum, Alan D. Hirschman, John F. Kalafut, David M. Reilly, Edward J. Rhinehart, Frederick W. Trombley, III, Arthur E. Uber, III
  • Patent number: 7747310
    Abstract: An MR system features an intracavity probe and associated interface device. The probe includes a shaft, a balloon at one end thereof, and a coil loop within the balloon. The loop has two drive capacitors and a tuning capacitor, all of which in series. A junction node between the drive capacitors serves as a ground for electrically balancing the loop. Diametrically opposite the node, the tuning capacitor enables the loop to resonate at the operating frequency of the MR system. The interface allows the MR system to couple the loop to a port of the MR system during a receive cycle thereof and decouple it from the port during a transmit cycle thereof. With its balloon inserted and inflated within a cavity of a patient, the probe allows the MR system to generate images and/or spectra of the region of interest using the MR signals received by the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Misic, Edward J. Rhinehart
  • Patent number: 7740792
    Abstract: A syringe for use in a pressurized injection of a fluid includes a syringe barrel including a polymeric material having undergone expansion via blow molding. An inner diameter of the syringe barrel can, for example, be sufficiently constant (over at least a portion of the axial length of the syringe) that a plunger slidably positioned within the syringe barrel and in generally sealing contact with an inner wall of the syringe barrel can be used within the syringe barrel to generate a pressure of at least 1 psi within the syringe barrel. In several embodiment, the inner diameter of the syringe barrel is sufficiently constant to generate a pressure of at least 100 psi, at least 300 psi, or even at least 500 psi within the syringe barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Haury, Edward J. Rhinehart, Samuel L. Belcher
  • Patent number: 7713239
    Abstract: A system for injecting a patient, includes a container enclosing a hazardous pharmaceutical; a first pump to deliver a hazardous pharmaceutical to a patient and a fluid path operably connected to the first pump, the container, and the patient. The system further includes a hazardous material containment suitable to confine the hazardous pharmaceutical during connection of the hazardous pharmaceutical container to the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Frederick W. Trombley, David M. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7713232
    Abstract: A system for injecting an injectate into patient includes a first pressurizable container for holding the injectate; a patient interface in fluid connection with the first pressurizable container, the patient interface being adapted to pass the injectate into tissue of the patient; a powered injector in operative connection with the first pressurizable container to pressurize the injectate; a controller system in operative connection with powered injector; and a stereotactic localization frame adapted to be placed in operative connection with the patient interface to assist in controlling localization of the patient interface. A system for processing cells (and/or other injectate components) includes a container and a plunger adapted to be slidably positioned within the container. The system includes at least one inlet port through which a fluid can enter the system and at least one effluent port through which an effluent can exit the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Frederick W. Trombley, III, Kevin P. Cowan, Mark Trocki
  • Publication number: 20100114040
    Abstract: The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing, first and second actuators associated with the housing, and an electronic substrate disposed within the housing and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. The second actuator is operatively associated with the electronic substrate and initiates output signals to the injector corresponding to desired mixture ratios of the injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph H. Schriver, Thomas P. Joyce, Micheal Riley, William D. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20100114064
    Abstract: A system, includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize a fluid including a contrast enhancement agent for delivery to a patient; and a control system in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism. The control system includes a system to adjust control of fluid injection based upon a measurement of renal function of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Kalafut, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Thomas P. Joyce, Jerry A. Stokes, Gerald W. Callan, Dennis P. Hack, Julie Gulick, Andreas R. Maihoefer, Arthur E. Uber, III
  • Publication number: 20100113887
    Abstract: A system includes a parameter generation system to determine parameters of at least one phase of an injection procedure based at least in part upon a type of the injection procedure. The parameter generator system determines the amount of a pharmaceutical that is to be delivered to a patient at least in part on the basis of the concentration of an agent in the pharmaceutical and at least on part on the basis of a function that depends upon and varies with a patient parameter. The patient parameter can, for example, be weight, body mass index, body surface area or cardiac output. The pharmaceutical can, for example, include a contrast enhancing agent for use in an imaging procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: John Kalafut, Larry McCutchan, Erin Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 7691085
    Abstract: A syringe interface includes a top opening into which a syringe can be loaded, a first retaining member positioned on one side of the opening and a second retaining member positioned on a second side of the opening. The first retaining member and the second retaining member abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange on the syringe generally symmetrically. The syringe interface further includes a cradle, at least one engagement member to abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange, and a carriage slidably disposed within the cradle. The carriage includes a connector to form a releasable connection with a plunger or plunger extension of the syringe and a drive member of the injector. The connector includes a plurality of flexing capture members that flex radially outward to connect to a flange on the rear of the plunger or plunger extension of the syringe when the carriage is moved forward within the syringe interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: James Albert Dedig, Frank A. Lazzaro, Kevin P. Cowan, Mark W. Hitchins, Charles J. Mutschler, James R. Neill
  • Publication number: 20100076307
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, John A. Haury
  • Patent number: 7682345
    Abstract: A medical injector system for injecting fluid from a syringe (300) into a patient, the syringe (300) having a barrel (300) and a plunger (310), the plunger (310) comprising an inner surface having an engaging portion (311) adapted to be releasably engaged by a plunger handle (130) which has a retention member (142) adapted to releasably engage the engaging portion (311) of the plunger (310); and a syringe holder comprising a cradle member (200) adapted to receive a barrel (300) of the syringe (300) and a pivotable catch (500) to releasably lock the syringe (300) in the cradle member (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Brian Savage
  • Publication number: 20100063481
    Abstract: A system for connecting a conduit to a fluid path element, includes a length of conduit, a compressible sealing element positioned on a distal end of the length of conduit to be attached to the fluid path element, a first cooperating connector positioned around the length of conduit proximal to the sealing element and a second cooperating connector. The first cooperating connector includes a first cooperating connection mechanism and the second cooperating connector includes a second cooperating connection mechanism. The first cooperating connection mechanism and the second cooperating connection mechanism are adapted to form a connection between the first cooperating connector and the second cooperating connector. The connection causes the compression of the sealing element. The second cooperating connector further includes a passage therein in fluid connection with a connection for the fluid path element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Hoffman, Edward J. Rhinehart, Kevin P. Cowan, Barry L. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20100058603
    Abstract: A depth stop device for use in connection with another device or apparatus (for example, a medical device) includes a stop member slidably positionable on the device, at least one abutment member in operative connection with the stop member to adjustably contact the device to lock the stop member in a desired position relative to the device or to free the stop member to slide relative to the device, and an adjustment member connected to the abutment member to control a position of the abutment member relative to the device. The force applicable by the abutment member to the device is limited to be less than a certain force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventor: Raymond C. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7674244
    Abstract: A system for injection of a fluid into a body includes: a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid; the first fluid being less toxic than the second fluid; at least one pressurizing system in operative connection with the source of the first fluid and with the source of the second fluid; at least one controller in operative connection with the pressurizing system; and at least a first sensor in communicative connection with the controller. The first sensor is adapted to transmit a signal of a detected change in fluid level in tissue indicative of extravasation to the controller. The controller is adapted to cause injection of the first fluid into the body to determine if extravasation of the first fluid occurs using the sensor in an administration phase before injection of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kalafut, Guy Ezekiel
  • Patent number: 7672710
    Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Edward J. Rhinehart, Rosemary Almon-Martin, David M. Griffiths, Alan D. Hirschman, Francis J. Sciulli, Walter Grumski, Karen Zelenski
  • Patent number: 7670315
    Abstract: An injector for injection a fluid into a patient, including: a first pressurizing mechanism adapted to operatively connect with a first fluid container to pressurize fluid therein; at least a second pressurizing mechanism to operatively connect with a second fluid container to pressurize a fluid therein; a single drive; and a transmission to control how power from the drive is distributed to the first pressurizing mechanism of the first container and to the second pressurizing mechanism of the second container to control injection of fluid from the first container and from the second container. The drive can, for example, be an electric motor or other drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, David M. Reilly, Joseph J. Fularz, Paul J. Swartz, Mark Trocki, David A. Mishler
  • Patent number: 7666169
    Abstract: A syringe plunger includes a wall having an inner surface and one or more inwardly projecting flanges disposed on the inner surface of the wall. Preferably, the inner surface of the wall defines a retaining shoulder formed along an axial plane thereof. An injector drive member preferably includes at least one retaining member adapted to engage the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger to allow the drive member to retract the plunger with the body of the syringe. Further, the drive member preferably includes one or more outwardly extending flange members adapted to be engaged by the inwardly projecting flanges of the syringe plunger. When the syringe body is rotated, the at least one retaining member on the drive member is retracted and disengaged from the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, John A. Haury, Jared E. Neff
  • Publication number: 20100030073
    Abstract: A method of delivering a contrast enhancing fluid to a patient using an injector system, including: determining at least one patient transfer function for the patient based upon data specific to the patient and, the at least one patient transfer function providing a time enhancement output for a given input; determining a desired time enhancement output; using the at least one patient transfer function to determine an injection procedure input; and controlling the injector system at least in part on the basis of the determined injection procedure input. The injection procedure input can determined considering at least one operational limitation or constraint of the injector system. A method of modeling propagation of a pharmaceutical fluid in a patient, includes: collecting data corresponding to a time response curve resulting from injection of the fluid; and determining at least one mathematical model describing the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventor: John Kalafut
  • Publication number: 20090326370
    Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Edward J. Rhinehart, Rosemary Almon-Martin, David M. Griffiths, Alan D. Hirschman, Francis J. Sciulli, Walter Grumski, Vera Pagano, Karen Zelenski
  • Publication number: 20090316970
    Abstract: A method of extracting at least one time-value curve to determine a protocol in an imaging procedure using an imaging system, includes: determining a first N-dimensional data set of pixel values of a portion of a body of the patient at a first time using the imaging system, wherein N is an integer; determining at least a second N-dimensional data set of pixel values of the portion at a second time using the imaging system; computing a predetermined number of correlated segments of the imaged portion corresponding to a predetermined number of regions of interest of the patient by computing a similarity metric of a time series of pixel values; computing the at least one time-value curve for at least one of the regions of interest; and determining a protocol for a diagnostic scan using the image system based at least in part upon data from the time value curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Corey Kemper, John F. Kalafut