Abstract: A method of coordinating an imaging procedure and an injection procedure, the method comprising the steps of providing an injector system having first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent for injection into a patient; providing an imaging system for producing an image of an internal region of the patient from a signal resulting from energy applied to the patient; and providing a data interface interconnecting the injector and imaging systems for enabling exchange of digital information therebetween such that the digital information transmitted between the systems is usable to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

Abstract: An interface unit enables communication with an injector system that is used for pressurizing a fluid medium for injection into a patient during an injection procedure. The interface unit includes a processor and a storage unit. The processor controls operation of the interface unit and enables exchange of digital information between the interface unit and the injector system. The storage unit, under control of the processor, records the digital information gathered from the injector system during communication therewith. The digital information includes at least injection profile, history and dose data pertaining to the injection procedure. The processor enables at least the injection profile, history and dose data of the digital information recorded within the storage unit of the interface unit to be communicable to at least one of an imaging system linked thereto and an external device linked thereto.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method of coordinating an imaging procedure and an injection procedure, the method comprising the steps of providing an injector system having first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent for injection into a patient; providing an imaging system for producing an image of an internal region of the patient from a signal resulting from energy applied to the patient; and providing a data interface interconnecting the injector and imaging systems for enabling exchange of digital information therebetween such that the digital information transmitted between the systems is usable to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

Abstract: An injector for injecting fluid from a syringe mounted thereon includes a housing, a drive member at least partially disposed within the housing and operable to engage a plunger of the syringe, and a syringe retaining mechanism associated with the housing. The syringe retaining mechanism is adapted to releasably engage the syringe regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector. Further, the retaining mechanism is preferably movable upon rotation of the syringe between a relaxed state, where the syringe is engaged by the retaining mechanism, and a tensioned state, where the syringe is released from the retaining mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A syringe adapter for an injector and a method of adapting an injector to accept a syringe are provided. The syringe adapter preferably includes a rear mounting member adapted to engage a syringe retaining mechanism associated with the injector and a front mounting member adapted to engage a corresponding mounting member associated with a syringe to install the syringe on the injector.

Abstract: An injector for injecting fluid from a syringe mounted thereon includes a housing, a drive member at least partially disposed within the housing and operable to engage a plunger of the syringe, and a syringe retaining mechanism associated with the housing. The syringe retaining mechanism is adapted to releasably engage the syringe regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector. Further, the retaining mechanism is preferably movable upon rotation of the syringe between a relaxed state, where the syringe is engaged by the retaining mechanism, and a tensioned state, where the syringe is released from the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A method of preparing for an injection procedure preferably includes: mounting a syringe comprising a distal end and a plunger on an injector comprising a piston; sensing that the syringe is mounted on the injector; advancing the piston of the injector to engage the plunger of the syringe and to advance the plunger to the distal end thereof; and retracting the piston to retract the plunger and aspirate fluid into the syringe. Preferably, the method includes determining whether the syringe is an empty syringe, a preloaded syringe or a prefilled syringe.

Abstract: A syringe for use with an injector includes a body having a rear end and a front end, a plunger movably disposed within the body, an attachment member associated with the body and adapted to releasably engage a syringe retaining mechanism of the injector regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector, and an encoding device operable to provide syringe information to the injector.

Abstract: An injector system includes an injector and a syringe. The syringe preferably includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end, and a plunger movably disposed in the body. The injector preferably includes a housing and a piston movably disposed at least partially within the housing. The piston is adapted to drive the plunger of the syringe in a forward direction without a connective engagement therebetween to dispense fluid from the forward end of the body during an injection procedure, and to connectively engages the plunger to retract the plunger within the syringe.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a control unit having one or more devices for controlling a fluid injection, a syringe having a body and a plunger movably disposed within the body, and a syringe interface module separate from but in communication with the control unit. The syringe interface module includes a module housing, a syringe interface on the module housing that is adapted to connect the syringe to the module housing, and a drive member operable to advance the plunger of the syringe.

Abstract: An injector for use in injecting a fluid in a medical injection procedure includes a drive mechanism to pressurize the fluid; a sensor to measure a variable that is proportional to fluid pressure (that is, a direct or indirect measurement of fluid pressure); and a pressure monitor (for example, including hardwired circuitry and/or software) in communication with the sensor and the drive mechanism to stop the injection procedure when the sensor measures a value of the variable that corresponds to a pressure hazard limit. Preferably, the pressure monitor further limits power input to the drive mechanism to a power limit once the variable reaches a value that corresponds to a power limiting pressure that is below the pressure hazard limit.

Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, 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 connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly.

Abstract: A tubing set includes a length of tubing having at least a section thereof that is fabricated to function with an infusion pump. The tubing set further preferably includes a first valve that is removably connected to the length of tubing on a first end thereof. The first valve is preferably in a closed state when disconnected from the length of tubing. The tubing set also preferably includes a second valve on a second end thereof. The second valve is preferably in a closed state until connected to another fluid path component. The tubing set is preferably suitable for use in an MR environment.

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.

Abstract: A syringe for use in a medical injection procedure in connection with connectors having a tapered fitting includes a syringe tip having a cooperating tapered fitting including a passage therein in fluid communication with an interior of the syringe. The syringe also includes a first connecting member having a radially inward threaded portion on an inner surface thereof adapted to connect to a first type of connector including a tapered fitting having at least one radially outward extending flange adapted to connect to the radially inward threaded portion of the first connecting member. In that regard, the first connecting member allows connection of the syringe to, for example, a standard luer fitting connector.

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.