Abstract: A combined fluid injection and inflation system is disclosed and includes a fluid delivery system including at least one pressurizing device, a fluid path, and a control unit. The fluid path is adapted to connect the pressurizing device to a patient via a catheter including a balloon and inserted in the patient. The control unit is operable to control the fluid delivery system. In operation, the control unit selectively actuates the fluid delivery system to operate in a fluid injection mode or in a balloon inflation mode. In the fluid injection mode the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for a fluid injection procedure. In the balloon inflation mode, the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for inflating the balloon associated with the catheter. An operator control may be connected to the control unit for controlling the fluid delivery system and may be a handheld device.

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: 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 first pressurizing device, a second pressurizing device, a reusable fluid path for delivering fluid to multiple patients and a per-patient disposable fluid path adapted to be connected to the reusable fluid path and operable to deliver fluid media to a balloon catheter in a patient. The reusable fluid path includes a first portion in fluid communication with a first source of fluid medium and a second portion in fluid communication with a second source of fluid medium. The first pressurizing device is associated with the first portion of the reusable fluid path and the second pressurizing device is associated with the second portion of the reusable fluid path. A control unit in communication with the first and second pressurizing devices is adapted to actuate the first and second pressurizing devices to deliver one or both of the fluid media to a balloon on the balloon catheter.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fluid delivery system comprising a first source of fluid medium a first pressurizing device associated with the first source of fluid medium, a second source of fluid medium, a second pressurizing device associated with the second source of fluid medium, a fluid path operable to deliver the first and second fluid media to a balloon catheter in a patient, and a control unit in communication with the first and second pressurizing devices.

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: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.

Abstract: A combined fluid injection and inflation system is disclosed and includes a fluid delivery system including at least one pressurizing device, a fluid path, and a control unit. The fluid path is adapted to connect the pressurizing device to a patient via a catheter including a balloon and inserted in the patient. The control unit is operable to control the fluid delivery system. In operation, the control unit selectively actuates the fluid delivery system to operate in a fluid injection mode or in a balloon inflation mode. In the fluid injection mode the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for a fluid injection procedure. In the balloon inflation mode, the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for inflating the balloon associated with the catheter. An operator control may be connected to the control unit for controlling the fluid delivery system and may be a handheld device.

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 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 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 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: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.