Abstract: A medical fluid injector and methods for operation thereof. In certain embodiments, the medical fluid injector includes a medium that is expandable and contractible in response to a thermal gradient, a thermal device coupled to the medium, and a syringe interface coupled to the medium. The thermal device may include a heater, a cooler, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A multi-fluid injector system and methods of operation thereof are presented. One embodiment of such a fluid injector system includes a powered injector, a pressure jacket support, a syringe pressure jacket, and a syringe. The pressure jacket support includes a front plate and a rear plate. The rear plate is connected to the injector and the front plate is spaced from the rear plate and defines a slot. The syringe pressure jacket has a proximal end pivotally connected to the rear plate so that a distal end of the pressure jacket pivots relative to the front plate. The syringe has a syringe body with a distally extending discharge conduit. With the syringe disposed in a barrel of the pressure jacket, pivotal movement of the pressure jacket results in the distal end thereof pivoting toward the front plate to place the discharge conduit within the slot in the front plate.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a tapered, tissue penetrating distal tip, an inclined discharge orifice in the tapered distal tip and an inner bore extending to the orifice. A plurality of remotely detectable markers, which are formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, are slidably disposed within the inner bore. A plug having an inclined exposed surface, which is formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, is releasably secured within the inner bore of the delivery tube distal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers disposed therein to retain the plurality of remotely detectable markers within the inner bore. The plug is disposed at least in part within the inclined discharge orifice. A plunger is slidably disposed within the inner bore proximal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers.

Abstract: A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions, devices and systems for determining the status of, or treating, a body structure or conduit. An embodiment of the invention comprises a fluid pressure control device for pressure control of fluid introduced into a body structure or conduit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a volumetric pump in a medical fluid delivery system comprises at least one piston in a hollow cylinder, the pump having at least one inlet port through which a medical fluid can be sucked into a pump chamber during an instroke of said piston, and at least one outlet port through which the medical fluid can be expelled during an outstroke of the piston. The piston or the hollow cylinder can be actuated directly or indirectly by a rotor. This rotor transmits on the one hand a bi-directional linear movement to the piston or to the cylinder and on the other hand, a bi-directional angular movement either to the piston or to another ratable element in order to open and close alternately the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A single-use, single-patient, or patient-specific tubing set (300) is disclosed. The tubing set (300) includes at least one check valve (304), along with a use indicator (320). This use indicator (320) provides a visual indication when the tubing set (300) has been used for an injection. In this regard, a piston (340) moves from one position to another when exposed to a certain fluid pressure.

Abstract: A dual one-way check valve arrangement (300) that may be used for assessing an operating condition of at least one of first and second check valves (304, 308) situated in series along/within a section of a patient-specific section of tubing (244). A pressure sensor (332) may be associated with at least part of the flow path between the first and second check valves (304, 308) and may be operable to provide an indication of a failed condition of at least one of the first and second check valves (304, 308). In one embodiment, the pressure sensor (332) may change from a first state to a second state upon fluid pressure within the flow path between the first and second check valves (304, 308) falling below a predetermined level. For instance, the predetermined level may be a cracking pressure of at least one of the first and second check valves (304, 308). The change in state may be visually discernible on an exterior of the pressure sensor (332).

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for generating and providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of a contrast medium comprising detectable acoustic variations between two phases, for example, a gas and a liquid. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for delivering medical fluids to a patient. A data storage device (120) is either separately attached to or incorporated within the structure of a reusable fixture that may be detachably connected to a barrel (111) of a syringe (107). A filling station (110) and an power injector (108) may each include a read-write device (114, 122) that is operable to read the data storage device (120) within its field of view. When the read-write devices (114, 122) are attached to the filing station (110) and the power injector (40), respectively, and when the fixture including the data storage device (120) is attached to the syringe (107), the read-write devices (114, 122) may be operable to store data on and read data from the data storage device (120) associated with the syringe (107). After an injection procedure, the fixture may be detached from the syringe (107) and reused with a new or resterilized syringe (107).

Abstract: An injection device (120) used in delivering medical fluids to a patient is provided. The injection device (120) may include a syringe plunger driver (126a) and a syringe (140). The syringe (140) may include a syringe data storage device (134). The injection device (120) may include a communication device (132a) disposable in each of attached and detached conditions. The communication device (132a) may be operable to read a data storage device (134) within its field of view. When the communication device (132a) is attached to the injection device (120) and the syringe (140) is installed on the injection device (120), the communication device (132a) may be operable to read the data storage device (134) associated with the syringe (140). When in a detached condition, the communication device (132a) may be operable to be hand manipulated such that various other data storage devices (134) may be read.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus includes at least one pressurizing mechanism and at least a first fluid container (for example, a syringe or a bulk container) operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The first fluid container is adapted to contain a first fluid to be injected. The fluid injection apparatus also includes a pressure modeling system adapted to predict a pressure to be generated at one or more points in the injection fluid path during planned injection procedure based upon variables associated with an injection protocol.

Abstract: A syringe holding structure includes an adapter case (40) for holding a small-diameter syringe, and a syringe holding member having a flange-receiving groove (77) for holing flange portion (46) of the case(40). The syringe holding structure further includes locking mechanism for fixing the flange portion (46) in the groove (77) when the flange portion is inserted into flange-receiving groove and then it is rotated by 90 degrees about its axis.

Abstract: Syringe adapter 300 has base member 310 and flange lock member 320. Flange lock member 320 is formed in generally arc shape as a whole so as to receive a cylinder flange inside. Flange lock member 320 has look hook 323 and engagement hook 324 formed thereon. Look hook 323 locks the cylinder flange by rotation of a syringe received in flange lock member 320 about its axis. Engagement hook 324 locks syringe adapter 300 to the apparatus so as not to release lock to the apparatus in the state in which the cylinder flange of the syringe is received in flange lock member 320.

Abstract: A chemical liquid injector has syringe adapter 300 removably receiving a cylinder flange formed at a trailing end of cylinder 210 of syringe 200C, 200P, and injection head 110 on which syringe 200C, 200P is mounted with syringe adapter 300 interposed between them. Injection head 110 has adapter receiver 114a opened upward, on which syringe adapter 300 is exchangeably mounted. Syringe adapter 300 has a pair of arm portions located on both sides of left and right of the received cylinder flange and supported to be elastically displaceable so that an interval between the arm portions can be changed.

Abstract: Chemical liquid injector 100 has injection head 110 on which a syringe filled with a chemical liquid is mounted and injection control unit 101. Injection control unit 101 has input device 142 receiving the input of data including the maximum CT value provided in test injection, a tube voltage value to be applied to X-ray tube 311 of X-ray CT apparatus 300 in main injection, and a targeted CT value in the main injection, injection amount computing section 146 calculating the amount of contrast medium to be injected in the main injection by using those data items, and control section 141 controlling the operation of injection head 110 in the main injection such that the calculated amount of contrast medium is injected.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: Fluid injector systems used for a variety of imaging and injection procedures are disclosed. The systems may include separate modules or assemblies that may be located in different rooms of a hospital or imaging facility. Various single use and multiple use components may also be used with the modules or assemblies of the system. In addition, the injector system may include hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid sources to power the system modules of the present invention.

Abstract: A hand-activated syringe (14) is disclosed that uses a vacuum to retract a plunger (54) of the syringe (14) to draw fluid into a syringe body (18). A first seal (76) with the plunger (54) and a second seal (64) with the plunger (54) define a vacuum chamber (82). The spacing between the first seal (76) and the second seal (64) changes in response to the plunger (54) moving relative to the syringe body (18). Advancing the plunger (54) in a direction associated with a discharge stroke creates or increases a vacuum within the vacuum chamber (82) by increasing a spacing between the first seal (76) and the second seal (64). This vacuum thereafter may be used to retract the plunger (54) by decreasing a spacing between the first seal (76) and the second seal (64), and to thereby draw fluid into the syringe (14) from a fluid source (86).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasket (7) for a pre-filled syringe 1 into which liquid (3) is charged, wherein a peripheral side surface of the gasket (7 a) that is in contact with an inner surface of the syringe barrel (2) is provided with a restriction (8), the bottom surface (7c) of the gasket (7) that is not in contact with the liquid (3) is formed into a tapered shape (10) and the gasket (7) has a hardness comprised from 57 to 60 when measured by a JIS hardness meter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for the visual indication of whether a power injector has discharged fluid from a power injector syringe in a previous medical procedure. In this regard, the systems and methods generally provide for a power injector and a syringe for use with the power injector. The syringe includes a visual indicator (164) that moves between a first state and a second state at approximately the same time that the power injector discharges fluid from the syringe such that an operator may view the change in state.

Abstract: A biopsy cannula and a delivery catheter are configured to deliver one or more absorbable sponge pledgets to a biopsy site after removal of one or more tissue samples from the site. The delivery catheter allows a large amount of hydrated sponge material to be delivery to the biopsy site to facilitate hemostasis. One example of the delivery catheter includes a closed distal end, a side port, a tapered section, and an enlarged proximal portion for receiving the pledget. The side port of the delivery catheter is arranged to delivery the pledget through the side port of the biopsy cannula. In order to fill a relatively large biopsy site where multiple tissue samples have been taken in a radial pattern, the biopsy cannula is rotated and additional pledgets are delivered to the biopsy site at different radial locations. The absorbable sponge pledget may also be used as a marker for location of the biopsy site at a later time.

Abstract: A leak detecting apparatus is provided which can detect leak of a liquid injected through an injection needle into a blood vessel of a human body near its surface with high accuracy. The apparatus emits a light ray in a predetermined wavelength band containing a particular wavelength at which the reflectivity for the liquid is lower than the reflectivity for internal tissues of the human body, to the human body at a position thereof where the injection needle is inserted, and detects the light ray in the wavelength band reflected inside the human body. The apparatus measures the average intensity of the detected light ray in the wavelength band and the intensity of the detected light ray at the particular wavelength to determine an occurrence of leak when the ratio of the intensity at the particular wavelength to the measured average intensity in the wavelength band is lower than a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A power injector syringe assembly (110) is disclosed. The power injector syringe assembly (110) includes a power injector syringe (112) and coupling (130) that are permanently joined. The coupling (130) includes a wedge-shaped mounting flange (144) to facilitate installation of the assembly (110) on a syringe mount (200) of a power injector. The coupling (130) also includes at least one coupling member (150) to facilitate removal of the assembly (110) from the syringe mount (200).

Abstract: A syringe plunger drive assembly (132) for advancing a syringe plunger (90a/b) in at least one direction (e.g., to deliver fluid). In one embodiment, this syringe plunger drive assembly (132) may be constructed of all non-ferrous components and includes a piezoelectric pump (110) that supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a syringe plunger driver (134). The syringe plunger driver (134) may be in the form of a single acting hydraulic cylinder including a piston rod (140) movable in first and second generally opposing directions (e.g. forward and rearward). A valve (152) and a reservoir (154) may be fluidly interconnected between the piezoelectric pump (110) and the syringe plunger driver (134) to facilitate the pumping of hydraulic fluid to the syringe plunger driver (134).

Abstract: A power assisted method and injector device for controllably delivering to patients a dispersion medicament or diagnostically active agent, the homogeneity of which is preserved throughout delivery. Diagnostically active agents disclosed are gas microbubble suspensions useful in ultrasonic diagnostic imaging and liposomal formulations in which liposome vesicles are loaded with iodinated compounds.

Abstract: A device for administering a liquid preparation comprising a pharmaceutical agent, particularly a contrast agent, in the form of a bolus. The device comprises in particular a core cylinder and an external cylinder, the core cylinder comprising a conduit (107) and a cylindrical reservoir (108) cooperating with a respective plunger (109), wherein the plunger is modified in order to operatively engage with guiding means (300) provided on the external cylinder.

Abstract: A biopsy site marker delivery device includes a relatively flexible marker deployer tube having a closed distal end, a push rod slidably disposed within the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. The deployer tube includes a side exit port with an adjacent ramp for transversely dispensing the marker upon distal advancement of the push rod within the tube. An elongate member such as a sleeve is operable to guide and/or stabilize the flexible deployer tube as the tip of the tube is inserted into an access channel such as a channel provided by a cannula or biopsy device. An internal package member is configured to support the marker delivery device and the elongate member, with the elongate member being positioned over the side exit port to prevent the marker from inadvertently exiting the side exit port.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system (300) includes workflow construction logic (304) to create one or more workflows (307) from a plurality of available workflow components (306). The created workflows (307) may each contain a proper subset of workflow components from the plurality of available workflow components (306). The workflows (307) may be created using the workflow construction logic (304) and a user interface (302) by selecting and arranging graphical elements representing workflow components (306). The constructed workflows (307) may correspond with the practices of a given care group. The medical fluid delivery system (300) may further include workflow execution logic (305) operable to execute the workflows (307). When executed, the workflows (307) may sequentially guide a user through each of the included workflow components (306) using a fled interface. The nomenclature displayed by the workflow components (306) during workflow execution may be customizable.

Abstract: The visualization of procedural guidelines for a medical procedure, in which a medical instrument is shown in an image representation of a body portion including an area in which a medical procedure is to be carried out, wherein, in the vicinity of the functional portion of the instrument, regions or locations are indicated which are of special relevance to the procedure according to established guidelines for said procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus including a chamber having a chamber opening, a plunger which is movable within the chamber so as to change a chamber volume, which is defined by the plunger and a chamber wall and which adjoins the chamber opening, includes a measurer for measuring a pressure within the chamber or for measuring a force F, F being the force which acts upon the plunger so as to change the chamber volume.

Abstract: A hand-held syringe includes a handle configured for suspending and using the syringe with a single hand. The handle includes pivotally connected first and second members. The members of the handle may be pivotally connected at intermediate positions along the lengths thereof or at or near ends thereof. The first member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe barrel, while the second member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe plunger. The syringe may be configured for a single-use (i.e., it may be disposable). Applications of use and methods of using a hand-held syringe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-dose injection system (108) is disclosed that allows for safe and easy use of bulk containers, a multi-use tubing set (110), and syringes (86a, 86b) across multiple patients. The bulk containers may include a saline bottle (118) and a contrast bottle (120) for administration to a series of patients undergoing imaging procedures. The bottles (118, 120) may be fluidly connected to a cassette (114) that includes a saline valve (176) and a contrast valve (178) operable to control flow from the saline bottle (118) and the contrast bottle (120), respectively. The cassette (114) may be fluidly interconnected to the multi-use tubing set (110) that is, in turn, fluidly connected to syringes (86a, 86b) on a powerhead (50) and a patient-specific tubing set (112). The patient-specific tubing set (112) may be replaced between patients and may also serve to isolate the remainder of the multi-dose injection system (108) from contamination from bodily fluids.

Abstract: Methods, systems and probes communicate signals from a transducer for imaging or connection with an imaging system. Beamforming-related electronics are positioned in the connector housing of the transducer probe assembly. For example, analog-to-digital converters are positioned in the connector housing. Power is provided through connection with the ultrasound imaging system. Fans or other heat-dissipating structures are also positioned within the connector housing. Other beamformer electronics, such as delays and sums, are positioned in the imaging system, partly in the connector housing or entirely in the connector housing. Since the analog-to-digital converters are provided in the connector housing, partial digital beam forming may be provided in the transducer probe assembly. The length of the transducer cables is held constant to avoid interference and transmission line effects due to line-length variation.

Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.

Abstract: A syringe comprises a syringe body (2) with a cylindrical part (3), a piston body (5) with a piston (7), and a piston seal that limits a movement of the piston body in proximal direction with regard to the cylindrical part. The piston seal has been provided in such a way that this discemibly damages if the piston body is moved in proximal direction with regard to the syringe body. At least one stop section has been provided that protrudes outwardly in the radial direction on the piston body that is limited in the axial direction by at least one limiting section (27) of the piston seal that extends inwardly in the radial direction. The stop section that protrudes outwardly in the radial direction is formed through a stop cam (10) that is compressable inwardly in the radial direction, in which the limiting section has radial internal dimensions that are greater than the radial external dimensions of the piston and the radial internal dimensions of the cylindrical part, respectively.

Abstract: An injector automatic limiting of the operating pressure of the injector as determined by the selection of a flow rate; a syringe cradle having a warming capability; a purge/retract trigger for control of the injection procedure having intuitive direction (i.e., forward for injecting, reverse for filing), non-contact control transmission through the housing of an injector for an improved seal integrity, a speed lock, and/or the ability to change the concentration and/or flow rate of media or other fluid during an injection procedure; a switch to determine when the drive ram is in a “home” position; a “soft” on/off power switch separate from the injector; and a structure to prevent rotation of the drive ram about its axis of symmetry. Additionally, the injector system includes software for the control of various components.

Abstract: A powerhead (120) of a power injector is disclosed that allows for wireless interconnection with devices mounted to the powerhead (120). A faceplate (122) may be mounted to the powerhead (120). The faceplate (122) may allow for the installation of a syringe (144) thereto. The faceplate (122) may receive power from the powerhead (122) via an inductive coupling between a primary coil (128) disposed within the powerhead (120) and a secondary coil (130) disposed within the faceplate (122). The faceplate (122) may be operable to wirelessly communicate with the powerhead (120) via the inductive coupling or via any appropriate wireless communication method. The faceplate (122) may include a syringe heater (142) operable to heat a fluid within the syringe (144). The faceplate (122) may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader operable to read an RFID tag of the syringe (144).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to control of medical fluid injection systems. For instance, in some embodiments, an injection protocol may be initiated, and an actual flow rate of the medical fluid utilized in the injection protocol may be adjusted based, at least in part, on an inherent system elasticity of the injection system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.

Abstract: A compact syringe comprises a cylindrical barrel, a stopper movable within the barrel and a detachable clip-on plunger. The plunger has a resilient c-shaped shaft for clipping onto the barrel's exterior when the syringe is not in use. When in use, the plunger is removed from the barrel and its c-shaped shaft is compressed slightly and then inserted into the rear end of the barrel to apply movement force to the stopper. The clip-on plunger reduces the amount of storage space required by the compact syringe. Reducing syringe storage space is of particular importance for disposable, single-use syringes.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.

Abstract: A power injector (40) includes a movable ram (74) operable to interface with and move a plunger (90a/b) of a syringe (86a/b). The power injector (40) may be operable to automatically determine a proper home position for the particular type of syringe (86a/b) to be used in a fluid injection sequence. The power injector (40) may also include ram homing logic (182) operable to automatically move the ram (74) to a home position after an injection. Such automatic homing of the ram (74) may, for example, be initiated by the end of an injection sequence in preparation for another injection sequence, by the opening of a faceplate (102a/b), by a user input, or by any combination thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical fluid to a patient includes a pump system including a pressurizing unit to pressurize the medical fluid and a drive system in operative connection with the pressurizing unit. The pump system exhibits variation in pressure during operation. The system further includes a compensating system in fluid connection with the medical fluid pressurized by the pressurizing unit. The compensating system defines a displacement volume in fluid connection with the pressurized medical fluid that is altered in a predetermined manner to alter the variation in pressure. The compensating system can, for example, reduce pulsatility of pressure during flow.

Abstract: A power injector (302) with syringe communication logic (316) is disclosed. A communication with a syringe (320) for the power injector (302) may be initiated via data provided by one or more of a tilt sensor (306), a syringe clamp sensor (308), a prefilled syringe sensor (310), or an imaging energy output sensor (312).

Abstract: A power injector (302) with syringe communication logic (316) is disclosed. A communication with a syringe (320) for the power injector (302) may be initiated via data provided by one or more of a tilt sensor (306), a syringe clamp sensor (308), a prefilled syringe sensor (310), or an imaging energy output sensor (312).

Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for power injectors incorporating a keep vein open functionality that is operable when an injection protocol (112) is suspended. The injector includes control logic (110) configured to include the injection protocol (112), and a separate drip mode injection protocol (114) executable only during a suspension of the injection protocol (112). In one embodiment, the drip mode injection protocol (114) is automatically or manually initiated immediately after and in response to the suspension of the injection protocol (112). In another embodiment, the drip mode injection protocol (114) is automatically initiated after a predetermined delay from start of the suspension of the injection protocol (112). The configuration parameters for the drip mode injection protocol (114) may be programmable prior to the initiation of an injection procedure, immediately prior to the execution of the drip mode injection protocol (114), or hard-coded into the injector.