Piston-type Ram Forces Material Into Body Patents (Class 600/432)
  • Publication number: 20110137160
    Abstract: A power injector (154) is disclosed that may utilize decay constant determination logic (192). This logic (192) in turn may incorporate a test injection protocol (194). The test injection protocol (194) may be executed to acquire data for the derivation of a flow rate decay constant. The derived flow rate decay constant may be used by the power injector (154) to execute of an injection protocol (162), for instance in conjunction with an operation of an imaging unit (152) for an imaging operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Alya Schalabi
  • Publication number: 20110137150
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Viviane Connor, Edward Sinclair, Betsy Swann
  • Publication number: 20110137162
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: John K. Bruce, Chad M. Gibson, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 7955305
    Abstract: An infusion media delivery device includes a housing having a base adapted to be secured to a user's skin. An infusion media reservoir is supported by the housing. A moveable hollow needle is selectively engageable with the reservoir to communicate infusion media from the reservoir. The needle is supported for movement relative to the housing base between a first position and a second position. The needle is spaced apart from a user's skin when in the first position and the base is secured to the user's skin, and the needle is arranged to pierce the user's skin when in the second position and the base is secured to the user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Paul S. Cheney, II
  • Publication number: 20110125013
    Abstract: An injection system (108) includes a sterilization port (130) operable to sterilize a tube set connector (116) inserted therein. The sterilization port (130) may include a single sterilization port opening (132) through which the tube set connector (116), in an unconnected state, may be inserted. The sterilization port (130) may include an ultraviolet light source (158) capable of irradiating the tube set connector (116) with ultraviolet radiation when the tube set connector (116) is disposed within the sterilization port (130). The sterilization port (130) may include a movable member or door (136) capable of closing around the inserted tube set connector (116) and/or a tubing (118) connected to the tube set connector (116) to reduce the amount of ultraviolet light that may escape from the sterilization port (130). A sensor (194) may be included to determine if the tube set connector (116) has been inserted into the sterilization port (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Charles S. Neer
  • Patent number: 7937134
    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: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, Edward J. Rhinehart, Rosemary Almon-Martin, David M. Griffiths, Francis J. Sciulli, Walter Grumski, Vera Pagano, Karen Zelenski, Alan Hirschman
  • Publication number: 20110092815
    Abstract: A system for at least partially filling and marking a cavity at a site within a patient's body includes a marker delivery device having a chamber configured to contain a marking substance and having a mechanism configured to expel the marking substance. A quantity of the marking substance is contained within the chamber of the marker delivery device. The marking substance is configured to at least partially fill the cavity and form therein a porous bioabsorbable body. A delivery tube is coupled in fluid communication with the chamber of the marker delivery device. The delivery tube has a distal end with a discharge port through which the marking substance is expelled. A releasable remotely detectable distal tip is coupled to the distal end of the delivery tube and is configured to be released to remain within the porous bioabsorbable body within the cavity upon the formation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Frank Louw, Paul Lubock
  • Patent number: 7927305
    Abstract: A system for delivering a contrast medium to a treatment site including a delivery device, and a portable power injector. The delivery device includes a guidewire lumen and a contrast injection lumen, the guidewire lumen and contrast injection lumen being at least partially coaxial. The portable power injector includes an injector body and is configured to contain a contrast medium. The injector body has a plunger disposed therein. The portable power injector also includes a pressure generator, the pressure generator being configured to apply a pressure to the plunger to drive the contrast medium from the injector body and through a distal end of the contrast injection lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Travis Yribarren, Richard Newhauser, Randolf von Oepen, James M. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20110071393
    Abstract: A locking syringe with an integrated bias member, for delivering medical fluids at high pressure, can include a housing, a shaft, a piston, a cap assembly, a bias member, and a locking member. A distal end of the housing can interface with a patient delivery apparatus. The housing includes an internal cavity into which a distal end of the shaft can be inserted. The piston can be connected to the distal end of the shaft and can include a peripheral sealing surface that can slidably engage the inside surface of the housing to form a movable seal. The cap assembly at the proximal end of the housing can engage the shaft. A base cap can secure the piston within the housing. The bias member can have a distal end coupled to the piston and a proximal end restrained, such as to help pressurize the internal cavity. The user-actuatable locking member can user-selectively engage and inhibit unwanted movement of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Yunxing Liu, Chun Li
  • Publication number: 20110060219
    Abstract: A dual head contrast media injection system performs a patency check or test injection, determining flow rate and/or flow volume from the programmed protocol. The tubing that connects syringes to a patient shares only a short common section near to the patient. Appropriate injection steps are taken to compensate for tubing elasticity. A wireless remote control and a touch screen control are provided, improving functionality and information delivery. The display brightness is controlled based on the ambient light, and the display panel includes a double swivel permitting re-orientation. The orientation of the display may also be controlled based on, e.g., the current step, the tilt angle of the powerhead, or a manual control. Furthermore, the display is customizable to identify the type of fluid (contrast, saline, etc.) on either side of the injector, to provide matched color coding, and to provide a folder/tab analogy for retrieving injection protocol parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: James R. Small, David M. Brooks, Charles S. Neer
  • Publication number: 20110060218
    Abstract: An auto purge for an intravenous contrast injector of the type having a motor which advances a plunger drive ram and configured for use with a pre-filled or user-filled syringe containing an approximate known amount of air including a processor which causes the motor to move and a memory storing a predetermined purge stop point representative of the approximate known amount of air in the syringe, the injector configured to automatically advance the plunger drive ram an amount substantially equal to the predetermined purge stop point representative of the approximate known amount of air contained in the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Keith M. Grispo, Frank M. Fago
  • Publication number: 20110054311
    Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for controlling a dispensing device adapted to be capable of dispensing contrast media as part of a medical imaging procedure. The device comprises a controller device, user interface, injector portion, and a storage device such that a user of the device may initialize multiple dispensing functions in the injector portion and user interface via a user input. The method and computer program product for controlling a dispensing device comprises receiving a user input from a user interface and directing the dispensing device to perform multiple dispensing functions, including actuating the injector portion and updating the user interface, in response to a user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Williams, Steven Hartman, Philip Waldstein
  • Publication number: 20110028836
    Abstract: A marker delivery device is configured for deploying a tissue marker. The marker delivery device includes a handle having a chamber, and a cannula. According to one aspect, the cannula has a flexible portion formed by a slot arrangement having of a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel peripheral slots extending through the side wall of the cannula to the lumen. A marker introducer rod is movably disposed in the lumen of the cannula for deploying the mark, and has a flexible region that corresponds to the flexible portion of the cannula. According to another aspect, a retraction mechanism is mounted to the handle and is configured to facilitate a complete retraction of both the cannula and the marker introducer rod into the chamber of the housing of the handle upon an actuation of the retraction mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Himanshu Ranpura, Chad C. Van Liere
  • Publication number: 20110021909
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: NEMOTO KYORINDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiichi ONO, Masahiro SAKAKIBARA
  • Patent number: 7877133
    Abstract: A solution for forming a marker or filler mass for an intracorporeal site. The solution contains a polar, water soluble non-aqueous solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide and a bioabsorbable, essentially water insoluble polymer such as polylactic acid, or copolymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid. The solution may be delivered to the biopsy site by a suitable syringe and delivery tube. The delivery tube is preferably provided with a releasable radiopaque element on the distal tip which can be released within the polymeric marker mass formed in the biopsy cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Frank Louw, Paul Lubock
  • Publication number: 20110016392
    Abstract: A power injector (10) with help functionality is disclosed. What may be characterized as a ‘help output’ may be displayed on a graphical user interface (11) in response to a request for help. This help output may be based upon a current state of the power injector (10), may be accompanied by a cross-reference to an operator's manual for the power injector (10), may be expanded to provide additional detail, or any combination thereof. At least one system screen that relates to the help output may be displayed (e.g., simultaneously, sequentially). The help functionality may be in the form of having the power injector (10) incorporate help mode logic (256) that is configured to allow a user to view and obtain information on the various system screens that would be presented when using the power injector (10) to deliver a fluid, but without actually operating the power injector (10) to deliver fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: David P. Humeniuk
  • Publication number: 20100331677
    Abstract: A marker delivery system including a surgical needle defining a lumen. The surgical needle is adapted to receive a marker. The surgical needle includes a side opening substantially adjacent to a first end of the surgical needle. The marker delivery system also includes a plunger insertable into the surgical needle at a second end of the surgical needle. Depression of the plunger inside the lumen of the surgical needle pushes the marker through the side opening of the surgical needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Kelvin K. Hong, Ian Lee, Pao-Lin Che, Brian Hsi, Linmiao Xu, Deepika Sagaram
  • Publication number: 20100331678
    Abstract: A power injector (110) is disclosed that operates a drive train (116) in a single, common configuration to operate each of a first syringe (132) and a second syringe (152). That is, no changes need to be made to the drive train (116) to change the discharge from the first syringe (132) to the second syringe (152), or vice versa. In one embodiment, the first plunger (140) of the first syringe (132) is maintained in a stationary position, while its corresponding first syringe barrel or housing (134) is moved, to provide a discharge from the first syringe (132). Conversely for the noted embodiment, the second plunger (160) of the second syringe (152) is moved, while its corresponding second syringe barrel or housing (154) is maintained in a stationary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Frank M. Fago
  • Patent number: 7844328
    Abstract: A liquid injector displays a plotting chart image whose vertical axis represents liquid injection rates and horizontal axis represents liquid injection times. When an injection graph which represents a liquid injection rate at each quantity of the liquid to be injected is entered into the displayed plotting chart image, the liquid injector controls operation of an injection performing means according to the injection graph and a time which has elapsed from the start of injection of the liquid. The rate at which the liquid is injected can thus be changed as desired with time according to the injection graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20100298699
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that a positional change in valve device actuator position provides a change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, John F. Kalafut, Ralph H. Schriver
  • Publication number: 20100286513
    Abstract: A syringe assembly (10), is provided for sequentially injecting multiple medical fluids (16,68). The syringe assembly may include a first syringe (14) having a pushrod (22) coupled to a plunger head (20) disposed in a barrel (18). A front portion of the barrel may include a fitting (32). The syringe assembly may include an adapter (12) having a mating fitting (38) removably coupled to the fitting (32). The adapter (12) may include a plunger head (44) that has a flow control feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ralph E. Pollard, JR., William A. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20100280369
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide for a syringe mount of a power injector. The syringe mount may include a plurality of syringe retainer components that translate (e.g., move linearly without rotation) toward and away from a longitudinal axis of the injector drive ram. These retainer components may be biased (e.g., via a spring) toward one another and/or the longitudinal axis of the injector drive ram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: John K. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20100280370
    Abstract: A syringe plunger is manufactured by injecting polypropylene with filler into a mold for forming the hard core of the plunger, and immediately thereafter co-injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into a cover mold positioned at the forward end of the plunger mold cavity to thereby form a soft exterior cover over the forward end of the hard plunger core with a secure chemical bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: David Namey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100274128
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Publication number: 20100274127
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Publication number: 20100274126
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Patent number: 7819845
    Abstract: A syringe plunger/jacket assembly may comprise a flexible jacket attached to a rigid plunger. The jacket may comprise at least two sealing rings (front and rear) that prevent fluid from leaking out of the rear of the barrel during injection of fluid from the syringe. The rear sealing ring may or may not contact or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel in an unloaded state. In the loaded state, when force is applied in the direction of the forward discharge end of the syringe, pressure is created on the jacket. This condition causes the rear seal to expand and contact and/or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Coeur, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Cude
  • Publication number: 20100268075
    Abstract: Various embodiments of syringe plunger driver or ram retraction protocols for a power injector are disclosed. In a first ram retraction protocol (184a), a first ram may be partially retracted (232), followed by a full retraction of a second ram (234), followed by a completion of the retraction of the first ram (238). In a second ram retraction protocol (184b), a first ram may be partially retracted (252), followed by a partial retraction of a second ram (254), and sometime thereafter each of the first and second rams may be completely retracted (260, 262). In a third ram retraction protocol (184c), the first and second rams are simultaneously and partially retracted (272), and sometime thereafter each of the first and second rams are completely retracted (276). In a fourth ram retraction protocol (184d), the first and second rams are simultaneously and fully retracted (292) based upon a programmed input or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gary S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100262002
    Abstract: A syringe (10?) for use with a powered injector (20) to inject a fluid into a patient that includes a length of material (1550) adapted to transmit or propagate electromagnetic energy therethrough. The length of material (1550) includes a plurality of indicators (60a-60c) positioned along the length of material. The indicators (60a-60c) are adapted to interact with at least a portion of the energy being propagated through the length of material (1550) of the syringe (10?) in a manner that is detectable. An indicator block (1500) may be disposed over at least a portion of the plurality of indicators (60a-60c). The presence (or absence) of an indicator block (1500) provides or corresponds to information about the syringe (10?) configuration. The indicator(s) (60a-60c) in combination with the indicator blocks (1500) may, for example, provide information about syringe (10?) configuration by the number and/or position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Martz
  • Publication number: 20100256486
    Abstract: Aspects of a syringe for use with a medical injector system. The hub having an outer surface adapted to slidingly engage with a barrel of the syringe, and an inner surface having a substantially annular engaging portion adapted to be releasably engaged by a plunger to permit the hub to be selectively withdrawn along the barrel by the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Brian Savage
  • Publication number: 20100249585
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide for a syringe mount for a medical fluid power injector. The syringe mount is designed to hold a syringe so that a drive of the medical fluid power injector can move a plunger of the syringe to expel medical fluid from the syringe. The syringe mount comprises a first syringe clamp comprising a first arcuate surface, and a second syringe clamp comprising a second arcuate surface, wherein the first and second syringe clamps are in opposing relation to one another such that the first arcuate surface faces the second arcuate surface, and wherein the first and second syringe clamps are adapted to translate in opposite linear directions toward and away from one another to engage and disengage a syringe located therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Publication number: 20100249586
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system (400A) is generally directed to allowing fluid sources or other fluid delivery components to be reused with multiple fluid targets (318), and includes at least one fluid source (314) fluidly interconnectable with at least one sterilization zone (316) and at least one fluid target (318). This sterilization zone (316) could include one or more sterilization systems that attempt to neutralize contaminants entering the fluid delivery system (400A) by a backflow from the fluid target (318). One such sterilization system (500A-D) includes a container (502a-d) and a flush system (520) for sterilizing the container (502a-d) between uses. Another sterilization system (600) includes a flowpath (604) exposed to an output of an energy source (602) capable of destroying contaminants. Yet another sterilization system could include a sterilizing substance (710) that engages and moves along an interior surface (705) of a housing (704) to treat contamination thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robin C. Cocker, Paul A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100249587
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Doug Duchon, Thomas Paulson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Publication number: 20100228121
    Abstract: A dual chamber syringe (10) comprises an inner cylindrical body (30) having a open end, a closed end with an inner discharge outlet (35) formed therein, and an inner plunger (91) sealingly slideable within the inner body, and an outer cylindrical body (11) enclosing the inner cylindrical body and having an open end, a closed end with an outer discharge outlet (20) formed therein, and an outer plunger (75) sealingly slidable between the outer body and the inner body, the inner discharge outlet extending into the outer discharge outlet such that the inner body is in fluid communication through the outer discharge outlet with the exterior of the inner and outer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Katada Kazuhiro, Munehito Kurimoto
  • Publication number: 20100228122
    Abstract: Method and medical devices for generating and stabilizing micro- or nano-bubbles, and systems and methods for therapeutic applications using the bubbles, are provided. The micro-bubbles may be used to enhance therapeutic benefits such as ultrasound-guided precision drug delivery and real-time verification, acoustic activation of large tumour masses, enhanced acoustic activation through longer retention of therapeutic agents at the point of interest, enhancement of high intensity focused ultrasound treatments, light activation of photodynamic drugs at a depth within a patient using extracorporeal light sources, probes, or sonoluminescence, and initiation of time reversal acoustics focused ultrasound to permit highly localized treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ARTENGA INC.
    Inventors: James Keenan, Junjie Gu, Philippe Joel Genereux, Adrian T. Blenkinsop, David H. Gerwing, Sebastien Roy Fournier, Sarah Katherine Dobbin
  • Publication number: 20100222674
    Abstract: A syringe includes a body and a plunger movably disposed within the body. The syringe may be used with an injector including a drive member. The drive member preferably includes at least one pin adapted to form a retractable abutting connection with an interior of a plunger to enable the drive member to retract the plunger with the body of the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, John A. Haury, Jared E. Neff
  • Publication number: 20100217121
    Abstract: A liquid injector acquires personal condition data originating from a patient, before executing injection of a medical liquid, and a function decision unit decides whether the patient has renal dysfunction based on the acquired personal condition data. Accordingly, such arrangement can be made that in the case where the patient is not decided to have renal dysfunction the liquid injection is executed without announcing an alert, and that in the contrary case the alert is announced and the liquid injection is suspended. Thus, the liquid injector allows easily and surely preventing improper injection of the liquid such as a contrast medium to a patient with renal dysfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: NEMOTO KYORINDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20100217122
    Abstract: A slip ring assembly for an injector is provided, where the injector includes a handle assembly coupled to a syringe barrel, and a plunger configured to rotate and slidably translate through a receptacle. The slip ring assembly includes a rotatable element disposed about the syringe barrel and configured to rotate at least partially about a circumference of the barrel, a retention groove positioned upon the syringe barrel, and a locking element including a protrusion complimentary with the retention groove and configured to engage retention groove and maintain rotatable element upon the syringe barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Hideo Fumiyama, Shawn P. Fojtik
  • Publication number: 20100204574
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duchon, James P. Smith, Katherine H. Anderson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Publication number: 20100204573
    Abstract: A fluid path set for delivery of an injection fluid includes a flexible tube. The flexible tube has a first end and a second end and a length defined between the first and second ends when the flexible tube is straightened. The flexible tube has a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the flexible tube. The flexible tube defines a transverse formation extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube. The fluid path set further includes a clip mechanism for maintaining the transverse formation in the flexible tube such fluid contained within the flexible tube at one end portion cannot flow through the length of the flexible tube to displace a less dense fluid contained within the flexible tube at the other end portion thereof by means of gravitational flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Spohn, Thomas Cunningham, Ronnie Mahofski
  • Patent number: 7771389
    Abstract: An auto purge for an intravenous contrast injector of the type having a motor which advances a plunger drive ram and configured for use with a pre-filled or user-filled syringe containing an approximate known amount of air including a processor which causes the motor to move and a memory storing a predetermined purge stop point representative of the approximate known amount of air in the syringe, the injector configured to automatically advance the plunger drive ram an amount substantially equal to the predetermined purge stop point representative of the approximate known amount of air contained in the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Keith M. Grispo, Frank M. Fago
  • Publication number: 20100198141
    Abstract: Provided for in certain embodiments is extravasation detector, including an acoustic sensor. Further provided is a method of monitoring for extravasation, including sensing acoustic emissions produced by fluid flow of a medical fluid injected into a subject, and detecting a possible extravasation event based on the sensed acoustic emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Peter G. Laitenberger, David M. Pooley
  • Publication number: 20100198060
    Abstract: A ram assembly (110) for a power injector (10) is disclosed having an inner ram (120) that is movable relative to an outer ram (140). One or more ram couplers (158) each include a cam slot (164) and are slidably interconnected with an end (150) of the outer ram (140). The inner ram (120) includes a cam (128) that is disposed within a cam slot (164) of its corresponding ram coupler (158). Relative movement between the inner ram (120) and the outer ram (140) moves the various ram couplers (158) relative to the outer ram end (150) by the camming effect between the cams (128) and the cam slots (164). The ram couplers (158) may be used to establish both a coupled state and an uncoupled state or condition with a syringe plunger coupler (34) of a syringe plunger (32) for a power injector syringe (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Jonathan D. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7753885
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Duchon, Thomas Paulson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Patent number: 7734331
    Abstract: In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paritosh Jayant Dhawale, Mark Alan Jackson, Hernan Rodrigo Lara, Michael Brussermann, Ulrich Ketzscher
  • Publication number: 20100137714
    Abstract: A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: COEUR, INC.
    Inventor: J. Michael Cude
  • Patent number: 7727196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventor: Charles S. Neer
  • Patent number: 7725168
    Abstract: A contrast media injection system includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Neer, Jonathan D. Gibbs, John Kevin Bruce, Robert J. Ziemba, David M. Brooks, James R. Small, Gary S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100113923
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for providing a mating mechanism between at least one pressurizing unit and at least one corresponding sleeve in a powered medical fluid injection device. An example powered medical fluid injection device includes a sleeve and an injector head coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve has a notch with a predefined shape and size. The sleeve is configured to receive a pressurizing unit (such as a syringe) having an external tab with a predefined shape and size that are substantially identical to the predefined shape and size of the notch in the sleeve, such that the tab mates with the notch when the sleeve receives the pressurizing unit. The injector head is configured to inject a quantity of a medical fluid from the pressurizing unit during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marty Hieb, Khoi Le, Bill West, Darryl T. Wrolson, Paul Pilosi
  • Publication number: 20100113924
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for automatically supplying a pressurizing unit (e.g., syringe) that is used with a powered medical fluid injection device with fluid. An example method performed by the medical fluid injection device includes obtaining operational state information of the medical fluid injection device, wherein the operational state information includes information other than a fluid delivery amount for a subsequent injection procedure. The example method further includes using the operational state information to determine whether the powered medical fluid injection device permits a fluid replenishment operation for the pressurizing unit. If the fluid replenishment operation is permitted, the method further includes automatically supplying the pressurizing unit with an amount of medical fluid. If the device includes multiple pressurizing units, the device may initiate an automatic fluid replenishment procedure for one or more of the pressurizing units during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: David Hajicek, Richard Oftedahl