Piston-type Ram Forces Material Into Body Patents (Class 600/432)
  • Patent number: 7684603
    Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an image data production device for producing image data composed of a plurality of frame image data items acquired successively from the subject during a scan time, a continuous time field image data production device for producing continuous time field image data from the image data by adding up the plurality of frame image data items acquired successively during the scan time, a time-sequential change process image data production device for producing time-sequential change process image data, and a synthesis/output device for synthesizing an image represented by the continuous time field image data and each of the images represented by the time-sequential change process image data by superimposing the image represented by the continuous time field image data on each of the images represented by the time-sequential change process image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20100069748
    Abstract: At the insertion movement of plunger member in cylinder member, a photosensor is in the position of sensing the movement of slit area. As a result, when the plunger member is pressed inward by an operator, light transmission zones and light shielding zones alternately provided in the slit area are sensed by the photosensor. Accordingly, there can be provided a syringe-like hand switch such that in the chemical introduction control of injector head for injection of chemicals, such as a contrast medium, in patients, both parameters for injection speed and injection quantity can be controlled by the senses at use of conventional syringes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SUGAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100063390
    Abstract: Syringes for use with medical fluid injectors. In certain aspects, the syringe includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a forward end, and a rearward end. At least one syringe mating section is coupled to the body of the syringe and is adapted to operatively engage an injector. In some embodiments, the syringe mating section includes first, second, and third flanges extending outwardly from the body along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the syringe mating section includes a first flange having a cross-section of a parallelogram and a second flange having a tapered surface. In some embodiments, the syringe mating section includes a flange having an L-shaped cross-section. Other embodiments of the syringe mating section may include yet other appropriate designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Charles Neer
  • Publication number: 20100056909
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, James E. Knipfer
  • Patent number: 7670315
    Abstract: An injector for injection a fluid into a patient, including: a first pressurizing mechanism adapted to operatively connect with a first fluid container to pressurize fluid therein; at least a second pressurizing mechanism to operatively connect with a second fluid container to pressurize a fluid therein; a single drive; and a transmission to control how power from the drive is distributed to the first pressurizing mechanism of the first container and to the second pressurizing mechanism of the second container to control injection of fluid from the first container and from the second container. The drive can, for example, be an electric motor or other drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, David M. Reilly, Joseph J. Fularz, Paul J. Swartz, Mark Trocki, David A. Mishler
  • Patent number: 7662124
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Acist Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duchon, James P. Smith, Katherine H. Anderson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Publication number: 20100030074
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a first vessel for supplying a first liquid; a second vessel for supplying a second liquid; a mixing vessel for mixing the first and second liquids; a connector including a first flow passage connected to the first vessel, a second flow passage connected to the second vessel, a third flow passage connected to the mixing vessel and joined to the first flow passage and the second flow passage, and a discharge port which communicates with the third flow passage; and a flow passage opening/closing device provided in the third flow passage at a joint part where the first flow passage and the second flow passage join the third flow passage or at a part on a discharge port side relative to the joint part and which is operative to open/close the third flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaomi Imai, Hiromitsu Okabe, Shingo Koyama
  • Publication number: 20100016714
    Abstract: A syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation capable of suppressing the adhesion of air bubbles, and a pre-filled syringe formulation having the adhesion of air bubbles suppressed, are provided, and a process allowing efficient production of the syringe barrel is provided. A syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation having the interior surface treated by corona discharge; a pre-filled syringe formulation having a drug solution filled and sealed in the syringe barrel; and a process for producing a syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation, including subjecting the interior surface of a syringe barrel to a corona discharge treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
    Inventors: Ryoh Nagata, Yukihiro Ando, Morisaku Saito
  • Publication number: 20100010342
    Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Paul Lubock, Micheal L. Jones, Richard L. Quick, Frank Louw, Stephen A. De Santis
  • Publication number: 20100004534
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Charles S. Neer
  • Publication number: 20090312632
    Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly. The injector piston or drive member includes a sensing pin positioned at a forward end thereof to sense contact with the syringe plunger during advancement of the piston or drive member to contact the plunger. The piston can be advanced automatically upon connection of, for example, the syringe to the injector, or piston advance can be automated to occur after operator initiation. The injector may include or be adapted to accommodate two syringes, which for example provide for simultaneous injection of fluid into separate injection sites on a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis P. Hack
  • Patent number: 7632245
    Abstract: A device for injection of a fluid into a patient includes a container adapted to hold the fluid and defining an outlet through which the fluid can exit the container. A pressurizing mechanism is in connection with the container for pressurizing the fluid, and an actuator is in fluid connection with the outlet. The actuator has a first state in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the outlet and a second state in which fluid can flow through the outlet. The injection device further includes a flow regulator to control the flow rate of fluid in fluid connection with the outlet. The container, the pressurizing mechanism, the actuator and the flow regulator can be MR compatible, thereby making the device suitable for use in or near the bore of an MR scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, Frederick W. Trombley, III, David M. Reilly, David M. Griffiths, George J. Misic, Keith Callan
  • Publication number: 20090287078
    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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Frank Louw, Paul Lubock
  • Patent number: 7618412
    Abstract: A contrast fluid delivery method and system includes a multiple-reuse filling section for attachment by conduit to a contrast fluid supply container, and a delivery section that is removably attached to the filling section for delivering contrast fluid held in the filling section to a patient. The filling section includes a main body having a fluid chamber, a contrast fluid filling inlet with a gravity-operated valve, an opening for connecting an operable power syringe, and a contrast fluid outlet fed through a spring-loaded one-way check valve. The delivery section includes a first delivery conduit connected between the contrast fluid outlet of the main body and the fluid inlet of an inline aspirator syringe, and a second delivery conduit connected at one end to a fluid outlet of the aspirator syringe and at the other to a catheter for delivering the contrast fluid to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Milton Chernack
  • Publication number: 20090247867
    Abstract: A syringe for use with a powered injector to inject a fluid into a patient includes at least a first indicator positioned on the syringe at a predetermined axial position. The distance between a rearward surface of the first indicator and a predetermined position on the powered injector provides information about the syringe configuration. The first indicator can, for example, be a rear surface of the attachment flange. An injector system includes a powered injector having a drive member and at least one sensor for detecting energy. The injector system also includes a syringe having at least a first indicator positioned on the syringe at a predetermined axial position. The energy detected by the sensor is determined by the axial position of the indicator when the syringe is attached to the powered injector. The axial position of the indicator thereby provides information about the syringe configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Joelle A. Rudnick, Thomas P. Joyce, Adam J. Hahn, Michael J. Masters, William J. Nolan, JR., Joseph B. Havrilla
  • Publication number: 20090240233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting liquid, comprising a piece of tubing on which there is situated at least a first liquid occlusion system. According to the invention, a regulation system is situated upstream from the first occlusion system, the two systems defining an intermediate segment in which the pressure, in the absence of injection, is greater than the pressure that exists downstream from the first occlusion system so as to direct any leak of liquid from the first occlusion system downstream. The invention is applicable to a pump used for injecting contrast liquid for medical imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SMC - Swiss Medical Care S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Neftel
  • Publication number: 20090234226
    Abstract: The injector (100) comprises a protocol setting means (410) for setting the injection protocols of the contrast medium and the diluent, and a speed control means (440) for controlling the action of the piston drive mechanism (130) in accordance with the injection protocols. In the injection protocols the injection speed (VA) of the contrast medium is higher than the injection speed (VB) of the diluent when a time (T1) elapses after the injection start, the injection speed (VA) of the contrast medium monotonously decreases whereas the injection speed (VB) of the diluent monotonously increases for the period from the time (T1) to a time (T2), and the injection speed (VB) of the diluent is higher than the injection speed (VA) of the contrast medium when the time (T2) elapses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 7566321
    Abstract: In a device for the injection of medical preparations, into a patients body during an examination in a Computer Tomograph (CT) or in a Magnetic Resonance Tomograph (MRT) or endoscopically, including an injection needle supported by an injection-needle advancing arrangement for insertion of the injection needle into the patients body and the concurrent injection of medications with a separate dosing apparatus, a hose with a check valve for the one-way transport of the medical preparations from the dosing apparatus into the injection needle, as well as a pressure sensor for monitoring the infusion, the injection needle advancing arrangement comprises a needle holder and a linear drive for the movement of the needle holder in parallel with the injection needle and the dosing apparatus has geometric dimensions and consists of materials permitting its insertion into the CT or MRT together with the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Gumb, Henri Hannula, Swen Köhn, Andreas Melzer, Aribert Schäf, Georg Prokott
  • Publication number: 20090171198
    Abstract: The marker delivery system described has a delivery tube or cannula which has a bioabsorbable powdered mass and a radiographically detectable element within an inner lumen thereof. The powdered material is a starch such as USP (corn) starch or other suitable polysaccharide. The radiographically detectable element may be disposed within or coupled to a bioabsorbable pellet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael L. Jones, Paul Lubock, John Merritt
  • Patent number: 7553287
    Abstract: A guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer construction and methods of making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire or member having a proximal region and distal region, a jacket disposed over the distal region, and a coil disposed over the jacket. The coil may include a coating and may be embedded within the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Reynolds, James S. Sharrow
  • Publication number: 20090163802
    Abstract: A liquid injector (400) injects a medical liquid into a patient whose fluoroscopic image data is to be picked up, and generates injection history data corresponding to the injection. A control box (500) allocates identification data associated with the fluoroscopic image data to the injection history data, and PACS (300) stores the fluoroscopic image data and the injection history data allocated with the identification data. The injection history data is also stored in association with the fluoroscopic image data to be stored, and hence the injection history data can also be confirmed when viewing the fluoroscopic image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicants: RESOURCE ONE INC, NEMOTO KYORINDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Goto, Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20090163803
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: 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: 20090156931
    Abstract: A chemical liquid injector comprises liquid syringe 200 and a chemical liquid injector. Liquid syringe 200 has cylinder member 210, a piston member and RFID tag 230 put on an outer circumference of cylinder member 210. The chemical liquid injector has cylinder holding mechanism 120 for holding cylinder member 210, a piston driving mechanism for driving the piston member and an RFID reader. The RFID reader has reader antennas 132L, 132R placed opposite to a tag antenna so as to be able to receive data from RFID tag 230 with cylinder member 210 is appropriately held by the cylinder holding mechanism. The piston driving mechanism is permitted to operate only when the RFID reader receives data from RFID tag 230.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nemoto, Masahiro Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20090149744
    Abstract: A chemical solution injection system, wherein a RFID chip (230) is mounted on a chemical liquid syringe (200) in the state of being wrapped around the outer surface of the cylinder member (210) thereof. An amplification antenna (240) wrapped one turn around the outer surface of the cylinder member (210) is disposed at the front of the RFID chip (230) parallel with each other. Since the communication performance of the RFID chip is increased by the amplifying antenna, the RFID chip (230) of the chemical solution syringe (200) is allowed to satisfactorily communicate with the RFID reader (131) of injection head (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Shigeru Nemoto, Seiichi Ono, Masahiro Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20090149745
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and an injector adapted to incorporate this method, for keeping a patient's vein open during an intravenous contrast injector procedure without injecting a saline solution from a separate syringe. The injector includes a controller having a programmable software module to allow an operator to configure the injector to push some contrast media fluid through an injection site and then retract a plunger drive ram. A syringe is adapted to allow a patient's blood pressure to move the syringe plunger back towards its starting position, thus enabling a patient's blood to pass through the injection site. Alternatively, the syringe is adapted with an elastic plunger which as it enlarges and contracts facilitating fluid communication through the injection site. Additionally, the plunger drive ram can be adapted to gradually pull as well as push the plunger, thereby causing fluid to flow across the injection site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank Fago
  • Publication number: 20090112087
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for a syringe plunger. The adapter of some embodiments may include a first side adapted to interface with a syringe plunger and an opposing a second side adapted to interface with a drive ram of a medical fluid injector. The adapter may include a peripheral side surface exhibiting a thickness and may include what may be characterized as at least one mating section adapted to engage with the syringe plunger. The mating section(s) may include a channel extending through the entire thickness of the adapter. In some embodiments, the mating section(s) may include a stop adjacent the channel that extends less than the entirety of the thickness of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Frank M. Fago
  • Publication number: 20090076383
    Abstract: A method of preventing extravasation of contrast agent during a computed tomography injection. An automatic injector device facilitates ease of accomplishing the method. The method includes establishing the absence of extravasation using an absorbable injectate, such as saline, prior to injecting the contrast agent. The device includes a computerized injector head capable of switching between two injectates without physical human intervention. The device is controlled by a remote operating panel located in a control room that is protected from X-ray radiation. The device includes various software driven safety features that prevent the occurrence of unsafe conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn Toews, Chris Szczech, Thomas J. McPeak, Douglas J. Duchon
  • Patent number: 7499581
    Abstract: Broadly speaking the present invention is directed to a system for calculating a volume of fluid that is disposed within a container. The system includes (1) an imaging device that captures and stores an image of at least the volume of fluid in the container; (2) a background disposed behind the container so that at least the volume of fluid in the container is disposed in front of the background; and (3) a processor that performs at least one operation on the stored image to calculate the volume of the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Tribble, Abdul Wahid Khan, John A. Adams
  • Publication number: 20090036771
    Abstract: An injector 20 that may be used to deliver radiographic contrast media and/or flushing solution into a patient's vascular system for the purposes such as obtaining enhanced diagnostic x-ray images. The injector includes the following features: (1) a syringe mount 26 for attachment of a syringe 28 to the injector 20; (2) display 34 and controls 90 for volume and flow rates; (3) automatic limiting of the operating pressure of the injector 20 as determined by the selection of a flow rate; (4) a syringe cradle 48 having a warming capability; (5) a purge/retract trigger 36 for control of the injection procedure having intuitive direction (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: LIEBEL-FLARSHEIM COMPANY
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Charles Neer, Jonathon D. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20090024027
    Abstract: A syringe for an injector that has at its nozzle end a connection to the fluid delivery tubing that prevents, reduces, or eliminates fluid leaks, by virtue of a ridge on the external surfaces of the connector which engage to tubing. Furthermore, the syringe and injector are configured to permit the syringe to be oriented in more than one manner on the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Frank M. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20080294040
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Khader Mohiuddin, Thierry Navarro, Florent Junod
  • Publication number: 20080287785
    Abstract: A liquid injection system which can be checked that that a liquid syringe is appropriately mounted on a chemical liquid injector and the liquid syringe is filled with a liquid at a time. Pattern 400 appearing as a predetermined shape when it is viewed from above through liquid syringe 200 filled with transparent liquid L is divided between a lower surface of liquid syringe 200 and an upper surface of chemical liquid injector 100. When liquid syringe 200 is appropriately held by chemical liquid injector 100, the pattern on the lower surface of liquid syringe 200 and the pattern on the upper surface of chemical liquid injector 100 are properly combined. If liquid syringe 200 is filled with a transparent liquid in this state, the combined pattern is viewed as the predetermined shape from above liquid syringe 200. The shape can be seen to check that the liquid syringe 200 is appropriately held and filled with liquid L at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Yasufumi Saitoh, Kazumasa Masuda
  • Publication number: 20080208042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MALLINCKRODT INC.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Ortenzi, Chad M. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20080167621
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes an integral manifold syringe. The integral manifold syringe may include a multi-barrel body having a first barrel and a second barrel, a manifold having first, second, third, and fourth ports, wherein the first and second ports are coupled to the first and second barrels, respectively. The integral manifold syringe also may include a flow control core disposed rotatably inside the manifold at a plurality of positions, wherein the flow control core has different flow pathway arrangements between the first, second, third, and fourth ports at the plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Andrew D. Speth
  • Patent number: 7363072
    Abstract: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Catharos Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Reza Movahed
  • Patent number: 7313431
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Alan D. Hirschman, Thomas R. Welch, Rosemary Almon-Martin
  • Patent number: 7308300
    Abstract: A method of preventing extravasation of contrast agent during a computed tomography injection. An automatic injector device facilitates ease of accomplishing the method. The method includes establishing the absence of extravasation using an absorbable injectate, such as saline, prior to injecting the contrast agent. The device includes a computerized injector head capable of switching between two injectates without physical human intervention. The device is controlled by a remote operating panel located in a control room that is protected from X-ray radiation. The device includes various software driven safety features that prevent the occurrence of unsafe conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Acist Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Toews, Chris Szczech, Thomas J. McPeak, Douglas J. Duchon
  • Patent number: 7267667
    Abstract: A fluid injection system is disclosed The system is adapted to employ first and second injectors which may sequentially, or simultaneously, inject first and second fluids into a patient via a catheter. The first and second injectors may be power actuated. The actuation of the injectors may be controlled via a controller of the system. The user may be provided with an operator interface module to enable the control of the system to be affected during operation. A separate waste line may be provided to drain the system effectively and efficiently. A pressure sensor may be provided proximate the catheter to reduce pressure signal wave dampening and fluid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Houde, Mark VanDiver, Colin P. Hart, Valerie M. Castora, Kathryn M. Albert
  • Patent number: 7264612
    Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 7192417
    Abstract: A syringe interface for attaching syringes to a drive mechanism which includes a drive member to impart motion to a syringe plunger includes a plurality of syringe mount apertures having different dimensions to attach each of a plurality of syringes to the syringe interface. Each of the syringes for attachment to the syringe interface includes at least one mounting flange, and each of the plurality of syringes has a different mounting flange dimension. Each of the plurality of syringe mount apertures is in general alignment with an axis of the drive member. A syringe drive mechanism includes a syringe interface as described above. The syringe drive mechanism can further include a sensing system to sense which size of the plurality of syringes is mounted on the syringe interface. The syringe drive mechanism can also include a processor and a memory which are in operative communication with the drive member. The memory includes a control program stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Thompson, David M. Reilly, Matthew Beale, Drew Degentesh, Matthew Goodworth, Robert Parks
  • Patent number: 7137967
    Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 7128729
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Acist Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duchon, James P. Smith, Katherine H Anderson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Patent number: 7094216
    Abstract: An injector system includes a powered injector, a pressurizing chamber in operative connection with the powered injector, a fluid path in fluid connection with the pressurizing chamber, and a manual control in fluid connection with the fluid path. The manual control includes at least one actuator for controlling the injector through application of force by an operator. The actuator provides tactile feedback of pressure in the fluid path to the operator via a fluid connection with the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Trombley, III, Robert M. Schmidt, David M. Reilly, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Gerald W. Callan, Luis A. Pedraza, Jennie Kwo, Christopher T. Zirps, Roderick H. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7079886
    Abstract: A fluid injection arrangement in the context of patient imaging systems, in which phases of contrast medium injection and flushing medium injection can be freely and selectably ordered as to make available to the operator and patient a vast array of possible protocols that has hitherto been essentially unattainable. The arrangement provides a programmable KVO phase and the ability to program a first phase of injection procedure as a flushing medium phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Zatezalo, Jeffrey John Thompson, Steven C. Rygg, Scott R. Griffith, John Gardner, Ronald Barbati
  • Patent number: 7069068
    Abstract: Haemodynamic indices of an organ or a part of tissue are determined from a time series of tomographic data obtained by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Maps of indices are produced, being significant of the dynamics of the capillary tissue flow acquired during rapid bolus injection of a tracer that stays mainly intravascular. The method may be used for evaluating the efficacy of a drug on an organ, or for obtaining information of the likelihood of recovery of an organ or part of tissue upon or during a period of insufficient vascular supply or during the progression of a chronic disease. The method may be used for discriminating between relevant therapy of an organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Leif Østergaard
  • Patent number: 6970735
    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: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Edward J. Rhinehart, Rosemary Almon-Martin, David M. Griffiths, Alan D. Hirschman, Francis J. Sciulli, Walter Grumski, Vera Pagano, Karen Zelenski
  • Patent number: 6966894
    Abstract: A syringe for use with an injector includes a body comprising a distal discharge end, a plunger movably disposed within the body, and an agitation element disposed within the body between the plunger and the distal discharge end. A movement mechanism is operably associated with the injector to move the syringe in such a way that the at least one agitation element agitates a fluid contained in the syringe. Preferably, the syringe contains an ultrasound contrast agent that is agitated by the agitation element. An injector system and a method for agitating the contents of a syringe are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Urich
  • Patent number: 6936030
    Abstract: An injector system for use in delivering a fluid to a patient in a medical procedure includes an injection head unit having at least one pressurizing member. The pressurizing member is in communicative connection with a remote power source via at least one non-rigid drive connection. A connecting member is attached to the injection head unit. The injector system further includes a base unit having a base member that is attachable to a surface and a support member to which the connecting member is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Eric Pavlik, Edward J. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6917828
    Abstract: An automatic injection device has piston holders holding cylinder pistons and plural systems of heads having a drive mechanism for moving the piston holders forward and backward so that the device can hold a plurality of syringes and operates injection or suction in each syringe independently. This device also has a mechanism for prohibiting the backward-moving of the piston holder of a second head when the piston holder of a first head is in a forward-moving state and the piston holder of the second head is in a stopped state. This structure effectively prevents liquid from being undesirably mixed and the injection amount thereof from becoming less accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6901283
    Abstract: A system for producing an image of a patient preferably includes a source of contrast medium, a pressurizing unit operably associated with the source of contrast medium for injecting the contrast medium into the patient, an imaging unit providing an internal image of the patient based upon a condition of the contrast medium in the patient, a control unit adapted to adjust the condition of the contrast medium injected into the patient, an electronic interface in communication with at least one of the pressurizing unit and the imaging unit, and a fluid path disposed between the pressurizing unit and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Morrison Evans, III, Arthur E. Uber, III