Abstract:
An intravenous contrast injector which stores different syringe definitions in firmware includes a software routine that permits a service technician to update the syringe definitions without requiring the installation of new firmware. These syringe definitions can then be used when the injector performs operational routines such as filling a syringe.
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 simplified interface. The nomenclature displayed by the workflow components (306) during workflow execution may be customizable.
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.
Abstract:
An injector calibration apparatus (110) is disclosed operable to be interconnected to, and impart a predeterminable force on, a ram (74) of a power injector (10). The injector calibration apparatus (110) may include a ram (118) operable to interface with the ram (74) of the power injector (10). A force gauge (122) may be disposed to measure the amount of force imparted on the ram (74) by the ram (118) of the injector calibration apparatus (110). In one embodiment, the output of the force gauge (122) may be amplified and fed into the power injector (10). The power injector (10) may be operable to control the level of force imparted on the ram (74) by the injector calibration apparatus (110) such that a series of powerhead motor (58) current levels for a variety of powerhead ram (74) speed and force combinations may be measured and recorded in a calibration look up table.
Abstract:
A drive train (110) for advancing a syringe plunger (132) in at least one direction is disclosed (e.g., to deliver fluid). This drive train (110) includes a first drive source (116a) and a second drive source (116b). The advancement of the syringe plunger (132) is dependent upon the output (118a) of the first drive source (116a), as well as on the output (118b) of the second drive source (116b). The sum of the outputs (118a, 118b) may be used to advance the syringe plunger (132), the differential of these outputs (118a, 118b) may be used to advance the syringe plunger (132), or each of the outputs (118a, 118b) may be made available to individually advance the syringe plunger (132).
Abstract:
A powered injector that stores energy at a low rate when not in use and delivers energy at a high rate during injection. Energy may be stored in a highly responsive energy storage device, such as a capacitor, for rapid delivery of power to the injector motor. In certain embodiments, wires connecting the powered injector to a power supply may be relatively small and inexpensive because the current and voltage loads placed on the wires are relatively low.
Abstract:
A multi-dose injection system (108) is disclosed that allows for vacuum-assisted removal of air from an interconnected tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127) and subsequent filling with fluid. The injection system (108) may include a bulk fluid container holder module (116) operable to hold one or more bottles (118, 120) of fluid for administration to a patient. The holder module (116) may include a vacuum source (240) that is selectively fluidly interconnectable to the tubing set (110). Air may be removed from the tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127) by fluidly interconnecting the vacuum source (240) to the tubing set (110). Then the vacuum source (240) may be fluidly isolated from the tubing set (110) and the bottles (118, 120) fluidly interconnected to the tubing set (110), thereby allowing fluid from the bottles (118, 120) to fill the at least partially evacuated tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127).
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:
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).
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.