Fluid injector system

• US 20020115933A1
• Filed: 02/14/2002
• Published: 08/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems Incorporated (Bracco SPA)
• Original Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems Incorporated (Bracco SPA)
• Inventors: Duchon, Douglas, Gerold, Jason
• Granted Patent: US 7,566,320 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/432
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/548 Remote control of the apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14513 with secondary fluid driving or regulating the infusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14216 Reciprocating piston type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14546 Front-loading type injectors

Abstract

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

Claims

1. An injector system for use in magnetic resonance imaging procedures comprising:

a main console, including at least one first cylinder assembly;

a hand held control in communication with said main console; and

at least one second cylinder assembly in fluid communication with said first cylinder assembly; and

at least one syringe assembly in communication with said second cylinder assembly, wherein said main console, said first cylinder assembly and said hand held control are in a control room and said second cylinder assembly and said syringe assembly are in an imaging room.

2. The injector system of claim 1 wherein said second cylinder assembly and said syringe assembly are made of non-ferromagnetic materials.

3. The injector system of claim 1 wherein said second cylinder assembly is driven with hydraulic fluid.

4. The injector system of claim 1 wherein said second cylinder assembly is driven with pneumatic fluid.

5. The injector system of claim 3 wherein said hydraulic fluid is water.

6. The injector system of claim 3 wherein said hydraulic fluid is oil.

7. The injector system of claim 4 wherein said pneumatic fluid is air.

8. The injector system of claim 4 wherein said pneumatic fluid is carbon dioxide.

9. An injector system for use in magnetic resonance imaging procedures comprising:

a main console, including at least one first cylinder assembly;

a hand held control in communication with said main console;

at least one hydraulic motor in fluid communication with said first cylinder assembly; and

at least one peristaltic pump in communication with said hydraulic motor, wherein said main console, said first cylinder assembly and said hand held control are in a control room and said hydraulic motor and said peristaltic pump are in an imaging room.

10. An injector system for use in magnetic resonance imaging procedures comprising:

a main console, including at least one first cylinder assembly;

a hand held control in communication with said main console;

at least one hydraulic motor in fluid communication with said first cylinder assembly; and

at least one gear cartridge in communication with said hydraulic motor, wherein said main console, said first cylinder assembly and said hand held control are in a control room and said hydraulic motor and said gear cartridge are in an imaging room.

11. A method of injecting a first fluid into a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure comprising:

providing a first cylinder assembly in a control room of an imaging facility, wherein said first cylinder assembly is in communication with an injector console;

providing a second cylinder assembly and a syringe assembly in a patient room of an imaging facility, wherein said second cylinder assembly is in communication with said first cylinder assembly and said syringe assembly;

providing a second fluid in communication with said first cylinder assembly and said second cylinder assembly;

driving said first cylinder assembly with a motor;

driving said second cylinder assembly with said second fluid provided by said first cylinder assembly;

driving said syringe assembly with said second cylinder assembly; and

injecting said patient with said first fluid using said syringe.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said driving causes reciprocal movement of a plunger within said first cylinder assembly.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said driving causes fluid pressure differentials within said second cylinder assembly resulting in reciprocal movement of a plunger within said second cylinder assembly.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said driving causes movement of a plunger within said syringe assembly.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said injecting is caused by rotation of a rotor of said peristaltic pumps which causes rollers of said rotor to compress a tubing, thereby drawing in said first fluid and transporting said first fluid through said tubing and into said patient.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said injecting is cause by rotation of a rotor which causes gears in said gear cartridge to rotate and compress a tubing located between said gears, thereby drawing in said first fluid and transporting said first fluid through said tubing and into said patient.

15. A method of injecting a first fluid into a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure comprising:

providing a cylinder assembly in a control room of an imaging facility, wherein said cylinder assembly is in communication with an injector console;

providing a hydraulic motor and a peristaltic pump in a patient room of an imaging facility, wherein said hydraulic motor is in communication with said cylinder assembly and said peristaltic pump;

providing a second fluid in communication with said cylinder assembly and said hydraulic motor;

driving said cylinder assembly with a motor;

driving said hydraulic motor with said second fluid provided by said cylinder assembly;

driving said peristaltic pump with said hydraulic motor; and

injecting said patient with said first fluid using said peristaltic pump.

17. A method of injecting a first fluid into a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure comprising:

providing a cylinder assembly in a control room of an imaging facility, wherein said cylinder assembly is in communication with an injector console;

providing a hydraulic motor and a gear cartridge in a patient room of an imaging facility, wherein said hydraulic motor is in communication with said cylinder assembly and said gear cartridge;

providing a second fluid in communication with said cylinder assembly and said hydraulic motor;

driving said cylinder assembly with a motor;

driving said hydraulic motor with said second fluid provided by said cylinder assembly;

driving said gear cartridge with said hydraulic motor; and

injecting said patient with said first fluid using said gear cartridge.