SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING INJECTION AND/OR IMAGING PROCEDURES

• US 20070282198A1
• Filed: 05/23/2007
• Published: 12/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc. (Bayer AG)
• Original Assignee: Medrad Incorporated (Bayer AG)
• Inventors: Almon-Martin, Rosemary, Hirschman, Alan, Grumski, Walter, Pagano, Vera, Zelenski, Karen, Sciulli, Francis, Griffiths, David, Rhinehart, Edward, Uber, Arthur
• Granted Patent: US 7,937,134 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/431
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/481 involving the use of contrast agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/504 for diagnosis of blood vessels, e.g. by angiography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/06 Measuring blood flow measuring volume flow in general G01F, e.g. G01F1/66, G01F1/72; measuring speed of fluids in general G01P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/481 involving the use of contrast agent, e.g. microbubbles introduced into the bloodstream analysis of echo signal exploiting properties of a contrast enhancer in devices for short-range imaging with acoustic waves G01S7/52039
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/80 voice-operated command
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14546 Front-loading type injectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/20 for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS

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.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A system for controlling an imaging procedure, the system comprising:

(a) an injector subsystem having first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent, respectively, for injection into a patient during an injection procedure;

(b) an imaging subsystem for applying energy to the patient and producing an image or a measurement of an internal region of the patient from a signal resulting from the energy applied to the patient; and

(c) a data interface interconnecting the injector and imaging subsystems for enabling exchange of digital information therebetween, the information comprising at least one of timing data and other data, such that the digital information transmitted between the subsystems is usable thereby for enabling closed loop control of one of the subsystems by the other of the subsystems through which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the closed loop control of the injector subsystem is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging subsystem, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the injector subsystem, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof as part of the other data.

23. The system of claim 21 wherein the closed loop control of the imaging subsystem is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the injector subsystem, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging subsystem, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof as part of the other data.

24. The system of claim 21 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging subsystem is usable by the injector subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

26. The system of claim 24 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

27. The system of claim 24 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

28. The system of claim 21 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector subsystem is usable by the imaging subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

30. The system of claim 28 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

31. The system of claim 21 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging subsystem is usable by the injector subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the imaging subsystem.

32. The system of claim 21 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

33. The system of claim 21 wherein the data interface includes:

(a) an injector interface unit associated with the injector subsystem;

(b) an imager interface unit associated with the imaging subsystem; and

(c) an intermediate interface unit linking the injector and imager interface units and thereby enabling the exchange of the information between the injector and imaging subsystems.

34. The system of claim 33 wherein the injector interface unit is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the injector subsystem;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the injector subsystem, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering at least some of the other data, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data.

35. The system of claim 33 wherein the imager interface unit is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the imaging subsystem;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the imaging subsystem, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering at least some of the other data, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data.

36. The system of claim 21 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector subsystem, the imaging subsystem, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.

37. The system of claim 21 wherein the data interface is connectable to at least one additional injector subsystem to enable exchange of the digital information therebetween to effect closed loop control of at least one of the injector subsystems by the imaging subsystem.

38. A system for coordinating an imaging procedure and an injection procedure, the system comprising:

(a) an injector subsystem having first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent, respectively, for injection into a patient during the injection procedure;

(b) an imaging subsystem for applying energy to the patient and producing an image or a measurement of an internal region of the patient from a signal resulting from the energy applied to the patient during the imaging procedure; and

(c) a data interface interconnecting the injector and imaging subsystems for enabling exchange of digital information therebetween, the information comprising at least one of timing data and other data, such that the digital information transmitted between the subsystems is usable thereby to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging subsystem is usable by the injector subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

41. The system of claim 39 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

42. The system of claim 39 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

43. The system of claim 38 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector subsystem is usable by the imaging subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

45. The system of claim 43 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

46. The system of claim 38 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging subsystem is usable by the injector subsystem to modify one or more parameters of the imaging subsystem.

47. The system of claim 38 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

48. The system of claim 38 wherein the data interface includes:

(a) an injector interface unit associated with the injector subsystem;

(b) an imager interface unit associated with the imaging subsystem; and

(c) an intermediate interface unit linking the injector and imager interface units and thereby enabling the exchange of the information between the injector and imaging subsystems.

49. The system of claim 48 wherein the injector interface unit is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the injector subsystem;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the injector subsystem, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering at least some of the other data, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data.

50. The system of claim 48 wherein the imager interface unit is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the imaging subsystem;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the imaging subsystem, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering at least some of the other data, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging subsystems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable and usable thereby as part of the other data.

51. The system of claim 38 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector subsystem, the imaging subsystem, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.

52. The system of claim 38 wherein the data interface is connectable to at least one additional injector subsystem to enable exchange of the digital information therebetween to effect closed loop control of at least one of the injector subsystems by the imaging subsystem.

53. An injector system for use with an imaging system in producing a contrast-enhanced image of an internal region of a patient, the injector system comprising:

(a) first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent, respectively, for injection into the patient during an injection procedure;

(b) an injector control unit for controlling the pressurizing units; and

(c) an injector interface connectable to the imaging system through an imager interface thereof, the injector and imaging interfaces for enabling exchange of digital information between the injector and imaging systems for enabling closed loop control of one of the systems by the other of the systems through which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired by the imaging system during an imaging procedure.

54. The injector system of claim 53 wherein the closed loop control is of the injector system by the imaging system and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

55. The injector system of claim 53 wherein the closed loop control is of the imaging system by the injector system and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

56. The injector system of claim 53 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

57. The injector system of claim 56 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

58. The injector system of claim 56 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

59. The injector system of claim 56 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

60. The injector system of claim 53 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector system is usable by the imaging system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

61. The injector system of claim 60 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

62. The injector system of claim 60 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

63. The injector system of claim 53 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

64. The injector system of claim 53 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

65. The injector system of claim 53 wherein the injector interface is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the injector control unit;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the injector system, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging systems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging systems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable.

66. The injector system of claim 53 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector system, the imaging system, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.

67. An injector system for use with an imaging system in producing a contrast-enhanced image of an internal region of a patient during an imaging procedure, the injector system comprising:

(a) first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent, respectively, for injection into the patient during an injection procedure;

(b) an injector control unit for controlling the pressurizing units; and

(c) an injector interface connectable to the imaging system through an imager interface thereof, the injector and imaging interfaces for enabling exchange of digital information between the injector and imaging systems such that the digital information transmitted between the systems is usable thereby to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

68. The injector system of claim 67 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

69. The injector system of claim 68 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

70. The injector system of claim 68 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

71. The injector system of claim 68 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

72. The injector system of claim 67 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector system is usable by the imaging system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

73. The injector system of claim 72 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

74. The injector system of claim 72 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

75. The injector system of claim 67 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

76. The injector system of claim 67 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

77. The injector system of claim 67 wherein the injector interface is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the injector control unit;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the injector system, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging systems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging systems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable.

78. The injector system of claim 67 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector system, the imaging system, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.

79. An imaging system for use with an injector system in producing a contrast enhanced image of an internal region of a patient, the imaging system comprising:

(a) an energy subsystem for applying energy to the internal region of the patient;

(b) a display for showing the image of the internal region of the patient based on a signal resulting from the energy applied to the patient; and

(c) an imager interface connectable to the injector system through an injector interface thereof, the imager and injector interfaces for enabling exchange of digital information between the imaging and injector systems for enabling closed loop control of one of the systems by the other of the systems through which the contrast medium and the diluent injected by the injector system into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired by the imaging system during an imaging procedure.

80. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein the closed loop control is of the injector system by the imaging system and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

81. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein the closed loop control is of the imaging system by the injector system and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

82. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

83. The imaging system of claim 82 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

84. The imaging system of claim 82 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

85. The imaging system of claim 82 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

86. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector system is usable by the imaging system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

87. The imaging system of claim 86 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

88. The imaging system of claim 86 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

89. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

90. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

91. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein the imager interface is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the imaging system;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the imaging system, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging systems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging systems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable.

92. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector system, the imaging system, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.

93. An imaging system for use with an injector system in producing a contrast-enhanced image of an internal region of a patient during an imaging procedure, the imaging system comprising:

(a) an energy subsystem for applying energy to the internal region of the patient;

(b) a display for showing the image of the internal region of the patient based on a signal resulting from the energy applied to the patient during the imaging procedure; and

(c) an imager interface connectable to the injector system through an injector interface thereof, the injector and imaging interfaces for enabling exchange of digital information between the injector and imaging systems such that the digital information transmitted between the systems is usable thereby to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement therewith within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

94. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein the closed loop control is of the injection procedure and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

95. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein the closed loop control is of the imaging procedure and is based upon at least one of (i) selected portions of the digital information from the injector system, (ii) selected portions of the digital information from the imaging system, and (iii) a physiological condition of the patient obtained from a sensor thereof.

96. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the injection.

97. The imaging system of claim 96 wherein the injection parameters include at least one of concentration, flow rate, timing, volume, pressure, temperature, time since preparation, brand, type, number of phases, sequencing of mediums, therapeutic progress, and patient recirculation related data.

98. The imaging system of claim 96 wherein the closed loop control enables the injection parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

99. The imaging system of claim 96 wherein the injection parameters are stored for use for subsequent or other injection procedures.

100. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the injector system is usable by the imaging system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

101. The imaging system of claim 100 wherein the imaging parameters include at least one of power in the energy sent into the patient, time during which the energy is applied to the patient, gain of an amplifier which receives the signal from the patient, or speed at which the energy is scanned across the patient.

102. The imaging system of claim 100 wherein the closed loop control enables the imaging parameters to be adjusted based on one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

103. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein at least some of the digital information transmitted from the imaging system is usable by the injector system to modify one or more parameters of the imaging system.

104. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein the digital information includes control parameters, the control parameters comprising at least one of hold injection, start injection, start scan, stop injection, stop scan, reset injector subsystem, and gating control operation based on feedback from a physiological parameter of the patient.

105. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein the imager interface is for enabling the exchange of a desired portion of the information with at least one of:

(a) a processor unit of the imaging system;

(b) an operator interface device associated with the imaging system, the operator interface device for use in at least one of entering initial settings, entering programming for at least one of the injector and imaging systems, and functioning as a display for at least one of the injector and imaging systems;

(c) a hospital information system from which additional patient information is receivable;

(d) a physiological sensor from which a condition of the patient is receivable; and

(e) a fluid sensor from which a condition of the contrast medium is receivable.

106. The imaging system of claim 93 wherein one or more desired portions of the digital information are storable in at least one of the injector system, the imaging system, and an external information system, and retrievable therefrom.