ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150313453 | IMAGING PROBE HOUSING WITH FLUID FLUSHING - An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The catheter may be of the type including a sheath having an opening at a distal end for conducting a fluid there through. The imaging probe includes a distal housing coupled to a drive shaft for rotation, a transducer within the distal housing for generating and sensing ultrasonic waves, and a fluid flow promoter that promotes flow of the fluid within the sheath across the transducer. | 11-05-2015 |
20150182998 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER STACK - Certain embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer stack. The ultrasound transducer stack includes a backing layer, an active layer overlying the backing layer, and a matching layer overlying the active layer. The active layer has a surface comprising a plurality of textures. The matching layer has a first thickness region and a second thickness region, wherein the first thickness region has a larger thickness than a thickness of the second thickness region, wherein the first thickness region extends into the plurality of textures and the second thickness region does not extend into the plurality of textures. | 07-02-2015 |
20150099975 | Signal Processing for Intravascular Imaging - An intravascular imaging system includes a transducer capable of generating raw data representative of the structure of a patient's vasculature. The system includes an imaging engine for receiving the raw data and generating enhanced data for presentation to a user. The imaging engine includes a coherence filter, an envelope detection module having one or more envelope detectors, and a spatial filter for processing data in various stages. Such stages of processing in the imaging engine act to reduce high frequency noise, generate low frequency data, reduce low frequency noise, and display low frequency data with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. The system can include an image generator for generating an image based on enhanced data and a display for displaying the generated image. | 04-09-2015 |
20150025381 | ENDOVENTRICULAR INJECTION CATHETER SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CAPABILITIES - Methods of providing image-guided transendocardial injection of a therapeutic agent into a left ventricular wall of a heart. Some methods enable injections into heart tissue under visualization. The methods may include providing an endoventricular injection catheter having integrated echocardiographic capability. The endoventricular injection catheter may have an imaging core and an injection system carried on the elongated body with the imaging core. The method may include positioning the endoventricular injection catheter into the left ventricle of the heart, which inserts the imaging core into the heart. The method may also include transmitting ultrasonic energy via the imaging core, receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at the distal end, visualizing the left ventricular wall of the heart using the imaging core, identifying infarct regions of the left ventricle, and injecting a therapeutic agent into the visualized infarcted regions of the left ventricle using the injection system. | 01-22-2015 |
20140343433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DEVICE ENGAGEMENT - An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343430 | IMAGING PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for image processing based on ultrasound data. The system may include an IVUS catheter configured to collect data vectors including ultrasound data and an imaging engine configured to process the ultrasound data of the data vectors. The imaging engine may receive the data vectors and divide the data vectors into different sets. The ultrasound data of each respective set may be averaged and then an envelope of each set may be detected. The envelopes of each set may then be averaged to generate an enhanced data vector which may be used to generate an image. | 11-20-2014 |
20140275892 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. | 09-18-2014 |
20140213974 | REGULATING FLOW PATHS IN A MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - A core, rotatably fitted within a body of a manifold assembly, includes a flow channel configured so that, when the core is rotated 360 degrees, fluid communication between ports of the body is only established by the channel at a first position, between first and second ports, and at a second position, between third and fourth ports. The channel may define an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, preferably 120 degrees; and, the rotation, between first and second positions, may be approximately 180 degrees. In a medical injection system, the first and second ports are fill ports of the assembly, the first being coupled to a reservoir, and the second being coupled to a pump; and the third and fourth ports are injection ports of the assembly, the third being coupled to the pump, and the fourth being coupled to an injection line. | 07-31-2014 |
20140194746 | IVUS SYSTEM WITH ROTARY CAPACITIVE COUPLING - An imaging system comprises a catheter having a lumen, a rotatable imaging probe within the catheter lumen including a distal transducer and first and second conductors coupled to the transducer, and a coupler that couples the rotatable first and second conductors to non-rotatable third and fourth conductors, respectively. The coupler includes a rotary capacitive coupler. | 07-10-2014 |
20140180084 | PRESSURE SENSING IN MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEMS - A pressure sensor for a medical injection system includes a cuff, a transducer embedded in the cuff, and a force transmitting member coupled to the transducer and exposed at an inner surface of the cuff, such that an outer surface of a tubing line of a fluid circuit of the system, when fitted within the cuff, contacts the force transmitting member. A limited length of the tubing line may have a greater compliance than a remainder of the line, in which case, the pressure sensor cuff fits around and encloses the limited length to provide support against plastic deformation, when pressures within the line are significantly greater than atmospheric. The pressure sensor may detect whether or not the cuff is properly fitted around the tubing line, and/or determine a characteristic of the tubing line. | 06-26-2014 |
20140155742 | MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO USER ACTIVATED CONTROL DEVICES - A control module for a medical injection system generates an injection control signal based on sensed internal pressure of a user activated control device, for example, in response to an applied external force that causes the sensed internal pressure to increase from a baseline pressure, and continues to sense the internal pressure of the device, following release of the applied external force, so that, if the sensed internal pressure drops below the baseline pressure, the control module may generate a notification. Thus, an operator of the system may monitor internal pressure of the control device for a drop below the baseline pressure, and then, if such a drop is detected, inspect the control device for leaks and reconnect, replace or repair the control device, or simply reconnect or replace the control device. | 06-05-2014 |
20140081214 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FLUID PRESSURIZING UNITS OF INJECTION SYSTEMS - An injection system includes a syringe, which preferably includes larger and smaller inner diameters, and a plunger. A wiper sidewall of the plunger defines a cavity, into which a plunger shaft of the system is inserted, for moving the plunger, within the syringe, for fluid injection. The plunger includes a feature for engaging the shaft, and the sidewall preferably includes a expandable-contractible portion, in which the feature is formed. When the plunger is initially mounted within the larger inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall is expanded and the feature of the plunger does not operably engage the inserted shaft. When the shaft moves the plunger into the smaller inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall contracts and the feature operably engages the shaft. An optional deformable end wall of the plunger may be spaced apart from a distal terminal end of the inserted shaft. | 03-20-2014 |
20140052009 | MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE IN A MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - A pressure sensor, for example, employed by a medical injection system for monitoring blood pressure, is isolated from relatively high pressures by a volume of a compressible medium, preferably air, or other suitable gas. The volume fills an entirety of a cavity of a pressure transducer assembly, and is enclosed between a pressure transmission interface of the assembly and the pressure sensor. The pressure transducer assembly is integrated into a fluid circuit such that the pressure transmission interface is exposed to flow through the fluid circuit. The cavity of the assembly has a configuration that allows transmission of a patient's blood pressure from the fluid circuit, via the interface and gas volume, to the pressure sensor, yet prevents transmission of the relatively high pressures, for example, injection pressures. The pressure transducer assembly may be part of a disposable fluid circuit subassembly, for example, packaged as a kit. | 02-20-2014 |
20140039310 | MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of difference injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection. | 02-06-2014 |
20140024235 | CONNECTOR COVER FOR PROTECTING A CONNECTION FROM CONTAMINANTS - A connector cover may be used to protect a connector from exposure to environmental contaminants and physical abuse. In some examples, the connector cover includes a housing defining an opening that is configured to receive a connector positioned on the end of a transmission line. The housing may contain a complementary connector for mating with the transmission line connector. The connector cover may also include first and second doors positioned to cover different portions of the opening. In use, the doors may bias together when the connector is not inserted into the housing so as to keep the opening closed. Upon inserting the connector into the opening, the connector cover doors may move apart in response to the connector physically contacting the doors. This may allow a user to insert the connector into the connector cover without using their hands to touch the doors, which may transfer contaminants. | 01-23-2014 |
20130338587 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVING AIR FROM A FLOW PATH OF A FLUID INJECTION DEVICE - A method of removing air from a flow path of a medical fluid injection system is described. An exemplary method performed by the medical fluid injection device includes delivering a first amount of fluid to a fluid flow path, isolating fluid flow along the flow path, forming a vacuum condition upstream of the fluid isolation, re-establishing fluid communications along the flow path, and delivering a second amount of fluid to the flow path. | 12-19-2013 |
20130331714 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve, such as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based FabryPerot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor. | 12-12-2013 |
20130324864 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. | 12-05-2013 |
20130303914 | MULTIPLE TRANSDUCER DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention allow more full characterization of a stenotic lesion by measuring both pressure drop across the stenotic lesion and the size of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion, both with sensors delivered intravascularly to the stenotic lesion site. In preferred embodiments, the size (e.g., inner diameter, cross-sectional profile) of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion can be measured via one or more intravascular ultrasound transducers. In preferred embodiments, the intravascular ultrasound transducer(s) can be delivered to the site of the stenotic lesion with the same delivery device that carries the pressure transducer(s). | 11-14-2013 |
20130283921 | UNIVERSAL PRESSURE TRANSDUCER MOUNTING DEVICE - A pressure transducer mounting device may include a support member and a pressure transducer holder. In use, the support member may attach to a support surface, such as a housing of a power injection device, while the pressure transducer holder is moveably connected to the support member. The pressure transducer holder may expand open to receive one of a plurality of different sized pressure transducers and bias closed to hold a received one of the plurality of different sized pressure transducers. In addition, the pressure transducer holder may move relative to the support member to one of a plurality of different vertically elevated positions. The pressure transducer mounting device may accommodate different pressure transducers, providing a universal mounting device that can adapt to different medical provider preferences and different pressure transducer sourcing options. | 10-31-2013 |
20130253328 | CATHETER SHEATH AND METHODS THEREOF - A catheter a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The first sheath being devoid of any bonds between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flexural modulus of the first sheath varying along the length. A method of making a catheter having more than one flexural modulus. | 09-26-2013 |
20130137980 | CATHETERS FOR IMAGING AND ABLATING TISSUE - An ultrasound catheter includes an elongated body, a first and second ablation element each configured to ablate soft tissue and an imaging core having an ultrasound transducer. In another example, an ultrasound catheter includes an elongated body, a RF ablator configured to ablate soft tissue at a frequency less than 1 MHz, and an ultrasound transducer configured to image at a frequency greater than or equal to 10 MHz. In another example, an ultrasound catheter apparatus includes an ultrasound catheter having an ablator and an ultrasound transducer, and a graphical user interface displayed using a computer processor. The graphical user interface displays a real-time image of a treatment area and the ultrasound catheter, and a chart displaying ablation as a function of time, the chart being updated in real-time. | 05-30-2013 |
20130131523 | INTRAVASCULAR SENSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter. | 05-23-2013 |
20130123619 | HEMODYNAMIC PRESSURE SENSOR TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD - A pressure sensor suitable for use in a powered contrast injector system may be tested to help validate the operability and/or integrity of the sensor. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be tested by generating a pressure pulse in a fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a first pressure reading. A high pressure fluid at a pressure above a maximum operating pressure of the pressure sensor may be conveyed through a valve fluidly connected to the pressure sensor. Subsequent to conveying the high pressure fluid through the valve, the pressure sensor may again be tested by generating a pressure pulse in the fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a second pressure reading. In some examples, the first pressure reading is compared to the second pressure reading to determine whether the pressure sensor has passed or failed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130096409 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND TREATING AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A sensor delivery device and methods of using the device are provided, wherein the sensor delivery device includes a sensor that is adapted to obtain a measurement that can be used to calculate cross-sectional area of a surrounding anatomical structure. In certain cases, the sensor is an electrode arrangement, wherein the electrode arrangement generates a current and measures voltage resulting from the current. The voltage measurement is then used to calculate conductivity of fluid in the surrounding anatomical structure and thus cross-sectional area. | 04-18-2013 |
20130067416 | MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One embodiment provides a method of using contextural lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing alighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second indication on the lighted display. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066202 | MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066201 | ANGIOGRAPHIC INJECTOR SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE PROCESSOR REDUNDANCY - 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. | 03-14-2013 |
20130053692 | MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display. | 02-28-2013 |
20120220883 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve, such as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based FabryPerot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor. | 08-30-2012 |
20120213524 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO A SHIELDED MEDICAL IMAGING SUITE - A process and system are disclosed for supplying electrical energy to a device located in a room housing an imaging system (such as an MRI system, for example), wherein the room is shielded from external electromagnetic fields. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and processes for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of the light spectrum from at least one light emission device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a process and system for transforming the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy using at least one transducer device located in the room, and supplying the electrical energy to the device so as to minimize interfering electromagnetic fields within the room. | 08-23-2012 |
20120204997 | MONITORING INJECTOR OPERATION - Embodiments of the present invention monitor resistance to the movement of the ram and detect one or more injector operation conditions based on that resistance. Some embodiments automatically detect whether a syringe is present in each syringe chamber of an injector based on ram movement resistance so that subsequent steps in the inject process can be automatically initiated or delayed based on the presence or absence of the syringe(s). Other injector operation conditions that can be detected include the injector's syringe sleeve being misaligned for operation, the syringe's wiper being misaligned within the syringe barrel, an occlusion within the syringe, overpressure during injection, and so on. A common way to measure resistance of the ram's movement is how much current is required by the motor driving the ram. | 08-16-2012 |
20120152391 | FLUID PURGE IN A MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve. | 06-21-2012 |
20120136244 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor. | 05-31-2012 |
20120130236 | CONTRAST MEDIA INJECTOR SYRINGE INLET VALVE SYSTEM - A syringe for injecting contrast injection media into a patient. An inlet valve system associated with the syringe, the inlet valve system operable with a contrast injection media having any viscosity within the range of about 1 cP to about 30 cP. An inlet valve system associated with the syringe, the inlet valve system including a valve member having a density of less than or equal to 1 gram per cubic centimeter. A contrast injector system with such a syringe. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126079 | BEDRAIL CLAMP - A bedrail clamp is provided for attaching an accessory to a bedrail of a surgical/medical bed at a desired location without having to slide the bedrail clamp from an end of the bedrail until the accessory is in the desired location. The bedrail clamp can include a clamp housing, an actuating member coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to the clamp housing, and one or more jaw members coupled to the actuating member and housed by the clamp housing. In preferred embodiments, when a bedrail is within the clamp housing's throat area, the actuating member moves away from the bedrail to move the jaw member(s) toward the bedrail and the pull the jaw member(s) rearwardly into contact with the bedrail to secure the bedrail against the clamp housing. | 05-24-2012 |
20120089018 | FLUID CONNECTION ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for implementation and use of a fluid connection assembly, having a locking mechanism, which may be connected to a medical fluid injection device. An example fluid connection assembly includes at least one fluid connector, a mating mechanism coupled to the at least one fluid connector and configured to connect the at least one fluid connector to a medical fluid injection device, and a locking mechanism coupled to the mating mechanism and movable into a locked position or an unlocked position. In this example, the fluid connection assembly becomes affirmatively coupled with the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the fluid connection assembly becomes removably decoupled from the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. | 04-12-2012 |
20120078091 | MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of difference injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection. | 03-29-2012 |
20110160581 | PINCH VALVE MECHANISM FOR A MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION DEVICE - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area. | 06-30-2011 |
20110152823 | THROMBUS REMOVAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Devices and methods for removing a thrombus (clot) from a vascular structure of a living subject. An embodiment of a thrombus removal device comprises first and second annular members, the first annular member being adapted to slide over a guidewire placed in a vascular structure, the second annular member being coupled to the first annular member and having a suction flow path therethrough, the first annular member having an expandable mesh structure disposed at a distal portion thereof, the mesh structure being deployable to an expanded configuration by movement of an actuating element extending along the second annular member. An embodiment of a thrombus removal method comprises advancing the device to position the mesh structure downstream of the thrombus by sliding the first annular member over the guidewire, applying a suction force to the suction flow path of the second annular member, deploying the mesh structure, and retracting the device to cause the mesh structure to engage the thrombus. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152682 | PINCH VALVE MECHANISM FOR A MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION DEVICE - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area. | 06-23-2011 |
20110114197 | LOW PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICES IN HIGH PRESSURE ENVIRONMENTS - The present invention presents various novel approaches to solving the problems inherent in measuring biological pressures in high pressure systems. Thus, to protect a pressure transducer exposed to fluid flows at higher pressures than its overpressure rating, a novel valve is used that closes a protected leg in which the transducer is located. The various exemplary embodiments of such valves each have a high pressure input, one or more low pressure inputs, and an output. In operation, when a high pressure fluid flow occurs at a high pressure input, such valves automatically close the low pressure inputs. Alternatively, a novel transducer system is presented, which automatically limits the effective pressure sensed by a transducer to a certain maximum. | 05-19-2011 |
20110064548 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MEDICAL DEVICE TRANSFER - A post extending from a medical device facilitates transfer of the device between first and second support structures. Each of the first and second structures includes a mounting receptacle, configured to receive the post, fitting either tightly or loosely thereabout, depending on a position of the post along an axis of the receptacle. When the first receptacle holds the post and is moved in a first direction, the post may be moved into the second receptacle, which is then moved in a second direction, to tighten the second receptacle and loosen the first receptacle about the post. When the second receptacle holds the post, the first receptacle may be moved in the first direction, until the post enters the first receptacle, and, then, the second receptacle may be moved in a direction opposite to the second direction, to loosen the second receptacle and tighten the first receptacle about the post. | 03-17-2011 |
20100331779 | Method and System for Removing Air from a Flow Path of a Fluid Injection Device - A method of removing air from a flow path of a medical fluid injection system is described. An exemplary method performed by the medical fluid injection device includes delivering a first amount of fluid to a fluid flow path, isolating fluid flow along the flow path, forming a vacuum condition upstream of the fluid isolation, re-establishing fluid communications along the flow path, and delivering a second amount of fluid to the flow path. | 12-30-2010 |
20100324433 | MEDICAL PROCEDURE MAT AND DRAPING SYSTEM - A medical procedure mat for supporting a patient. A mat having a cushioned substrate and one or more physiological monitoring lines, the physiological monitoring lines having guided portions along the outer edge of the cushioned substrate, and flexible portions operatively coupled to the guided portions, the flexible portions being adapted to extend toward the patient. A draping system for use during medical procedures, including a top and/or bottom drape. A bottom drape including an absorbent material and/or a privacy shield. A top drape including a workbench surface. A mat and draping system in which a bottom and top drape mate to each other and/or to the mat. A draping system providing openings or holes to allow passage of one or more physiological monitoring lines when used in conjunction with the mat. | 12-23-2010 |
20100249587 | ANGIOGRAPHIC INJECTOR AND INJECTION METHOD - An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100234698 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor. | 09-16-2010 |
20100200076 | FLUID PURGE IN A MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve. | 08-12-2010 |
20100130935 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FLUID PRESSURIZING UNITS OF INJECTION SYSTEMS - An injection system includes a syringe, which preferably includes larger and smaller inner diameters, and a plunger. A wiper sidewall of the plunger defines a cavity, into which a plunger shaft of the system is inserted, for moving the plunger, within the syringe, for fluid injection. The plunger includes a feature for engaging the shaft, and the sidewall preferably includes a expandable-contractible portion, in which the feature is formed. When the plunger is initially mounted within the larger inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall is expanded and the feature of the plunger does not operably engage the inserted shaft. When the shaft moves the plunger into the smaller inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall contracts and the feature operably engages the shaft. An optional deformable end wall of the plunger may be spaced apart from a distal terminal end of the inserted shaft. | 05-27-2010 |
20100130922 | FLUID CONNECTION ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for implementation and use of a fluid connection assembly, having a locking mechanism, which may be connected to a medical fluid injection device. An example fluid connection assembly includes at least one fluid connector, a mating mechanism coupled to the at least one fluid connector and configured to connect the at least one fluid connector to a medical fluid injection device, and a locking mechanism coupled to the mating mechanism and movable into a locked position or an unlocked position. In this example, the fluid connection assembly becomes affirmatively coupled with the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the fluid connection assembly becomes removably decoupled from the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. | 05-27-2010 |
20100114024 | PINCH VALVE MECHANISM FOR A MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION DEVICE - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area. | 05-06-2010 |
20100113923 | MATING MECHANISM FOR A PRESSURIZING UNIT AND CORRESPONDING SLEEVE IN A MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION DEVICE - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for providing a mating mechanism between at least one pressurizing unit and at least one corresponding sleeve in a powered medical fluid injection device. An example powered medical fluid injection device includes a sleeve and an injector head coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve has a notch with a predefined shape and size. The sleeve is configured to receive a pressurizing unit (such as a syringe) having an external tab with a predefined shape and size that are substantially identical to the predefined shape and size of the notch in the sleeve, such that the tab mates with the notch when the sleeve receives the pressurizing unit. The injector head is configured to inject a quantity of a medical fluid from the pressurizing unit during operation. | 05-06-2010 |
20100019178 | LOW PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICES IN HIGH PRESSURE ENVIRONMENTS - The present invention presents various novel approaches to solving the problems inherent in measuring biological pressures in high pressure systems. Thus, to protect a pressure transducer exposed to fluid flows at higher pressures than its overpressure rating, a novel valve is used that closes a protected leg in which the transducer is located. The various exemplary embodiments of such valves each have a high pressure input, one or more low pressure inputs, and an output. In operation, when a high pressure fluid flow occurs at a high pressure input, such valves automatically close the low pressure inputs. Alternatively, a novel transducer system is presented, which automatically limits the effective pressure sensed by a transducer to a certain maximum. | 01-28-2010 |
20100004533 | FLUID INJECTOR SYSTEM - 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. | 01-07-2010 |
20090312740 | Balloon Inflation Device - One embodiment provides a method implemented by a powered inflation device to prepare a balloon catheter for use during a medical procedure. In this embodiment, the method includes drawing an amount of medical fluid from a fluid reservoir into the inflation device during a first motorized operation of the inflation device, removing an amount of air from the balloon catheter during a second motorized operation of the inflation device, and injecting the amount of medical fluid from the inflation device into the balloon catheter during a third motorized operation of the inflation device to inflate a balloon located at a distal end of the balloon catheter The powered inflation device may be a stand-alone device in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the powered inflation device is coupled to an angiographic injector system. When it is coupled to an angiographic injector system, the balloon inflation device and the injector system may be controlled by a common control panel, or console, in one embodiment. | 12-17-2009 |
20090221914 | Medical Fluid Injection System - One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of different injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection. | 09-03-2009 |
20090204070 | EXTRAVASATION DETECTION DEVICE - One embodiment provides an extravasation detection device having an enclosure, an attachment coupled to the enclosure to be removably connected to a patient, and a detection assembly enclosed within the enclosure, in this embodiment, the detection assembly includes a housing and a transducer coupled to the housing to generate a signal representative of a force or pressure applied to the detection device caused by extravasation of medical fluid from the patient. This embodiment of a detection device may be attached to the patient's hand or other injection site. When extravasation occurs, and a swelling or blister presses against the transducer, an alarm can be triggered to warn a clinician, or the device can cause a powered injection system to automatically shut down or halt the injection process. | 08-13-2009 |
20090149743 | Medical Fluid Injection System - One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display. | 06-11-2009 |
20090076383 | MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - 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. | 03-19-2009 |