WO2009038955A1

WO2009038955A1 - Syringe mount for front-loading power injector

Info

Publication number: WO2009038955A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/074983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geoffrey S. Strobl
Original assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-09-02
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments provide for a syringe mounting system of a front-loading power injector. The syringe mounting system includes a receptacle (204) designed to accommodate a syringe, and a cap (202) pivotally coupled with the receptacle. This cap may be designed to pivot between an open position, in which the cap is dissociated from an opening in the receptacle, and a closed position, in which the cap substantially blocks the opening in the receptacle.

Description

SYRINGE MOUNT FOR FRONT-LOADING POWER INJECTOR

FiELD OF THE INVENTiON

[0001] The invention relates generally to powered injectors for injecting medical fluids and, more specifically, to systems and methods for mounting syringes onto powered injectors.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Generally, a power injector is used to inject medical fluids, such as a radiopharmaceutical or a contrast agent, into a patient. For example, the medical fluid may be disposed within a syringe, which in turn may be mounted onto the power injector. When injecting the contrast agent into the patient, a ram disposed behind the mounted syringe may push the syringe's piunger, thereby forcing the fluid toward the tip of the syringe to inject the fluid into the patient. Unfortunately, existing power injectors may suffer from design shortcomings which may affect the manner by which syringes may be mounted onto and/or may be retained within a power injector. Such design inadequacies may lower overall quality and/or efficiency of the injection process. In addition, design shortcomings associated with power injectors may complicate the manner by which a user, such as a healthcare provider, administers an injection procedure.

SUMMARY

[0004] Certain exemplary aspects of the invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention is directed to a syringe mount for use with a front-loading power injector. This syringe mount includes a receptacle (e.g., a sleeve or pressure jacket) that is designed to accommodate a syringe, and a cap that is pivotally coupled to an end of the receptacle. The receptacle has a longitudinal reference axis that extends substantially centrally through the receptacle along a length thereof. Incidentally, "pivotally coupled" or the like, refers to any type of coupling that allows a structure to at least generally undergo a pivoting or pivotal-like motion, including without limitation any coupling that allows a structure or a portion thereof to move at least generally about a certain axis. Representative pivotal couplings that result in a "pivoting" as used herein include the use of a flexing or elastic deformation of a structure or a portion thereof, as well as the use of relative motion between two or more structures that are typically in interfacing relation during at least a portion of the relative movement (e.g., a hinge connection; a ball and socket connection). The cap of the syringe mount is pivotable between an open position, in which the cap is dissociated from an opening in the receptacle, and a closed position, in which the cap substantially blocks the opening in the receptacle (e.g., substantially renders the opening unsuitable for passage of a syringe into or out of the receptacle through the opening). [0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the cap of the syringe mount includes a pivot axis. This pivot axis may or may not be within the same plane as the longitudinal reference axis of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the pivot axis may be oriented substantially non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal reference axis.

[0007] The cap of some embodiments of the first aspect may be characterized as having a first portion and a second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of the cap is movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the second portion of the cap. For instance, in some embodiments, the first portion of the cap may.be adapted to move relative to the second portion between a locked position and an unlocked position with the receptacle. [0008] A channel may be defined in the cap in a manner such that the longitudinal reference axis of the receptacle extends through the channel when the cap is in the closed position. The channel in the cap may exhibit any appropriate configuration. For instance, in some embodiments, the channel may include or refer to a slot that extends from a central opening in the cap to an outer periphery of the cap.

[0009] The receptacle of the first aspect may include a plurality of locks disposed about a first circumference thereof (e.g., at or near the end thereof). Further, the cap may include a plurality of substantially complimentary mating locks disposed about a second circumference thereof. In some embodiments, the first circumference of the receptacle is an outer circumference of the receptacle, and the second circumference is an inner circumference of the cap. In some embodiments, the locks and the mating locks may be adapted to interlock with one another when the cap is moved in a first direction relative to the receptacle. In such embodiments, the locks and the mating locks may be adapted to release from one another when the cap is moved in a second direction relative to the receptacle that is substantially opposite the first direction.

[0010] A syringe may be disposed within the receptacle of the syringe mount. If this is the case, a tip of the syringe, a tube coupled to the syringe, or a combination thereof may extend through the channel in the cap when the cap is in the closed position.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention is directed to a front-loading power injector that includes a syringe mount described herein. With regard to this second aspect, the syringe mount may be substantially integral with the injector (e.g., a part of the injector that is not easily dissociable from a remainder of the injector). In some embodiments, the syringe mount may be removably coupled to the injector. One example of a syringe mount of the invention that may be removably coupled to an injector is a syringe mount that is part of a removable faceplate of an injector. Yet another example of a syringe mount of the invention that may be removably coupled to an injector is a syringe mount that is part of an adapter that is mountable to an existing syringe mount of an injector. In the case of an adapter, the syringe mount of the invention that is part of the adapter is utilized to convert an existing syringe mount of the injector so that it is compatible for receiving a syringe which would normally not be compatible with the syringe mount of the injector but for the adapter.

[0012] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a method using a front-loading power injector, In this method, a first part of a syringe mount of a power injector is pivoted about a first axis relative to a second part of the syringe mount. In addition, a third part of the syringe mount is rotated about a second axis relative to the first part of the syringe mount. Further, the second axis is different (e.g., separate and distinct) from the first axis. [0013] With regard to this third aspect of the invention, the first, second and third parts of the syringe mount may be any appropriate parts of a syringe mount. For instance, in some embodiments, the first part may refer to the cap of the syringe mount that includes a surface designed to interface with a front wall of a syringe. In some embodiments, the second part of the syringe mount may refer to a receptacle designed to accommodate a syringe. In some embodiments, the third part may refer to a cap-locking feature of the syringe mount. [0014] The first part of the syringe mount may be pivoted at any appropriate time during the method. For instance, in some embodiments, the first part may be pivoted (relative to the second part) prior to rotating the third part (relative to the first part). In some embodiments, the first part may be pivoted (relative to the second part) subsequent to rotating the third part (relative to the first part). In some embodiments, the pivoting and rotating may occur substantially simultaneously.

[0015] Still referring to the method of the third aspect, a syringe may be inserted into an opening defined in the second part of syringe mount at any appropriate time during the method. For instance, in some embodiments, the syringe may be inserted into the opening prior to pivoting the first part of the syringe mount. In some embodiments, the syringe may be inserted into the opening prior to rotating the third part of the syringe mount. In some embodiments, the syringe may be inserted into the opening prior to both the pivoting of the first part and the rotating of the third part.

[0016] The syringe may be removed from the opening defined in the second part of syringe mount at any appropriate time during the method of the third aspect. For example, in some embodiments, the syringe may be removed from the opening subsequent to pivoting the first part of the syringe mount, in some embodiments, the syringe may be removed from the opening subsequent to rotating the third part of the syringe mount. In some embodiments, the syringe may be removed from the opening subsequent to both the pivoting of the first part and the rotating of the third part.

[0017] In some embodiments of the third aspect, a syringe that may or may not have a tube coupled to it may be associated with the syringe mount of the injector. In such embodiments, the tube, a tip of the syringe, or a combination thereof may pass through a channel defined in the first part of the syringe mount (e.g., as the first part is pivoted relative to the second part of the syringe mount). In some embodiments that involve a syringe and/or tube, the third part of the syringe mount may be rotated about the tube, the syringe tip, or a combination thereof (e.g., as the third part is rotated relative to the first part of the syringe mount).

[0018] Still referring to the third aspect of the invention, the first and second axes of the syringe mount may be positioned in any appropriate orientation relative to one another. For instance, in some embodiments, the first axis is not within the same plane as the second axis. In some embodiments, the first axis is non-parallel (i.e., not parallel) with the second axis. In some embodiments, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

[0019] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first part of the syringe mount may be at least temporarily prevented from a subsequent pivoting relative to the second part due to the rotating of the third part. For instance, in some embodiments, rotation of a locking feature of the syringe mount in one direction may serve to lock a cap of the syringe mount in position relative to a syringe receptacle of the syringe mount so that the cap cannot pivot (e.g., to open) relative to the syringe receptacle until the locking feature is rotated in the other direction to unlock the cap and allow it to pivot (e.g., to open) again.

[0020] Various refinements exist of the features noted above in relation to the various aspects of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present invention alone or in any combination. Again, the brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of the present invention without limitation to the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

[0022] FlG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power injector;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of a syringe mounting system;

[0025] FIG.4 is a top view of a syringe mounting system of a dual head injector;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the syringe mounting system of FIG. 3;

[0027] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the syringe mounting system of FIG. 3; and

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of syringe loading process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0029] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0030] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of "top", "bottom", "above", "below" and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components. As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to the condition of being directly or indirectly connected or in contact. Additionally, the phrase "in fluid communication" or "flutdly coupled" indicates that fluid and/or fluid pressure may be transmitted from one object to another.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 , an imaging system 10 may include a power injector 12 adapted to inject medical fluids from a syringe and/or a plurality of syringes loaded onto power injector 12. For example, the medical fluids may include a drug, a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a tagging agent, a saline solution, or a combination thereof. As will be described further below, power injector 12 may include a power head having a syringe mounting system adapted to securely and aptly retain syringes to the power head. For example, certain embodiments include a sleeve and a cap assembly configured to substantially enclose a syringe adjacent to a drive of the power head 12. The sleeve and cap may be arranged as a front-loading syringe mount, wherein one or more latches and rotational axes may be used to quickly mount and dismount the syringe. By further example, the cap may rotate about multiple axes relative to the sleeve (e.g., a lengthwise axis and a crosswise axis). Thus, the cap may swing open and closed like a door, and also may lock and unlock via coaxial rotation about the sleeve, as discussed further below. This feature may promote the power head 12 injecting medical fluid efficiently and properly, such as prescribed by a user or a healthcare provider. Further, syringe mounting systems described herein may be adapted to provide a user with convenient methods for loading and unloading syringes onto and from power injector 12. That is, syringe mounting systems of the invention may be designed in a manner simplifying the overall process of coupling/decoupling syringes to and from the power head 12. [0032] Imaging system 10 further includes an imaging device 14, a system control 16, data acquisition and processing circuitry 18, a processor 20, a user interface 22, and a network 24. Specifically, the imaging device 14 is configured to obtain signals representative of an image of a subject after the medical fluid (e.g., contrast agent or radiopharmaceutical) has been administered to the subject via the power injector 12. The imaging system 10 may include a positron emission tomography (PET) system, a single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) system, a nuclear medicine gamma ray camera, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, a computed tomography (CT) system, an X-ray camera, or another suitable imaging modality. Image data indicative of regions of interest in a subject may be created by the imaging device 14 in any appropriate manner (e.g., photographic film, digital medium, etc.).

[0033] The system control 16 may include a wide range of circuits, such as imaging (e.g., radiation) source control circuits, timing circuits, circuits for coordinating data acquisition in conjunction with patient or table movements, circuits for controlling the position of imaging (e.g., radiation) detectors, and so forth. The imaging device 14, following acquisition of the image data or signals, may process the signals, such as for conversion to digital values, and forward the image data to data acquisition circuitry 18. In the case of analog media, such as photographic film, the data acquisition system may generally include supports for the film, as well as equipment for developing the film and producing hard copies that may be subsequently digitized. For digital systems, the data acquisition circuitry 18 may perform a wide range of initial processing functions, such as adjustment of digital dynamic ranges, smoothing or sharpening of data, as well as compiling of data streams and files, where desired. The data is then transferred to a processor 20 where additional processing and analysis may be performed. For conventional media such as photographic film, the processor 20 may appiy textual information to films, as well as attach certain notes or patient-identifying information, in a digital imaging system, the data processing circuitry may perform substantial analyses of data, ordering of data, sharpening, smoothing, feature recognition, and so forth.

[0034] Ultimately, the image data may be forwarded to an operator/user interface 22 for viewing and analysis. While operations may be performed on the image data prior to viewing, the operator interface 22 is at some point useful for viewing reconstructed images based upon the image data collected. In the case of photographic film, images may be posted on light boxes or similar displays to permit radiologists and attending physicians to more easily read and annotate image sequences. The image data can also be transferred to remote locations, such as via a network 24. In addition, the operator interface 22 may enable control of the imaging system (e.g., by interfacing with the system control 16). Furthermore, the imaging system 10 may include a printer 26 to output a hard copy of images 28.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary power injector 12 shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated by FIG. 2, power injector 12 may include a power head 52, a stand assembly 54 and a support arm 56. Power head 52 may include a syringe mounting system adapted to aptly capture a syringe containing a medical fluid. For example, such a mounting system may provide optimal fluid injection parameters, such as pressure provided by the power head's ram to the syringe's plunger, for injecting fluid at a desired rate. As mentioned above, syringe mounting systems included with power head 52 may be adapted to simplify tasks associated with loading syringes onto the power head 52, which may enable the clinician to attend to additional tasks associated with other aspects of the injection procedure. Power head 52 may include a display 58, a fluid control bar 60, and an air detector 62. Fluid control bar 60 may facilitate manual manipulation of a plunger in a syringe 64 mounted to power head 52. Air detector 62 may signal a controller, such as controller 16 (FlG. 1) when air is detected in or leaving syringe 64. [0036] The illustrated stand assembly 54 includes a set of four wheels 66, a chassis 68, vertical supports 70, a handle 72, and a display 74. The vertical supports 70 may adjustably elevate handle 72, display 74, and support arm 56 above chassis 68, and, in certain embodiments, it may have a recessed portion through which power cable 76 is routed. Display 74 may include a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display, an organic light emitting diode display, a surface emission display, or other appropriate display. Support arm 56 of injector 12 shown in FIG. 2 includes multi-axis articulating members 78, 80. The illustrated articulating member 78 has two degrees of

Page 6 oM 7 freedom relative to chassis 68 due to two perpendicular axes of rotation 82, 84. Similarly, exemplary articulating member 80 has two degrees of freedom relative to articulating member 78 by virtue of two perpendicular axes of rotation 86, 88. Power cable 76 is shown as being routed along the articulating members 78, 80 to power head 52. [0037] Power head 52 of FIG. 2 may couple to articulating member 80 via a joint that provides two degrees of freedom relative to articulating member 80. As a result, in the present embodiment, power head 52 may rotate about axes 90, 92. In total, the illustrated power head 52 has six degrees of freedom relative to the chassis 68. Other embodiments may include more or fewer degrees of freedom.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a top view of a syringe mounting system 200 employed by a power head of a power injector, such as the power injector 12 illustrated in FIG. 2. Syringe mounting system 200 may include a cap 202 coupled to a receptacle, e.g., sleeve 204, which in turn may be coupled to a mounting base 206 (e.g., a faceplate of power head 52). Sleeve 204 may generally have a cylindrical shape, and may substantially extend lengthwise from base 206. Further, the width of sleeve 204 may be comparable to the width of base 206, while the length of sleeve 204 may be substantially greater than the length of base 206. Sleeve 204 may be adapted to accommodate a syringe, which may be disposed lengthwise along a longitudinal reference axis, e.g., axis 205, that extends substantially centrally through sleeve 204 along a length of sleeve 204. Sleeve 204 may be adapted to properly support syringe 212 especially during injection when syringe 212 is disposed within sleeve 204. Further, sleeve 204 may be adapted to maintain the structural integrity of syringe 212, thereby preventing syringe 212 from bending, breaking or otherwise deforming due to the weight of a fluid filled syringe, such as syringe 212, disposed within sleeve 204. While the illustrated embodiment may depict sleeve 204 and base 206 as elements coupled together forming a single integral structure, other embodiments may include sleeve 204 and base 206 as separate independent components, e.g., adapted to latch on or off one another. By further example, syringe mounting system may be substantially integral with a power injector, such as power injector 52 illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, syringe mounting system 200 may be removably coupled to power injector 52. [0039] In certain embodiments, cap 202 may include a plurality of rotational joints having different axes of rotation. Cap 202 may be pivotally coupled to an end of sleeve 204, such that cap 202 is pivotable between an open position, in which cap 202 is dissociated from an opening in sleeve 204, and a closed position, in which cap 202 substantially blocks the opening in sleeve 204. By further example, cap 202 may include a first rotational joint having a pivot axis 207 that is crosswise {e.g., perpendicular) to a lengthwise axis 205 of sleeve 204, such that cap 202 can swing open and closed relative to an open end of sleeve 204. In an exemplary embodiment, pivot axis 207 may not be within the same plane as the above mentioned longitudinal reference axis 205. As further illustrated, axis 207 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to longitudinal reference axis 205. Cap 202 also may include a second rotational joint having a second axis of rotation that is coaxial or aligned with the lengthwise axis of sleeve 204. For example, cap 202 may include a first a and second coaxial portions, wherein the first coaxial portion can rotate about the second coaxial portion. This coaxial rotation may enable locking and unlocking of cap 202 as discussed above. In addition, cap 202 may generally form a circular structure and may include an elongated opening 214 (e.g., channel) adapted to fit over tip 216 of syringe 212 when cap 202 closes sleeve 204. The illustrated opening 214 in cap 202 may include a slot extending from a central opening in cap 202 to an outer periphery of cap 202. Central opening 214 defines a channel in cap 202, wherein longitudinal reference axis 205 extends through the channel when cap 202 is in a closed position. [0040] In one embodiment, cap 202 may be hinged at the first rotational joint disposed on the front bottom portion of sleeve 204, such that cap 202 can swing open and closed like a door about axis 207 and across an open end of sleeve 202. In this manner, at the outset of an injection procedure, cap 202 may be maintained open relative to sleeve 204, so that the user may use one hand to insert syringe 212 and, thereafter, close the open end of sleeve 204 with cap 202 while still using the same hand. In other embodiments, cap 202 may be hinged, for example, to the top or side portions of sleeve 204. Still in other embodiments, cap 202 may be completely removable from sleeve 204, so that the user may temporarily remove cap 202 from sleeve 204 while placing syringe 212 within sleeve 204. Thereafter, the user may close sleeve 204 by reattaching and securing cap 202 to sleeve 204. in such embodiments, syringe mounting system 200 may include cap-fitting or latching mechanisms facilitating the temporary removal and/or latching of cap 202 from or to sleeve 204. As noted above, cap 202 may have a second rotational joint to facilitate locking and unlocking of cap 202 relative to sleeve 204 when cap 202 is closed onto sleeve 204. For example, syringe mounting may comprise a plurality of locks disposed about a first circumference of sleeve 204, and cap 202 may comprise a plurality of mating locks disposed about a second circumference of cap 202. Accordingly, the first circumference may be an outer circumference of sleeve 204 and the second circumference may be an inner circumference of cap 202. Further, the locks and the mating locks may be adapted to interlock with one another when cap 202 is moved in a first direction relative to sleeve 204, and wherein the locks and the mating locks are adapted to release from one another when cap 202 is moved in a second direction relative to sleeve 204 that is substantially opposite the first direction.

[0041] As further illustrated, cap 202 may include recessed portions 218 disposed about the inner circumference of cap 202. Recessed portions 218 may be adapted to fit over tabs 220, disposed about the outer circumference of sleeve 204 when cap 202 closes sleeve 204. That is, the user may rotate cap 202 upwards over sleeve 204, thereby sliding tabs 220 pass recessed portions 218. In so doing, tabs 220 are placed within the interior space of cap 202, such that when the user rotates cap 202 into a locked position, edge portions 222 formed in between recessed portions 218 align with tabs 220. Consequently, cap 202 locks with sleeve 204, whereby tabs 220 may abut against edge portions 222 so that cap 202 is securely attached to sleeve 204. In this embodiment, recessed portions 218 and tabs 220 may be described as a plurality of locks and mating locks, which engage and disengage one another via coaxial rotation of cap 202 relative to sleeve 204 when cap 202 is closed over the open end of sleeve 204.

[0042] Further, syringe mounting system 200 may provide a user, such as a clinician or a health care provider, an ability to front load syringe 212 into sleeve 204. The front-end loading capability may be more desirable than, for example, systems providing back-end (breech) loading capabilities, because the disclosed embodiments ensure that tip 216 of syringe 212 may minimally contact sleeve 204 and or cap 202 during loading of syringe 212. To the extent contrast fluid or other injection fluids may ooze or drip out from syringe 212, the ability to front-end load syringe 212 onto syringe mounting system 200 may minimize residues and/or stains, which otherwise can be deposited and/or smear across cap 202, sleeve 204 and/or other components of syringe mounting system susceptible to contact with a dripping syringe. Further, opening 214 may be shaped approximately to match the outer contour of tip 216, yet opening 214 may be sufficiently large so that tip 216 may pass through opening 214 without contacting those edges or any other portions of cap 202 and/or opening 214. In this manner, opening 214 may be adapted to prevent tip 216 from contacting cap 202 during loading/unloading of syringe 212 onto or from sleeve 204, thereby preventing any fluid transfer between syringe 212, tube 226 and/or cap 202. Syringe mounting system 200 may further accommodate various clinical configurations, whereby, for example, syringe 212 having an attached tube 226 may be front loaded onto sleeve 204. Such a capability may simplify the syringe loading process insofar as it may not be necessary for the user to disconnect and/or reconnect tube 226 to or from syringe 212 during the loading process of the syringe 212 onto syringe mounting system 200. This may further reduce occurrences of spillages and/or other mishaps, which otherwise could result if syringe 212 and/or a tube 226 are separately loaded onto syringe mounting system 200. Hence, the disclosed embodiments may promote a work environment that is clean and aesthetic throughout the injection procedure.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a top view of a syringe mounting system used in a dual power head of a power injector, such as the power injector discussed in relation to FIG. 1. Syringe mounting system 300 is a dual syringe mounting system adapted for loading two syringes thereon. Accordingly, syringe mounting system 300 may be formed of elements similar to those forming syringe mounting system 200 discussed hereinabove in relation to FIG. 4. Syringe mounting system 300 may include two receptacles (e.g., sleeves 302, 304) coupled to caps 306, 308, respectively. It should be noted that while the present embodiment may illustrate sleeves 302, 304 and their respective caps 306, 308, as being of the same size, other embodiments may include syringe mounting systems having a plurality of sleeves and caps of different sizes. Further, sleeve 302 may be coupled to base 314 and to dual power head 318. Similar to sleeve 204 discussed in relation to FIG.4, each of sleeves 302, 304 may be adapted to provide structural support for syringes 320, 322 when those are loaded onto syringe mounting system 300. As further illustrated, each of sleeves 302, 304 includes longitudinal reference axes 305, 307, extending substantially centrally through sleeves 302, 304 along lengths of sleeves 302, 304, respectively. In some embodiments, for example, sieeve 302 and cap 306 may accommodate a syringe, e.g., syringe 320, of a certain size, while sleeve 304 and cap 308 may accommodate a syringe, e.g., 322 of a different size. In other embodiments, each base 314, 316 may be couple to dual power head 318 via a latching mechanism for enabling removal and/or replacement of base 314 and/or 316 with bases that may be adapted to accommodate sleeves used with syringes of various sizes. Still in other embodiments, power head 318 may be coupled to more than two bases, and each base may be independently coupled to a sleeve and a cap adapted for receiving a syringe of a certain size.

[0044] Caps 306, 308 may each be adapted to fit over sleeves 302, 304 to securely mount syringes 320, 322, respectively, to syringe mounting system 300. Caps 306, 308 may each be hinged, respectively, to sleeves 302, 304. Hence, caps 306, 308 may be adapted to swing or rotate about their hinges like doors, thereby closing/opening sleeves 302, 304, respectively, in a manner similar to cap 202 discussed above in relation to FiG. 4. Each of caps 306, 308 may be pivotally coupled to an end of sleeves 306, 308, respectively, such that caps 306, 308 may be pivotable between an open position, in which each of caps 306, 308 may be dissociated from an opening in their respective sleeves 306, 308, and a closed position, in which each of caps 306, 308 substantially blocks an opening in their respective sleeves 306, 308. Thus, each of caps 306, 308 may have a first rotational joint (e.g., hinge) that may have a first axis, such as axes 309, 311, that is crosswise (e.g., perpendicular) to longitudinal axes 305, 307 of sleeves 302, 304, respectively. The first rotational joint may be tangent to a circumference of caps 306, 308 and or sleeves 302, 304 in certain embodiments. Caps 306, 308 also may have a second rotational joint that may have a second axis that is coaxial and/or aligned with the lengthwise axis of sleeves 302, 304. For example, caps 306, 308 may include first and second circular portions that are coaxial or concentric with one another, wherein the first portion can rotate relative to the second portion. In addition, caps 306, 308 may posses latching and/or locking features which enable the temporary removal and/or attachment of caps 306, 308 from or to their respective sleeves 302, 304. in the illustrated embodiment, each of caps 306, 308 may be adapted to lock with sleeves 302, 304, respectively, by including recessed portions 218 and edge portions 222 adapted to lock with tabs 220, in a manner described above with respect to syringe mounting system 200. For example, recessed portions 218, edge portions 222 and tabs 220 may be described as locks and mating locks, which engage and disengage with one another via rotation of caps 306, 308 coaxially with sleeves 302, 304 when caps 306, 308 are disposed in closed positions over open ends of sleeves 302, 304. [0045] Syringe mounting system 300, particularly, caps 306, 308 may be configured to securely mount syringes 320, 322 onto sleeves 402, 304, respectively, for enabling a user to conveniently administer an injection procedure that may involve, for example, injecting multiple fluids. As illustrated, and as discussed above, syringe mounting systems, such as syringe mounting system 300, provide a user the capability to front-load syringes 320, 322 onto dual power head 318. Further, should syringes 320, 322 have tubes attached thereto, openings 324, 326 may provide the user with a capability to front-load syringes, e.g., 320, 322 onto syringe mounting system 300 without having the user to disassembly/reassembly such tubes before or after the user places the syringes 320, 322 within their respective sleeves 302, 304. As discussed above, caps 306, 308 may be designed so that syringes 320, 322 may make minimal contact with caps 306, 308, respectively, as the user loads syringes 320, 322 onto syringe mounting system 300. Again, this may limit the amount of residues and/or stains resulting from fluids that otherwise may have spilled or oozed out from the syringes during the loading process. Hence, the disclosed embodiments may reduce such occurrences, thereby promoting the sterile conditions of the user's work environment.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a syringe mounting system configured to couple to a power head of a power injector. FIG. 5 depicts syringe mounting system 200 including cap 202 coupled to sleeve 204. In this manner, cap 202 is adapted to rotate, that is, swing upward/downward about pivot joint 380 as indicated by arrow 382. As illustrated, pivot joint 380 is disposed along pivot axis 207 which is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 205, which extends substantially centrally through sleeve 204 along the length of sleeve 204. As further illustrated, longitudinal axis 205 resides on a plane that is different from a plane on which axis 207 resides. Hence, cap 202 may be adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of sleeve 204 as cap 202 closes sleeve 204. Further, as illustrated, cap 202 may be permanently hinged to sleeve 204 at pivot joint 380. In other embodiments, cap 202 may include latching and locking mechanisms for enabling the temporary removal of cap 202 from sleeve 204, thus, providing the user with more operating flexibility. As further illustrated, cap 202 may generally form a cone or an umbrella-like shape structure and may generally be formed of two coupled portions. These portions are referenced herein as a first inner portion 386 and a second/outer portion 384, wherein the first portion is rotatabie relative to the second portion. In other words, inner portion 386 is rotatable relative to outer portion 384. In an exemplary embodiment, cap 202 may include a first portion and a second portion, such as respective portions 386 and 384, wherein the first portion of the cap is adapted to move relative to the second portion between a locked position and an unlocked position with a receptacle, such as sleeve 204.

[0047] Further, outer portion 384 of cap 202 may be coupled to pivot joint 380, and inner portion 386 may be couplable to tabs 220 when cap 202 closes sleeve 204. Tabs 388 disposed on the outer circumference of inner portion 386 may provide a user with a suitable grip about cap 202 so that the user can rotate inner portion 386 with relative ease in locking or unlocking cap 202 and sleeve 204, as discussed further below in relation to FIG. 7. For example, the user may close sleeve 204 by swinging cap 202 upward, as shown by arrow 382, such that tabs 220 may become disposed within the interior space provided by the cone-like shape of cap 202. As discussed above in relation to FIG. 4, the interior space of cap 202 includes recessed portions 218 through which tabs 220 are adapted to fit, such that when cap 202 and sleeve 204 are locked with one another, tabs 220 may press against inner portions of cap 202 to provide a locking force. In an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 204 may include a plurality of locks disposed about a first circumference, such as the one encompassing the outer surface of sleeve 204. In addition, cap 202 may include a plurality of mating locks disposed about a second circumference, such as the one encompassing an inner surface of inner portion 386. Such locks and the mating locks are adapted to interlock with one another when cap 202 is moved in a first direction relative to the sleeve 204, for example as indicated by one side of arrow 400. Further, the locks and the mating locks are adapted to release from one another when cap 202 is moved in a second direction relative to the sleeve 204 that is substantially opposite the aforementioned first direction, as indicated by the opposing side of arrow 400.

[0048] Further, base 206 of syringe mounting system 200 may include latching and/or coupling mechanisms enabling attachment or detachment of syringe mounting system 200 onto or from power head 208 (FIG. 4). In other words, base 206 as well as components attached thereto, such as cap 202, sleeve 204 may all be removed from or attached to the power head as a single unit. Accordingly, this may enable a user to attach or otherwise exchange between the aforementioned components, thereby enabling loading syringes of different sizes onto the power head. Alternatively, base 206, cap 202 and sleeve 204 may each be adapted to latch onto the power head independently as separate units. FIG. 6 is another perspective view of syringe mounting system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique. FIG. 6 depicts syringe mounting system 200 having syringe 212 loaded thereon, and cap 202 in a closed and locked position over sleeve 204. As illustrated, syringe 212 is disposed within sleeve 204, wherein tip 216 of the syringe 212, a tube coupled to the syringe, or a combination thereof, extends through channel 214 in cap 202 when the cap is in the closed position. [0049] As illustrated, when syringe mounting system 200 is loaded with syringe 212, tip 216 of syringe 212 may fully extend from cap 202 via opening 214. Again, tip 216 passes through opening 214 as cap 202 swings open and closed about pivot joint 380. Further, the user may lock and unlock cap 202 by rotating inner portion 386 of cap 202 in a corresponding locking or unlocking direction, as shown by arrow 400. Tabs 388 may provide a user with a suitable grip for rotating inner portion 386 with relative ease to the Sock or unlocks cap 202. Further, when in a locked position, cap 202 prevents syringe 212 from axially displacing within sleeve 204. Such secure placement of syringe 212 within sleeve 204 ensures, for example, that pressure is efficiently transferred from the ram of the power head to the plunger of syringe 212, thereby ensuring injection is optimally performed. That is, pressure, which otherwise could displace syringe 212 within sleeve 204, may be fully utilized, via cap 202, for efficiently injecting the fluid from syringe 212.

[0050] FIG. 7 is block diagram illustrating a method for mounting/loading a syringe onto the syringe mounting systems discussed in relation to FIGS. 3-6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique. Accordingly, the user, such as a healthcare provider, may employ method 450 for loading syringes onto a power injector used for injecting a medical fluid into a patient during an imaging procedure. Accordingly, method 450 may begin at step 452, whereby the user may verify that the syringe mounting system is in a state adapted to receive a syringe, in other words, that sleeve 204 (FIG.4) is open via an open position of a first part , e.g., cap 202, of the syringe mounting system. The first part includes a surface designed to interface with a front wall of a syringe, such as syringe 212. Thereafter, method 450 proceeds to step 454 whereby the user may place a fluid filled syringe, such as syringe 212 of FIG. 4, within a second part, e.g., sleeve 204. Stated otherwise, the user inserts the syringe into an opening defined by a second part, e.g., sleeve 204, of the syringe mounting system. Thus, the second part includes a receptacle designed to accommodate a syringe. The syringe may contain a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a tagging agent, or another medical fluid. The medicai fluid may have affinity toward a particular organ, tumor, or cancer cells and may improve and/or enable detection by an imaging system, such as PET, gamma ray cameras and so forth. Next, at step 456, the user may close the sleeve by rotating the cap, e.g., cap 202, like a door about a pivot joint disposed at the bottom portion of the sleeve. . That is, the user may close sleeve 204 by pivoting a first part, e.g., cap 202 of a syringe mounting system 200, about a first axis, e.g., axis 207, relative to a second part, e.g., sleeve 204 of syringe mounting system 200. In some embodiments, the act of pivoting may include passing a tube, a syringe tip, or a combination thereof, through a channel defined in the first part of the syringe mounting system. Thereafter, step 458 follows, in which the user may lock the cap onto the sleeve by gripping a portion of the cap, e.g., inner portion 386, and rotating a third part, e.g., portion 386, of syringe mounting system 200 about a second axis, e.g., axis 205, and relative to the first part of the syringe mounting system, wherein the second axis is different from the first axis. In other words, the user may rotate inner portion 386 about axis 205 of sleeve 202 so as to lock cap 202 with sleeve 204. In some embodiments, the act of rotating may include rotating the third part of the syringe mounting system about a tube, a syringe tip, or a combination thereof. The above mentioned first axis may not be within the same plane as the second axis. In addition, the first axis may be non-parallel with the second axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis may be substantially perpendicular to the second axis. Step 458 ensures that the syringe is securely coupled to the power head so that injection can proceed. Finally, at step 460 the user may activate the power injector such that fluid is injected from the syringe. It should be borne in mind that the act of inserting the syringe, as described above, may occur prior to at least one of the pivoting and the rotating. In addition, the act of inserting may occur prior to both the pivoting and the inserting, as described above.

[0051] When unloading the syringe from the syringe mounting system, the user may remove the syringe from an opening defined by the second part of the syringe mounting system. The removing may occur subsequent to at least one of the pivoting and the rotating, as described above. Thus, to unload the syringe from the syringe mounting system, the user may first unlock cap 202 from sleeve 202 by first rotating inner portion 388 about axis 205 in a direction opposite to that described above. Thereafter, the user may pivot cap 202 downwards about axis 207 to open sleeve 202. This enables the user to displace and remove syringe 212 from sleeve 202. While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A syringe mount for use with a power injector, the syringe mount comprising: a receptacle adapted to accommodate a syringe, wherein the receptacle comprises a longitudinal reference axis that extends substantially centrally through the receptacle along a length of the receptacle; and a cap pivotally coupled to an end of the receptacle, wherein the cap is pivotable between an open position, in which the cap is dissociated from an opening in the receptacle, and a closed position, in which the cap substantially blocks the opening in the receptacle.

2. The syringe mount of claim 1 , wherein a pivot axis of the cap is not within the same piane as the longitudinal reference axis.

3. The syringe mount of claim 1 or 2, wherein a pivot axis of the cap is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal reference axis.

4. The syringe mount of any of claims 1-3, wherein the cap comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is rotatable relative to the second portion.

5. The syringe mount of any of claims 1-4, wherein the cap comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the cap is adapted to move relative to the second portion between a locked position and an unlocked position with the receptacle.

6. The syringe mount of any of claims 1-5, wherein the receptacle comprises a plurality of locks disposed about a first circumference of the receptacle, and the cap comprises a plurality of mating locks disposed about a second circumference of the cap.

7. The syringe mount of claim 6, wherein the first circumference is an outer circumference of the receptacle and the second circumference is an inner circumference of the cap.

8. The syringe mount of claim 6, wherein the locks and the mating locks are adapted to interlock with one another when the cap is moved in a first direction relative to the receptacle, and wherein the locks and the mating locks are adapted to release from one another when the cap is moved in a second direction relative to the receptacle that is substantially opposite the first direction.

9. The syringe mount of any of claims 1-8, further comprising: a channel defined in the cap, wherein the longitudinal reference axis extends through the channel when the cap is in the closed position.

10. The syringe mount of claim 9, wherein the channel in the cap comprises a slot extending from a central opening in the cap to an outer periphery of the cap.

11. The syringe mount of any of claims 9-10₁ further comprising a syringe disposed within the receptacle, wherein a tip of the syringe, a tube coupled to the syringe, or a combination thereof extends through the channel in the cap when the cap is in the closed position.

12. A front-loading power injector comprising: a syringe mount of any of claims 1-11.

13. The injector of claim 12, wherein the syringe mount is substantially integral with the injector.

14. The injector of claim 12, wherein the syringe mount is removably coupled to the injector.

15. A method using a front-loading power injector, the method comprising: pivoting a first part of a syringe mount of a power injector about a first axis and relative to a second part of the syringe mount; and rotating a third part of the syringe mount about a second axis and relative to the first part of the syringe mount, wherein the second axis is different from the first axis.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pivoting occurs prior to the rotating.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the pivoting occurs after the rotating.

18. The method of any of claims 15-17, further comprising: inserting a syringe into an opening defined in the second part of syringe mount.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the inserting occurs prior to at least one of the pivoting and the rotating.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the inserting occurs prior to both of the pivoting and the inserting.

21. The method of any of claims 15-17, further comprising: removing a syringe from an opening defined in the second part of the syringe mount.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the removing occurs subsequent to at least one of the pivoting and the rotating.

23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the removing occurs subsequent to both of the pivoting and the rotating.

24. The method of any of claims 15-17, wherein the pivoting comprises passing a tube, a syringe tip, or a combination thereof through a channel defined in the first part of the syringe mount.

25. The method of any of claims 15-17, wherein the rotating comprises rotating the third part of the syringe mount about a tube, a syringe tip, or a combination thereof.

26. The method of any of claims 15-25, wherein the first axis is not within the same plane as the second axis.

27. The method of any of claims 15-26, wherein the first axis is non-parallel with the second axis.

28. The method of any of claims 15-27, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

29. The method of any of claims 15-28, wherein the first part comprises a surface designed to interface with a front wall of a syringe.

30. The method of any of claims 15-29, wherein the second part comprises a receptacle designed to accommodate a syringe.

31. The method of any of claims 15-30, wherein the first part of the syringe mount is at least temporarily prevented from a subsequent pivoting relative to the second part due to the rotating.