WO2010014654A1

WO2010014654A1 - Multi-syringe cassette

Info

Publication number: WO2010014654A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/052027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary S. Wagner
Original assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
Priority date: 2008-07-29
Filing date: 2009-07-29
Publication date: 2010-02-04

Abstract

An injection cartridge (130) for use with a power injector (112) is disclosed. A pair of syringes (134) may be disposed within a cartridge housing (132) of the injection cartridge (130). Installing the single injection cartridge (130) on the power injector (112) thereby simultaneously installs multiple syringes (134) on the power injector (112).

Description

MULTI-SYRINGE CASSETTE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLiCATIONS

5 This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to pending U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/084,531 entitled "MULTI-SYRINGE CASSETTE" filed on July 29, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to injection devices and, more particularly, to loading fluid sources i o into an injection device.

BACKGROUND

Various medical procedures require that one or more medical fluids be injected into a patient. For example, medical imaging procedures oftentimes involve the injection of contrast media into a patient, possibly 15 along with saline and/or other fluids. Other medical procedures involve injecting one or more fluids into a patient for therapeutic purposes. Power injectors may be used for these types of applications.

A power injector generally includes what is commonly referred to as a powerhead. One or more syringes may be mounted to the powerhead in various manners (e.g., detachably; rear-loading; front-loading; side-loading). Each syringe typically includes what may be characterized as a syringe plunger, piston, or the like. Each such 0 syringe plunger is designed to interface with (e.g., contact and/or temporarily interconnect with) an appropriate syringe plunger driver that is incorporated into the powerhead, such that operation of the syringe plunger driver axially advances the associated syringe plunger inside and relative to a barrel of the syringe. One typical syringe plunger driver is in the form of a ram that is mounted on a threaded lead or drive screw. Rotation of the drive screw in one rotational direction advances the associated ram in one axial direction, while rotation of the drive 5 screw in the opposite rotational direction advances the associated ram in the opposite axial direction,

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is generally directed to an injection cartridge. This injection0 cartridge may be positioned on (e.g., attached to, mounted on, or installed on) an injection device. One component of the injection cartridge is a cartridge housing that is adapted to be structurally interconnected with an injection device. The injection cartridge includes first and second fluid chambers having first and second discharge ports, respectively. First and second pistons or plungers are disposed within and movable relative to the first and second fluid chambers, respectively. Movement of the first and second plungers toward the first and second5 discharge ports, respectively, provides a fluid discharge from the first and second fluid chambers.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the first aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination. One or more features may be included to preclude the cartridge housing from being incorrectly installed on an injection

i device. In one embodiment, the cartridge housing may be installed on the injection device in only a single orientation relative to the injection device - any attempt to install the cartridge housing on the injection device in a different orientation will not result in an operative configuration. The cartridge housing may include at least one key or registrant (e.g., a positional registration member). Each such key utilized by the cartridge housing may require that the cartridge housing be in a predetermined position in order to be properly installed on the injection device, for instance to provide an operative configuration between the injection device and the injection cartridge. The injection device that is adapted to receive the injection cartridge may include a corresponding key or registrant (e.g., another positional registration member) for each key utilized by the injection cartridge. Each key utilized by each of the cartridge housing and the injection device may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. For instance, a key for the cartridge housing may be in the form of a protrusion, while a key for the injection housing may be in the form of a complimentary groove or slot, or vice versa. Multiple keys may be utilized by the cartridge housing and may be disposed in any appropriate arrangement.

The cartridge housing may be integrally formed with the first and second fluid chambers. That is, the cartridge housing and the first and second fluid chambers may be of a one-piece construction, with no joint of any kind between these components. For instance, the cartridge housing may incorporate a pair of cavities that define the first and second fluid chambers. Another option is for the cartridge housing to be fabricated in two different sections - a first cartridge housing section and a second cartridge housing section. The first cartridge housing section and a portion of each of the first and second fluid chambers may be integrally formed (e.g., the first cartridge housing section may include a pair of semicircular grooves - one for each of the first and second fluid chambers). The second cartridge housing section and a remainder of each of the first and second fluid chambers may be integrally formed as well (e.g., the second cartridge housing section may include a pair of semicircular grooves - one for each of the first and second fluid chambers). The first and second cartridge housing sections may be mounted or joined together in any appropriate manner such that the first and second cartridge housing sections now collectively define the first and second fluid chambers. The cartridge housing and the first and second fluid chambers may be separately formed or fabricated, and thereafter assembled together in any appropriate manner (e.g., such that each of the first and second fluid chambers are maintained in a fixed position relative to the cartridge housing). For instance, the cartridge housing could be fabricated to include a pair of cavities - each of which receives a separately formed syringe. The first and second fluid chambers would thereby exist within the interior of these syringes in this instance. The first and second fluid chambers may be of any appropriate size and/or shape. In one embodiment, each of the first and second fluid chambers is at least generally cylindrical. The first and second fluid chambers may be a common size (e.g., common fluid-containing volumes), or the first and second fluid chambers may be of different sizes (e.g., having different fluid-containing volumes). More than two fluid chambers could be utilized by the cartridge housing, each of which would include a piston or plunger (which may or may not include a pushrod), and each of which may be of any appropriate size and/or shape.

The injection cartridge may further include a discharge manifold. This discharge manifold may include an inlet leg for each fluid chamber being utilized by the injection cartridge, along with a common outlet leg (e.g., such that there is only a single flow or flowpath out of the injection cartridge). The discharge manifold may therefore include a first inlet leg that is fluidly interconnected with the first fluid chamber (e.g., its first discharge port), and a second inlet leg that is fluidly interconnected with the second fluid chamber (e.g., its second discharge port). Each inlet leg of the discharge manifold may include one or more valves of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, 5 and/or type (e.g., a check valve). The outlet leg of the discharge manifold may also include one or more valves of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type.

In one embodiment, the discharge manifold is integrally formed with each of the first and second fluid chambers such that there is no joint of any kind between the discharge manifold and each of the first and second fluid chambers. For instance, a pair of syringes and the discharge manifold may be integrally formed (e.g., of one- l o piece construction) and thereafter incorporated with a separately formed cartridge housing. However, the cartridge housing, the first and second fluid chambers, and the discharge manifold could be an integrally formed structure as well. Yet another option is to fabricate or form the discharge manifold separately from the first and second fluid chambers (whether integrally formed with the cartridge housing or not), and to then mount or attach the discharge manifold in any appropriate manner (e.g., to fix the first inlet leg of the discharge manifold to a first nozzle of a first

15 syringe defining the first fluid chamber; to fix the second inlet leg of the discharge manifold to a second nozzle of a second syringe defining the second fluid chamber).

The first and second fluid chambers may be characterized as being encased by the cartridge housing. Further in this regard and where the above-noted discharge manifold is utilized, it may be such that only the outlet leg of the discharge manifold extends outside of or beyond the cartridge housing. Another option is for the entirety

20 of the discharge manifold to be located outside of the cartridge housing. For instance, first and second nozzles may extend from the first and second fluid chambers, respectively, to the first and second inlet legs, respectively of the discharge manifold. In one embodiment, the first and second nozzles are of first and second syringes, respectively, and extend beyond the cartridge housing, while a remainder of the first and second syringes remains encased by the cartridge housing.

25 The first and second fluid chambers may each contain any appropriate fluid. The same fluid could be included in each of the first and second chambers, or a different fluid could be included in each of the first and second chambers. Fluid may be within the first and second fluid chambers when the injection cartridge is installed on the injection device, or fluid could be loaded into the first and second fluid chamber after the injection cartridge has been installed on the injection device. The injection cartridge may be encoded in any appropriate manner to

30 provide information regarding the fluid in each of the first and second fluid chambers (e.g., type of fluid, concentration, volume), In one embodiment, the injection cartridge includes at least one RFID tag to provide the noted encoding.

The injection cartridge may be incorporated into an injection system that includes an injection device. In one embodiment, the injection device includes an injection cartridge receiver (e.g., a hollow space) that is

35 sized/shaped to mate with the perimeter or exterior of at least part of the injection cartridge. A key or registrant may be incorporated into this injection cartridge receiver. An injection device used in combination with the injection cartridge may include an injector housing, a plunger driver for each plunger utilized by the injection cartridge, and at least one motor. The plunger driver for the first and second plungers may share a common motor, or each plunger driver for the first and second plungers may utilize a separate motor. In one embodiment, the injection device is in the form of a power injector. !n one embodiment, the injector housing is in the form of a powerhead. In any case, fluid may be discharged from the first and second fluid chambers by the injection device on a non-overlapping basis (e.g., sequentially on at least some basis), fluid may be simultaneously discharged from the first and second chambers by the injection device, or a combination thereof. For instance, fluid could be discharged from the first fluid chamber, followed by a fluid discharge from the second chamber, or vice versa. Fluid could be discharged from the first chamber, followed by a simultaneous fluid discharge from each of the first and second chambers. Fluid could be discharged from the first fluid chamber, followed by a fluid discharge from the second chamber, or vice versa, and then followed by a simultaneous fluid discharge from each of the first and second chambers.

Any power injector that may be utilized in combination with the injection cartridge may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. Any such power injector may utilize one or more plunger drivers of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, where each such plunger driver is capable of at least bi-directional movement (e.g., a movement in a first direction for discharging fluid; a movement in a second direction for accommodating a loading of fluid or so as to return to a position for a subsequent fluid discharge operation), and where each such plunger driver may interact with its corresponding plunger in any appropriate manner (e.g., by mechanical contact; by an appropriate coupling (mechanical or otherwise)) so as to be able to advance the plunger in at least one direction (e.g., to discharge fluid). Each plunger driver may utilize one or more drive sources of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. Multiple drive source outputs may be combined in any appropriate manner to advance a single plunger at a given time. One or more drive sources may be dedicated to a single plunger driver, one or more drive sources may be associated with multiple plunger drivers (e.g., incorporating a transmission of sorts to change the output from one syringe plunger to another syringe plunger), or a combination thereof. Representative drive source forms include a brushed or brushless electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, a piezoelectric motor, or a stepper motor.

Any power injector that may be utilized in combination with the injection cartridge may be used for any appropriate application where the delivery of one or more medical fluids is desired, including without limitation any appropriate medical application (e.g., computed tomography or CT imaging; magnetic resonance imaging or MRI; single photon emission computed tomography or SPECT imaging; positron emission tomography or PET imaging; X-ray imaging; angiographic imaging; optical imaging; ultrasound imaging). Any such power injector may be used in conjunction with any component or combination of components, such as an appropriate imaging system (e.g., a CT scanner). For instance, information could be conveyed between any such power injector and one or more other components (e.g., scan delay information, injection start signal, injection rate). Any appropriate medical fluid may be discharged from a given fluid chamber of the injection cartridge via operation of a power injector (e.g., contrast media, a radiopharmaceutical, saline, and any combination thereof), and any appropriate fluid may be discharged from a multiple fluid chamber configuration in any appropriate manner {e.g., sequentially, simultaneously), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, fluid discharged from a fluid chamber of the injection cartridge by operation of the power injector is directed into a conduit (e.g., medical tubing set), where this conduit is fluidly interconnected with the fluid chamber in any appropriate manner and directs fluid to a desired location (e.g., to a catheter that is inserted into a patient, for instance for injection).

A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of delivering fluid. An injection cartridge is mounted to an injection device. The injection device is operated to discharge a first fluid from the injection cartridge after being mounted to the injection device. Similarly, the injection device is operated to discharge a second fluid from the injection cartridge after being mounted to the injection device. The first and second fluids are separately maintained within the injection cartridge prior to being discharged therefrom.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the second aspect of the present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination. Initially, the injection cartridge used by the second aspect may be in accordance with the injection cartridge discussed above in relation to the first aspect.

First and second syringes may be positioned within the injection cartridge and may accommodate separate storage of the first and second fluids within the injection cartridge, in one embodiment, the first and second syringes are not intended to be removed from the injection cartridge, such that the injection cartridge and its first and second syringes may be collectively discarded after being used by the injection device. In any case, the injection cartridge with the first and second syringes installed therein may be shipped from one location to another prior to being installed on an injection device. There are a number of options for loading the first and second fluids into the first and second syringes, respectively. Fluid may be loaded into each of the first and second syringes: 1) prior to the first and second syringes being positioned within the injection cartridge; 2) prior to the injection cartridge being shipped; 3) prior to the injection cartridge being mounted to the injection device; 4) after the injection cartridge has been mounted to the injection device; or 5) any appropriate combination thereof.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are separately applicable to each of the first and second aspects of the present invention. These refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination in relation to each of the first and second aspects. Initially, any feature of the various aspects of the present invention that is intended to be limited to a "singular" context or the like will be clearly set forth herein by terms such as "only," "single," "limited to," or the like. Merely introducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedent basis practice does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular (e.g., indicating that a power injector includes "a syringe" alone does not mean that the power injector includes only a single syringe). Moreover, any failure to use phrases such as "at least one" also does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular (e.g., indicating that a power injector includes "a syringe" alone does not mean that the power injector includes only a single syringe). Use of the phrase "at least generally" or the like in relation to a particular feature encompasses the corresponding characteristic specified in relation to this feature and insubstantial variations thereof {e.g., indicating that a syringe barrel is at least generally cylindrical encompasses the syringe barrel being cylindrical). Finally, a reference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase "in one embodiment" does not limit the use of the feature to a single embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of a power injector.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable stand-mounted, dual-head power injector.

Figure 2B is an enlarged, partially exploded, perspective view of a powerhead used by the power injector of Figure 2A.

Figure 2C is a schematic of one embodiment of a syringe plunger drive assembly used by the power injector of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A is a top view of one embodiment of an injection system, where an injection cartridge having multiple syringes is detachably mounted to a power injector. Figure 3B is a perspective view of the injection system of Figure 3A, prior to installing the injection cartridge on the power injector.

Figure 4 is a top view of another embodiment of an injection system, where an injection cartridge having multiple syringes is detachably mounted to a power injector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 presents a schematic of one embodiment of a power injector 10 having a powerhead 12. One or more graphical user interfaces or GUIs 11 may be associated with the powerhead 12. Each GUI H: 1) may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type; 2) may be operatively interconnected with the powerhead 12 in any appropriate manner; 3) may be disposed at any appropriate location; 4) may be configured to provide any of the following functions: controiling one or more aspects of the operation of the power injector 10; inputting/editing one or more parameters associated with the operation of the power injector 10; and displaying appropriate information (e.g., associated with the operation of the power injector 10); or 5) any combination of the foregoing. Any appropriate number of GUIs 11 may be utilized. In one embodiment, the power injector 10 includes a GU1 11 that is incorporated by a console that is separate from but which communicates with the powerhead 12. In another embodiment, the power injector 10 includes a GU1 11 that is part of the powerhead 12. In yet another embodiment, the power injector 10 utilizes one GU1 11 on a separate console that communicates with the powerhead 12, and also utilizes another GU1 11 that is on the powerhead 12. Each GU1 11 could provide the same functionality or set of functionalities, or the GUIs 11 may differ in at least some respect in relation to their respective functionalities. A syringe 28 may be installed on the powerhead 12 and, when installed, may be considered to be part of the power injector 10. Some injection procedures may result in a relatively high pressure being generated within the syringe 28. In this regard, it may be desirable to dispose the syringe 28 within a pressure jacket 26. The pressure jacket 26 is typically associated with the powerhead 12 in a manner that allows the syringe 28 to be disposed therein as a part of or after installing the syringe 28 on the powerhead 12, The same pressure jacket 26 will typically remain associated with the powerhead 12, as various syringes 28 are positioned within and removed from the pressure jacket 26 for multiple injection procedures. The power injector 10 may eliminate the pressure jacket 26 if the power injector 10 is configured/utilized for low-pressure injections and/or if the syringe(s) 28 to be utilized with the power injector 10 is (are) of sufficient durability to withstand high-pressure injections without the additional support provided by a pressure jacket 26. In any case, fluid discharged from the syringe 28 may be directed into a conduit 38 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, which may be fluidly interconnected with the syringe 28 in any appropriate manner, and which may direct fluid to any appropriate location (e.g., to a patient).

The powerhead 12 includes a syringe plunger drive assembly or syringe plunger driver 14 that interacts (e.g., interfaces) with the syringe 28 (e.g., a plunger 32 thereof) to discharge fluid from the syringe 28. This syringe plunger drive assembly 14 includes a drive source 16 (e.g., a motor of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, optional gearing, and the like) that powers a drive output 18 (e.g., a rotatable drive screw). A ram 20 may be advanced along an appropriate path (e.g., axial) by the drive output 18. The ram 20 may include a coupler 22 for interacting or interfacing with a corresponding portion of the syringe 28 in a manner that wili be discussed below.

The syringe 28 includes a plunger or piston 32 that is movably disposed within a syringe barrel 30 (e.g., for axial reciprocation along an axis coinciding with the double-headed arrow B). The plunger 32 may include a coupler 34. This syringe plunger coupler 34 may interact or interface with the ram coupler 22 to allow the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 to retract the syringe plunger 32 within the syringe barrel 30. The syringe plunger coupler 34 may be in the form of a shaft 36a that extends from a body of the syringe plunger 32, together with a head or button 36b. However, the syringe plunger coupler 34 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. Generally, the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 of the power injector 10 may interact with the syringe plunger 32 of the syringe 28 in any appropriate manner (e.g., by mechanical contact; by an appropriate coupling (mechanical or otherwise)) so as to be able to move or advance the syringe plunger 32 (relative to the syringe barrel 30) in at least one direction (e.g., to discharge fluid from the corresponding syringe 28). That is, although the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 may be capable of bi-directional motion (e.g., via operation of the same drive source 16), the power injector 10 may be configured such that the operation of the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 actually only moves each syringe plunger 32 being used by the power injector 10 in only one direction. However, the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 may be configured to interact with each syringe plunger 32 being used by the power injector 10 so as to be able to move each such syringe plunger 32 in each of two different directions (e.g. in different directions along a common axial path). Retraction of the syringe plunger 32 may be utilized to accommodate a loading of fluid into the syringe barrel 30 fora subsequent injection or discharge, may be utilized to actually draw fluid into the syringe barrel 30 for a subsequent injection or discharge, or for any other appropriate purpose. Certain configurations may not require that the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 be able to retract the syringe plunger 32, in which case the ram coupler 22 and syringe plunger coupler 34 may not be desired. In this case, the syringe plunger drive assembly 14 may be retracted for purposes of executing another fluid delivery operation (e.g., after another pre-filled syringe 28 has been installed). Even when a ram coupler 22 and syringe plunger coupler 34 are utilized, it may such that these components may or may not be coupled when the ram 20 advances the syringe plunger 32 to discharge fluid from the syringe 28 (e.g., the ram 20 may simply "push on" the syringe plunger coupler 34 or directly on a proximal end of the syringe plunger 32). Any single motion or combination of motions in any appropriate dimension or combination of dimensions may be utilized to dispose the ram coupler 22 and syringe plunger coupler 34 in a coupled state or condition, to dispose the ram coupler 22 and syringe plunger coupler 34 in an un-coupled state or condition, or both.

The syringe 28 may be installed on the powerhead 12 in any appropriate manner. For instance, the syringe 28 could be configured to be installed directly on the powerhead 12, In the illustrated embodiment, a housing 24 is appropriately mounted on the powerhead 12 to provide an interface between the syringe 28 and the powerhead 12. This housing 24 may be in the form of an adapter to which one or more configurations of syringes 28 may be installed, and where at least one configuration for a syringe 28 could be installed directly on the powerhead 12 without using any such adapter. The housing 24 may also be in the form of a faceplate to which one or more configurations of syringes 28 may be installed, in this case, it may be such that a faceplate is required to install a syringe 28 on the powerhead 12 - the syringe 28 could not be installed on the powerhead 12 without the faceplate. When a pressure jacket 26 is being used, it may be installed on the powerhead 12 in the various manners discussed herein in relation to the syringe 28, and the syringe 28 will then thereafter be installed in the pressure jacket 26.

The housing 24 may be mounted on and remain in a fixed position relative to the powerhead 12 when installing a syringe 28. Another option is to movably interconnect the housing 24 and the powerhead 12 to accommodate installing a syringe 28. For instance, the housing 24 may move within a plane that contains the double-headed arrow A to provide one or more of coupled state or condition and an un-coupled state or condition between the ram coupler 22 and the syringe plunger coupler 34.

One particular power injector configuration is illustrated in Figure 2A, is identified by a reference numeral 40, and is at least generally in accordance with the power injector 10 of Figure 1. The power injector 40 includes a powerhead 50 that is mounted on a portable stand 48. A pair of syringes 86a, 86b for the power injector 40 are mounted on the powerhead 50. Fluid may be discharged from the syringes 86a, 86b during operation of the power injector 40.

The portable stand 48 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. Wheels, rollers, casters, or the like may be utilized to make the stand 48 portable. The powerhead 50 could be maintained in a fixed position relative to the portable stand 48. However, it may be desirable to allow the position of the powerhead 50 to be adjustable relative to the portable stand 48 in at least some manner. For instance, it may be desirable to have the powerhead 50 in one position relative to the portable stand 48 when loading fluid into one or more of the syringes 86a, 86b, and to have the powerhead 50 in a different position relative to the portable stand 48 for performance of an injection procedure. In this regard, the powerhead 50 may be movably interconnected with the portable stand 48 in any appropriate manner (e.g., such that the powerhead 50 may be pivoted through at least a certain range of motion, and thereafter maintained in the desired position).

It should be appreciated that the powerhead 50 could be supported in any appropriate manner for providing fluid. For instance, instead of being mounted on a portable structure, the powerhead 50 could be interconnected with a support assembly, that in turn is mounted to an appropriate structure (e.g., ceiling, wall, floor). Any support assembly for the powerhead 50 may be positionally adjustable in at least some respect (e.g., by having one or more support sections that may be repositioned relative to one or more other support sections), or may be maintained in a fixed position. Moreover, the powerhead 50 may be integrated with any such support assembly so as to either be maintained in a fixed position or so as to be adjustable relative the support assembly.

The powerhead 50 includes a graphical user interface or GUI 52. This GUI 52 may be configured to provide one or any combination of the following functions: controlling one or more aspects of the operation of the power injector 40; inputting/editing one or more parameters associated with the operation of the power injector 40; and displaying appropriate information (e.g., associated with the operation of the power injector 40). The power injector 40 may also include a console 42 and powerpack 46 that each may be in communication with the powerhead 50 in any appropriate manner (e.g., via one or more cables), that may be placed on a table or mounted on an electronics rack in an examination room or at any other appropriate location, or both. The powerpack 46 may include one or more of the following and in any appropriate combination: a power supply for the injector 40; interface circuitry for providing communication between the console 42 and powerhead 50; circuitry for permitting connection of the power injector 40 to remote units such as remote consoles, remote hand or foot control switches, or other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) remote control connections (e.g., to allow for the operation of power injector 40 to be synchronized with the x-ray exposure of an imaging system); and any other appropriate componentry. The console 42 may include a touch screen display 44, which in turn may provide one or more of the following functions and in any appropriate combination: allowing an operator to remotely control one or more aspects of the operation of the power injector 40; allowing an operator to enter/edit one or more parameters associated with the operation of the power injector 40; allowing an operator to specify and store programs for automated operation of the power injector 40 (which can later be automatically executed by the power injector 40 upon initiation by the operator); and displaying any appropriate information relation to the power injector 40 and including any aspect of its operation. Various details regarding the integration of the syringes 86a, 86b with the powerhead 50 are presented in

Figure 2B. Each of the syringes 86a, 86b includes the same general components. The syringe 86a includes plunger or piston 90a that is movably disposed within a syringe barrel 88a. Movement of the plunger 90a along an axis 100a (Figure 2A) via operation of the powerhead 50 will discharge fluid from within a syringe barrel 88a through a nozzle 89a of the syringe 86a. An appropriate conduit (not shown) will typically be fluidly interconnected with the nozzle 89a in any appropriate manner to direct fluid to a desired location (e.g., a patient). Similarly, the syringe 86b includes plunger or piston 90b that is movably disposed within a syringe barrel 88b. Movement of the plunger 90b along an axis 100b (Figure 2A) via operation of the powerhead 50 will discharge fluid from within the syringe barrel 88b through a nozzle 89b of the syringe 86b. An appropriate conduit (not shown) will typically be fluidly interconnected with the nozzle 89b in any appropriate manner to direct fluid to a desired location (e.g., a patient).

The syringe 86a is interconnected with the powerhead 50 via an intermediate faceplate 102a. This faceplate 102a includes a cradle 104 that supports at least part of the syringe barrel 88a, and which may provide/accommodate any additional functionality or combination of functionalities. A mounting 82a is disposed on and is fixed relative to the powerhead 50 for interfacing with the faceplate 102a. A ram coupler 76 of a ram 74 (Figure 2C)₁ which are each part of a syringe plunger drive assembly or syringe plunger driver 56 (Figure 2C) for the syringe 86a, is positioned in proximity to the faceplate 102a when mounted on the powerhead 50. Details regarding the syringe plunger drive assembly 56 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 2C. Generally, the ram coupler 76 may be coupled with the syringe plunger 90a of the syringe 86a, and the ram coupler 76 and ram 74 (Figure 2C) may then be moved relative to the powerhead 50 to move the syringe plunger 90a along the axis 100a (Figure 2A). It may be such that the ram coupler 76 is engaged with, but not actually coupled to, the syringe plunger 90a when moving the syringe plunger 90a to discharge fluid through the nozzle 89a of the syringe 86a.

The faceplate 102a may be moved at least generally within a plane that is orthogonal to the axes 100a, 100b (associated with movement of the syringe plungers 90a, 90b, respectively, and illustrated in Figure 2A), both to mount the faceplate 102a on and remove the faceplate 102a from its mounting 82a on the powerhead 50. The faceplate 102a may be used to couple the syringe plunger 90a with its corresponding ram coupler 76 on the powerhead 50. In this regard, the faceplate 102a includes a pair of handles 106a. Generally and with the syringe 86a being initially positioned within the faceplate 102a, the handles 106a may be moved to in turn move/translate the syringe 86a at least generally within a plane that is orthogonal to the axes 100a, 100b (associated with movement of the syringe plungers 90a, 90b, respectively, and illustrated in Figure 2A). Moving the handles 106a to one position moves/translates the syringe 86a (relative to the faceplate 102a) in an at least generally downward direction to couple its syringe plunger 90a with its corresponding ram coupler 76. Moving the handles 106a to another position moves/translates the syringe 86a (relative to the faceplate 102a) in an at least generally upward direction to uncouple its syringe plunger 90a from its corresponding ram coupler 76.

The syringe 86b is interconnected with the powerhead 50 via an intermediate faceplate 102b. A mounting 82b is disposed on and is fixed relative to the powerhead 50 for interfacing with the faceplate 102b. A ram coupler 76 of a ram 74 (Figure 2C), which are each part of a syringe plunger drive assembly 56 for the syringe 86b, is positioned in proximity to the faceplate 102b when mounted to the powerhead 50. Details regarding the syringe plunger drive assembly 56 again will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 2C. Generally, the ram coupler 76 may be coupled with the syringe plunger 90b of the syringe 86b, and the ram coupler 76 and ram 74 (Figure 2C) may be moved relative to the powerhead 50 to move the syringe plunger 90b along the axis 100b (Figure 2A), It may be such that the ram coupler 76 is engaged with, but not actually coupled to, the syringe plunger 90b when moving the syringe plunger 90b to discharge fluid through the nozzle 89b of the syringe 86b. The faceplate 102b may be moved at least generally within a plane that is orthogonal to the axes 100a, 100b (associated with movement of the syringe plungers 90a, 9Ob₁ respectively, and illustrated in Figure 2A), both to mount the faceplate 102b on and remove the faceplate 102b from its mounting 82b on the powerhead 50. The faceplate 102b also may be used to couple the syringe plunger 90b with its corresponding ram coupler 76 on the powerhead 50. In this regard, the faceplate 102b may include a handle 106b. Generally and with the syringe 86b being initially positioned within the faceplate 102b, the syringe 86b may be rotated along its long axis 100b (Figure 2A) and relative to the faceplate 102b. This rotation may be realized by moving the handle 106b, by grasping and turning the syringe 86b, or both, in any case, this rotation moves/translates both the syringe 86b and the faceplate 102b at least generally within a plane that is orthogonal to the axes 100a, 100b (associated with movement of the syringe plungers 90a, 90b, respectively, and illustrated in Figure 2A). Rotating the syringe 86b in one direction moves/translates the syringe 86b and faceplate 102b in an at least generally downward direction to couple the syringe plunger 90b with its corresponding ram coupler 76. Rotating the syringe 86b in the opposite direction moves/translates the syringe 86b and faceplate 102b in an at least generally upward direction to uncouple its syringe plunger 90b from its corresponding ram coupler 76. As illustrated in Figure 2B, the syringe plunger 90b includes a plunger body 92 and a syringe plunger coupler 94. This syringe plunger coupler 94 includes a shaft 98 that extends from the plunger body 92, along with a head 96 that is spaced from the plunger body 92. Each of the ram couplers 76 includes a larger slot that is positioned behind a smaller slot on the face of the ram coupler 76. The head 96 of the syringe plunger coupler 94 may be positioned within the larger slot of the ram coupler 76, and the shaft 98 of the syringe plunger coupler 94 may extend through the smaller slot on the face of the ram coupler 76 when the syringe plunger 90b and its corresponding ram coupler 76 are in a coupled state or condition. The syringe plunger 90a may include a similar syringe plunger coupler 94 for interfacing with its corresponding ram coupler 76.

The powerhead 50 is utilized to discharge fluid from the syringes 86a, 86b in the case of the power injector 40. That is, the powerhead 50 provides the motive force to discharge fluid from each of the syringes 86a, 86b. One embodiment of what may be characterized as a syringe plunger drive assembly or syringe plunger driver is illustrated in Figure 2C, is identified by reference numeral 56, and may be utilized by the powerhead 50 to discharge fluid from each of the syringes 86a, 86b. A separate syringe plunger drive assembly 56 may be incorporated into the powerhead 50 for each of the syringes 86a, 86b. In this regard and referring back to Figures 2A-B, the powerhead 50 may include hand-operated knobs 80a and 80b for use in separately controlling each of the syringe plunger drive assemblies 56.

Initially and in relation to the syringe plunger drive assembly 56 of Figure 2C, each of its individual components may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type. The syringe plunger drive assembly 56 includes a motor 58, which has an output shaft 60. A drive gear 62 is mounted on and rotates with the output shaft 60 of the motor 58. The drive gear 62 is engaged or is at least engageable with a driven gear 64. This driven gear 64 is mounted on and rotates with a drive screw or shaft 66. The axis about which the drive screw 66 rotates is identified by reference numeral 68. One or more bearings 72 appropriately support the drive screw 66. A carriage or ram 74 is movably mounted on the drive screw 66. Generally, rotation of the drive screw 66 in one direction axially advances the ram 74 along the drive screw 66 (and thereby along axis 68) in the direction of the corresponding syringe 86a/b, while rotation of the drive screw 66 in the opposite direction axially advances the ram 74 along the drive screw 66 (and thereby along axis 68) away from the corresponding syringe 86a/b. In this regard, the perimeter of at least part of the drive screw 66 includes helical threads 70 that interface with at least part of the ram 74. The ram 74 is also movably mounted within an appropriate bushing 78 that does not allow the ram 74 to rotate during a rotation of the drive screw 66. Therefore, the rotation of the drive screw 66 provides for an axial movement of the ram 74 in a direction determined by the rotational direction of the drive screw 66. The ram 74 includes a coupler 76 that that may be detachably coupled with a syringe plunger coupler 94 of the syringe plunger 90a/b of the corresponding syringe 86a/b. When the ram coupler 76 and syringe plunger coupler 94 are appropriately coupled, the syringe plunger 90a/b moves along with ram 74. Figure 2C illustrates a configuration where the syringe 86a/b may be moved along its corresponding axis 100a/b without being coupled to the ram 74. When the syringe 86a/b is moved along its corresponding axis 100a/b such that the head 96 of its syringe plunger 2OaJb is aligned with the ram coupler 76, but with the axes 68 still in the offset configuration of Figure 2C₁ the syringe 86a/b may be translated within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 68 along which the ram 74 moves. This establishes a coupled engagement between the ram coupler 76 and the syringe plunger coupler 96 in the above-noted manner.

The power injectors 10, 40 of Figures 1 and 2A-C each may be used for any appropriate application, including without limitation for medical imaging applications where fluid is injected into a subject (e.g., a patient). Representative medical imaging applications for the power injectors 10, 40 include without limitation computed tomography or CT imaging, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, single photon emission computed tomography or SPECT imaging, positron emission tomography or PET imaging, X-ray imaging, angiographic imaging, optical imaging, and ultrasound imaging. The power injectors 10, 40 each could be used alone or in combination with one or more other components. The power injectors 10, 40 each may be operatively interconnected with one or more components, for instance so that information may be conveyed between the power injector 10, 40 and one or more other components (e.g., scan delay information, injection start signal, injection rate).

Any number of syringes may be utilized by each of the power injectors 10, 40, including without limitation single-head configurations (for a single syringe) and dual-head configurations (for two syringes). In the case of a multiple syringe configuration, each power injector 10, 40 may discharge fluid from the various syringes in any appropriate manner and according to any timing sequence (e.g., sequential discharges from two or more syringes, simultaneous discharges from two or more syringes, or any combination thereof). Multiple syringes may discharge into a common conduit (e.g., for provision to a single injection site), or one syringe may discharge into one conduit (e.g., for provision to one injection site), while another syringe may discharge into a different conduit (e.g., for provision to a different injection site). Each such syringe utilized by each of the power injectors 10, 40 may include any appropriate fluid (e.g., a medical fluid), for instance contrast media, a radiopharmaceutical, saline, and any combination thereof. Each such syringe utilized by each of the power injectors 10, 40 may be installed in any appropriate manner (e.g., rear-loading configurations may be utilized; front-loading configurations may be utilized; side-loading configurations may be utilized).

Figures 3A and 3B illustrates one embodiment of an injection system 110 that uses a power injector 112. The power injector 112 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, for instance in the form of the above-discussed power injectors 10, 40. In this regard, the power injector 112 may include a powerhead 114. In accordance with the foregoing, the powerhead 114 may include a display 118 (e.g., in the form of a graphical user interface). In any case, the powerhead 114 includes an injection cartridge receiver 124 in the form of an appropriately-shaped hollow space or receptacle. This injection cartridge receiver 124 accommodates receipt of an injection cartridge 130. In order to allow the noted injection cartridge 130 to be installed on the powerhead 114 in only one way, the injection cartridge receiver 124 on the powerhead 114 includes at least one registrant or key 126. That is, the injection cartridge 130 needs to be in a single, predetermined position in order to be installed on the powerhead 114 (e.g., the injection cartridge 130 cannot be installed "backwards" or "inverted" on the power injector 112 corresponding "keys" are utilized). Each registrant or key 126 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, multiple registrants or keys 126 may be disposed in any appropriate arrangement, or both, to only allow the injection cartridge 130 to be installed on the powerhead 114 when in the correct, desired position. Stated another way, utilizing one or more keys 126 requires a certain, predetermined alignment between the injection cartridge 130 and the powerhead 114 of the power injector 112 in order to allow the injection cartridge 130 to be installed on the powerhead 114. The injection cartridge 130 includes a cartridge housing 132 that may be shaped to matingly engage with the injection cartridge receiver 124 on the end of the powerhead 114. The injection cartridge includes a matching registrant or key 156 for each registrant or key 126 used by the injection cartridge receiver 124 of the power injector 112 to control/establish the position of the injection cartridge 130 relative to the power injector 112.

The injection cartridge housing 132 includes multiple syringes 134 that are simultaneously installed on the power injector 112 by directing the injection cartridge 130 into the injection cartridge receiver 124 of the power injector 112 when in the proper orientation/position. More generally, these syringes 134 may be referred to as fluid chambers or receptacles. Two or more syringes 134 may be incorporated into the cartridge housing 132. Any appropriate fluid may be contained in each of the syringes 134. The cartridge housing 132 may include an RFID tag that may store any appropriate information regarding the injection cartridge 130 (e.g., information relating to the fluid in each syringe 134), and that may be able to communicate this information to one or more other components (e.g., the power injector 112). Any appropriate way of encoding the above-noted information on the injection cartridge 130 may be utilized (e.g., one or more mechanical encoding elements).

Fluid may be loaded into the syringes 134 in any appropriate manner and at any appropriate time. For instance: 1) fluid may be loaded into the syringes 134 prior to installing the injection cartridge 130 onto the powerhead 114 of the power injector 112; 2) fluid may be loaded into the syringes 134 prior to being positioned within the cartridge housing 132; and/or 3) fluid may be loaded into the syringes 134 after being installed on the power injector 112. A piston or plunger 154 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type is movably disposed within each syringe 134 (a plunger 154 being shown for only one of the syringes 134 in Figure 3B). Each plunger 154 is movable relative to its corresponding syringe barrel section 136 in at least one direction to discharge fluid from the syringe 134 through its corresponding nozzle section 140. In this regard, the syringe plunger driver or drive assembly (not shown in Figures 3A-3B) of the power injector 112 may interact with the corresponding syringe plunger 154 in any appropriate manner so as to be able to move the syringe plunger 154 in at least one direction. The plungers 154 for each syringe 134 could be driven by a common motor (e.g., a single motor could be utilized by the syringe plunger driver for each plunger 154), or each syringe 134 could be associated with its own motor. Each syringe 134 includes a barrel section 136, a transition section 138, and a nozzle section 140. In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the entirety of each syringe 134 is encased by the cartridge housing 132 (e.g., enclosed within; such that no portion of either of the syringes 134 extends beyond the cartridge housing 132). Sn some embodiments, a portion of one or more plungers 154 (e.g., a pushrod thereof) may extend out from beyond the confines of the cartridge housing 132. The nozzle section 140 of each syringe 134 includes a discharge port 142 that directs its flow into its own inlet leg 146 of a discharge manifold 144. A valve 148 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type may be disposed in each inlet leg 146 (e.g., a check valve). The discharge manifold 144 further includes a single outlet leg 150 having a connector 152 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. The connector 152 may be used to fluidly interconnect the injection cartridge 130 with medical tubing or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, only the outlet leg 150 of the discharge manifold 144 extends beyond, or is disposed exteriorly of, the cartridge housing 132. That is, each of its inlet legs 146 are encased by or enclosed within the cartridge housing 132.

The discharge manifold 144 may be characterized as Y-type tubing that comes pre-installed on the syringes 134, where the syringes 134 may be simultaneously installed on the power injector 112 by introducing the injection cartridge 130 into the injection cartridge receiver 124 on the end of the powerhead 114 of the power injector 112. Generally, the syringes 134 and the discharge manifold 144 are installed as a one-piece unit on the powerhead 114, Any structure for the injection cartridge 130 may be utilized to provide this functionality, In one embodiment, the entire injection cartridge 130 is in the form of an integrally-formed structure - no joints of any kind exist between the cartridge housing 132, the syringes 134 (more specifically the syringe bodies that include the barrel section 136, transition section 138, and nozzle section 140), and the discharge manifold 144, In another embodiment, the injection cartridge 130 is fabricated in two parts, each having a corresponding portion of the cartridge housing 132, each syringe 134 (again, more specifically the syringe bodies that include the barrel section 136, transition section 138, and nozzle section 140), and the discharge manifold 144, and where these two parts are thereafter assembled and appropriately joined/sealed to one another. In yet another embodiment, the syringes 134 (more specifically the syringe bodies that include the barrel section 136, transition section 138, and nozzle section 140) and discharge manifold 144 are integrally formed, and are installed in a separately formed cartridge housing 132.

In the case where the syringes 134 are separate structures from the cartridge housing 132, the intention may be for these syringes 134 to no longer be removed from the cartridge housing 132. Therefore, the injection cartridge 130 with the syringes 134 installed therein may be shipped from one location to another for installation on the power injector 112 (with or without fluid in the syringes 134). After use by the power injector 112, the injection cartridge 130 may be removed from the power injector 112 and discarded without removing the syringes 134.

Another embodiment of an injection system is illustrated in Figure 4. Corresponding components between the embodiment of Figure 3A and the embodiment of Figure 4 are identified by the same reference numerals. Corresponding components between these two embodiments that differ in at least some respect are identified by a "single prime" designation.

The injection system 110' of Figure 4 utilizes a power injector 112' and an injection cartridge 130', similar to the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B. In the case of the injection system 110' of Figure 4, the powerhead 114' includes one or more handles 116 for carrying/manipulating the powerhead 114', a releasable lock 120 for locking the injection cartridge 130' to the powerhead 114', and a window 122 that allows personnel to view at least part of the injection cartridge 130' that is at least partially positioned within the powerhead 114'. The injection cartridge 130' includes at least one key or registrant 156' for requiring a certain alignment between the injection cartridge 130' and the powerhead 114¹ of the power injector 112¹ to allow the injection cartridge 130' to be installed on the powerhead 114', Again, the powerhead 114' include a corresponding key or registrant 126' for each injection cartridge key/registrant 156'.

The injection system 110' of Figure 4 utilizes a different discharge manifold 144' than the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B. Instead of the discharge manifold 144" being integrally formed with the remainder of the injection cartridge 130', the discharge manifold 144' is separately formed and subsequently attached. In this regard, the discharge manifold 144' again includes a pair of inlet legs 146' and a single outlet leg 150'. Each inlet leg 146' is appropriately mounted to and flutdly connected with its own nozzle section 140 (of a syringe 134) prior to the injection cartridge 130' being installed on the power injector 112'. Instead of the entirety of the syringes 134 being encased by the cartridge housing 132' (as in the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B), at least part of the nozzle section 140 of each syringe 134 extends beyond the cartridge housing 132' in the case of the Figure 4 embodiment (although the remainder of each syringe 134 remains encased by the cartridge housing 132'). The embodiment of Figure 4 also shows the nozzle sections 140 each incorporating a valve 148, although the valves 148 could be incorporated by the discharge manifold 144' as well.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An injection cartridge attachable to an injection device, comprising: a cartridge housing adapted to be interconnected with an injection device; first and second fluid chambers disposed within said cartridge housing and comprising first and second discharge ports; and first and second plungers disposed within said first and second fluid chambers, respectively, and movable at least in a first direction toward said first and second discharge ports, respectively.

2, The injection cartridge of claim 1, wherein said cartridge housing is installable on the injection device in only a single orientation relative to the injection device.

3. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-2, wherein said cartridge housing comprises at least one key.

4. The injection cartridge of claim 3, wherein said at least one key requires said cartridge housing to be in a predetermined position when installed on the injection device.

5. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-2, wherein said cartridge housing comprises a first registration member that interacts with a corresponding registration member on the injection device when said cartridge housing is installed on the injection device.

6. The injection cartridge of claim 5, wherein said first registration member requires said cartridge housing to be in a predetermined position when installed on the injection device.

7. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-6, wherein said cartridge housing and each of said first and second fluid chambers are integrally formed.

8. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-6, wherein said cartridge housing comprises first and second cartridge housing sections, wherein said first cartridge housing section and part of each of said first and second fluid chambers are integrally formed, wherein said second cartridge housing section and a remainder of each of said first and second fluid chambers are integrally formed, and wherein said first and second cartridge housing sections are mounted together.

9. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1 -6, wherein said cartridge housing and said first and second fluid chambers are separately formed, and wherein said first and second fluid chambers are each disposed within said cartridge housing and maintained in a fixed position relative to said cartridge housing.

10. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1 -6 and 9, wherein said first and second fluid chambers comprise first and second syringes, respectively.

11. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-10, further comprising a discharge manifold which in turn comprises a first inlet leg, a second inlet leg, and an outlet leg, wherein said first and second inlet legs are interconnected with said first and second discharge ports, respectively.

12. The injection cartridge of claim 11, wherein said discharge manifold is integrally formed with each of said first and second fluid chambers.

13. The injection cartridge of claim 11, wherein said discharge manifold is separately mounted to each of said first and second discharge ports.

14. The injection cartridge of claim 13, wherein said discharge manifold comprises Y-tubing.

15. The injection cartridge of any of claims 11-14, wherein said discharge manifold comprises first and second valves for said first and second discharge ports.

16. The injection cartridge of claim 15, wherein said first and second valves each comprise a check valve.

17. The injection cartridge of any of claims 11-16, wherein said outlet leg comprises a connector.

18. The injection cartridge of any of claims 11-17, wherein said first and second fluid chambers are encased by said cartridge housing, and wherein only said outlet leg of said discharge manifold extends outside of said cartridge housing.

19. The injection cartridge of any of claims 11-17, wherein an entirety of said discharge manifold is located outside of said cartridge housing.

20. The injection cartridge of claim 19, further comprising: first and second nozzles that extend from said first and second fluid chambers, respectively, to said first and second inlet legs, respectively, of said discharge manifold, wherein said first and second fluid chambers are encased by said cartridge housing, and wherein at least part of said first and second nozzles extend beyond said cartridge housing.

21. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-6 and 10-20, further comprising first and second syringes disposed within said cartridge housing, and that comprise said first and second fluid chambers, respectively.

22. The injection cartridge of claim 21 , wherein said first and second syringes comprises first and second nozzles, respectively, wherein at least part of each of said first and second nozzles extends beyond said cartridge housing, and wherein a remainder of said first and second syringes is encased by said cartridge housing.

23. The injection cartridge of any of claims 1-22, further comprising: an RFID tag that in turn comprises information on contents of said first and second fluid chambers.

24. An injection system comprising an injection device and the injection cartridge of any of claims 1-23, wherein said injection device comprises: an injector housing; a first plunger driver that interacts with said first plunger to move said first plunger in at least one direction; a second plunger driver that interacts with said second plunger to move said second plunger in at least one direction; at least one motor operatively interconnected with said first plunger driver; and at least one motor operatively interconnected with said second plunger driver.

25. The injection system of claim 24, wherein said first and second plunger drivers share a common motor.

26. The injection system of claim 24, wherein said first and second plunger drivers each use a separate motor.

27. The injection system of any of claims 24-26, wherein said injection device comprises a power injector.

5 28. The injection system of any of claims 24-27, wherein said injector housing comprises a powerhead.

29. The injection system of any of claims 24-28, wherein said injector housing comprises a first key member and said cartridge housing comprises a second key member that mates with said first key member only when said injection cartridge is in a predetermined orientation relative to said injector housing. i o

30. An injection system comprising an injection device and the injection cartridge of any of claims 1-29, wherein said injection device comprises an injection cartridge receiver in which said injection cartridge is disposed.

31. The injection system of claim 30, wherein said injection cartridge receiver comprises a positional registration member for each positional registration member utilized by said injection cartridge. 15

32. A method of using a medical fluid injection device, the method comprising the steps of: mounting an injection cartridge to an injection device; operating said injection device to discharge a first fluid from said injection cartridge while said injection cartridge is mounted to said injection device; and operating said injection device to discharge a second fluid from said injection cartridge while said injection 0 cartridge is mounted to said injection device, wherein said first and second fluids are separately maintained within said injection cartridge,

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said injection cartridge comprises the injection cartridge of any of claims 1-31,

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of: 5 positioning first and second syringes within said injection cartridge; and shipping said injection cartridge after said positioning step and before said mounting step.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of: loading said first and second fluids into said first and second syringes, respectively, prior to each of said shipping and mounting steps. 0

36. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of: loading said first and second fluids into said first and second syringes, respectively, prior to said mounting step.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of: loading said first and second fluids into said first and second syringes, respectively, after said mounting5 step.

38. The method of any of claims 34-37, further comprising the steps of: removing said injection cartridge from said injection device; and discarding said injection cartridge without removing said first and second syringes from said injection cartridge.

39. The method of any of claims 32-38, wherein said operating step in relation to said first fluid comprises advancing a first plunger within said injection cartridge, and wherein said operating step in relation to said second fluid comprises advancing a second plunger within said injection cartridge.