WO2009039050A1

WO2009039050A1 - Reinforced power injector syringe

Info

Publication number: WO2009039050A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/076344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank M. Fago
Original assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
Priority date: 2007-09-19
Filing date: 2008-09-15
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

A power injector syringe assembly (110) is disclosed, having a syringe (112) that may be disposed within a sleeve (130). Assembly of the syringe assembly (110) may take place at what may be characterized as a 'fill' location, where fluid is loaded into the syringe (112). In this case, the pre-filled syringe (112) would be shipped while within the sleeve (130). The syringe (112) would remain in the sleeve (130) when the syringe assembly (110) arrives at an end-user facility, where the syringe assembly (110) (the combination of the syringe (112) and the sleeve (130)) may be installed on a powerhead (48) of a power injector (40) for an injection procedure.

Description

REINFORCED POWER INJECTOR SYRINGE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to US provisional application serial number 60/973,531 filed on 19 September 2007 and entitled REINFORCED POWER INJECTOR SYRINGE.

FiELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of power injectors and, more particularly, to reinforcing syringes used by such power injectors.

BACKGROUND

Power injectors are used for many applications. A typical power injector includes a powerhead on which one or more syringes may be installed to discharge fluid. Both single-head or single syringe configurations exist, as do dual-head or dual syringe configurations. An appropriate drive train is incorporated into the powerhead to advance a plunger of a syringe installed on the powerhead in a desired manner. This powertrain may include an appropriate motor, gears, and various other structures to transmit an axially-dlrected force to a syringe plunger.

Contrast media may be injected into a patient using a power injector, as may other fluids such as saline.

Contrast media injections are used in many imaging applications. Some imag ing-related injections are done at a relatively high pressure, while others are injected at a relatively low pressure. Power injectors for high-pressure injections may utilize a pressure jacket that is installed on the powerhead. A syringe may be loaded into a pressure jacket that has been previously positioned on the powerhead. The pressure jacket is constructed so as to be able to withstand a higher pressure than the syringe's barrel. During the injection, the pressure jacket may circumferentially support the syringe barrel. Once the injection procedure has been completed, the syringe may be removed from the pressure jacket while the pressure jacket remains installed on the powerhead. Another syringe may then be loaded into the pressure jacket for another injection procedure,

There are a number of approaches with regard to providing fluid to a syringe for injection by a power injector. Pre-filled syringes may be loaded with fluid at what may be characterized as a "fill" facility, and then may be shipped to an end-user location. A pre-filied syringe may be installed on a powerhead of a power injector at the end-user location for performance of an injection procedure. Empty syringes may be shipped to an end-user location as another option. An empty syringe may be loaded with a fluid at the end-user location prior to being installed on a powerhead of a power injector, or an empty syringe may be installed on a powerhead of a power injector at the end-user location and then loaded with fluid.

SUMMARY A first aspect of the present invention is embodied by a power injector syringe assembly having a sleeve or outer housing, a syringe barrel, and a plunger. The syringe barrel is disposed within the outer housing, while the plunger is movabty disposed within the syringe barrel. The outer housing and syringe barrel may be collectively installed on a power injector.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The following discussion pertains to this first aspect, up to the start of the discussion of a second aspect of the present invention.

The power injector syringe assembly may be used for any appropriate application, may be used to deliver any appropriate fluid (which includes a single fluid or a combination of any number of different fluids) in any appropriate manner, or both. The syringe barrel and plunger may define at least part of what may be characterized as a pre-filled syringe. Such a pre-filled syringe may include any appropriate fluid, such as contrast media. In one embodiment, a pre-filled syringe is disposed within the outer housing at what may be characterized as a fill location or facility, and is then shipped to what may be characterized as an end-user location (e.g., a facility where injection procedures are undertaken). Fluid may or may not be present in the syringe when disposed within the outer housing. The plunger may move relative to the syringe barrel, for instance along an axial path. At least part of the plunger movement may be provided by a power injector. The power injector syringe assembly may be used in combination with a power injector of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. The power injector syringe assembly may be interconnected with a power injector in any appropriate manner, for instance by being installed directly on a powerhead of a power injector Alternatively, the power injector syringe assembly may be interconnected with an appropriate structure that in turn is appropriately interconnected with a powerhead of a power injector (e.g., the power injector syringe assembly may be installed on an adapter or a faceplate, that in turn is appropriately interconnected with a power injector). Stated another way, the power injector syringe assembly may be installed on an intermediate structure or combination of structures, which in turn is installed on the powerhead. In one embodiment, the power injector syringe assembly is detachably interconnectable with a power injector in any appropriate manner. In another embodiment, the power injector syringe assembly may be interconnected with and disconnected from a power injector without utilizing any tools (e.g., installed/removed solely by hand).

The syringe barrel may define at least part of a syringe. In one embodiment, the syringe is mounted to the sleeve/outer housing in any appropriate manner. This mounting may be such that the syringe barrel is no longer intended to be removed or otherwise disconnected from the outer housing. In one embodiment, the syringe barrel is maintained in a fixed position relative to the outer housing in any appropriate manner. In one another embodiment, the syringe, and including without limitation the syringe barrel, may be secured relative to the outer housing by a friction fit, a snap-lock, using one or more adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or any combination thereof.

The sleeve/outer housing may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials, or both. The outer housing may include an at least substantially cylindrical body, for instance for the case where the syringe barrel is an at least substantially cylindrical structure. In this case, at least part of the outer housing and at least part of the syringe barrel may be of an at least substantially matching shape. In one embodiment, the outer housing is defined by a clear or transparent material or combination of materials. In another embodiment, at least part of the outer housing is formed from one or more materiais, including without limitation polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene. The sleeve/outer housing may provide any appropriate function or combination of functions. For instance, the outer housing may structurally reinforce the syringe barrel. In one embodiment, the syringe barrel has an associated first pressure limit, while the outer housing has an associated second pressure limit that is greater than the first pressure limit of the syringe barrel. A "pressure limit" may be characterized as that pressure above which the relevant structure deforms to an undesirable/unacceptable degree, above which the structural integrity of the relevant structure degrades by an undesirable/unacceptable degree, or both.

The sleeve/outer housing may be configured to provide at least one interface with a power injector, which includes any appropriate structure that is on or otherwise attached to the power injector (e.g., an adaptor or faceplate may be considered to be part of the power injector, even through they may be removable from a powerhead of the power injector). In one embodiment, the outer housing incorporates a collar or connector that is adapted to at least provide a detachable interface with an appropriate structure on the powerhead - to mount the power injector syringe assembly onto a powerhead of the power injector. This connector may include at least one coupling element, which in turn may provide one or more functions. This coupling element of the outer housing may interface with a coupling element associated with a powerhead of a power injector to support the power injector syringe assembly on the powerhead, may interface with another coupling element to change a coupled state between a syringe plunger drive assembly of the power injector and the syringe plunger of the power injector syringe assembly, or both. Any appropriate number of coupling elements may be utilized by the outer housing, any appropriate number of coupling elements may be utilized by a powerhead to which the power injector syringe assembly is to be installed, or both.

The coupling element of the collar/connector of the sleeve/outer housing may be in the form of first and second coupling elements. One embodiment has the first and second coupling elements defining at least part of a detachable connection with a powerhead of a power injector such that the power injector syringe assembly is supported by the powerhead (e.g., in the form of a cantilever). Another embodiment has the first and second coupling elements being used to control a coupled state or condition between a syringe plunger drive assembly of a power injector and the syringe plunger of the power injector syringe assembly (e.g., to couple or uncouple a syringe plunger drive assembly and syringe plunger). Another embodiment has the first and second coupling elements providing each of the previously noted functions.

With regard to first and second coupling elements being associated with the sleeve/outer housing to control a coupled state or condition between a syringe plunger drive assembly of a power injector and the plunger of the power injector syringe assembly, these first and second coupling elements may be brought into engagement with third and fourth coupling elements of a cam plate that is movably interconnected with or movable relative to a powerhead of a power injector. Movement of the power injector syringe assembly in this engaged state may move the cam plate, or vice versa, to detachably interconnect the syringe plunger drive assembly of a power injector and the syringe plunger of the power injector syringe assembly. In one embodiment and with the first and second coupling elements of the outer housing being engaged with the third and fourth coupling elements of the cam plate, rotation of the power injector syringe assembly and cam plate causes the power injector syringe assembly to translate or move within a plane that is orthogonal to an axis along which the syringe plunger drive assembly moves, and this translation may couple or uncouple the syringe plunger drive assembly of a powerhead and the plunger of the power injector syringe assembly.

The first and second coupling elements of the sleeve/outer housing may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, may be disposed in any appropriate arrangement, or both. Each of the first and second coupling elements may be characterized as being in the form of a flange segment or lug (e.g., a structure that extends less than 360° about a perimeter of the outer housing). Each of the first and second coupling elements may be characterized as being in the form of a protuberance. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling elements extend from an outer sidewall of the collar/connector. Stated another way, the first and second coupling elements may extend at least generally away from an axis along which the syringe plunger may move. In another embodiment, the first and second coupling elements each extend from an end of the connector. For instance, the first and second coupling elements may extend from the connector in a direction that is at least generally opposite to a direction that the syringe plunger moves when discharging a fluid from the syringe barrel.

The sleeve/outer housing could include a single coupling element that interfaces with a single coupling element of the above-noted cam plate to provide the functionality discussed above in relation to the first and second coupling elements. The sleeve/outer housing could include a single coupling element that interfaces with a single coupling element associated with a powerhead of the power injector to mount the power injector syringe assembly on the powerhead. The various features discussed above in relation to the first and second coupling elements are applicable to the case where the sleeve/outer housing includes a single coupling element or any appropriate number of coupling elements.

An exterior surface of the collar/connector of the outer housing/sleeve may include a plurality of threads that accommodate detachably interconnecting the power injector syringe assembly with a powerhead of a power injector. In one embodiment, each individual thread extends less than 360° about a perimeter of the connector. In one embodiment, although each individual thread may extend less than 360° about a perimeter of the connector, at least one thread exists at each location proceeding about a perimeter of the connector (e.g., a pair of threads may be spaced along the length dimension of the connector, and may overlap over a section of the perimeter of the connector). At least one coupling element may still be utilized by the connector, for instance to interface with a cam plate in the above-noted manner.

The sleeve/outer housing may include both a collar/connector and a body. The body of the connector may be in the form of a structure that coincides with a majority of a length of the syringe barrel. In one embodiment, the connector and body are integrally formed (e.g., with no joint of any kind existing between the connector and the body). In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the connector is greater than the outer diameter of the body. The sleeve/outer housing may structurally reinforce the syringe barrel, as previously noted. The syringe barrel and the outer housing may be characterized as being disposed in at least substantially interfacing relation (e.g., in contact with each other). The syringe barrel and the outer housing may be characterized as being disposed in closely spaced relation. In one embodiment, an exterior of the syringe barrel and an adjacent portion of the outer housing are separated by a space of no more than about 0.01-inches. In one embodiment, the spacing between the syringe barrel and the outer housing, measured within a plane that is orthogonal to a direction that the syringe plunger moves during an injection, is no more than about 0.01-inches. In one embodiment, the spacing between the syringe barrel and the outer housing, measured within a plane that is orthogonal to a direction that the syringe plunger moves during an injection, is within a range between about 0.01-inch clearance to about 0.0050-inch interference fit where a friction attachment method is used to mount the syringe within the outer housing.

A second aspect of the present invention is embodied by a method for configuring a power injector. The method includes shipping both a syringe and a sleeve or outer housing. The syringe is disposed within the outer housing, and a power injector syringe assembly includes this syringe/outer housing assemblage. The power injector syringe assembly is installed on a power injector.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the second aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the second aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The following discussion pertains to this second aspect, up to the start of the discussion of a third aspect of the present invention. The syringe and sleeve/outer housing may be shipped together in a common package and in an unassembled condition. Another option may be to ship the power injector syringe assembly, or the syringe and the outer housing in an assembled form. Yet another option may be to separately ship the syringe and outer housing, for instance with the syringe being shipped in one package and with the outer housing being shipped in another package. A fluid may be loaded into the syringe, and at least some of this fluid may be discharged from the syringe through operation of the power injector (e.g., for injection into a subject, such as a patient). Any sequence may be utilized in relation to the loading of fluid into the syringe, the shipping of the syringe, and the positioning of the syringe within the sleeve/outer housing. In one embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe prior to any shipping of the syringe, regardless of how the syringe is shipped. In another embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe after being shipped. In one embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe prior to being disposed within the outer housing. In another embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe after being disposed within the outer housing,

A third aspect of the present invention is embodied by a method for providing fluid (e.g., to a subject, such as a patient). The method includes loading fluid into a syringe. The syringe is disposed within a sleeve or outer housing, where the syringe and outer housing collectively define a power injector syringe assembly. The power injector syringe assembly is shipped with the fluid having been loaded into the syringe and with the syringe having been disposed within the outer housing. The power injector syringe assembly is installed on a power injector after its shipment. At least some of the fluid from the syringe may be discharged by operation of the power injector. Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to each of the second and third aspects of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in each of the second and third aspects of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The remainder of this Summary pertains to each of the second and third aspects of the present invention, unless otherwise noted.

The structure of the power injector syringe assembly may be in accordance with the above-noted first aspect. Any appropriate fluid may be loaded into the syringe and in any appropriate manner, including without limitation contrast media, a radiopharmaceutical, and saline. In one embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe before the syringe is disposed within the sleeve/outer housing. In another embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe after the syringe has been disposed within the outer housing. In either case, if fluid is loaded into the syringe prior to the shipment of the syringe, regardless of how the syringe is shipped (e.g., whether the syringe is shipped without being disposed within the sleeve/outer housing, whether the syringe is shipped after being disposed within the outer housing to define a power injector syringe assembly), the syringe may be referred to as a pre-filled syringe. The sleeve/outer housing may protect the syringe during shipment, white the power injector syringe assembly is being installed on a power injector, during operation of the power injector, or any combination thereof. The outer housing may provide at least one interface between the power injector syringe assembly and the power injector. Such an interface may include supporting the power injector syringe assembly on the power injector by engaging the outer housing. Such an interface may include changing/controlling a coupled state or condition between a syringe plunger drive assembly of the power injector and a plunger of the syringe {e.g., going from an uncoupled state to a coupled state, or vice versa). In any case, the syringe and sleeve (being part of the power injector syringe assembly) are simultaneously installed on the power injector {e.g., on its powerhead).

The power injector syringe assembly may be installed on a power injector in any appropriate manner. In one embodiment, the entire power injector syringe assembly is moved (e.g., rotated) relative to a powerhead of the power injector to install the power injector syringe assembly. Rotating the entire power injector syringe assembly relative to a powerhead of the power injector may mechanically attach/secure the power injector syringe assembly to the powerhead, may establish a coupling between a syringe plunger drive assembly and a movable plunger of the syringe (e.g., the plunger being an axially movable structure), or both. In one embodiment, a camming action during a rotation of the entire power injector syringe assembly translates the entire power injector syringe assembly so as to change a coupled state between a syringe plunger drive assembly of the power injector and a syringe plunger of the syringe. This translation may be within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis that coincides with a direction that a syringe plunger may move to discharge fluid from the syringe for injection into a subject. Fluid may be discharged from the power injector syringe assembly by operation of the power injector in any appropriate manner, on any appropriate basis, and for any appropriate purpose, In one embodiment, fluid from the power injector syringe assembly is injected into a subject, such as a patient, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an imaging suite. Figure 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power injector that utilizes a power injector syringe. Figure 2B is a side view schematic of one embodiment of a syringe plunger drive assembly used by the power injector of Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a power injector syringe assembly used by the power injector of Figure 2A.

Figure 4 is an exploded, perspective view of components used to provide at least one interface between the power injector syringe assembly of Figure 3 and a powerhead of the power injector of Figure 2A. Figure 5 is different perspective view of a faceplate from that presented in Figure 4. Figure 6 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a power injector syringe assembly that may be used by the power injector of Figure 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of an imaging suite is illustrated in Figure 1 and is identified by reference numeral 10. The imaging suite 10 includes an imaging room 12 and a control room 30 that are typically at least partially isolated from each other. Components within the imaging room 12 include a table 14 for a patient, an imaging apparatus 16, and a power injector 18. The power injector 18 may be utilized to inject contrast media, saline, or any other appropriate fluid into a patient positioned on the table 14 for an imaging procedure utilizing the imaging apparatus 16.

The power injector 18 includes a powerhead 20 having one or more syringes 24 installed thereon (one in the illustrated embodiment). Typically there will be a separate syringe 24 for each fluid being utilized in relation to the imaging procedure. For instance, if both contrast media and saline are to be injected, the powerhead 20 may be of a dual-head configuration where a pair of syringes 24 are installed on the powerhead 20 (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the powerhead 20 is supported by a support assembly 22 that is of a ceiling-mounted type, although the support assembly 22 could be mounted to a wall or the floor as well. Moreover the powerhead 20 could be mounted on a portable stand or the like (e.g., the general configuration illustrated in Figure 2A).

The control room 30 may include an injector control console 32. This console 32 may be utilized to control one or more aspects of the operation of the power injector 18, to monitor one or more aspects of the operation of the power injector 18, or both. The control room 30 may also include an imaging control console 34. This console 34 may be utilized to control one or more aspects of the operation of the imaging apparatus 16, to monitor one or more aspects of the operation of the imaging apparatus 16, or both, Therefore, each of the injector control console 32 and the imaging control console 34 may provide remote control/monitoring capabilities for the power injector 18 and the imaging apparatus 16, respectively.

One embodiment of a power injector that is integrated with a portable support or stand is illustrated in Figure 2A and is identified by reference numeral 40. The portable support 42 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable support 42 includes a base having a plurality of wheels, rollers, casters, or the like to provide a portability function for the power injector 40. An injector control/interface module 44 is mounted on the portable support 42, and 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).

A support assembly 46 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type structurally interconnects a powerhead 48 of the power injector 40 and its portable support 42. The support assembly 46 may incorporate one or more positional adjustment features (e.g., to change the position of the powerhead 48 relative to the portable support 42 in one or more dimensions). The powerhead 48 may interface with the support assembly 46 in any appropriate manner. For instance, the powerhead 48 may be maintained in a fixed positional relationship relative to the support assembly 46. The powerhead 48 may also be movably interconnected with the support assembly 46 to accommodate changing the position of the powerhead 48 relative to the support assembly 46 in one or more dimensions. A single syringe assembly 110 is installed on the powerhead 48 in the case of the power injector 40 of

Figure 2A. Any appropriate number of syringe assemblies HOcould be installed on the powerhead 48 (e.g., the powerhead 48 could be of a dual-head configuration that accommodates a pair of syringe assemblies 110 - not shown). At least one interface between the powerhead 48 and the syringe assembly 110 is provided by a housing or faceplate 60. The interface between the syringe assembly 110 and the powerhead 48 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figures 3-5.

The powerhead 48 is utilized to discharge fluid from the syringe assembly 110. That is, the powerhead 48 provides the motive force to discharge fluid from the syringe assembly 110. One embodiment of what may be characterized as a syringe plunger drive assembly is illustrated in Figure 2B, is identified by reference numeral 150, and may be utilized by the powerhead 48 to provide a discharge from the syringe assembly 110. The syringe plunger drive assembly 150 includes a motor 154, which has an output shaft 156. A drive gear 158 is mounted on and rotates with the output shaft 156 of the motor 154. The drive gear 158 is engaged or is at least engageable with a driven gear 160. This driven gear 160 is mounted on and rotates with a drive screw or shaft 162. The axis about which the drive screw 162 rotates is identified by reference numeral 164. One or more bearings 168 appropriately support the drive screw 162. A carriage or ram 170 is movably mounted on the drive screw 162. Generally, rotation of the drive screw

162 in one direction axially advances the ram 170 along the drive screw 162 (and thereby along axis 164) in the direction of the corresponding syringe assembly 110, while rotation of the drive screw 162 in the opposite direction axially advances the ram 170 along the drive screw 162 (and thereby along axis 164) away from the corresponding syringe assembly 110. In this regard, the perimeter of the least part of the drive screw 162 includes helical threads 166 that interface with at least part of the ram 170. The ram 170 is also movably mounted within an appropriate bushing 180 that does not allow the carriage 170 to rotate during a rotation of the drive screw 162, Therefore, the rotation of the drive screw 162 provides for an axial movement of the ram 170 in a direction determined by the rotational direction of the drive screw 162.

The ram 170 includes a coupler 172 that that may be detachably coupled with a coupler 124 of a plunger or piston 120 of the corresponding syringe assembly 110. When the ram coupler 172 and syringe plunger coupler 124 are appropriately coupled, the syringe plunger 120 moves along with ram 170 (bi-directionally in the illustrated embodiment). The syringe plunger drive assembly 150, including each of its individual components, may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type so as to move the corresponding syringe plunger 120 aiong an axial path in at least one direction (e.g., so as to discharge fluid from the syringe assembly 110).

Figure 3 illustrates various details regarding the syringe assembly 110. Since the syringe assembly 110 is adapted for use with a power injector, the syringe assembly 110 may be referred to as a power injector syringe assembly 110. The power injector syringe assembly 110 may be used for any appropriate application, may be used to deliver any appropriate fluid (which includes a single fluid or a combination of any number of different fluids), or both. It should be appreciated that the power injector syringe assembly 110 may be adapted as desired/required to work with a power injector of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. There are two primary components of the syringe assembly 110 - a syringe 112 and a sleeve or outer housing 130. Generally, the syringe 112 may be disposed within the sleeve 130 such that the syringe 112 and sleeve 130 may be collectively installed on the powerhead 48. That is, the sleeve 130 and the syringe 112 are not separately installed on the powerhead 48 in the case of the syringe assembly 110.

The syringe 112 includes a syringe barrel 114, a flange 113 on its proximal end, a nozzle 118 through which a fluid may be discharged from the syringe 112, a transition section 116 disposed between the syringe barrel 114 and the nozzle 118, and a plunger or piston 120. The syringe barrel 114 may be an at least substantially cylindrical, hollow structure, and may contain fluid. The transition section 116 may be frustumly-shaped, or may converge toward a central, longitudinal reference axis of the syringe 112 (coinciding with axis 146) progressing from the syringe barrel 114 toward the nozzle 118. Any appropriate fluid {including a single fluid or a combination of two or more fluids) may be contained within the syringe barrel 114 between the plunger 120 and the nozzle 118. The plunger 120 may be moved along an axis 146 by the powerhead 48 so as to discharge fluid from the syringe 112 through the nozzle 118.

The plunger 120 is movably disposed within the syringe barrel 114. In one embodiment, the plunger 120 moves at least generally along an axis or an axial path (e.g., axis 146). The plunger 120 may be characterized as including a plunger body 122. The plunger body 122, including its leading surface that interfaces with fluid within the syringe barrel 114, may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration, may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials, or both. The plunger body 122 may be formed in multiple sections if desired, for instance so as to have one characteristic or set of characteristics for a leading portion of the plunger body 122 ("leading" being in the direction of the syringe nozzle 118), and so as to have one characteristic or set of characteristics for a trailing portion of the plunger body 122.

A syringe plunger coupler 124 extends from the plunger body 122 at least generally away from the syringe nozzle 118. The plunger coupler 124 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type to detachabiy couple with the ram coupler 172 of the syringe plunger drive assembly 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger coupler 124 includes a shaft 128 that extends from the plunger body 122, along with a head 126 that defines a proximal end of the plunger coupler 124. The manner in which the plunger coupler 124 establishes a coupled condition or state and an uncoupled condition or state with the syringe plunger drive assembly 150 of the powerhead 48 for the power injector 40 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 4.

The outer housing or sleeve 130 receives the syringe 112 prior to the syringe assembly 110 being installed on the powerhead 48 of the power injector 40. The sleeve 130 is a hollow structure that includes a collar or connector 138 on its proximal end 142, along with a body 132 that extends from the collar 138 to a distal end section 134 of the sleeve 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the collar 138 is greater than the outer diameter of the body 132, although such may not always be the case.

A syringe nozzle aperture 136 extends through the distal end section 134 of the sleeve 130 such that the nozzie 118 of the syringe 112 may extend therethrough. A pair of what may be characterized as coupling elements, flange segments, or lugs 140 extend outwardly from a sidewal! of the collar 138. Stated another way, the flange segments 140 extend at least generally away from a central, longitudinal reference axis that extends through the syringe assembly 110 along its length dimension (the length dimension coinciding the axis 146 along which the syringe plunger 120 may move within the syringe barrel 114). Although two flange segments 140 are illustrated in relation to the sleeve 130, any appropriate number of flange segments 140 may be utilized (including without limitation a single flange segment 140 - not shown). An interior surface of the collar 138 includes a plurality of radially-spaced ribs 144 ("radially" being in relation to the central, longitudinal reference axis associated with the syringe assembly 110). These ribs 144 are at least generally axiaily extending in the length dimension of the syringe assembly 110, are disposed in at least substantially parallel relation, and may be used to interface with the syringe flange 113 to limit or preclude rotation of the syringe 112 within the sleeve 130. Any way of limiting or precluding rotation of the syringe 112 within the sleeve 130 may be utilized .

Although different portions of the sleeve 130 have been described, it should be appreciated that the sleeve 130 may be an integral, unitary, or one-piece structure (e.g., formed such that there are no joints of any kind between any adjacent portions of the sleeve 130), although such may not be required in all instances. The sleeve 130 may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. In one embodiment the sleeve 130 is defined by a clear or transparent material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, the sleeve 130 is formed from one or more materials, including without limitation polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene.

The syringe barrel 114 may be disposed within the sleeve 130 any time prior to installing the syringe assembly 110 on the powerhead 48 of the power injector 40. That is, the syringe 112 is positioned within the sleeve 130 at the time the syringe 112 and sleeve 130 are collectively installed on the powerhead 48. In one embodiment, the syringe barrel 114 is disposed within the sleeve 130 at a "fill" facility, where an appropriate fluid is loaded into the syringe barrel 114 prior to the syringe assembly 110 being shipped to an end-user location (e.g., a facility where injection procedures are undertaken). In this regard, the syringe 112 may be characterized as being of a pre-filled type. Fluid may be loaded into the syringe 112 in any appropriate manner and at any appropriate time, in one embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe barrel 114 prior to positioning the syringe 112 into the sleeve 130. In another embodiment, fluid is loaded into the syringe barrel 114 after the syringe 112 has been positioned within the sleeve 130.

The syringe 112 may be mounted within the sleeve 130 in a manner where it would not be intended to subsequently de-couple the same (e.g., more or less a permanent interconnection, such that the syringe 112 and sleeve 130 would be collectively discarded at an appropriate time). Stated another way, the syringe 112 may be mounted within the sleeve 130 in a manner such that there would not be an intent to remove the syringe 112 from within the sleeve 130. In one embodiment, the syringe 112 (more specifically the syringe barrel 114) is maintained in a fixed position relative to the sleeve 130. in another embodiment, one or more of a friction fit, a snap-lock, one or more adhesives, an ultrasonic weld, or any combination thereof may be used to mount the syringe 112 to the sleeve 130.

The sleeve 130 may provide one or more functions. The sleeve 130 may structurally reinforce the syringe 112, and more specifically the syringe barrel 114. In one embodiment, the syringe barrel 114 has an associated first pressure limit, while the sleeve 130 has an associated second pressure limit that is greater than the first pressure limit of the syringe barrel 114. This "pressure limit" may be characterized as that pressure above which the relevant structure deforms to an undesirable/unacceptable degree, above which the structural integrity of the relevant structure degrades by an undesirable/unacceptable degree, or both. The sleeve 130 and syringe 112 may be characterized as being sized/configured such that they are disposed in interfacing relation when the syringe 112 is positioned within the sleeve 130. For instance, there may be contact between the exterior of the syringe barrel 114 and the interior of the body 132 of the sleeve 130, there may be contact between the exterior of the transition section 118 of the syringe 112 and the interior of the distal end section 134 of the sleeve 130, or both. The sleeve 130 and syringe 112 may be characterized as being sized/configured such that the interior of the sleeve 130 and the exterior of the syringe 112 are disposed in closely spaced relation. In one embodiment, the spacing between the exterior of the syringe barrel 114 and the interior of the body 132 of the sleeve 130 is no more than about 0.01-inches, measured within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 146 along which the syringe plunger 120 may move. In one embodiment, the spacing between the syringe barrel 114 and the interior of the body 132 of the sleeve 130, measured within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 146 along which the syringe plunger 120 may move, is within a range between about 0.01-inch clearance to about 0.005-inch interference fit where a friction attachment method is used to mount the syringe 112 within the sleeve 130.

Another function of the sleeve 130 may be to provide at least one interface between the syringe assembly 110 and the powerhead 48. The sleeve 130 may be used to interconnect the syringe assembly 110 with the powerhead 48. Referring now to Figure 4, details regarding one embodiment of an interconnection between the syringe assembly 110 and the powerhead 48 is illustrated. The powerhead 48 includes an end or a face 50 that projects toward the syringe assembly 110 when installed on the powerhead 48. A plurality of guide pins 52 are disposed in any appropriate arrangement on, are fixed relative to, and extend from the powerhead end 50. Any appropriate number of guide pins 52 may be utilized, and each of the guide pins 52 may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. Each guide pin 52 includes a head 54 and a shaft 56 that extends from its corresponding head 54 to the powerhead end 50. Each head 54 is larger than its corresponding shaft 56 in at least one dimension. A cam pin 58 of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration is fixed relative to and extends from the powerhead end 50.

The ram 170 of the syringe plunger drive assembly 150 extends through the powerhead end 50 and is movable relative to the powerhead end 50 along axis 164 (e.g., Figure 2B). Once again, the ram 170 includes a coupler 172 that may be coupled with and uncoupled from a coupler 124 of the syringe plunger 120. Each of the ram coupler 172 and the syringe plunger coupler 124 may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration, may be both coupled and uncoupled using any motion or combination of motions, or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the ram coupler 172 includes a slot 174 having a head section slot 176 and a shaft section slot 178. The head section slot 176 is sized to receive the head 126 of the syringe plunger coupler 124, and the head section slot 176 extends downwardly behind the shaft section slot 178 in the view shown in Figure 4. The shaft section slot 178 is sized to receive the shaft 128 of the syringe plunger coupler 124, but is smaller than head 126 of the syringe plunger coupler 124. As such, the head 126 of the syringe plunger coupler 124 may be positioned within the portion of the head section slot 176 that extends above the shaft section slot 178. Thereafter, the syringe assembly 110 may be moved relative to the powerhead 48 within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 164 along which the ram 170 may move to dispose the head 126 of the syringe plunger coupler 124 within a portion of the head section slot 176 that is behind the shaft section slot 178 of the ram coupler 172. Movement of the ram 170 along the axis 164 will thereby move the syringe plunger 120 along its axis 146. The axes 164 and 144 may be axial Iy aligned or may be disposed in parallel relation.

A faceplate 60 may be installed on the powerhead end 50 utilizing the guide pins 52, and is illustrated in both Figures 4 and 5. The faceplate 60 includes opposing end surfaces 62 and 64. The end surface 64 projects toward the powerhead end 50 when the faceplate 60 is installed on the powerhead 48. The end surface 62 is oppositely disposed, and projects in the direction of the nozzle 118 of the syringe assembly 110 when the syringe assembly 110 is installed on the powerhead 48 using the faceplate 60.

The end surface 64 of the faceplate 60 includes a plurality of guide pin slots 68, and these slots 68 do not extend entirely through the faceplate 60. There is one guide pin slot 68 on the faceplate 60 for each guide pin 52 on the powerhead end 50. Each guide pin slot 68 includes a head section slot 70 and a shaft section slot 72. The head section slot 70 is sized to receive the head 54 of the corresponding guide pin 52 on the powerhead end 50, and the head section slot 70 extends upwardly behind the shaft section slot 72 in the views shown in Figures 4 and 5. The shaft section slot 72 is sized to receive the shaft 56 of the corresponding guide pin 52 on the powerhead end 50, but is smaller than head 54 of the corresponding guide pin 52 on the powerhead end 50. As such, the head 54 of the corresponding guide pin 52 on the powerhead end 50 may be positioned within the portion of the head section slot 70 that extends below the shaft section slot 72. Thereafter, the faceplate 60 may be moved relative to the powerhead 48 within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 164 (along which the ram 170 may move) to dispose each head 54 within a portion of its corresponding head section slot 70 that is behind the corresponding shaft section slot 72. Movement of the faceplate 60 relative to the powerhead 48 will now be restrained along the axis 164 (along which the ram 170 may move).

An aperture 74 extends entirely through the faceplate 60 progressing from one end surface 62 to the opposite end surface 64. A perimeter of this aperture 74 is defined by an inner wall 76. One or more locking or coupling element slots 78 are formed in this inner wall 76. One or more coupling elements or locking sections 80 are also disposed about the aperture 74. The locking slots 78 and the locking sections 80 are used to detachably interconnect the syringe assembly 110 with the faceplate 60 in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below. A cam plate 90 is disposed within a cam plate recess 82 formed on the end surface 64 of the faceplate

60, which again projects toward the powerhead end 50 when the faceplate 60 is installed on the powerhead 48. An aperture 92 extends entirely through the cam plate 90 to accommodate a coupling of the ram coupler 172 with the syringe plunger coupler 124. One or more coupling elements or flange segment slots 94 are included on the cam plate 94 for interfacing with a corresponding coupling element or flange segment 140 on the collar 138 of the sleeve 130 from the syringe assembly 110. The cam plate 90 includes a cam slot 98 in which the cam pin 58 on the powerhead end 50 is movably disposed. The cam plate 90 may be moved relative to the powerhead 48 within the cam plate recess 82 to advance the cam pin 58 of the powerhead end 50 along the cam slot 98 of the cam plate 90. This movement of the cam pin 58 of the powerhead end 50 along the cam slot 98 of the cam plate 90 moves the faceplate 60 within a plane (where this plane is orthogonal to the axis 164 along which the ram 170 of the syringe plunger drive assembly 150 may move) to couple or uncouple the ram coupler 172 and the syringe plunger coupler 124. A handle 96 may be fixed relative to the cam plate 90 to facilitate movement of the cam plate 90 within the cam plate recess 82 of the faceplate 60, although such may not be required in all instances (e.g., the syringe assembly 110 could be utilized to move the cam plate 90 within the cam plate recess 82 of the faceplate 60). The installation of the syringe assembly 110 on the powerhead 48 wiil now be described. The faceplate

60 will have been positioned on and supported by the powerhead 48 in the above-noted manner. Generally, each of the guide pins 52 on the powerhead 48 will be positioned within a corresponding guide pin slot 68 on the faceplate 60 to establish the interconnection between the powerhead 48 and the faceplate 60. Although the faceplate 60 could be removed at the end of each injection procedure, such would not typically be the case. That is, the faceplate 60 would typically remain installed on the powerhead 48 for use with multiple and sequentially installed syringe assemblies 110.

The syringe assembly 110, where again the syringe 112 is disposed within the sleeve 130, may be advanced relative to the faceplate 60 with its flange segments or lugs 140 being aligned with and passing through the locking slots 78 on the faceplate 60. The syringe assembly 110 may continue to be advanced until each flange segment 140 is disposed within its corresponding flange segment slot 94 on the cam plate 90. At this time, the head 126 of syringe plunger coupler 124 for the syringe plunger 120 will be positioned within that portion of the head section slot 176 of the ram coupler 172 that is "above" the shaft section slot 178, and the axis 146 along which the syringe plunger 120 may be moved may be offset from the axis 164 along which the ram 170 may move (see Figure 2B). The syringe assembly 110 may now be moved relative to the powerhead 48, This relative movement may be achieved in any appropriate manner, including by rotating the cam plate 90 via the handle 96 (which will rotate the syringe assembly 110 at least generally about the axis 146 associated with movement of the syringe plunger 120) or by rotating/turning the syringe assembly 110 at least generally about the axis 146 associated with movement of the syringe plunger 120 (which will rotate the cam plate 90 within the cam plate recess 82 on the faceplate 60).

Relative movement between the cam plate 90/syringe assembly 110 and the faceplate 60 locks the syringe assembly 110 to the faceplate 60. Specifically, the flange segments 140 on the collar 138 of the sleeve 130 for the syringe assembly 110 will be moved into at least partial alignment with the locking sections 80 of the faceplate 60. Relative movement between the cam plate 90 and the powerhead 48 causes the cam pin 58 of the powerhead end 50 to move along the cam slot 98 of the cam plate 90, which moves the faceplate 60 and the syringe assembly 110 within a plane that is orthogonal to the axis 164 along which the ram 170 may move. This translational movement of the faceplate 60 and syringe assembly 110 advances the head 126 of the syringe plunger coupler 124 within the head section slot 176 of the ram coupler 172 so that this head 126 is now positioned behind the shaft section slot 178 of the ram coupler 172. The axis 164 along which the ram 170 may move may be axially aligned with the axis 146 along which the syringe plunger 120 may move at this time, although such may not be required in all instances. Nonetheless and with the syringe plunger drive assembly 150 and syringe plunger 120 now being in a coupled state, movement of the ram 170 along the axis 164 will now move the syringe plunger 120 along the axis 146.

It should be appreciated that the syringe plunger coupler 124 may be uncoupled from the ram coupler 172 by reversing the above-noted protocol. The cam plate 90 may be locked in any appropriate manner in one of or each of its two end positions as desired/required - one end position of the cam plate 90 being where the ram coupler 172 and syringe plunger coupler 124 are offset so that the ram coupler 172 and syringe plunger coupler 124 may be independently moved along their respective axes 164, 146 (the Figure 2B position), and another end position of the cam plate 90 being where the ram coupler 172 and syringe plunger coupler 124 are in a coupled state or condition, The cam plate 90 could also be biased to at least one of its end positions in any appropriate manner.

Another embodiment of a syringe assembly is illustrated in Figure 6 and is identified by a reference numeral 110¹. Corresponding components between the embodiments of Figures 3 and 6 are identified by the same reference numeral. A "single prime" designation is used to identify those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect. The syringe assembly 110' utilizes a different configuration for the collar 138' of the sleeve 130', and a different positioning of the coupling elements, flange segments, or lugs 140'. The flange segments 140' do not interface with the faceplate 60 in the Figure 6 configuration to lock the sleeve 130¹ to the faceplate 60, in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 3. Instead, the perimeter of the collar 138' of the sleeve 130' includes at least two threads 146. Although each thread 146 need not extend about the entire perimeter of the collar138', a portion of at least one thread 146 exists proceeding about the entire perimeter of the collar 138'. The inner wall 76' of the faceplate 60¹ would include threads (not shown) so that the collar 138' of the sleeve 130¹ could be th readably engaged with the faceplate 60'.

The flange segments 140' extend from the proximal end 142 of the collar 138' in the Figure 6 configuration, versus the sidewall of the collar 138 in the Figure 3 configuration. However, the flange segments or lungs 140' may still be positioned within the flange segments slots 94 of the cam plate 90 to accommodate collective movement of the cam plate 90 and syringe assembly 110' relative to each of the powerhead 48 and faceplate 60' at least generally in the above-noted manner to go between a coupled and an uncoupled state in relation to the ram coupler 172 and syringe plunger coupler 124.

One advantage of the power injector syringe assemblies 110, 110' discussed herein is the minimum impact that these configurations may have on the manufacturing process for pre-filled syringes that have already obtained FDA or other regulatory approval. The manufacturing of pre-filled syringes is closely monitored by the FDA and other regulatory agencies, so making changes to these syringes may be costly in one or more respects (e.g., time, money). Since the sleeves 130, 130' may be adapted to receive FDA approved pre-filled syringe configurations in the manner discussed herein, and since the syringe 112 may be disposed within either of the sleeves 130, 130' after being loaded with fluid and sterilized, compliance with FDA or other regulations should be less costly/cumbersome in relation to the power injector syringe assemblies 110, 110'.

Notwithstanding benefits that may be utilized with any particular production sequence (all steps associated with producing a power injector syringe assembly 110, 110'), any sequence may be utilized in relation to the loading of fluid into the syringe 112, the shipping of the syringe 112, and the positioning of the syringe 112 within the sleeve 130/130'. For tnstance, fluid may be loaded into the syringe 112 prior to any shipping of this syringe 112 and regardless of how this syringe 112 is shipped (whether shipped in an unassembled form and in a common package with a sleeve 130/130', whether shipped in an assembled form with a sleeve 130/130' to define a power injector syringe assembly 110/110, or whether shipped separately from a sleeve 130/130'). Fluid may be loaded into the syringe 112 before or after being disposed within a sleeve 130/130'. Each of the noted shipping options may be used in relation to each of the noted fluid loading options for the syringe 112.

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 applicatϊon(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. A power injector syringe assembly, comprising: an outer housing; a syringe barrel disposed within said outer housing; and a plunger movably disposed within said syringe barrel, wherein said outer housing and said syringe barrel may be collectively installed on a powerhead of a power injector,

2. The power injector syringe assembly of Claim 1 , further comprising a syringe that in turn comprises said syringe barrel, wherein said syringe is mounted to said outer housing.

3. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-2, wherein said syringe barrel is maintained in a fixed position relative to said outer housing.

4. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-3, further comprising a syringe that in turn comprises said syringe barrel, wherein said syringe is secured relative to said outer housing by a connection selected from the group consisting of a friction fit, a snap-lock, at least one adhesive, an ultrasonic weld, or any combination thereof.

5. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1 -4, wherein said syringe barrel comprises a first pressure limit, and wherein said outer housing comprises a second pressure limit that is greater than said first pressure limit.

6. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein said syringe barrel comprises a first pressure limit, and wherein said outer housing comprises a second pressure limit that is at least twice as large as said first pressure limit.

7. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein said outer housing comprises a clear material.

8. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-7, wherein said outer housing comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene.

9. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-8, wherein said outer housing comprises a connector, wherein said connector is adapted to detachably interface with a structure on the powerhead.

10. The power injector syringe assembly of Claim 9, wherein said connector comprises first and second cou pi ing elements.

11. The power injector syringe assembly of Claim 10, wherein said first and second coupling elements detachably interconnect said power injector syringe assembly with the powerhead.

12. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 10-11 , wherein said first and second coupling elements are engageable with third and fourth coupling elements, respectively, of a cam plate movably interconnected with the powerhead, wherein a movement of said power injector syringe assembly moves the cam plate and detachably interconnects said plunger with a syringe drive of the power injector.

13. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 10-12, wherein said first and second coupling elements each comprise a flange segment.

14. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 10-12, wherein said first and second coupling elements each comprise a protuberance.

15. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 10-14, wherein said first and second coupling elements each extend from a sidewall of said connector.

16. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 10-14, wherein said first and second coupling elements each extend from an end of said connector.

17. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 9-14 and 16, wherein an exterior surface of said connector comprises a pluraiity of threads that detachably interconnect said power injector syringe assembly with the powerhead.

18. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 9-17, wherein said outer housing further comprises a body.

19. The power injector syringe assembly of Claim 18, wherein said connector and said body are i nteg ral Iy formed .

20. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claim 18-19, wherein an outer diameter of said connector is greater than an outer diameter of said body.

21. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-20, wherein an exterior of said syringe barrel and an interior of a corresponding portion said outer housing are separated by a space of no more than about 0.01-inches.

22. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1 -21 , wherein an exterior of said syringe barrel and an interior of a corresponding portion of said outer housing are disposed in at least substantially interfacing relation.

23. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-22, further comprising a fluid within said syringe barrel.

24. The power injector syringe assembly of any one of Claims 1-23, further comprising a syringe that in turn comprises said syringe barrel, said plunger, and contrast media.

25. A method for configuring a power injector, comprising the steps of: shipping a syringe; shipping an outer housing; disposing said syringe within said outer housing, wherein said syringe and said outer housing collectively define a power injector syringe assembly; and installing said power injector syringe assembly on a power injector after said disposing step.

26. The method of Claim 25, wherein said shipping steps collectively comprise placing said syringe and said outer housing in a common package and with said syringe being located outside of said outer housing, and thereafter shipping said common package.

27. The method of Claim 25, wherein a shipping said power injector syringe assembly step comprises each of said shipping steps.

28. The method of any one of Claims 25 and 27, wherein said disposing step is executed before each of said shipping steps.

29. The method of Claim 25, wherein said shipping a syringe step comprises positioning said syringe in one package, and wherein said shipping an outer housing step comprises positioning said outer housing in another package.

30. The method of any one of Claims 25, 26, and 29, wherein said disposing step is executed after each of said shipping steps.

31. A method for providing fluid comprising the method of any one of Claims 25-30, and further comprising the steps of: loading a fluid into said syringe; and discharging at least some of said fluid from said syringe of said power injector syringe assembly through operation of said power injector.

32. The method of Claim 31 , wherein said loading step is executed prior to each said shipping step involving said syringe.

33. The method of Claim 31 , wherein said loading step is executed after each said shipping step involving said syringe.

34. The method of any one of Claims 31 -33, wherein said loading step is executed prior to said disposing step.

35. The method of any one of Claims 31 -33, wherein said loading step is executed after said disposing step.

36. A method for providing fluid, comprising the steps of: loading a fluid into a syringe; disposing said syringe within an outer housing, wherein said syringe and said outer housing collectively define a power injector syringe assembly; shipping said power injector syringe assembly after an execution of each of said loading and disposing steps; installing said power injector syringe assembly on a power injector after said shipping step; and discharging at least some of said fluid from said syringe through operation of said power injector.

37. The method of any one of Claims 31-36, wherein said fluid is selected from the group consisting of contrast media, a radiopharmaceutical, and saline.

38. The method of any one of Claims 31-37, wherein executing said loading step before each said shipping step involving said syringe provides said syringe in the form of a pre-filled syringe.

39. The method of any one of Claims 25-38, further comprising the step of fixing a position of said syringe relative to said outer housing.

40. The method of any one of Claims 25-39, further comprising the step of mounting said syringe to said outer housing.

41. The method of Claim 40, wherein said mounting step is selected from the group consisting of providing a friction fit between said syringe and said outer housing, providing a snap-lock between said syringe and said outer housing, using at least one adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any combination thereof.

42. The method of any one of Claims 31-41 , wherein said disposing step is executed after said loading step.

43. The method of any one of Claims 31 -41 , wherein said disposing step is executed before said loading step.

44. The method of any one of Claims 25-43, wherein said installing step comprises engaging at least part of said outer housing with a structure on a powerhead of said power injector.

45. The method of any one of Claims 25-43, wherein said installing step comprises supporting said power injector syringe assembly on a powerhead of said power injector by engaging at least part of said outer housing.

46. The method of any one of Claims 25-43, wherein said installing step comprises providing a mechanical interface between said outer housing and a structure on a powerhead of said power injector.

47. The method of any one of Claims 25-46, wherein said installing step comprises rotating said power injector syringe assembly relative to a powerhead of said power injector.

48. The method of Claim 47, further comprising the steps of mounting said outer housing to a powerhead of said power injector and coupling a syringe plunger drive assembly of said power injector with a plunger of said syringe, wherein each of said mounting and coupling steps comprises using said rotating step.

49. The method of Claim 47, wherein said installing step comprises coupling a syringe plunger drive assembly of said power injector with a plunger of said syringe, wherein said coupling step comprises utilizing a camming action to translate said power injector syringe assembly during said rotating step.

50. The method of Claim 49, wherein said syringe plunger drive assembly moves at least generally along a first axis, and wherein said camming action comprises moving said power injector syringe assembly within a plane that is orthogonal to said first axis.

51. The method of any one of Claims 25-50, wherein said installing step comprises engaging said outer housing with a first camming member, collectively rotating said outer housing and said first camming member relative to a powerhead of said power injector, collectively translating said power injector syringe assembly and said first camming member during said collectively rotating step by said first camming member interacting with a second camming member associated with a powerhead, and coupling a plunger of said power injector syringe assembly with a syringe plunger drive assembly of said powerhead using said translating step.

52. The method of any one of Claims 31 -51 , wherein said discharging step comprises injecting at least some of said fluid from said syringe into a subject through operation of said power injector.