Systems, methods, and computer program products for implementing remote console for use in diagnostic imaging process

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer program products for implementing a remote console for use in diagnostic imaging may include a user interface and / or at least one processor, the processor is programmed and / or configured to: receive process data associated with a process of a patient from at least one of an injection system comprising an injector configured to deliver a fluid to the patient and an imaging system comprising a scanner configured to scan the patient, at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one further user interface different from the user interface, and the injection system is in communication with the imaging system; providing a display via the user interface, the display being generated based on the process data; receiving a user input via the user interface; and control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 336,512, filed on April 29, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to diagnostic imaging and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to a remote console for a diagnostic imaging procedure. Background Art

[0004] Injecting contrast media into a patient's bloodstream enables visualization of a variety of pathologies via X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance or other medical imaging modalities. Contrast delivery is made more effective and efficient using medical devices known as "powered fluid injector systems," which can be programmed to deliver specific amounts of contrast media at specific flow rates at specific times related to image acquisition. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, improved systems, devices, products, apparatus and / or methods are provided for implementing a remote control console for use in diagnostic imaging procedures.

[0006] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a system is provided, comprising: a user interface; and at least one processor programmed and / or configured to: receive process data associated with a procedure of a patient from at least one of an injection system comprising a syringe configured to deliver fluid to a patient and an imaging system comprising a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system comprises at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; provide a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receive user input via the user interface; and control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0007] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data includes at least one of: at least one image captured by a camera associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; information received via at least one additional user interface; sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; or any combination thereof.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the procedure data includes at least one image, and wherein the at least one image includes at least one of: one or more images of a patient; one or more images of an operator of at least one of an injection system and an imaging system; one or more images of an IV access site on the patient; one or more images of a syringe; one or more images of a scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the procedure data includes information received through at least one additional user interface, and wherein the information received through at least one additional user interface includes at least one of: an imaging prescription; a pre-procedure checklist; an indication of patient consent; an adverse reaction checklist; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an injection regimen; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an imaging regimen; a request to initiate an operation; a request to end a procedure; information captured at the end of a procedure; secondary captured information; information for a billing procedure; or any combination thereof.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data includes sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of the following sensors: a flow sensor; a temperature sensor; an accelerometer; a vibration sensor; a strain gauge; a motor current sensor; an optical sensor; a scanner; or any combination thereof, and wherein the process data includes at least one of the following parameters determined based on the sensor data: motion associated with the patient; sound associated with the patient; a communication status between the scanner and the injector; one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; an amount of noise associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; an enhancement or saturation level associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; a flow rate during one or more fluid injections by the injector; a duration of one or more fluid injections by the injector; a volume pumped and / or delivered by the injector during one or more injections; a pressure achieved by the injector for one or more injections; a flow rate; an imaging signal from a region of interest at a certain time or over a period of time; an ECG gating sequence; a pulse of the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor data is captured by at least one sensor during at least one of: setting up at least one of an injector and a scanner; arming the injector; a period of time while the injector is armed; a keep vein open (KVO) operation performed by the injector; delivering a test bolus and / or a follow-up bolus to a patient via the injector; delivering a contrast agent via the injector to a patient; a period of time after delivering a contrast agent to a patient; delivering a saline flush via the injector to a patient; a period of time after delivering a saline flush to a patient; scanning a patient by a scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display includes an alert, and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on at least one of: sensor data; user input; patient data associated with the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data includes patient data that includes at least one of the following parameters associated with the patient: age; weight; height; body mass index; cardiac output; risk or probability of an adverse event; adverse event; estimated or measured glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); previous injection history, including one or more reactions to contrast agents; location of the patient's IV access point; quality of the patient's IV access point; or any combination thereof.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display includes an alert, and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on the patient data prior to arming an injector for the procedure.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one processor is also programmed and / or configured to retrieve information associated with at least one of the procedure and the patient from at least one of: an electronic medical record (EMR) system; a radiology information system (RIS); a picture archiving and communication system (PACS); a hospital information system (HIS); a hospital enterprise information system; a cross-location network; or any combination thereof.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input includes at least one of selecting, programming, and modifying at least one of an injection protocol and an imaging protocol.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a prompt is displayed to confirm the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system in the following manner: controlling at least one of the injection system and the imaging system so that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is prevented from performing the operation until a response to the prompt is received via the user interface.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the operation includes at least one of the following operations: changing the display of the at least one additional user interface; receiving additional user input via the at least one additional user interface, setting an injection protocol at the injector; setting an imaging protocol at the scanner; initiating a loading process with the injector; initiating data capture with the injector; arming the injector; initiating a keep vein open (KVO) process with the injector; initiating a saline test injection with the injector; starting a drug injection with the injector; initiating a contrast test injection with the injector; initiating a contrast injection with the injector; initiating a scan with the scanner; aborting a saline test injection with the injector; aborting a contrast test injection with the injector; aborting a contrast injection with the injector; initiating a saline flush injection with the injector; aborting a saline flush injection with the injector; aborting a scan with the scanner; ending the process for the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the operation includes at least one of delivering a fluid to a patient with a syringe and scanning the patient with a scanner, and wherein the at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system in the following manner: controlling at least one of the injection system and the imaging system so that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system modifies and at least one of the operations.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the procedure data includes one or more images of a patient captured by a scanner, and wherein the at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to process the one or more images to select a subset of the one or more images, and wherein the display is generated based on the selected subset of the one or more images.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the scanner includes at least one of: a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner; a computed tomography (CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance (PET / MR) scanner; a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner; a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanner: an ultrasound system, an infrared imaging system, a photoacoustic imaging system, or any combination thereof.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the injection system, the imaging system, and the at least one additional user interface are located at a procedure location, and wherein the user interface is located at a support location distinct from the procedure location.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the procedure location includes at least one of the following locations: a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, an outpatient medical facility, a care center, a vehicle, or any combination thereof.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input includes at least one of: a response to a prompt to confirm operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; an instruction to at least one of the injection system and the imaging system to initiate, modify and / or execute operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; or any combination thereof.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display includes at least one alarm, and wherein the at least one alarm includes at least one of: an indication of procedure completion; an indication of whether the procedure was performed correctly; an indication that the operator appeared hesitant during programming; a real-time display of measured parameters associated with fluid injection; an indication of a detected adverse event; an indication of patient discomfort, an indication of patient movement, an indication of the quality of one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to: receive authentication data associated with a user account from at least one of the injection system and the imaging system via at least one additional user interface; and based on an authorization level associated with the user account, limit one or more operations of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system from being initiated and / or modified by the user account via at least one additional user interface, wherein the authorization level associated with the user account is determined based on the authentication data.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the authorization level is also determined based on at least one of: the number of procedures associated with the user account; the quality, experience, and / or other ratings associated with the user account; the type and / or aspect of the procedure; the type of patient; or any combination thereof.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the authorization level associated with the user account is selected from one of the following authorization levels: a first authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol; a second authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying a first subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol, and is able to modify a second subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol; a third authorization level, at which the user account is able to modify each parameter of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol.

[0029] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a method is provided, the method comprising: providing a user interface using at least one processor; receiving, using at least one processor, process data associated with a process of a patient from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; providing a display via the user interface using at least one processor, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receiving user input via the user interface using at least one processor; and controlling, using the at least one processor, operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0030] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a computer program product is provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: provide a user interface; receive process data associated with a patient's procedure from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface that is different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; provide a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receive user input via the user interface; and control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0031] Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0032] Item 1, a system comprising: a user interface; and at least one processor programmed and / or configured to: receive process data associated with a procedure on a patient from at least one of an injection system comprising a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system comprising a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system comprises at least one additional user interface that is different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; provide a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receive user input via the user interface; and control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0033] Item 2, a system according to item 1, wherein the process data includes at least one of: at least one image captured by a camera associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; information received via at least one additional user interface; sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; or any combination thereof.

[0034] Item 3, a system according to any of items 1 or 2, wherein the process data includes at least one image, and wherein the at least one image includes at least one of: one or more images of the patient; one or more images of an operator of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; one or more images of an IV access site on the patient; one or more images of a syringe; one or more images of a scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0035] Clause 4. A system according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the procedure data includes information received via at least one additional user interface, and wherein the information received via at least one additional user interface includes at least one of: an imaging prescription; a pre-procedure checklist; an indication of patient consent; an adverse reaction checklist; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an injection regimen; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an imaging regimen; a request to initiate an operation; a request to end a procedure; information captured at the end of a procedure; secondary captured information; information for a billing procedure; or any combination thereof.

[0036] Clause 5, a system according to any of clauses 1-4, wherein the process data includes sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of the following sensors: a flow sensor; a temperature sensor; an accelerometer; a vibration sensor; a strain gauge; a motor current sensor; an optical sensor; a scanner; or any combination thereof, and wherein the process data includes at least one of the following parameters determined based on the sensor data: motion associated with the patient; sound associated with the patient; a communication status between the scanner and the injector; one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; an amount of noise associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; an enhancement or saturation level associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; a flow rate during one or more fluid injections by the injector; a duration of one or more fluid injections by the injector; a volume pumped and / or delivered by the injector during one or more injections; a pressure achieved by the injector for one or more injections; a flow rate; an imaging signal from a region of interest at a certain time or over a period of time; an ECG gating sequence; a pulse of the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0037] Clause 6, a system according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein the sensor data is captured by the at least one sensor during at least one of: setting up at least one of the syringe and the scanner; arming the syringe; a period of time that the syringe has been armed; a keep vein open (KVO) operation performed by the syringe; delivering a test bolus and / or a tracking bolus to a patient through a syringe; delivering a contrast agent to a patient through a syringe; a period of time after delivering a contrast agent to a patient; delivering a saline flush to a patient through a syringe; a period of time after delivering a saline flush to a patient; scanning a patient by a scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0038] Clause 7, a system according to any of clauses 1-6, wherein the display includes an alert and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on at least one of: sensor data; user input; patient data associated with the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0039] Clause 8, a system according to any of clauses 1-7, wherein the process data includes patient data, the patient data including at least one of the following parameters associated with the patient: age; weight; height; body mass index; cardiac output; risk or probability of an adverse event; adverse event; estimated or measured glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); previous injection history, including one or more allergic reactions to contrast agents; location of the patient's IV access point; quality of the patient's IV access point; or any combination thereof.

[0040] Clause 9. The system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the display includes an alert, and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on the patient data prior to arming the injector for the procedure.

[0041] Clause 10, a system according to any of clauses 1-8, wherein at least one processor is further programmed and / or configured to retrieve information associated with at least one of the procedure and the patient from at least one of: an electronic medical record (EMR) system; a radiology information system (RIS); a picture archiving and communication system (PACS); a hospital information system (HIS); a hospital enterprise information system; a cross-location network; or any combination thereof.

[0042] Clause 11. The system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the user input comprises at least one of selecting, programming, and modifying at least one of an injection protocol and an imaging protocol.

[0043] Clause 12. A system according to any of clauses 1-10, wherein the display includes a prompt to confirm operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and wherein at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system in the following manner: controlling at least one of the injection system and the imaging system so that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is prevented from performing an operation until a response to the prompt is received via a user interface.

[0044] Clause 13, a system according to any of clauses 1-11, wherein the operation includes at least one of the following operations: changing the display of at least one additional user interface; receiving additional user input via at least one additional user interface, setting an injection protocol at the syringe; setting an imaging protocol at the scanner; initiating a loading process with the syringe; initiating data capture with the syringe; arming the syringe; initiating a keep vein open (KVO) process with the syringe; initiating a saline test injection with the syringe; starting a drug injection with the syringe; initiating a contrast agent test injection with the syringe; initiating a contrast agent injection with the syringe; initiating a scan with the scanner; terminating a test injection with the syringe; terminating a contrast agent injection with the syringe; initiating a saline flush injection with the syringe; terminating a saline flush injection with the syringe; terminating a scan with the scanner; initiating a saline flush injection with the syringe; terminating a saline flush injection with the syringe; ending a patient's process; or any combination thereof.

[0045] Clause 14. A system according to any of clauses 1-13, wherein the operation includes at least one of delivering a fluid to a patient with a syringe and scanning the patient with a scanner, and wherein at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system in the following manner: controlling at least one of the injection system and the imaging system so that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system performs at least one of modification and termination of operation.

[0046] Clause 15, a system according to any of clauses 1-14, wherein the procedure data includes one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner, and wherein at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to process the one or more images to select a subset of the one or more images, and wherein the display is generated based on the selected subset of the one or more images.

[0047] Item 16. A system according to any one of items 1-15, wherein the scanner includes at least one of the following: a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner; a computed tomography (CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance (PET / MR) scanner; a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanner: an ultrasound system, an infrared imaging system, a photoacoustic imaging system, or any combination thereof.

[0048] Clause 17. The system of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the injection system, the imaging system, and the at least one additional user interface are located at a procedure location, and wherein the user interface is located at a support location distinct from the procedure location.

[0049] Clause 18. The system of any of clauses 1-17, wherein the procedure location comprises at least one of the following locations: a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, a vehicle, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Clause 19. A system according to any of clauses 1-18, wherein the user input comprises at least one of: a response to a prompt to confirm operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; an instruction to at least one of the injection system and the imaging system to initiate, modify and / or execute operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; or any combination thereof.

[0051] Clause 20, a system of any of clauses 1-19, wherein the display includes at least one alarm, and wherein the at least one alarm includes at least one of: an indication of completion of a procedure; an indication of whether the procedure was performed correctly; an indication that the operator appeared hesitant during programming; a real-time display of measured parameters associated with fluid injection; an indication of a detected adverse event; an indication of the quality of one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0052] Clause 21. A system according to any of clauses 1-20, wherein at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to: receive authentication data associated with a user account from at least one of the injection system and the imaging system via at least one additional user interface; and based on an authorization level associated with the user account, limit one or more operations of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system from being initiated and / or modified by the user account via at least one additional user interface, wherein the authorization level associated with the user account is determined based on the authentication data.

[0053] Clause 22, a system according to any of clauses 1-21, wherein the authorization level is further determined based on at least one of: the number of procedures associated with the user account; the quality, experience, and / or other ratings associated with the user account; the type and / or aspect of the procedures; the type of patient; or any combination thereof.

[0054] Clause 23, a system of any of clauses 1-22, wherein the authorization level associated with the user account is selected from one of the following authorization levels: a first authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying at least one of the injection plan and the scanning plan; a second authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying a first subset of parameters of at least one of the injection plan and the scanning plan, and is able to modify a second subset of parameters of at least one of the injection plan and the scanning plan; and a third authorization level, at which the user account is able to modify each parameter of at least one of the injection plan and the scanning plan.

[0055] Item 24, method, the method comprising: providing a user interface using at least one processor; receiving, using at least one processor, process data associated with a procedure of a patient from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; providing a display via the user interface using at least one processor, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receiving user input via the user interface using at least one processor; and controlling, using at least one processor, operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0056] Item 25, a computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: provide a user interface; receive process data associated with a procedure of a patient from at least one of an injection system comprising a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system comprising a scanner configured to scan a patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system comprises at least one additional user interface that is different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system communicates with the imaging system; provide a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receive user input through the user interface; and control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input.

[0057] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure and the methods of operation and functionality of the associated structural elements and combinations of parts and the economies of manufacturing will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims and reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended as definitions of limitations of the present disclosure. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Additional advantages and details will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying schematic diagram, in which:

[0059] Figure 1A are diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems, devices, products, apparatuses, and / or methods described herein may be implemented;

[0060] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of one or more devices and / or components of one or more systems;

[0061] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and 1B diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of one or more devices and / or components of one or more systems;

[0062] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for implementing a remote console for use in a diagnostic imaging procedure;

[0063] Figures 4A-4Cillustrates a non-limiting embodiment or implementation of an aspect of a user interface for a remote console used in a diagnostic imaging procedure; and

[0064] Figure 5 is a diagram of an implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for implementing a remote console for use in a diagnostic imaging procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] It should be understood that the present disclosure may employ various optional variations and step sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0066] Any aspect, component, element, structure, action, step, function, instruction and / or the like used herein should not be interpreted as critical or essential unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, as used herein, the articles "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". In addition, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one". When only one item is involved, the term "one" or similar language is used. In addition, as used herein, the terms "have", "have", "with", etc. are intended to represent open terms. In addition, the phrase "based on" is intended to represent "based at least in part on", unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0067] As used herein, the term "communication" may refer to the reception, receipt, transmission, transfer, provision and / or the like of information (e.g., data, signals, messages, instructions, commands and / or the like). For a unit (e.g., a device, a system, a component of a device or system, a combination thereof, etc.), communicating with another unit means that a unit is able to directly or indirectly receive information from another unit and / or transmit information to another unit. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection (e.g., a direct communication connection, an indirect communication connection, etc.) that is wired and / or wireless in nature. In addition, two units may communicate with each other even if the transmitted information may be modified, processed, relayed and / or routed between the first and second units. For example, even if the first unit passively receives information and does not actively send information to the second unit, the first unit may communicate with the second unit. As another example, if at least one intermediate unit processes the information received from the first unit and transmits the processed information to the second unit, the first unit may communicate with the second unit.

[0068] It is apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods does not limit these implementations. Therefore, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods described herein are not referenced to specific software code, and it should be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0069] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in conjunction with threshold values. As used herein, satisfying a threshold value may refer to a value being greater than a threshold value, more than a threshold value, above a threshold value, greater than or equal to a threshold value, less than a threshold value, less than a threshold value, below a threshold value, less than or equal to a threshold value, equal to a threshold value, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there may be multiple threshold values ​​associated with a single parameter or measurement, for example, during fluid delivery, a pressure above a first threshold value may indicate a fluid path obstruction, while a pressure below a second threshold value may indicate a fluid path leak and / or rupture.

[0070] As used herein, the term "computing device" may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to process data. In some examples, a computing device may include the necessary components to receive, process, and output data, such as a processor, a display, a memory, an input device, a network interface, etc. A computing device may be a mobile device. As an example, a mobile device may include a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone or a standard cellular phone), a portable computer, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, lenses, clothing, etc.), a PDA, and / or other similar devices. A computing device may also be a desktop computer or other form of non-mobile computer.

[0071] As used herein, the term "mobile device" may refer to one or more portable electronic devices configured to communicate with one or more networks. As an example, a mobile device may include a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone or a standard cellular phone), a portable computer (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, lenses, clothing, etc.), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and / or other similar devices. The terms "client device" and "user device" used herein refer to any electronic device configured to communicate with one or more servers or remote devices and / or systems. Client devices or user devices may include mobile devices, network-enabled devices (e.g., network-enabled televisions, refrigerators, thermostats, etc.), computers, injection systems, and / or any other device or system capable of communicating with a network.

[0072] As used herein, the terms "server" and / or "processor" may refer to or include one or more computing devices that are operated by or facilitate communication and processing by multiple parties in a network environment such as the Internet, although it should be understood that communication can be facilitated by one or more public or private network environments, and various other arrangements are possible. In addition, multiple computing devices (e.g., servers, injectors, mobile devices, etc.) communicating directly or indirectly in a network environment may constitute a "system." As used herein, references to "server" or "processor" may refer to a previously described server and / or processor, a different server and / or processor, and / or a combination of servers and / or processors that are described as performing a previous step or function. For example, as used in the specification and claims, a first server and / or first processor that is described as performing a first step or function may refer to the same or different server and / or processor that is described as performing a second step or function.

[0073] As used herein, the term "user interface" or "graphical user interface" refers to a generated display, such as one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with which a user can interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.).

[0074] As used herein, the term "scan" and "scanning" such as by a scanner refers to acquiring and / or generating one or more pieces of information used to create one or more images and / or measurements of a patient, such as a CT scan or image.

[0075] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure may provide one or more of the following benefits to its users, their colleagues, their employers, their patients, and / or their patients' caregivers. They may enable less experienced users (e.g., technicians, radiographers, nurses, medical assistants, etc.) to complete processes that these less experienced users have little or no experience with. A more skilled user may assist or supervise multiple less experienced users. Each technician may work like an expert. They may provide local and / or "on-the-job" training to users. They may serve as a safety net for new users, relieving their stress and reducing the need for local supervision. They may provide ongoing training during the normal course of work. They may promote standardization and protocol optimization. They help ensure that the imaging process has sufficient diagnostic quality. They can help maximize throughput. If it is not appropriate, they can help minimize repeat scans. They can help monitor patient safety through more examinations that a single user can provide. They can provide input to help users decide whether to try repeat scans. If the same process has been successful, they may promote the reuse of the same process next time, promoting learning. They can enable virtual imaging experts to operate or monitor multiple scanners in geographically different locations, which would otherwise require travel and time. They can monitor performance, such as throughput, human factors associated with all devices and systems, and overall process quality. They can optimize the integration of scanners and injector consoles (e.g., merging or combining two separate user interfaces, etc.). They can reduce duplicate data entry. They may help address healthcare worker shortages. They can help reallocate tasks previously performed on scanners. They can allow everyone involved to focus on core tasks. They can improve patient convenience and imaging quality. They may help share internal expertise. They may facilitate customer training from two different parties (e.g., an injector vendor and an imager vendor) at the same time. They can better balance or distribute workloads, e.g., the most experienced person no longer has to take on many of the most difficult cases. They can improve patient convenience by not removing dedicated / specialized users from one system. They can reduce costs by enabling specialists to dispatch from one geographic location to another. They can improve patient satisfaction and save patient time because patients can get scans closer to home instead of having to travel to a specialist location. For example, they can make better use of multiple imagers because protocols are not limited by the expertise of local users. They may help prevent specialists from becoming too spread out and overworked. They can improve specialist job satisfaction because they can complete higher-level tasks instead of all low-level tasks. They can facilitate real-time consultations for unusual or high-risk patients and unusual or new procedures. They can enable local technicians and virtual imaging specialists to have the same situational view of the procedure. They can enable the option to control the start of a procedure locally or remotely.They may provide alerts and / or warnings if a procedure has off-label settings (e.g., full vs. half dose in MR, etc.). They may provide step-by-step protocols for less skilled technicians. They may provide a “4-eye check” related to adverse event management. They help facilitate and centralize adverse event reporting. They may combine scanner and injector interfaces to provide a more unified user interface experience. They may enable local technicians to focus more on the patient and the patient’s comfort and safety. They may enable local technicians to focus on the patient and reduce patient dropouts mid-procedure. They may provide a contextual look or include specific injection protocols for specific contrast-enhanced scan protocols. They may enable maintenance staff training or cross-training from both parties (e.g., injector and imager organizations). They may enable remote screening of patients. They may enable local nurses to focus on the patient and remote technicians to focus on the scanner and protocols. They may provide sustainable benefits by enabling training without the need for travel. They may be in greater demand as the number and expertise required to operate imaging systems grows. They enable remote expertise to answer patients’ tougher questions. They may provide guidance across multiple injector systems, e.g., injectors from Bayer, Ulrich, Nemoto, etc. They can enable remote consultation with patients to improve compliance and cooperation, thereby reducing "scan anxiety". These benefits and features of the non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure mentioned herein can be achieved, for example, by allowing less experienced users to request help from, interact with, and / or consult with more experienced users. This can allow more experienced users to observe and / or advise / intervene in the use of the system by less experienced users, and / or allow at least one of the imaging system, injection system, procedure system, support system, local system, and / or its attached devices to notify or alert any user that interaction and / or consultation may be beneficial.

[0076] Reference now Figure 1A , Figure 1A 1 is a diagram of an example environment 100 in which the systems, devices, methods, and / or products described herein may be implemented. Figure 1A As shown, environment 100 may include a support location 101 including a support system 102 , one or more process locations 104 including one or more process systems 106 , a database system 108 , and / or a communication network 110 .

[0077] The support system 102 may include one or more devices capable of receiving data and / or information from and / or transmitting data and / or information to one or more process systems 106 at one or more process locations 104 and / or database systems 108 (e.g., via a communication network 110, etc.). For example, the support system 102 may include computing devices such as one or more computers, portable computers (e.g., tablet computers, etc.), mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, smart phones, wearable devices such as watches, glasses, lenses and / or clothing, PDAs, etc.), servers, a group of servers, and / or other similar devices.

[0078] Support system 102 may include user interface 103 (eg, input component 210, output component 212, etc.) A support location 101 including support system 102 (which includes user interface 103) may include a remote console control room, an isolation room, a home office, and the like.

[0079] The process location 104 may include one or more process systems 106 (e.g., a single process system 106, a plurality of process systems 106, etc.). For example, the process location 104 may include a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, an emergency vehicle (e.g., an ambulance, etc.), a mobile imaging device (e.g., a Hyperfine Portable MR Imaging System TM etc.), mobile CT equipment, etc. As an example, environment 100 may include multiple process locations 104, which include multiple process systems 106. In such an example, multiple process locations 104 may include multiple different locations (e.g., hospitals, imaging centers, ambulances, etc.), and / or support location 101 may include a different location from multiple process locations 104.

[0080] The process system 106 may include one or more devices capable of receiving data and / or information from and / or transmitting data and / or information to the support system 102 and / or the database system 108 (e.g., via the communication network 110, etc.). For example, the process system 106 may include computing devices such as one or more computers, portable computers (e.g., tablet computers, etc.), mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, smart phones, wearable devices such as watches, glasses, lenses and / or clothing, PDAs, etc.), servers, a group of servers, and / or other similar devices.

[0081] Now also refer to Figure 1B , Figure 1B6 is a diagram of example components of a process system 106. As shown in FIG. 6, the process system may include an imaging system 120 including a scanner 122, an injection system 130 including a syringe 132, and / or a local system 140. The imaging system 120 including the scanner 122, the injection system 130 including the syringe 132, and / or the local system 140 may be interconnected (e.g., connected to communicate, etc.) via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The process system 106 may also include devices and / or systems that are not explicitly part of the scanner 122 or the syringe 132, which are also part of the selected process, such as patient monitoring equipment, anesthesia equipment, and / or similar healthcare equipment. Such devices may communicate with any system associated with the process system 106, the local system 140, and / or any support system 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more additional or auxiliary devices (e.g., one or more sensors, patient monitors, infusion pumps, anesthesia devices, biopsy guide systems, etc.), each of which may include a user interface itself, may be connected to and / or communicate with the scanner 122, injector 132, and / or local system 140.

[0082] The imaging system 120 may include one or more devices, software, and / or hardware configured to set an imaging protocol (e.g., scan time, etc.) and acquire non-contrast and contrast-enhanced scans of a patient. For example, the imaging system 120 may include a scanner 122 configured to image a patient according to one or more imaging protocols. As examples, the imaging system 120 may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system; a computed tomography (CT) system; a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) system; a positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance (PET / MR) system; a positron emission tomography (PET) system; a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system; an ultrasound system; a radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) system, an infrared imaging system, a photoacoustic imaging system, and the like. In such examples, the scanner 122 may include a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner; a computed tomography (CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) scanner; a positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance (PET / MR) scanner; a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner; a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanner: an ultrasound system; a radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) scanner; an infrared imaging scanner, a photoacoustic imaging scanner, etc. As an example, the imaging system 120 may include an imaging system as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 710,118 filed on December 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the imaging system 120 includes a Siemens Syngo remote console, a Siemens Healthineers Somatom Go CT system, a General Electric Signa MR system, etc.

[0083] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the imaging system 120 includes a system for standardized MRI examinations with patient-centric scanning workflow adaptation as described in U.S. patent application No. 17 / 458,753 filed on August 27, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0084] The injection system 130 may include one or more devices, software, and / or hardware configured to set one or more injection protocols and deliver one or more fluids (e.g., saline, contrast agent, stress agent, etc.) to a patient according to the one or more injection protocols. An injection protocol typically includes one or more phases, each phase specifying one or more fluids to be injected and an optional fluid concentration, and two of the flow rate, volume, and duration of the injection for that phase (e.g., because volume injected = flow rate × duration, and / or for more complex protocols, the integral of flow rate over injection duration, there are only two independent variables among these three parameters). Other injection parameters may vary from phase to phase or remain constant for all phases, and these parameters may include at least one of the ratio of fluid injected (e.g., the percentage of contrast agent in the total fluid flow), pressure limit, pressure limit behavior, flow rate limit, occlusion indication, or any combination thereof. Some injectors may be configured to have time-varying values ​​of one, some, or all injection parameters. For example, the injection system 130 may include an injector 132 configured to deliver one or more fluids (e.g., saline, contrast agent, etc.) to a patient according to one or more injection protocols. As an example, the injection system 130 may include a contrast agent injection system as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,643,537 and / or 7,937,134 and / or as described in Published International Application No. WO2019046299A1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As an example, the injection system 130 may include StellantFLEX CT injection system, MRXperion MR injection system, Mark 7 Arterial Injection System, Intego PET Infusion System, Spectris Solaris EP MR Injection System, featuring Workstation Stellant CT injection system, etc.

[0085] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the imaging system 120, the injection system 130 and / or the local system 140 include and / or receive sensor data from one or more additional devices, such as one or more sensors, patient monitors, infusion pumps, anesthesia devices, biopsy guidance systems, etc., which may, for example, include sensors capable of receiving, determining, measuring and / or sensing sensor data related to the patient, the scanner 122, the injector 132 and / or the operator. For example, the imaging system 120, the injection system 130, and / or the local system 140 may include and / or receive sensor data from at least one of the following sensors: an image capture device; an accelerometer; a strain gauge; a global positioning system (GPS); a skin resistivity or conductivity sensor; a heart rate monitor; a microphone; a thermal or temperature sensor; a pulse oximeter; a hydration sensor; a dosimeter; an ultrasound sensor; an acoustic sensor; one or more electrodes configured to measure at least one of tissue impedance, an electromyogram (EMG), and an electrocardiogram (ECG); a microwave sensor; a mechanical impedance sensor; a chemical sensor; a force or pressure sensor; a flow sensor; an accelerometer; a vibration sensor; a motor current sensor; an optical sensor; a scale for patient weight; a scanner 122; a syringe 132; or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the imaging system 120, the injection system 130 and / or the local system 140 may include and / or receive sensor data from one or more sensors described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021222771A1 published on November 4, 2021, which was filed on April 30, 2021 as International Patent Application No. PCT / US2021 / 030210, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] The local system 140 may include one or more devices capable of receiving data and / or information from the imaging system 120 and / or the injection system 130 and / or transmitting data and / or information to the imaging system 120 and / or the injection system 130. For example, the local system 140 may include a computing device, such as one or more computers, portable computers (e.g., tablet computers, etc.), mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, smart phones, wearable devices such as watches, glasses, lenses and / or clothing, PDAs, etc.), servers, a group of servers, and / or other similar devices. As an example, the local system 140 may be provided by a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, an emergency vehicle (e.g., an ambulance, etc.), a mobile imaging device (e.g., a Hyperfine Portable MR Imaging System TMThe local system 140 may be implemented and / or associated with a scanner 122 and / or an injector 132, etc.), a portable or mobile CT device, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the local system 140 may include one or more additional or auxiliary devices (e.g., one or more sensors, a patient monitor, an infusion pump, an anesthesia device, a biopsy guidance system, etc.), each of which may include a user interface itself and may be connected to and / or communicate with the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132.

[0087] The database system 108 may include one or more devices capable of receiving information and / or data from and / or transmitting information and / or data to one or more process systems 106 and / or support systems 102 located at one or more process locations 104 (e.g., via a communication network 110, etc.). For example, the database system 108 may include one or more computing systems including one or more processors (e.g., one or more computing devices, one or more server computers, one or more mobile computing devices, etc.). As examples, the database system 108 may include an electronic medical record (EMR) system; a radiology information system (RIS); a picture archiving and communication system (PACS); a hospital information system (HIS); a hospital enterprise information system; an insurance or payment information system, a national health information system, a cross-location network; or any combination thereof.

[0088] The communication network 110 may include one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, the communication network 110 may include a cellular network (e.g., a long term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a sixth generation (6G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber-based network, a cloud computing network, a short-range wireless communication network (e.g., a Bluetooth network, a near field communication (NFC) network, etc.), and / or the like, and / or a combination of these or other types of networks.

[0089] supply Figure 1A and 1B The number and arrangement of devices and systems shown in the figure are examples. There may be additional devices and / or systems, fewer devices and / or systems, different devices and / or systems, or different Figure 1A and 1B The devices and / or systems shown in FIG. 1 are arranged differently from the devices and / or systems shown in FIG. 1 . In addition, Figure 1A and 1B Two or more of the devices and / or systems shown may be implemented in a single device and / or system, or Figure 1A and 1B The single device and / or system shown may be implemented as multiple distributed devices and / or systems. Additionally or alternatively, a set of devices and / or systems (e.g., one or more devices or systems) of the environment 100 and / or process system 106 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices and / or systems of the environment 100 and / or process system 106.

[0090] Reference now Figure 2 , Figure 2 2 is a diagram of example components of device 200. Device 200 may correspond to one or more devices in imaging system 120, injection system 130, local system 140, support system 102, process system 106, database system 108, and / or communication network 110. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more devices of imaging system 120, injection system 130, local system 140, support system 102, process system 106, database system 108, and / or communication network 110 may include at least one device 200 and / or at least one component of device 200. Figure 2 As shown, device 200 may include a bus 202 , a processor 204 , a memory 206 , a storage component 208 , an input component 210 , an output component 212 , and a communication interface 214 .

[0091] The bus 202 may include components that allow communication between components of the device 200. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component that can be programmed to perform a function (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). The memory 206 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 204.

[0092] The storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 200. For example, the storage component 208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state disk, etc.), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cassette, a magnetic tape, and / or other types of non-transitory computer-readable media, and corresponding drives.

[0093] Input components 210 may include components that allow device 200 to receive information, for example, via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, buttons, switches, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input components 210 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output components 212 may include components that provide output information from device 200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

[0094] The communication interface 214 may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables the device 200 to communicate with other devices, for example, via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface 214 may allow the device 200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, Interface, cellular network interface, etc.

[0095] Device 200 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 200 may perform these processes based on processor 204 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.) executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium such as memory 206 and / or storage component 208. Computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) are defined herein as non-transitory memory devices. Non-transitory memory devices include storage space located within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed on multiple physical storage devices.

[0096] The software instructions may be read into the memory 206 and / or storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device through the communication interface 214. When executed, the software instructions stored in the memory 206 and / or storage component 208 may cause the processor 204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, the embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0097] The memory 206 and / or storage component 208 may include a data store or one or more data structures (e.g., a database, etc.). The device 200 can receive information from, store information in, transfer information to, or search for information stored in the memory 206 and / or storage component 208 data store or one or more data structures.

[0098] Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components shown in are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or different components. Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (eg, one or more components) of device 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 200.

[0099] Reference now Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process 300 for implementing a remote console for use in a diagnostic imaging procedure. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more steps of the process 300 (e.g., in full, in part, etc.) may be performed by the support system 102 (e.g., one or more devices of the support system 102, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more steps of the process 300 (e.g., in full, in part, etc.) may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from or including the support system 102, such as the process system 106 (e.g., one or more devices of the process system 106, etc.), the database system 108 (e.g., one or more devices of the database system 108, etc.), the imaging system 120 (e.g., one or more devices of the imaging system 120, etc.), the injection system 130 (e.g., one or more devices of the injection system 130, etc.), and / or the local system 140 (e.g., one or more devices of the local system 140, etc.).

[0100] like Figure 3As shown, at step 302, process 300 includes receiving process data. For example, support system 102 can receive process data. As an example, support system 102 can receive process data associated with a patient's procedure from at least one of injection system 130 including syringe 132 configured to deliver fluid to a patient and imaging system 120 including scanner 122 configured to scan a patient. In such an example, support system 102 can receive process data associated with a patient's procedure from database system 108.

[0101] The support system 102 may include a support user interface 103, and / or at least one of the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120 may include at least one additional user interface different from the support user interface 103 (e.g., a scanner user interface 123 and / or an injector user interface 133, etc.). The support system 102 may be located at a support location 101, and the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120 may be located at a procedure location 104 different from the support location. For example, the support user interface 103 may be located at a different location away from the procedure location 104, where the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133 are located. As an example, the support location 101 including the support system 102 (which includes the support user interface 103) may include a remote console control room, an isolation room, a home office, etc., and / or the procedure location 104 including the scanner 122, the scanner user interface 123, the injector 132, and the injector user interface 133 may include at least one of the following locations: a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, a vehicle, or any combination thereof. In such examples, injection system 130 may be in communication with imaging system 120 (eg, via a controller area network (CAN), etc.).

[0102] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support user interface 103 and the scanner user interface 123 and the injector user interface 133 enable an operator or local technician (e.g., a radiologic technologist, radiologic technician, medical assistant, etc.) at the process location 104 to communicate continuously, constantly and / or on demand with a user or virtual imaging expert (e.g., a radiologist, researcher, experienced radiologic technologist, etc.) at the support location 101 (e.g., via a headset communicator, via a chat window on a UI display, etc.).

[0103] The process data may include at least one of: at least one image captured by an image capture device (e.g., a camera, etc.) associated with at least one of the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120; information received via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120; user input received via the support user interface 103; patient data; or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data includes indirect user input, which includes information and / or data automatically collected by the support system 102 during user use of the injection system 130 including the injector 132 and / or the imaging system 120 including the scanner 122, such as usage metrics, user selections, etc.

[0104] The images captured by an image capture device (e.g., a camera, etc.) associated with at least one of the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120 may include at least one of the following: one or more images of the patient; one or more images of an operator of at least one of the injection system 130 and the imaging system 120 (e.g., the injector 132 and / or the scanner 122, etc.); one or more images of an IV access site on the patient; one or more images of the injector 132; one or more images of the scanner 122; or any combination thereof. For example, the injection system 130, the imaging system 120, and / or the local system 140 may include an image capture device configured to monitor an environment surrounding the injector 132 and / or the scanner 122 (e.g., a scanning room, a control room, etc.).

[0105] The information received via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133 may include at least one of: an imaging prescription; a pre-procedure checklist; an indication of patient consent; an adverse reaction checklist; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an injection regimen; at least one of the selection, programming, and modification of an imaging regimen; a request to initiate an operation; a request to end a procedure; information captured at the end of a procedure; information for secondary capture; information for a billing process; or any combination thereof.

[0106] The sensor data may include parameters associated with the patient, the scanner 122, the injector 132, additional or auxiliary equipment, and / or the operator. For example, the sensor data associated with the patient, the scanner 122, the injector 132, and / or the operator may include at least one of the following: movement associated with the patient during the procedure; sounds associated with the patient during the procedure (e.g., cries for help, etc.); the patient's weight on the scanner 122; the scanning timing of the scanner 122; the communication status between the scanner 122 and the injector 132; one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122; the amount of noise associated with one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122 (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc.); one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122; the patient's image or images; the level of enhancement or saturation associated with one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122; the imaging signal from the region of interest at a certain time or over a period of time; the maintenance status of the scanner 122; the flow rate (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, sum, etc.) through the syringe 132 during one or more injections, the ECG gating sequence; the patient's pulse; the flow rate programmed to achieve one or more injections through the syringe 132; the volume pumped and / or delivered by the syringe 132 during one or more injections (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, sum, etc.); the volume delivered during one or more injections by the syringe 132; the duration of one or more injections by the syringe 132 (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); the difference between the flow rate during one or more injections and the programmed flow rate for one or more injections by the syringe 132 (e.g., set by injection parameters of an injection protocol, etc.); the difference between the volume pumped and / or delivered during one or more injections and the programmed volume to be pumped and / or delivered (e.g., set by injection parameters of an injection protocol, etc.) during one or more injections by the syringe 132; the number of injections performed by the syringe 132; the number of injections achieved by the syringe 132 the pressure of the injection (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); the difference between the pressure achieved for one or more injections and the programmed pressure to be achieved (e.g., set by an injection parameter of an injection protocol, etc.) during one or more injections by the injector 132; the pressure limit or threshold beyond which the injection system is programmed to cease delivery of the injection by the injector 132; the duration of power on (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); the number of times power to the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 has been cycled; the energy consumption of the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.);the amount of linear power delivered or used by the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., the integral of ((pressure)*(flow)) / (time)), etc.); the amount of nonlinear power delivered or used by the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., the integral of f(pressure)*(time), etc.); the voltage at the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., the maximum, minimum, average, sum, etc.); the resistance at the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; the current at the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; the noise or signal level at the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; the mechanical force generated by the motor of the injector 132, etc. (e.g., the maximum, minimum, average, sum, etc.); ); a plurality of camera readings; the number and / or type of error codes received by the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; the number, duration, and / or type of user interface keys actuated (e.g., pressed, etc.) at the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; power line conditions associated with the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132; the temperature and / or humidity within the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); the temperature and / or humidity of the environment surrounding the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); the frequency and / or amplitude of vibration of the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.); , average, sum, etc.); number of times the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 is cleaned; staff rating of the wear of the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); staff rating of the cleanliness of the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); service records of services to the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., number of services performed, type of services performed, etc.); system rating of the wear associated with the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); system rating of the cleanliness associated with the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); system rating of the wear associated with the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); system rating of the cleanliness associated with the scanner 122 and / or syringe 132 (e.g., numeric rating, etc.); a plurality of one or more disposables (e.g., syringes, transfer kits, single use, multiple use, etc.) used by the associated procedure location 104; an amount of contrast media used by the syringe 132; a type of contrast media used by the syringe 132; a vial size of contrast media used by the syringe 132; a number of syringes at the procedure location 104; a turnover rate of users or operators associated with the procedure location 104; an identifier of a user or operator associated with one or more operations or uses of the scanner 122 and / or the syringe 132; an identifier of a customer associated with the procedure location 104; an indication of fluid within the scanner 122 and / or the syringe 132 (e.g., detected or measured by one or more fluid sensors, etc.);Amounts of x-ray radiation, RF exposure, magnetic field exposure, etc. (e.g., maximum, minimum, average, total, etc.) in the environment surrounding the scanner 122 and / or injector 132; one or more injection protocols for one or more injections; one or more imaging protocols for one or more scans; and / or the like. ;

[0107] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor data associated with the injector 132 includes one or more exemplary data types, information types, and / or parameters disclosed in the following patents: U.S. patent application serial No. 10 / 143,562 filed on May 10, 2002 (issued as U.S. Patent No. 7,457,804); U.S. patent application serial No. 12 / 254,318 filed on October 20, 2008 (issued as U.S. Patent No. 7,996,381); U.S. patent application serial No. 13 / 180,1 filed on July 11, 2011; 75 (issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,521,716); International Patent Application Publication No. WO2017 / 027724A1, published on February 16, 2017 (which was filed as International Application No. PCT / US2016 / 046587 on August 11, 2016); and International Patent Application Publication No. WO2017 / 040152A1, published on March 9, 2017 (which was filed as International Application No. PCT / US2016 / 048441 on August 24, 2016), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0108] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor data associated with the patient may include at least one of the following parameters: first, parameters that may be affected by the injection and / or changes in the patient's health status, such as heart rate; sound or vibration (e.g., sound or vibration associated with fluid inflow, sound or vibration near the injection site, etc.); temperature (e.g., temperature of the fluid inflow, temperature near the injection site, local temperature, tissue temperature, etc.); oxygen saturation level (e.g., oxygen saturation of the fluid inflow, oxygen saturation near the injection site, etc.); pulse rate; ECG; body fat / water ratio; tissue impedance; vascular distribution level; blood vessel diameter; hydration level; hematocrit level; skin resistivity; blood pressure ; muscle tone level; light absorbance level; shaking or tremor or movement / action (e.g., yes, no, horizontal, etc.); arm posture; arm circumference; breathing rate; breathing depth; amount of radiation absorbed; tightness, positional stability and / or contact integrity of the contact sensor device; amount of swelling and / or displacement; EMG; skin color; amount of surface vasodilation (flushing); bioimpedance; light absorbance; level of inflammation; second, parameters that are not likely to be immediately affected by the injection and / or changes in patient health, such as fat / muscle ratio; hemoglobin level; and third, environmental parameters, such as ambient temperature of the patient's surroundings, atmospheric pressure in the patient's surroundings; ambient light level; ambient sound level; or any combination thereof.

[0109] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support system 102 can use the concentration / viscosity ratio to determine sensor data to compare expected performance between contrast agents, as described in: McDermott M, Kemper C, Barone W, JostG, Endrikat J, Effects of CT injector technique and contrast agent viscosity on vascular enhancement: Evaluation in a circulation phantom, Br J Radiol, 2020 May 1;93(1109):20190868.doi:10.1259 / bjr.20190868, Epub 2020 Feb 20, PMID: 32017607; PMCID: PMC7217576, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0110] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data may include at least one of the following conditions determined based on the sensor data: an over-pressurization release of the syringe 132; a premature termination of an injection through the syringe 132; an unexpected injection timing associated with one or more fluid injections through the syringe 132; an unexpected scanner timing associated with one or more scans of the scanner 122; an indication that no injection occurred when an injection was expected; an injection flow rate that violates a threshold flow rate; an injection volume that violates a threshold volume; an injection pressure that violates a threshold pressure; a violation of a catheter rule set; a violation of a pediatric syringe guardrail; a dropped or erroneous communication interface at the scanner 122 and / or the syringe 132; an amount of noise (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc.) associated with one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122 that violates a threshold noise level ... Occurrence of an artifact associated with one or more images or scans of the patient captured (e.g., level of artifact, number of artifacts, etc.); enhancement or saturation levels associated with one or more images or scans of the patient captured by the scanner 122 that violate a threshold enhancement or saturation level; venous contamination; fluid path leak or interruption indicated and / or associated with a pressure curve; premature enhancement; patient movement; adverse patient reaction; maintenance status associated with the scanner 122 and / or injector 132; inexperienced operator (e.g., operator hesitation, programming statistics, etc.); actuation of a help button; extravasation associated with one or more injections; injection of air associated with one or more injections; occlusion associated with one or more injections; patency of an IV line; impedance of the injector 132 that violates a threshold impedance (e.g., to predict pressure limits, etc.); or any combination thereof.

[0111] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor data is captured by at least one sensor during at least one of the following: setting up the syringe 132 and / or the scanner 122; arming the syringe 132; a period of time that the syringe 132 has been armed; a keep vein open (KVO) operation performed by the syringe 132; delivering a test bolus and / or a tracking bolus to the patient through the syringe 132; delivering a contrast agent to the patient through the syringe 132; a period of time after delivering a contrast agent to the patient; delivering a saline flush to the patient through the syringe; a period of time after delivering a saline flush to the patient; scanning the patient by a scanner; or any combination thereof.

[0112] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the procedure data includes patient data. The patient data may include at least one of the following parameters associated with the patient: age; gender; weight; height; body mass index (BMI); cardiac output; type of procedure to be performed; previous chemotherapy status, such as poor peripheral venous status due to long-term tumor treatment, etc. (e.g., yes, no, number of cycles of chemotherapy received, etc.); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (e.g., eGFR less than 45 ml / min / 1.73 m 2 etc.); history of previous injections including one or more allergic reactions to contrast media; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level; a triiodothyronine (FT3) to thyroxine (FT4) ratio (FT3 / FT4); amount or level of environmental influences (e.g., regional iodine saturation of a region or location of nutrition associated with the patient, etc.); previous reactions to previous contrast media injections status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); atopic disorder status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); medical status related to the presence of diabetes and / or hypertension, such as diabetic nephropathy status, etc. (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); congestive heart failure status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); hematocrit level; known or suspected renal failure status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); malignancy status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); implanted device for central venous access status (e.g., yes, no, level, etc.); type of medication; type of contrast agent to be administered in a contrast injection; type of contrast injection and / or imaging examination; flow rate associated with a contrast injection; catheter meter associated with a contrast injection; total volume of fluid associated with a contrast injection; pressure profile associated with a contrast injection, injection site associated with a contrast injection; location of a patient's IV access point; quality of a patient's IV access point (e.g., as defined by the level of expertise of a technician associated with placing the IV access point, etc.); or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the patient data may include sensor data determined prior to administering a contrast injection to a patient and / or sensor data determined during and / or after one or more previous contrast injections previously administered to the patient.

[0113] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support system 102 retrieves information associated with at least one of a procedure and a patient (e.g., procedure data, patient data, etc.) from one or more database systems 108. For example, the support system 102 may retrieve information associated with at least one of a procedure and a patient from at least one of: an electronic medical record (EMR) system; a radiology information system (RIS); a picture archiving and communication system (PACS); a hospital information system (HIS); a hospital enterprise information system; a cross-location network; or any combination thereof.

[0114] like Figure 3As shown, at step 304, process 300 includes providing a display via a user interface. For example, support system 102 can provide a display via a user interface. As an example, support system 102 can provide a display via user interface 103. In such an example, the display can be generated based on process data.

[0115] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display provided via the support user interface 103 may include an alert. For example, the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 may generate an alert based on at least one of: procedure data; patient data; sensor data; user input received via the support user interface 103; user input received via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; or any combination thereof. As an example, the alert may be associated with one or more of the parameters or conditions described herein as determined based on the procedure data, patient data, sensor data, user input received via the support user interface 103, and / or user input received via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133. In such an example, the display may include an alert, and / or the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 may generate an alert based on the patient data prior to arming the injector 132 for the procedure.

[0116] Alerts provided via the support user interface 103 may include at least one of: an indication of procedure completion; an indication of whether the procedure was performed correctly; a sound emitted by the scanner 122 that is replicated by the support system 102; an indication that the operator appeared hesitant during programming; an indication of whether the operator is observing the correct syringe in the correct procedure position with the correct patient; a real-time display of injection parameters (e.g., pressure graphs, injection phases, etc.); an indication of an adverse event (e.g., extravasation, etc.); a selected injection protocol; a selected imaging protocol; an indication of the quality of one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner 122; or any combination thereof.

[0117] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display provided via the support user interface 103 can be mirrored with the display provided via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support user interface 103, the scanner user interface 123, and / or the injector user interface 133 can include an independent workflow-aware user interface as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,090,440 issued on August 17, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0118] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the display provided via the support user interface 103 includes a prompt to confirm or approve the operation of the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 . For example, the operation may include at least one of the following operations: changing the display of the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; receiving further user input via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; setting an injection protocol at the injector 132; setting an imaging protocol at the scanner 122; initiating a loading process with the injector 132; initiating data capture with the injector 132; arming the injector 132; initiating a keep vein open (KVO) process with the injector 132; starting a saline test injection with the injector 132; initiating a drug injection with the injector 132; initiating a contrast test injection with the injector 132; initiating a contrast injection with the injector 132; initiating a scan with the scanner 122; aborting a test injection with the injector 132; aborting a contrast injection with the injector 132; aborting a scan with the scanner 122; initiating a saline flush injection with the injector; aborting a saline flush injection with the injector; ending a procedure on the patient; or any combination thereof. As an example, operations and / or displays associated therewith may include one or more operations described by U.S. Patent No. 11,232,862, issued on January 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and which may be used for predictive maintenance of injection systems. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, contrast agent injection may include a dual-stream injection in which a controlled ratio of each of a contrast agent and saline is delivered together, either simultaneously or sequentially, in a sufficiently small bolus so that the contrast agent and saline are effectively mixed prior to imaging.

[0119] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, operation of the injector 132 may include delivering a test bolus and / or determining an injection regimen based thereon, as described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2020247370A1, published on December 10, 2020, which was filed on June 2, 2020 as International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 035699, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0120] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process data includes one or more images (and / or one or more segments thereof) of a patient captured by the scanner 122, and / or the support system 102 (and / or the imaging system 120, etc.) processes the one or more images to select a subset of the one or more images, and / or the support system 102 generates a display based on the selected subset of the one or more images. For example, the support system 102 (and / or the imaging system 120, etc.) may process the one or more images using a machine learning model and / or other image processing algorithm to select a subset of the one or more images based on one or more quality controls or thresholds.

[0121] Also refer to Figures 4A-4C , Figures 4A-4C 4 shows a non-limiting embodiment or implementation of an aspect of a user interface for a remote control console used in a diagnostic imaging procedure. Figure 4A As shown, the support system 102 can provide a display via a user interface 103. For example, the display can include a plurality of segmented displays or portions corresponding to a plurality of process systems 106 (e.g., system A, system B, system C, system D, etc.). As an example, the segmented display or portion corresponding to each process location 106 can be generated based on process data associated with and / or received from the process system 106. For example, Figure 4A As shown, the segmented display or portion of each process system 106 can include one or more of the following: a real-time display or live video feed of each location, which can be in various process states; one or more alarms associated with each location; a mirrored scanner user interface associated with each location; a mirrored injector user interface associated with each location; and / or the like.

[0122] like Figure 4A As further shown, the segmented display or portion of each process system 106 can have the same or similar size as each other portion. For example, the support system 102 can provide a display via the user interface 103 so as not to unduly draw attention to one process system 106 over other process systems by a virtual imaging expert who is monitoring multiple process systems 106. However, the support system 102 can automatically provide a display having one or more segmented displays or portions for one or more process systems 106 in a manner that is enlarged or scaled compared to other segmented displays or portions for other process systems based on process data via the user interface 103. For example, as Figure 4BAs shown, the support system 102 can automatically provide a display with a segmented display or portion of system B in an enlarged, scaled, and / or highlighted manner compared to other segmented displays or portions for other process systems through the user interface 103 based on the process data. As an example, the support system 102 can automatically provide a display with a segmented display or portion of system B in an enlarged, scaled, and / or highlighted manner through the user interface 103 in response to at least one of: generating or receiving an alarm associated with system B, generating or receiving a prompt to confirm or approve operation of the scanner 122 and / or injector 132 of system B, receiving user input through the user interface 103, receiving user input through the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133, any combination thereof, etc. For example, the support system 102 can be configured to automatically draw the attention of a virtual imaging expert monitoring multiple process systems 106 to the process system 106 or its operator that currently and / or most urgently requests or requires input and / or assistance from the virtual imaging expert, such as for the virtual imaging expert to confirm the operation of the imaging system 120 and / or injection system 130 before the operation of the imaging system 120 and / or injection system 130 is initiated, etc.

[0123] The support system 102 can automatically provide, based on the process data, via the user interface 103, portions of one or more process systems 106 within one or more segmented displays or portions thereof in an enlarged or scaled manner compared to other portions of the segmented displays or portions. Figure 4B and 4C As shown, the support system 102 can automatically provide, via the user interface 103, a portion of the segmented display or portion of system B in an enlarged, scaled, and / or highlighted manner relative to other portions of system B, based on the process data. As an example, the support system 102 can automatically provide, via the user interface 103, a portion of the segmented display or portion of system B in an enlarged, scaled, and / or highlighted manner in response to at least one of: generating or receiving an alarm associated with system B, generating or receiving a prompt to confirm or approve operation of the scanner 122 and / or injector 132 of system B, receiving user input via the user interface 103, receiving user input via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133, any combination thereof, and the like. For example, the support system 102 can be configured to automatically draw the attention of the virtual imaging expert monitoring system B to information and / or data associated with a current alarm and / or prompt to be processed at system B, such as for the virtual imaging expert to confirm operation of the imaging system 120 and / or injection system 130 before operation of the imaging system 120 and / or injection system 130 is initiated. Figure 4BAs shown, the virtual imaging expert is used to monitor the operation of the imaging system 120 and / or the injection system 130 during the execution of the imaging system 120 and / or the injection system 130, such as Figure 4C As shown, etc.

[0124] like Figure 3 As shown, at step 306, process 300 includes receiving user input via a user interface. For example, support system 102 can receive user input via a user interface. As an example, support system 102 can receive user input via support user interface 103.

[0125] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input includes at least one of selection, programming, and modification of at least one of an injection protocol and an imaging protocol. For example, the support system 102 and / or the injection system 130 can adjust at least one of a maximum flow rate, a maximum pressure, an injection duration, a total volume of fluid, or any combination thereof for a fluid injection based on the user input.

[0126] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input includes a response (e.g., confirmation, rejection, etc.) prompting confirmation or approval of the operation of the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132. For example, if the support user interface 103 includes a display including a prompt to confirm the operation of the imaging system 120 and / or the injection system 130, the support system 102 can receive a response from the user via the support user interface 103 confirming or rejecting the operation.

[0127] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input includes instructions to the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 to initiate, modify, and / or perform operations of the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132. For example, the user input may include instructions to the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 to initiate, modify, and / or perform at least one of the following operations: changing the display of the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; receiving further user input via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; setting an injection protocol (e.g., phase, volume, flow rate, pressure limit, fluid type, etc.) at the injector 132; setting an imaging protocol at the scanner 122; initiating a loading process with the injector 132; initiating data capture with the injector 132; Acquire; Arm syringe 132; Initiate keep vein open (KVO) procedure with syringe 132; Initiate saline test injection with syringe 132; Initiate medication injection with syringe 132; Initiate contrast test injection with syringe 132; Initiate contrast injection with syringe 132; Initiate scan with scanner 122; Abort test injection with syringe 132; Abort contrast injection with syringe 132; Abort scan with scanner 122; Initiate saline flush injection with syringe; Abort saline flush injection with syringe; End procedure on patient; or any combination thereof. As an example, the operations and / or user input associated therewith may include one or more operations described by U.S. Patent No. 11,232,862, issued on January 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0128] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user input includes injection protocol parameters (e.g., phase, volume, flow rate, pressure limit, etc.); fluid type related to fluid delivery (e.g., contrast type, saline, etc.); quality assurance guardrail parameters; patient health information (e.g., CIN risk, allergies, etc.); air check confirmation; check boxes for patient characteristics to guide protocol selection; one or more safety inputs, checks, and / or stops; recording of adverse events; location and / or method of IV access; or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user input includes a system enabling communication between a first user at scanner 122 and a second user at support system 102 (e.g., at a remote console, etc.), such as, for example, voice communication, voice capture and camera capture of the scanner space or console (optionally visible to the user while working), video conference communication, text communication, etc.

[0129] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input may include any user input described by International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021222771A1, published on November 4, 2021, which was filed on April 30, 2021 as International Patent Application No. PCT / US2021 / 030210, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, at step 308, process 300 includes controlling the operation of the injection system and / or the imaging system based on the user input. For example, the support system 102 may control the operation of the injection system and / or the imaging system based on the user input. As an example, the support system 102 may control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system based on the user input. In such an example, the support system 102 may control the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 to modify and terminate at least one of the operations. As an example, the support system 102 may control the injection system 130 to modify or terminate an operation including delivering a fluid to a patient with a syringe 132. As an example, the support system 102 may control the imaging system 120 to modify or terminate an operation including scanning a patient with a scanner 122.

[0131] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support system 102 may control the scanner 122 and / or the injector 132 based on the user input to initiate and / or perform at least one of the following operations: changing the display of the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; receiving further user input via the scanner user interface 123 and / or the injector user interface 133; setting an injection protocol at the injector 132; setting an imaging protocol at the scanner 122; initiating a loading process with the injector 132; initiating data capture with the injector 132; arming the injector 132; initiating a keep vein open (KVO) process with the injector 132; initiating a saline test injection with the injector 132; initiating a drug injection with the injector 132; initiating a contrast test injection with the injector 132; initiating a contrast injection with the injector 132; initiating a scan with the scanner 122; aborting a test injection with the injector 132; aborting a contrast injection with the injector 132; aborting a scan with the scanner 122; initiating a saline flush injection with the injector; aborting a saline flush injection with the injector; ending a process on the patient; or any combination thereof.

[0132] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, if the display of the support user interface 103 includes a prompt to confirm operation of the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120, the support system 102 may control the operation of the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 by preventing the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 from performing the operation until a response to the prompt is received via the support user interface 103.

[0133] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support system 102 receives authentication data (e.g., user name, password, etc.) associated with a user account (e.g., a user account of an operator, etc.) from the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 via the injection user interface 133 and / or the imaging user interface 123. For example, the support system 102 may restrict the user account from initiating and / or modifying one or more operations of the injection system 130 and / or the imaging system 120 via the injection user interface 133 and / or the imaging user interface 123 based on the authorization level associated with the user account. As an example, the support system 102 may determine the authorization level associated with the user account based on the authentication data. In such an example, the authorization level associated with the user account can be selected from one of the following authorization levels: a first authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol; a second authorization level, at which the user account is restricted from modifying a first subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol, and is able to modify a second subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol; and a third authorization level, at which the user account is able to modify each parameter of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol.

[0134] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the support system 102 may also determine the authorization level associated with the user account based on at least one of: the number of procedures associated with the user account; the quality, experience, and / or other ratings associated with the user account; the type and / or aspect of the procedure; the type of patient; or any combination thereof.

[0135] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the process system 106 may include a fail-safe mechanism that fails in a mode such that even if communication with the support system 102 fails and / or certain other aspects of the support system 102 fail, the process system 106 can still be operated locally to capture images and / or inject contrast media (e.g., the imaging system 120 and the injection system 132 can still be operated locally, etc.).

[0136] Reference now Figure 5 , Figure 5is a diagram of an implementation 500 of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for implementing a remote console for use in a diagnostic imaging procedure. Figure 5 As shown, implementation 500 includes a support system 502, a process system 506, an imaging system 520, and / or an injection system 530. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, support system 502 can be the same as or similar to support system 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, process system 506 can be the same as or similar to process system 106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, imaging system 520 can be the same as or similar to imaging system 120. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, injection system 530 can be the same as or similar to injection system 130.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown by reference numeral 550 in FIG, support system 502 can provide a display of a patient to a virtual imaging expert (e.g., a remote user) (e.g., in response to the patient arriving at the location of process system 506, etc.). For example, a radiologic technologist (and / or a medical assistant, a local user, etc.) at the location of process system 506 can meet with the patient and confirm the patient's identity, and the virtual imaging expert can simultaneously confirm the patient's identity and / or advise the radiologic technologist via support system 502. A procedure prescription (e.g., a CT liver procedure / study, an MR heart procedure / study, etc.). A pre-procedure checklist, and / or patient characteristics can be obtained by process system 506 and / or input or imported by the radiologic technologist from an EHR and / or EMR system. As further shown by reference numeral 550, support system 502 can provide a procedure checklist, patient characteristics, IV access location, etc. to the virtual imaging expert for the virtual imaging expert to confirm the procedure checklist, patient characteristics, IV access location and / or advise the radiologic technologist thereon. As further shown by reference numeral 550, the support system 502 can provide a display to the virtual imaging expert to monitor the local radiologic technologist and / or systems (e.g., imaging system 520, injection system 530, etc.) for corrective actions and / or alerts or potential adverse events generated based on patient characteristics and / or a pre-procedural checklist.

[0138] like Figure 5As shown in the figure mark 555 in the figure, the support system 502 and / or the process system 506 can retrieve the injection and / or imaging plan (e.g., from the EMR, from the plan database, etc.). As further shown in the figure mark 555, the support system 502 can provide the injection and / or imaging plan to the virtual imaging expert for the virtual imaging expert to confirm the injection and / or imaging plan and / or provide advice to the radiological technician on this. The radiological technician can load the syringe, which can be remotely monitored by the virtual imaging expert via the support system 502. As further shown in the figure mark 555, the virtual imaging expert can remotely set, adjust and / or confirm the injection and / or imaging plan (e.g., scan parameters, region of interest (ROI), etc.) via the support system 502, and the radiological technician can equip the syringe and check the air. Depending on the authorization level of the on-site radiological technician, the technician can perform some, most or all of the functions listed for the virtual imaging expert, where the virtual imaging expert, for example, is on call at the request of the on-site radiological technician and / or intervenes when the support system 102 alarms, and monitors the process in the process location and interacts as needed.

[0139] The non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the authorization levels described herein are exemplary. For example, a multi-level and / or multi-dimensional authorization model with various authorizations may be used. For example, a user may be able to use a solution: just as is, modify a solution, create a new solution, eliminate a solution, and / or override / block another user's actions.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure mark 560 in , the local radiologic technologist can initiate a test injection, and the support system 502 can provide information or data to the virtual imaging expert for monitoring the technologist and / or the patient during the test injection. If the test injection includes only a saline injection, the local sensors, the on-site technologist, and / or the virtual imaging expert can confirm that the fluid is flowing properly into the patient and / or there are no extravasations and / or adverse events. If the test injection includes a contrast agent for capturing information about the patient, the same monitoring of proper flow can occur as described above, and when the injection system 530 delivers the test injection, the imaging system 520 can generate tracking bolus data for adjusting the injection regimen (e.g., contrast agent dose optimization, images at peak enhancement, etc.), which the support system 502 can provide to the virtual imaging expert. Example adjustments are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2020247370A1, published on December 10, 2020, which was filed on June 2, 2020 as International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 035699, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0141] like Figure 5As shown in the figure 565 in FIG. 5 , after the test injection, the virtual imaging expert can adjust the injection and / or imaging plan via the support system 502, which can be confirmed by the local radiation technology expert. Figure 5 As further shown by reference numeral 565 in , for example, if the local radiologist does not have sufficient system privileges to initiate the injection locally on the process system 506, the virtual imaging expert can initiate the injection via the support system 502, and / or if the local radiologist has sufficient system privileges to initiate the injection locally on the process system 506, and / or if a manual injection process is performed, the local radiologist can initiate the injection via the process system 506. At any time during the injection, the virtual imaging expert can abort the process via the support system 502, and / or the support system 502 can automatically abort the process based on the process data, which can cause the injection system 530 to stop injecting and / or the imaging system 520 to stop imaging. At any time during the injection, the imaging system 520 and / or the injection system 530 can detect the condition and abort the injection, the imaging process, or a combination thereof. Figure 5 As further shown in FIG. 565 , when images are available from the imaging system 520 , the support system 502 may provide the images to the virtual imaging expert for review, e.g., to identify image artifacts, IV contamination, delayed enhancement, etc. If there are any issues determined based on the examination, the support system 502 and / or the virtual imaging expert may decide to repeat some or all of the imaging process.

[0142] After the procedure is completed, the virtual imaging expert may assess the patient status and the quality of the procedure via the support system 502, which may archive or store (eg, in a database, etc.) information and / or data associated with the procedure.

[0143] Although embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for purposes of illustration and description, it will be understood that such detail is for that purpose only, and that the embodiments or aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. In fact, any of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: user interface; and At least one processor programmed and / or configured to: receiving procedure data associated with a procedure on the patient from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan the patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system is in communication with the imaging system; providing a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receiving user input via the user interface; and Operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is controlled based on the user input.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The process data includes at least one of the following: at least one image captured by a camera associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; information received via the at least one additional user interface; sensor data captured by at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; Or any combination thereof.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The process data comprises the at least one image, and wherein the at least one image comprises at least one of: one or more images of the patient; one or more images of an operator of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; one or more images of IV access sites on the patient; one or more images of the syringe; one or more images from said scanner; Or any combination thereof.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The process data comprises the information received via the at least one further user interface, and wherein the information received via the at least one further user interface comprises at least one of: Imaging prescription; Pre-procedure checklist; Indications of patient consent; Adverse reaction checklist; at least one of selection, programming, and modification of an injection protocol; at least one of selection, programming, and modification of imaging protocols; a request to initiate said operation; a request to terminate said process; Information captured at the end of said process; Secondary captured information; information on billing procedures; Or any combination thereof.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The process data comprises the sensor data captured by the at least one sensor associated with at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of: Flow sensor; Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Vibration sensor; Strain gauges; Motor current sensor; Optical sensors; Scanner; or any combination thereof, and Wherein, the process data includes at least one of the following parameters determined based on the sensor data: motion associated with the patient; sound associated with the patient; communication status between the scanner and the injector; one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; the amount of noise associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; the enhancement or saturation level associated with one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; the flow rate during one or more fluid injections by the injector; the duration of one or more fluid injections by the injector; the volume pumped and / or delivered by the injector during one or more injections; the pressure of one or more injections achieved by the injector; imaging signals from a region of interest at a certain time or over a period of time; an ECG gating sequence; the patient's pulse; or any combination thereof.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor data is captured by the at least one sensor during at least one of the following: providing at least one of the injector and the scanner; equipping the syringe; The period of time that the syringe has been equipped; a keep vein open (KVO) maneuver performed by the syringe; delivering a test bolus and / or a follow-up bolus to the patient via the syringe; delivering a contrast agent to the patient via the syringe; a period of time after delivery of a contrast agent to said patient; delivering a saline flush to the patient via the syringe; a period of time after delivering a saline flush to said patient; scanning the patient by the scanner; Or any combination thereof.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The display includes an alert, and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on at least one of: the sensor data; the user input; patient data relating to the patient; Or any combination thereof.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The process data includes patient data including at least one of the following parameters associated with the patient: age; weight; height; Body mass index; Cardiac output; the risk or likelihood of an adverse event; Adverse events; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); Previous injection history, including one or more allergic reactions to contrast media; The location of the patient’s IV access point; the quality of the patient's IV access point; Or any combination thereof.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The display includes an alert, and wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system generates the alert based on the patient data prior to arming the injector for the procedure.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further programmed and / or configured to retrieve information associated with at least one of the procedure and the patient from at least one of: Electronic medical record (EMR) systems; Radiology Information System (RIS); Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS); Hospital Information System (HIS); Hospital Enterprise Information System; Cross-location network; Or any combination thereof.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The user input includes at least one of selecting, programming, and modifying at least one of an injection protocol and an imaging protocol.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The display includes a prompt confirming operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system, and wherein the at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system by: At least one of the injection system and the imaging system is controlled such that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is prevented from performing the operation until a response to the prompt is received via the user interface.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The operation includes at least one of the following operations: changing a display of the at least one additional user interface; receiving further user input via the at least one further user interface, setting an injection protocol at the syringe; setting up an imaging protocol at the scanner; Initiate a loading process with the syringe; initiating data capture with the syringe; equipping the syringe; Initiate a keep vein open (KVO) procedure using the syringe; Initiate a test injection of saline with the syringe; starting injection of medication using the syringe; initiating a test injection of contrast medium with the syringe; initiating contrast medium injection with the syringe; initiating scanning with the scanner; terminating the saline test injection with the syringe; terminating the contrast medium test injection with the syringe; terminating the contrast agent injection using the syringe; Initiate a saline flush injection with the syringe; terminating the saline flush injection with the syringe; terminating scanning with the scanner; ending a procedure for said patient; Or any combination thereof.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The operation comprises at least one of delivering a fluid to the patient with the injector and scanning the patient with the scanner, and wherein the at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to control the operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system by: At least one of the injection system and the imaging system is controlled so that at least one of the injection system and the imaging system at least one of modifies and suspends the operation.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The procedure data includes one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner, and wherein the at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to process the one or more images to select a subset of the one or more images, and wherein the display is generated based on the selected subset of the one or more images.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein: The scanner includes at least one of the following: a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, a computed tomography (CT) scanner, a positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) scanner, a positron emission tomography / magnetic resonance (PET / MR) scanner; a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanner, an ultrasound system, an infrared imaging system, a photoacoustic imaging system, or any combination thereof.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The injection system, the imaging system, and the at least one additional user interface are located at a procedure location, and wherein the user interface is located at a support location distinct from the procedure location.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: The procedure location includes at least one of the following locations: a hospital, an imaging center, a mobile imaging trailer, a vehicle, or any combination thereof.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein: The user input includes at least one of the following: a response to a prompt to confirm said operation of at least one of said injection system and said imaging system; instructions to at least one of the injection system and the imaging system to initiate, modify and / or perform operations of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system; Or any combination thereof.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein: The display includes at least one alarm, and wherein the at least one alarm includes at least one of: an indication that the procedure is complete; an indication whether the procedure was performed correctly; an indication that the operator appeared hesitant during programming; a real-time display of measured parameters associated with fluid injection; an indication of a detected adverse event; an indication of the quality of one or more images of the patient captured by the scanner; or any combination thereof.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is programmed and / or configured to: receiving authentication data associated with a user account from at least one of the injection system and the imaging system via the at least one additional user interface; Based on an authorization level associated with the user account, one or more operations of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system are restricted from being initiated and / or modified by the user account via the at least one additional user interface, wherein the authorization level associated with the user account is determined based on the authentication data.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein: The authorization level is also determined based on at least one of the following: the number of processes associated with the user account; quality, experience and / or other ratings associated with the user account; the type and / or aspect of the process; the type of patient in question; Or any combination thereof.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein: The authorization level associated with the user account is selected from one of the following authorization levels: a first authorization level at which the user account is restricted from modifying at least one of an injection protocol and a scanning protocol; a second authorization level in which the user account is restricted from modifying a first subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol and is able to modify a second subset of parameters of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol; A third authorization level, at which the user account can modify each parameter of at least one of the injection protocol and the scanning protocol.

24. A method comprising: providing a user interface using at least one processor; receiving, with the at least one processor, procedure data associated with a procedure on the patient from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan the patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system is in communication with the imaging system; providing, with the at least one processor, a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receiving, with the at least one processor, user input via the user interface; and Based on the user input, operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is controlled using the at least one processor.

25. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer readable medium, the at least one non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: Provide a user interface; receiving procedure data associated with a procedure on the patient from at least one of an injection system including a syringe configured to deliver a fluid to a patient and an imaging system including a scanner configured to scan the patient, wherein at least one of the injection system and the imaging system includes at least one additional user interface different from the user interface, and wherein the injection system is in communication with the imaging system; providing a display via the user interface, wherein the display is generated based on the process data; receiving user input via the user interface; and Operation of at least one of the injection system and the imaging system is controlled based on the user input.

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