Injection head and chemical injection device comprising the same

Abstract

To provide an injection head and a chemical injection device that allow an operator to excellently confirm the air bubble contamination state inside a syringe before injection.SOLUTION: A chemical-liquid injection head 110 includes a: a syringe holding unit 140 which holds a syringe in which a piston member is slidably inserted into a cylinder member having a circular cylindrical shape, b: a piston driving mechanism 130 having a ram member 131 for moving the piston member of the syringe, and c: a first light emitting portion 133a which emits light with a first color and illuminates the syringe and a second light emitting portion 133b which emits light with a second color and illuminates the syringe. The first light emitting portion 133a and the second light emitting portion 133b, viewed in a posture at the time of use of the injection head, are provided at an upper side of the ram member 131.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection head and a liquid injection device for injecting a liquid medicine such as a contrast agent into a subject, and in particular to an injection head and a liquid injection device that allow an operator to easily check the state of air bubbles in a syringe before injection. [Background technology]

[0002] Known medical imaging diagnostic devices include CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) devices, ultrasound diagnostic devices, angiography imaging devices, etc. When using such imaging devices, a contrast agent, saline solution, etc. (hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as "medicinal liquids") may be injected into a patient.

[0003] Various types of devices for automatically injecting a liquid medicine have been known in the past. The configuration and performance of the device vary depending on the type of examination the device is used for (in other words, the type of imaging device it is used with), but an example of a liquid medicine injector for angiography is known, such as that shown in Patent Document 1. In angiography, a hollow tube called a thin catheter is usually introduced into a blood vessel, the tip of the catheter is positioned near the target blood vessel, and then a contrast agent or the like is injected into the blood vessel and an image is taken. The blood vessels thus imaged are displayed on a display or the like, and a doctor performs diagnosis and treatment while viewing the image. In angiography, a liquid medicine is injected through a thin catheter, so that the injection pressure is very high, which is one of the major differences between liquid medicine injectors for CT examinations and liquid medicine injectors for MR examinations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5586310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In angiography, an empty syringe is set in a liquid injector, and the required amount of contrast medium is drawn into the syringe and injected in the hospital. In order to prevent air bubbles from being sent to the patient, it is desirable to be able to clearly check the state of air bubbles in the syringe before injection.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide an injection head and a liquid injection device equipped with the same that allow an operator to easily check the state of air bubbles in a syringe before injection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is as follows: a: a syringe holder that holds a syringe having a piston member slidably inserted into a cylindrical cylinder member; b) a piston drive mechanism having a ram member for moving a piston member of the syringe; c: a first light-emitting unit that emits light of a first color and illuminates the syringe, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color and illuminates the syringe; An injection head comprising: An injection head, wherein the first light-emitting section and the second light-emitting section are provided above the ram member (above the center point of the ram member when viewed from the front side) when viewed in the injection head's in-use position. "Position of the injection head when in use" refers to the position in which the tip end of the syringe set on the injection head is at the same height as or lower than the rear end.

[0008] (Terminology explanation) The term "medicinal liquid injector" refers to a medical liquid injector that injects a medical liquid, and in this specification, refers to a device that injects at least a contrast medium (particularly a contrast medium used in angiography). The medical liquid injector may inject a medical liquid through a catheter. The medical liquid injector may include the following components (partial or all): one or more piston drive mechanisms, one or more control circuits (which may be a control unit, etc.), one or more head displays, and one or more displays. In the case where the medical liquid injector includes an injection head and a console, etc., (a) the injection head may be provided with a piston drive mechanism and a head display, and the console may be provided with a control unit and a display. (b) A control unit may be provided in both the injection head and the console. An example of this form is one in which a control circuit is disposed inside the injection head, and another control circuit is also disposed in the console.

[0009] "Medicinal solution" refers to, for example, a contrast medium, saline solution, a specific drug, or a mixture of these. "Connection" - In this specification, when a certain device is said to be connected to another device, this may be in the form of a wired connection or a wireless connection. It also includes cases where the devices are directly connected to each other, as well as cases where they are indirectly connected via other elements.

[0010] Specific examples of "contrast media" include: (i) contrast media with an iodine concentration of 240 mg / ml (e.g., viscosity 3.3 mPa·s, specific gravity 1.268-1.296 at 37°C), (ii) contrast media with an iodine concentration of 300 mg / ml (e.g., viscosity 6.1 mPa·s, specific gravity 1.335-1.371 at 37°C), (ii) contrast media with an iodine concentration of 350 mg / ml (e.g., viscosity 10.6 mPa·s, specific gravity 1.392-1.433 at 37°C), etc. Contrast media with an iodine concentration of 370 mg / ml or more may also be used. A specific example of saline for "physiological saline" is saline containing 180 mg of sodium chloride per 20 mL of saline (for example, viscosity 0.9595 mPa s, specific gravity 1.004-1.006 at 20°C). Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an injection head that allows an operator to easily check the state of air bubbles in a syringe before injection, and a liquid injector equipped with the injection head. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including a chemical liquid injector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an injection head. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a syringe and a protective cover attached thereto. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of each part of a drug solution injection device. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front end of the injection head. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front end of the injection head. [Figure 7] This is a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (initial screen). [Figure 8] A graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (with one body segment selected). [Figure 9] A graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (one imaging site has been selected). [Figure 10] This is a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (standby state). [Figure 11] This is a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (start OK state). [Figure 12]This is a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (changing the dilution ratio). [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a screen during drug injection. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a screen showing a state in which injection is temporarily stopped. [Figure 15] This is a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions (changing the imaging site). [Figure 16] 13 is an example of an icon of an imaging region. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a six-view diagram of an operating device (console) for an injector for a liquid injector, the design of which includes an image displayed on a display. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a holding mechanism for the injection head. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a screen including an image showing mixing using a mixing device. [Figure 20] 13 is another example of a screen including an image showing mixing using a mixing device. [Figure 21] 13 is yet another example of a screen including an image showing mixing using a mixing device. [Figure 22] 1 is an example of a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the screen during liquid medicine injection. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of injection conditions. [Figure 25A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hospital system including a liquid injector. [Figure 25B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an injection result display. [Figure 25C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of detailed display of an injection result. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a mechanism for holding an injection head. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a mounting mechanism for an injection head, etc. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a front view of the mounting mechanism in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing details of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 27. [Diagram 30] FIG. 28 is a side view of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 27. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a holding mechanism for the injection head. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing details of the retention mechanism of FIG. 31. [Diagram 33] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing details of the retention mechanism of FIG. 31 (retention assembly). [Diagram 34] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing details of the retention mechanism of FIG. 31 (handle). [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a mounting structure for an injection head, etc. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a mounting structure for an injection head, etc. [Figure 37] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing details of the mounting structure of FIG. 35. [Figure 38] 36 is a diagram showing details of the mounting structure in FIG. 35 (as viewed from the side). FIG. [Figure 39A] 13 is an example of an infusion mode screen (checked state). [Figure 39B] 13 is an example of an infusion mode screen (standby state). [Figure 39C] This is an example of an infusion mode screen (start OK state). [Figure 39D] This is an example of an infusion mode screen (injecting). [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example in which an indicator portion, which is a light-emitting portion of the injection head, is modified. [Diagram 41] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a light emission pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a specific example of a liquid injector and the like is disclosed below, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this specific configuration.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, liquid injector 100 of the present embodiment includes injection head 110 and console 210 electrically connected thereto. A power supply unit 190 may also be provided to supply power to injection head 110 and console 210. In FIG. 1, two imaging devices 300-1, 300-2 (also simply referred to as imaging device 300) are provided. However, only one imaging device may be provided. Power supply unit 190 may include a built-in control circuit, which is connected to at least one of the injection head and the console for signal exchange, for example. Liquid injector 100 in FIG. 1 is composed of three devices, but may also be composed of console 210 and injection head 110.

[0015] The imaging device 300 may include, for example, an X-ray CT imaging device 300-1 and an angiographic imaging device 300-2. The angiographic imaging device may have a C-arm. The imaging device 300 is connected to the liquid injector 100 so as to cooperate with each other, and exchanges predetermined information therebetween. For example, the imaging device 300 may be configured such that the start or end of one operation is synchronized with the start or end of the other operation.

[0016] [1. Angiography syringe and protective case] Concerning the configuration of the syringe, etc., the angiographic syringe and its protective case may be as shown in Fig. 3. Angiographic syringe 800 (800A, 800B) has a cylindrical cylinder member 810 and a piston member 820 (see Fig. 4) inserted therein so as to be able to slide freely. The capacity of syringe 800 is not limited, but is, for example, about 50 ml to 300 ml, or about 100 ml to 200 ml (in this specification, "a to b" means greater than or equal to a and less than or equal to b).

[0017] The material of the cylinder member 810 may be resin, glass, metal, or the like. The cylinder member 810 has a flange portion 811f formed at or near its base end. The flange portion 811f may have any contour shape, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or the like, or may have a shape in which the outer periphery of the flange portion 811f is partially cut off by a straight line. The flange portion 811f may have one or more notches formed therein, for example, one notch formed as a recess on each of one side and the opposite side of the flange portion 811f. A locking mechanism (not shown) provided on the injection head side locks the notch. A thin and long protruding conduit portion (nozzle portion) 811a is formed at the tip of the cylinder member 810. A lure lock structure for connecting a drug solution tube is formed at the tip of the conduit portion 811a. The piston member 820 (see FIG. 4) is a so-called rodless type plunger, and a locking protrusion 814 is formed on the back surface of the piston member 820 to which a specific rod (not shown) or a ram member of the piston drive mechanism (see FIG. 5 for details) can be connected.

[0018] Incidentally, a guaranteed pressure resistance of the product is usually set for the angiography syringe 800. The guaranteed pressure resistance may be, for example, 600 psi or more, 800 psi or more, or 1000 psi or more. Incidentally, the syringe may be a prefilled type filled with a medicinal liquid (contrast medium, saline, etc.) in advance, or may be an aspirating type in which the medicinal liquid is aspirated into an empty syringe before use.

[0019] Syringe 800 for angiography is attached to injection head 110 in a state where it is inserted into protective case 840 as exemplified in FIG. 3. Such protective case 840 may have a generally cylindrical hollow main body member 841, for example. Main body member 841 is configured such that the tip side is generally closed and the rear end side is open. Syringe 800 is inserted from the opening on the rear end side of protective case 840. An opening 841h is formed on the tip surface of main body member 841 for passing conduit portion 811a of the syringe. A flange portion 841f is formed on the base end portion of protective case 840. Flange portion 841f is designed to have a shape and / or strength suitable for being held by a holding structure (e.g., a clamping mechanism) on the injection head side. The material of protective case 840 is not particularly limited, but may be resin, glass, metal, or the like.

[0020] [2. Injection head] 2, injection head 110 has a housing 111, and two syringes 800A, 800B (see FIG. 4) are attached to the front end of housing 111. Note that although a two-cylinder injection head is described here, the present invention is also applicable to a single-type injection head that holds a single syringe.

[0021] Injection head 110 has a syringe holding portion 140 that holds syringe 800 while it is housed in protective case 840 (see Figure 3), a piston driving mechanism 130 (see Figures 4 and 5) arranged within housing 111, and a control circuit 150 (see Figure 4) electrically connected to the piston driving mechanism 130.

[0022] The syringe holding section 140 has a pair of clampers 145 and a protective case receiver 141. The clamper 145 is a holding means for holding a part of the protective case 840. The holding means may have any configuration as long as it can stably hold the protective case 840, and may be, for example, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5492873. The protective case receiver 141 is located on the tip side of the clamper 145 and has a recess for holding the outer peripheral surface of the protective case 840. This recess is formed, for example, in an arc shape (approximately semicircular) corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the protective case 840, and holds the lower side of the protective case 840. The protective case receiver 141 may be formed of a transparent or semitransparent material, or may be formed of an opaque material.

[0023] Injection head 110 of the present embodiment is provided with light emitting units 133a and 133b (also referred to as light emitting unit 133) at positions as shown in Fig. 5. Reference numeral 131 shown in Fig. 5 denotes a ram member, which is one element of the piston drive mechanism, and is a member for slidingly moving piston member 820 of the syringe. Ram member 131 is a member having an overall shape that is approximately rod-shaped, and its axis is designed to coincide with the central axis of syringe 800, for example.

[0024] Light-emitting portions 133a and 133b are located at the front end of housing 111 of injection head 110. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 131 The opening is provided as an arc-shaped opening that follows the line. The arc may be formed in a range such that the central angle is 90 degrees or less, or 60 degrees or less. One light-emitting section 133a may be configured to emit light in a predetermined color indicating that the liquid is the first medicinal liquid (e.g., green as a color indicating that the liquid is a contrast agent), and the other light-emitting section 133b may be configured to emit light in a different color (e.g., white).

[0025] The light-emitting elements 133a', 133b' on the other syringe may also be configured so that one light-emitting element 133a' emits light in a predetermined color indicating that it is a second medicinal liquid (for example, blue to indicate that it is saline solution), and the other light-emitting element 133b' emits light in a different color (for example, white).

[0026] In another embodiment, the light emitting unit 133a may be a first color (e.g., green) corresponding to the liquid medicine in the syringe, the light emitting unit 133a' may be a second color (e.g., blue) corresponding to the liquid medicine in the other syringe, and the light emitting units 133b and 133b' may be a different color (a third color). By implementing such an illumination pattern of three or more colors when a certain state is reached, the operator can check the current state of the liquid medicine injection state by looking at the illumination pattern. The timing is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the time when the standby state is released.

[0027] Other light emission modes will be described using the light emitting units 133a and 133b on the left side (A syringe side) in FIG. 6 as an example. Although the A syringe side is used as an example, the B syringe side may be configured to perform the same operation. For example, when the protective case 840 (FIG. 3) is not attached, the light emitting units 133a and 133b do not emit light. When the protective case 840 is attached, either one or both of the light emitting units 133a and 133b may be turned on. Specifically, the white light emitting unit 133b may be turned on. Instead of turning on, it may be made to blink. Such light emission switching may be performed, for example, using the detection result of the presence or absence of the protective case 840 as a trigger, or using the detection result of the opening or closing of the clamper 145 as a trigger.

[0028] As for the light emission mode during injection of the liquid medicine, for example, when injection is performed only on the A syringe out of the A syringe and the B syringe, the A syringe side emits only light (e.g., green) and the B syringe side emits only light (e.g., white) (or may not emit light). The light emitting unit 133a may either light up or blink. When injection is performed only on the B syringe side, the A syringe side emits only light (e.g., white) (or may not emit light), and the B syringe side emits only light (e.g., blue). The light emitting unit 133a' may either light up or blink.

[0029] As a light emission mode during injection of the liquid, the side being injected may be made to blink (particularly light up in a color corresponding to the liquid in the syringe) and the side not being injected may be made to light up (particularly light up in a color corresponding to the liquid in the syringe). This mode may be used when a protocol is used in which the liquid in syringe A and the liquid in syringe B are injected. Next, in the case of a protocol in which only syringe A is injected, the side being injected may be made to blink (particularly light up in a color corresponding to the liquid in the syringe) and the side not being injected may be made to be unlit. In the case of a protocol in which only syringe B is injected, the side being injected may be made to blink (particularly light up in a color corresponding to the liquid in the syringe) and the side not being injected may be made to light up (particularly light up in a color corresponding to the liquid in the syringe).

[0030] In the case of simultaneous injection from syringe A and syringe B, only light emitting portion 133a (e.g., green) and light emitting portion 133a' (e.g., blue) may be made to emit light, and light emitting portions 133b and 133b' may not be made to emit light. In this case, the light may be either a steady light or a flashing light.

[0031] If an error occurs, all the light emitting parts may be made to blink.

[0032] The light source of the light emitting units 133a and 133b is not limited to a specific one, but may be, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The direction of irradiation of the light source may be parallel to the central axis of the syringe 800. By illuminating the liquid medicine inside the syringe with the light from the light emitting units 133a and 133b, the operator can easily visually check the amount of liquid medicine inside the syringe and whether air bubbles have been mixed in. Reference circle L 131 The size of (in other words, the position of light-emitting portions 133a, 133b) may be approximately the same as that of flange portion 841f of protective case 840 (see FIG. 3) (in this case, the light is irradiated onto flange portion 841f), or may be located outside flange portion 841f.

[0033] As a specific configuration example, front end surface 111a of injection head 110 may be formed as a vertical surface (when the head is in a horizontal position), and light-emitting portions 133a, 133b may be openings formed on that surface. A permeable resin member may be fitted into the openings to prevent infiltration of the drug solution, etc. Also, as one example, it is preferable that the permeable resin member is formed flush with front end surface 111a so as not to protrude or recess from the surface.

[0034] The multiple structural parts that make up the injection head 110 can use conventionally known configurations, and although detailed explanations are omitted, the piston drive mechanism, control circuit, and various sensors, etc. may be as follows.

[0035] (Piston drive mechanism) 4, the piston drive mechanism 130 has a motor 139 as an actuator, a transmission mechanism 137 that transmits the rotational output of the motor 139, a ball screw 135 rotated by the transmission mechanism 137, a ball nut unit 132, a ram member 131 that moves forward and backward in accordance with the movement of the ball nut unit 132, and a frame (not shown) that holds at least a part of these elements. In one embodiment, an encoder (not shown) is provided on the ball screw 135, and the amount of rotation and the rotation angle can be detected.

[0036] A DC motor can be used as the motor 139, and among them, a DC brushless motor can be preferably used. A brushless motor has the advantage of being quiet and durable because it does not have a brush. Generally, a brushless motor has a sensor to detect the position of an internal magnet. Therefore, the amount of rotation and the rotation speed of the motor may be detected using the output from this sensor. However, a rotation sensor 139s for detecting the amount of rotation and / or the rotation speed of the motor may be provided separately. Specifically, a rotary encoder, a resolver, or the like can be used. In order to inject a contrast medium at a relatively high pressure in angiography, it is also preferable to use a high-output motor, for example, one with an output of 70W or more, 150W or more, 250W or more, 300W or more, or 450W or more.

[0037] The output of the motor 139 is transmitted to the ball screw 135 via a transmission mechanism 137. The transmission mechanism 137 may be of any type, but as an example, it may have a first pulley (not shown) directly or indirectly connected to the output shaft of the motor 139, a second pulley (not shown) directly or indirectly connected to the ball screw 135, and a belt (not shown) wound around these two pulleys. Note that instead of such a belt transmission mechanism, a gear device, a chain transmission mechanism, or the like may be used.

[0038] (Explanation of the block diagram) As shown in FIG. 4, the injection head 110, in one example, includes a control circuit 150, a memory unit 168, a physical button 161 as an input device, an operation knob 170 as another input device, various sensors 162-165, a display unit 146, a heater 141a, an indicator 173, etc.

[0039] Operation knob 170 may be physically linked to a predetermined mechanism inside housing 111 of injection head 110, and may be configured such that when operation knob 170 is rotated, the force is transmitted to piston drive mechanism 130 to move ram member 131 forward or backward. Alternatively, operation knob 170 may not be physically linked (non-contact) to a predetermined mechanism inside housing 111, but may electrically detect the rotation and use the detection result to operate the drive source of piston drive mechanism 130 to move ram member 131 forward or backward. In the latter case, a configuration may be adopted in which a click is obtained in response to the rotation so that the operator can easily feel that he or she is turning operation knob 170.

[0040] (Control circuit) The control circuit 150 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing, a memory, an interface, etc., and realizes various functions by executing computer programs stored in the memory. The control circuit 150 may be equipped with a processor such as a one-chip microcomputer. The processor may be mounted on a predetermined board, and various electric circuits (e.g., a motor drive circuit) may be provided on the board. The control circuit 150 is electrically connected to various elements of the injection head.

[0041] In one example, the control circuitry 150 may be configured (programmed) to: -Performs predetermined calculations and control based on signals from various sensors. - Sending a predetermined motor control signal to the piston drive mechanism to control the operation; - Displaying predetermined information on the display; -Accepting input from an operator through an input device such as a physical button; -Controlling the operation of heaters, etc.

[0042] (Various sensors, etc.) (a1) Position sensor The position sensor 162 is for defining the movable range of the ram member 131. For example, the position sensor 162 may have a first sensor for detecting that the ram member 131 has moved to the most forward position, and a second sensor for detecting that the ram member 131 has moved to the most backward position. These sensors may be of the contact type or non-contact type. As the non-contact type, an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element may be used. Specifically, when the light is blocked by the object to be detected, the amount of light received by the light receiving element decreases, and a photointerrupter may be used to detect the decrease. Alternatively, a reflective photointerrupter may be used. As shown in FIG. 4, the first sensor may be disposed on the front side (see symbol p1) in the direction along the moving direction of the ram member, and the second sensor may be disposed on the rear side (see symbol p2). As other position sensors, a contact sensor using physical contact, an electric sensor that electrically detects an object, a magnetic sensor, a hall sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. may be used.

[0043] (a2) Clamper sensor The clamper sensor 163 may be a contact sensor configured to come into contact with a part of the clamper 145 when the clamper 145 is closed to a predetermined closed position, or a non-contact sensor that optically or magnetically detects the position of the part of the clamper 145 when the clamper 145 is closed to a predetermined closed position.

[0044] (a3) Syringe detection sensor Syringe sensor 164 is used to detect whether a syringe and / or a protective case is attached. Furthermore, it may be capable of determining what type of syringe and / or protective case is attached. Such a sensor may be of either a contact type or a non-contact type, and examples of such sensors include a contact sensor that uses physical contact, an electric sensor that electrically detects an object, a magnetic sensor, a Hall sensor, and a proximity sensor.

[0045] The above-mentioned various sensors can be applied to detection of a protective case, not just detection of a syringe. For example, one or more identification members may be provided on the protective case, and the identification members may be detected by a sensor. Metal or a magnet may be used as the identification member. The information to be identified may include at least one of the size of the protective case (diameter dimension and / or length dimension, etc., in other words, what diameter of the syringe it corresponds to and / or what length of the syringe it corresponds to) and the drug solution information of the syringe. The information may be identified by detecting the difference in polarity of the magnet. The magnet may be one or more. The position where the identification member is provided is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the flange portion of the protective case or its periphery. Specifically, one or more identification members may be provided on a portion protruding from the flange portion. This "portion protruding from the flange portion" may be a substantially plate-shaped structural portion, and in one example, may be a shape that protrudes a predetermined length radially outward from the flange portion.

[0046] As a specific example, a plurality of magnets can be used to detect the first type when all of them are N poles, the second type when all of them are S poles, the third type when one is N pole and the other is S pole, and the fourth type when one is S pole and the other is N pole. In one embodiment, the liquid injection device is preferably configured to automatically set the movable range of the ram member based on the information thus read. Also, the liquid injection device may be configured to recognize the type and product name of the liquid, or whether it is a prefilled syringe, based on the information thus read.

[0047] (a4) Pressure sensor The pressure sensor 165 is for calculating the pressure pressing the piston member 820 of the syringe, and thus an estimated pressure value of the liquid medicine can be obtained. The pressure sensor 165 may be a load cell, for example. The load cell may be provided at a position where it can detect the pressure of the ram member 131 of the piston drive mechanism 130 pressing the piston member. When using the detection result of the load cell to obtain an estimated pressure value of the liquid medicine when the liquid medicine is being injected, for example, the calculation may be performed taking into consideration the size of the needle, the concentration of the liquid medicine, the injection conditions, and the like. The calculation of the pressure may be performed based on the motor current of the piston drive mechanism, in addition to using the pressure sensor as described above, and such a motor current method may be used in combination with a pressure sensor, or may be implemented alone without providing a pressure sensor.

[0048] (a5) Display One or more display units 146 for displaying predetermined information may be provided on the injection head or separately from the injection head. Display unit 146 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or may utilize an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0049] Next, the content displayed on the display unit 146 is not particularly limited, but may be at least one of the following: - Self-check information, - Display of a given state before the start of injection, - prescribed indications regarding head posture, -Prescribed indications regarding syringe installation, - Predetermined status indication during injection operation, - Display of the conditions for injecting the planned drug solution, - Display of injected drug injection conditions, -Warning display in case of abnormality, etc.

[0050] (a6) Heater The injection head of this embodiment may be provided with a heating element for heating the liquid medicine in the syringe, and as one example, transparent heater 141a using an ITO film may be provided.

[0051] (a7) Interface Interface 169 is a connection unit for exchanging signals with console 210. The connection between console 210 and injection head 110 may be wired or wireless.

[0052] (a8) Storage section Storage unit 168 may be any storage medium capable of storing data, and may be configured with a memory, a hard disk, etc. Storage unit 168 may store information relating to the basic operation of the injection head (operation algorithms, etc.), data tables, etc. Some of this information may be stored in storage unit 261 on the console side, rather than on the injection head side.

[0053] (a9) Physical button The physical button 161 is not particularly limited, but may be the following: - an advance button for advancing the ram member; - a retract button for advancing the ram member; - Accelerator button (acceleration button) that increases the movement speed of the ram when pressed simultaneously with the forward or reverse button; - a return button that returns the ram member to its retracted position; - A stop button to stop the head movement, etc.

[0054] (a10) Light-emitting part Indicator 173 in FIG. 4 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and is used to inform the operator of the operating state of the injection head.

[0055] [3. Console] 4, the console 210 may include a control unit 250, a storage unit 261, a communication unit 262, a slot 257, a touch panel 253, and a display 251. As an example, the console may be an integrated type in which the control unit 250 is disposed in a single housing and the display 251 is disposed on the front surface of the housing. A system using multiple consoles instead of one console may also be used.

[0056] The shape of the case is not limited in any way. The case may have a suitable shape depending on the situation in which the console is used. For example, the case may have the following shape: -A stationary housing shape suitable for use on a table in an operation room; A housing shape that can be suitably attached to a predetermined support member or wall (for example, a thin housing with a substantially flat rear side), etc.

[0057] The display of the console may be a display unit using an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. Also, it may be a touch panel display.

[0058] The control unit 250 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing, a memory, an interface, etc., and realizes various functions by executing computer programs stored in the memory. The control unit 250 may have hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / F, and a processor in which a program is implemented. The control unit 250 has many functions according to the implemented programs, and examples of the console functions include the following: an injection condition setting GUI display function, an injection condition setting function, a screen display function during injection, a screen display function after injection, an input detection function, an injection control function, etc.

[0059] The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage unit of the console, may be downloaded from an external source via a network or the like and stored in the storage unit, or may be read from an information storage medium inserted into a slot. The same applies to the computer program that controls the operation of the injection head; it may be stored in the storage unit of the head or the storage unit of the console, or may be read from an external source.

[0060] Each of the above functions will be briefly explained. The injection condition setting GUI display function displays a GUI screen for setting injection conditions on the display. As a specific example, at least one of a body part icon, an imaging part icon, etc. is displayed, and when it is selected, a predetermined liquid injection condition is presented on the display. The detailed GUI screen will be described later with reference to other drawings.

[0061] The injection condition setting function sets the contents of the liquid injection conditions presented as above as injection conditions after the doctor or medical staff confirms / corrects them.

[0062] The screen display function during injection displays still images or animated images on the display while the liquid is being injected. Also, during the injection of the liquid, pressure information of the liquid is displayed on the display.

[0063] The post-injection screen display function displays information about the completed drug injection on the display.

[0064] The input detection function accepts input from a doctor or medical professional via a touch panel, physical buttons, etc. (examples include).

[0065] The injection control function operates the piston drive mechanism according to the set injection conditions to inject the medicinal liquid. Information regarding the operating conditions of the piston drive mechanism may be transmitted from the console to the injection head, and a control circuit in the injection head may control the piston drive mechanism based on the information.

[0066] The control unit 250 may further have an injection history generation function. The injection history generation function is a function for generating injection history data. The "injection history data" may be, for example, one or more of the following: - Data on heater operation (start time of heating, end time of heating), - An injection operation ID, which is a unique identification information for each injection operation; - Date and time of infusion start and end, - identification information of the drug injection device; -Information on the injection conditions, such as the drug solution and the imaging site, -Information on the injection solution and injection pressure as a result, etc.

[0067] Referring again to FIG. 4, slot 257 is a portion into which a predetermined information storage medium is inserted, and console 210 can read predetermined data from this information storage medium. Interface 269 is a connection portion for connecting with injection head 110. Console 210 may also be connectable to an external network (e.g., a hospital system or the Internet) via communication portion 262. Although not shown in FIG. 4, console 210 may have, for example, a hand switch or a foot switch as an input means. The hand switch is connected to the console by wire or wirelessly and operated by the operator, and may have a push button switch or the like. The operation of injection head 110 and / or console 210 may be controlled by operating these switches. In another form, the foot switch may be connected to injection head 110. The console may have a speaker or the like (not shown) for outputting sound and / or voice. The console may have a microphone or the like (not shown) for inputting voice.

[0068] [Graphical User Interface] The liquid injector 100 may have and display data for one or more of the following screens: start-up / self-check screen, angio mode screen, home screen, injection result screen, protocol setting screen, and error screen, etc.

[0069] (b1: Screen transition) The liquid injector may display the following user interface images. First, a screen for selecting an imaging region, as shown in FIG. 7, is displayed. On this screen, an image 701 in the shape of a human body (also called human body image 701) is displayed. Human body image 701 is made up of a plurality of regions, and in this example, the head, chest, abdomen, and legs are displayed. Each region functions as an image button and can be selected. This screen also displays the remaining amount of each syringe set in injection head 110.

[0070] Next, when one part of the human body image 701 is selected, one or more imaging parts 703 associated with that part are displayed as shown in Fig. 8. The imaging parts 703 may be, for example, a plurality of different blood vessels. The imaging parts 703 also function as image buttons and are selectable.

[0071] Next, when one of the displayed imaging regions 703 is selected, the liquid injection conditions associated with the imaging region 703 are displayed as shown in FIG. 9. Here, an injection rate window 705a and an injection amount window 705b are displayed. In this example, the injection rate window 705a includes information on the injection rate (10 mL / sec) and an indication on the mixing conditions of the contrast medium and physiological saline (the injection rate of each liquid). In this example, the injection amount window 705b includes information on the injection amount (30 mL) and the injection amount of each liquid. Note that the screen of FIG. 9 also displays an image button 711 that displays information on the mixing conditions of the contrast medium and physiological saline. Specifically, the image button 711 displays information on the dilution ratio "50%".

[0072] At the top of the screen in FIG. 9, an image button 707 labeled "Check" (also called a check button 707) is displayed. The checked state is a state in which both test shots (test injections) and regular injections are prohibited. Here, a "test shot" refers to the injection of a small amount of contrast medium (a smaller amount than the regular injection. The injection speed may be slower than the regular injection and / or the pressure condition may be lower than the regular injection) for the purpose of, for example, checking the tip position of the catheter. The injection may be continued only while the hand switch or foot switch is pressed, and may be stopped when the switch is no longer pressed. In the state in FIG. 9, the execution of this test shot is prohibited. By pressing the check button 707, this prohibited state is released, and the test shot can be executed.

[0073] This state is the "standby" state in Fig. 10. In the standby state, test shots can be performed but actual injection is prohibited. In the standby state, for example, after moving the catheter to a predetermined target position inside the subject's body, the operator then presses the standby button 708.

[0074] This will cause a transition to a start OK state, in which image button 709 appears displaying "start OK," as in Figure 11. The start OK state is a state in which liquid injection can begin when there is a final input from the operator. For example, liquid injection is started by pressing the hand switch (or the foot switch), and the injection head operates according to the set injection conditions to perform the desired liquid injection.

[0075] In the above explanation, an example was given in which selecting an area on the screen in Figure 8 transitions to the screen in Figure 9, but it is also possible to omit the screen in Figure 9 and transition directly to the screen in Figure 10 after selecting an area.

[0076] (b2: numeric keypad window) In this embodiment, when an image button 711 is pressed to change a value related to the mixing condition (dilution condition), a numeric keypad window 715 as shown in Fig. 12 may be displayed. In this numeric keypad window 715, a numeric keypad 712 and an enter key 714 are displayed, and a plurality of dilution setting buttons 713a to 713c are displayed. In this example, the dilution setting buttons displayed are a magnification method button 713a, a ratio method button 713b, and a ratio method button 713c.

[0077] These buttons 713a to 713c are for switching the input method for the numerical values ​​related to the mixing conditions. The magnification method button 713a is for changing the dilution ratio of the contrast medium, for example, to "2x", "3x", "4x", etc., and the magnification can be input by pressing the button 713a and selecting an arbitrary number with the numeric keypad 712, for example.

[0078] The ratio method button 713b is for changing the mixing ratio of the contrast agent, for example, to "30%, " "50%, " "70%, etc. The ratio method button 713c is for changing the mixing ratio of the contrast agent and saline, for example, to "1:1", "2:1", "3:1", etc.

[0079] In this manner, in this embodiment, the magnification method button 713a, the proportion method button 713b, and the ratio method button 713c are displayed, and since a numerical value can be set by selecting one of the input methods, the operator can input and correct numerical values ​​in the method he or she desires to use. In the above example, the configuration was such that three options, magnification, proportion, and ratio, could be selected, but the configuration may be such that only two of them are displayed.

[0080] The mode for changing the mixing condition values ​​is ended by confirming the changes with the enter key 714 or by pressing the "x" button displayed together with the numeric keypad window 715. The above contents can be applied not only to the mixing of a contrast medium and a saline solution but also to the mixing of a first and a second medicinal liquids of different concentrations.

[0081] (b3: Injection screen) Next, an image displayed during the liquid injection may be as shown in Fig. 13. This image shows a first syringe 717a, a second syringe 717b, and a mixing device 718 displayed at the joining point of the two liquids. The mixing device 718 is a connector having a function of generating a swirling flow therein to mix the two liquids well. Specifically, the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5804543 can be used.

[0082] During injection of the medicinal liquid, an animation is displayed showing multiple droplets moving toward the subject on path 719a connecting first syringe 717a and mixing device 718, and an animation is also displayed showing multiple droplets moving toward the subject on path 719b connecting second syringe 717b and mixing device 718.

[0083] Furthermore, the mixing device 718 may be configured to display an animation in which a diagonal striped pattern indicating a swirling flow progresses toward the subject. In this manner, by displaying the mixing device 718 on the screen during injection and displaying an animation of mixing by the swirling flow within the device, the operator can visually easily recognize that injection is being performed using the mixing device.

[0084] When liquid injection is temporarily stopped by a specific input from the operator (e.g., pressing a button), a pause display 721 may be displayed, as shown in Fig. 14. When the operator makes a specific input (e.g., pressing a separate button) to resume injection, this pause display 721 disappears, and the screen shown in Fig. 13 appears again, and injection is resumed.

[0085] The image during the liquid injection may be as shown in FIG. 23. In this image, the two syringes 717a and 717b are displayed in a smaller size than in FIG. 13, while the mixing device 718 is displayed in a larger size. Other elements may be the same as in FIG. 13, but in this example, a display is shown in which multiple droplets are also ejected from the tip of the mixing device 718. As in FIG. 13, the droplets may be displayed as an animation. Note that, in the image of FIG. 13, a mode in which multiple droplets are ejected from the tip of the mixing device 718 may also be used.

[0086] This application also discloses partial designs in which the images in Figures 13 and 23 are part of the design (see Figure 17). The application also discloses partial designs in which only a part of the images in Figures 13 and 23 (for example, only the mixing device 718, only the display of droplets such as paths 719a and 719b, or a combination of these with syringes 717a and 717b) is the part to be registered, and the rest is drawn with dashed lines. Alternatively, it may be any combination of one or more of the other elements. The image in Figure 23 may be replaced with the image displayed on the console in Figure 17.

[0087] (b4: Screen for selecting parts, etc.) The screen for setting the injection conditions has been described above with reference to Figs. 7 to 9, but may be as shown in Fig. 15. On this screen, a human body image 701 is displayed, with the chest being selected. A plurality of imaging regions 703 (LCA, LVG, RCA, etc. in this example) corresponding to the chest are displayed, with one of them being selected.

[0088] The injection conditions associated with the selected imaging region 703 are displayed on the screen. Here, information such as the injection rate, injection amount, and injection time is displayed. The screen also displays information on the injection delay time, injection rise time, and pressure limit.

[0089] The delay time is based on the premise that the operation of the liquid injector and the operation of the imaging device are linked (synchronized). That is, when scanning with the imaging device is started first and liquid injection is started after a predetermined time has elapsed, the delay time from the start point of scanning with the imaging device is the delay time. In this example, it is 10 seconds. In this embodiment, when scanning with the imaging device is started, the delay time may be displayed in a countdown manner.

[0090] FIG. 15 shows a state where one imaging part 703 (LVG) has already been selected. In order to select another imaging part 703 from this state, for example, a method is conceivable in which the human body image 701 (chest) which is a major section is once selected again, and then another imaging part 703 (for example, LCA) which is a medium section is selected. However, in this embodiment, it is configured to be possible to directly switch to another imaging part 703 (for example, LVG → LCA) without reselecting the human body part 701 which is a major section. In other words, each of the multiple imaging parts 703 in FIG. 15 is configured to be selectable, and by selecting one of them, another imaging part is directly selected and the conditions associated with it are set. According to such a selection method, since it is not necessary to once select the human body part 701 which is a major section again, it is possible to perform an operation simply and intuitively.

[0091] Regarding the imaging region 703, instead of simply displaying the name of the target region (LCA, LVG, RCA, etc.), indicators 704a and 704b indicating what kind of medicinal liquid is injected may be displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 16. The indicators 704a and 704b indicate that a first medicinal liquid (contrast medium) and a second medicinal liquid (physiological saline solution) are injected, respectively. When only the first medicinal liquid is injected, only the indicator 704a is displayed, when only the second medicinal liquid is injected, only the indicator 704b is displayed, and when they are injected simultaneously, both the indicators 704a and 704b are displayed. The first medicinal liquid (contrast medium) and the second medicinal liquid (physiological saline solution) are displayed in different colors. With this configuration, it is possible to visually confirm what the injection conditions for a certain imaging region are set to just by looking at the button of the imaging region 703.

[0092] As the screen after the part is selected, in addition to the one shown in Fig. 9, the screen may be configured to transition to the screen shown in Fig. 24. In this example, the chest is selected from the body parts, and "LCA" is selected from the imaging parts, which is a subcategory of the chest.

[0093] In the example of FIG. 24, the first phase is a mixed injection of two liquid medicines, and the second phase is an injection of only one liquid medicine, and the injection conditions of each phase are displayed in windows 1705a and 1705b, respectively. In each window, information on the injection speed and the injection amount are displayed. In particular, for the window 1705a of the first phase, which is a mixed injection, information on the injection speed and the injection amount of the first liquid medicine and information on the injection speed and the injection amount of the second liquid medicine are displayed. Although not limited thereto, the window 1705a containing a lot of information in this way may be displayed in a larger size than the window 1705b. Note that the screen of FIG. 24 is also a checked screen, like that of FIG. 9.

[0094] (b5: Screen display of injection results) In angiography, a catheter is moved to a predetermined target position to inject a contrast agent, and then the catheter is advanced to another target position to inject a contrast agent under different injection conditions, and the same process is repeated. Therefore, as the screen display of the injection results, for example, for a certain subject, multiple results may be displayed in sequence, such as the result of a first injection (including information on time, injection amount, injection rate, information on dilution, injection site, etc.), the result of a second injection (including information on time, injection amount, injection rate, information on dilution, injection site, etc.). Each injection result may be assigned a consecutive number (for example, "1" to "10") and displayed.

[0095] In angiography, it is assumed that the contrast medium syringe will be replaced. For example, when the current syringe is removed from the injection head and another syringe in a protective case is set, it is assumed that an examination on a different subject has started, and the injection results of the different subjects are stored and displayed in sequence. The injection head can determine that a syringe has been set by recognizing the identification element provided on the protective case, as described above.

[0096] (Injection result output) The liquid injector and system according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to output information on the result of injection to the outside after injection of the liquid. As shown in Fig. 25A, this hospital system includes liquid injector 100, RIS 311, PACS 313, information management device 315, information display terminal 317, and imaging room monitor 319. Note that not all of these are essential, and one or more may be omitted.

[0097] In such a system, the liquid injector 100 may be configured to output one or more of the following information to the outside: -Information on the cumulative amount of drug solution injected; - Information on the set injection conditions (one or more of the following: injection pressure, injection amount, injection time, body part, imaging site, etc.); -Various information regarding the injection of the drug solution performed (one or more of the following: injection pressure, injection amount, injection time, body part, imaging area, etc.), etc.

[0098] Although not particularly limited, this information may be configured to be first sent from the liquid injector 100 to the information management device 315, and then the information management device 315 communicates with each device to transmit the information.

[0099] The information display terminal 317 may be, for example, a portable tablet terminal, and may be configured so that at least one of the above information can be displayed on this tablet terminal.

[0100] It is also preferable that the system is configured to perform a predetermined accounting process using information on the cumulative amount of injected liquid. The information management device 315 may be configured to read the subject information from the RIS 311. In this case, it is also preferable that the information management device 315 is configured to send the subject information together with the information on the injection result to each device (at least one of the information display terminal 317, the imaging room monitor 319, and the PACS 313). In addition, when the subject information includes information on the renal function of the subject (for example, the value of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)), the information may be sent to any device in the system and used to determine whether the test is appropriate or not, or may be displayed as appropriate.

[0101] As the injection result, for example, as shown in Fig. 25B, multiple injection result displays 1761 for each series of examinations may be displayed. For example, the injection result display 1761 includes the examination number, date, time when the injection started, the total amount of the liquid injected in the examination, and information on the site that was the subject of the examination. One or more of these may be omitted, and other information not shown may be included.

[0102] In this example, ten injection result displays 1761 from "1" to "10" are displayed on one screen. It may be freely determined as appropriate which timings in a series of examinations are to be summarized into one injection result display 1761, but in this embodiment, for example, the following may be used. That is, when a series of examinations on a certain subject is completed, a syringe is removed from clamper 145 of injection head 110 (see FIG. 2) for the next examination. Then, a new next syringe is set in clamper 145. When it is detected that clamper 145 has been opened or closed, or both, injection result display 1761 for the next examination may be automatically created (for example, if the previous examination was "1", injection result display 1761 for "2" is automatically created). Such processing may be executed using attachment / detachment of a syringe or a protective case as a trigger, rather than opening / closing of clamper 145.

[0103] The screen of FIG. 25B also includes a mode display 1762 indicating the mode of the liquid injection performed. The mode display 1762 may be "angiography", "infusion", "CT", or the like. In the device of this embodiment, a plurality of modes such as angiography mode, infusion mode, and CT mode (described in detail later) can be performed. Here, for example, assume that the first examination is angiography mode, the next examination is in infusion mode, and the next examination is in CT mode. The display method of the injection results may be a method in which these three are displayed together on one screen, but in this embodiment, the following display method is used. That is, the injection results performed for each mode are grouped and displayed. That is, since the mode display 1762 of angiography is selected in the example of FIG. 25B, the results of "1" to "10" displayed here are all the results in angiography mode. The three mode displays 1762 can be selected as image buttons, and for example, if infusion is selected, a series of injection results grouped as infusion modes are displayed, and if CT is selected, a series of injection results grouped as CT modes are displayed. This display mode is useful because it allows the results of liquid injection to be confirmed for each mode in which it was performed.

[0104] By selecting one of the multiple injection result displays 1761 in FIG. 25B, the detailed results included therein may be displayed, for example, as in FIG. 25C. In the screen of FIG. 25C, the details of the injection result numbered "9" are displayed in a window 1763, for example. Although not limited thereto, the contents of the detailed results may be, for example, one or more of the information on the following items: the time when the liquid injection was performed, the maximum speed, the injection amount, the number of injection phases, whether only a single liquid was injected or multiple liquids were injected simultaneously (dilution injection), the injection time, the injection pressure, the target site, the mixing ratio, the mixing magnification, the mixing ratio, the delay time, and the rise time. These pieces of information may be grouped, for example, by the examination or procedure performed, and displayed by assigning the numbers "1" and "2". In addition, information on the total injection amount in a series of injections may be displayed as the detailed results. As a specific example of displaying the detailed results, a display using an indicator as described with reference to FIG. 16 may be performed. For example, if an injection including a first phase (dilution injection) and a second phase (injection of only a single drug solution) is performed, two indicators are displayed corresponding to the first phase and one indicator is displayed corresponding to the second phase so that this can be visually understood (see the display content of the result numbered "3" in Figure 25C. The indicator for the second phase is displayed to the right of the indicator for the first phase). A display using such indicators is preferable because the injection content of each phase can be accurately grasped by looking at the number and color of the indicators. Furthermore, compared to displaying text information, a sufficient amount of information can be provided even in a relatively small size, so it is particularly suitable for displaying the injection result in the manner shown in Figure 25C.

[0105] (b6: Other screen display) The display indicating that the mixing is performed using a mixing device may be a mixing device image 707s displayed in a predetermined window 707w on the screen as shown in Fig. 19. In this example, the window 707w is a bar-shaped window near the top edge of the screen. By displaying the mixing device image 706s in this manner, the operator can intuitively confirm that the mixing is performed using a mixing device.

[0106] Alternatively, a display mode as shown in Fig. 20 may be used. In this example, injection conditions including two phases are set, and the injection conditions (injection speed, injection amount, etc.) of each phase are displayed in a first phase display section 706a and a second phase display section 706b, respectively. A mixing device image 706s is displayed in the first phase display section 706a and the second phase display section 706b. This means that mixing and injection are performed in each phase.

[0107] This mixing device image 706s may function as an image button. When the mixing device image 706s is pressed, a predetermined injection condition change screen (for example, FIG. 22) may be displayed. In the example of FIG. 22, a numeric keypad window 715′ similar to that of FIG. 12 is displayed, and dilution setting buttons 713a to 713c are displayed in this window. Also, the mixing device image 715s and / or the current dilution ratio (here, “50%”) may be displayed in the same window.

[0108] As shown in the display mode of Fig. 21, only the first phase display portion 706c may be displayed, and the mixing device image 706s may be displayed nearby (to the side in this example). The image may also function as an image button, as described above.

[0109] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0110] (1) For example, in the above embodiment, the graphical user interface is displayed on a console display. However, the above-mentioned functions may also be implemented in, for example, a workstation provided as a desktop computer, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0111] The display modes of the series of graphical user interfaces described above can be expressed as an invention relating to a display method, and can also be expressed as an invention relating to a computer program for causing a computer to carry out the method.

[0112] (2) For example, the injection head may have a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the injection head. In general, this type of injection head is oriented so that the front end side (i.e., the syringe side) faces upward when suctioning the liquid medicine into the syringe. Meanwhile, liquid medicine is injected in a position where the front end side of the injection head faces relatively downward (the tip side faces slightly downward). By using the detection result of the tilt sensor, it is possible to prevent, for example, suctioning or injecting the liquid medicine in an undesirable position. In addition, it is possible to identify whether the injection head faces upward or downward based on the detection result of the tilt sensor, and control the orientation of characters and the like displayed on the display unit 146 to be inverted upside down. With this configuration, the operator can easily check the displayed contents regardless of the orientation of the injection head.

[0113] (3) A mechanism for holding injection head 110 may be as shown in Figure 18. This holding mechanism 1320 includes a base portion 1325, a first arm member 1331 rotatably connected to base portion 1325, a second arm member 1337 rotatably connected to base portion 1325, and holding member 1341 to which the distal end portions of the first and second arm members are rotatably connected and to which injection head 110 is attached. A parallel link is formed by base portion 1325, first and second arm members 1331 and 1337, and holding member 1341.

[0114] Base part 1325 is fixed to a support column (not shown) of a movable stand or to a predetermined mounting position of the bed of an imaging device, with or without other members. Since the holding mechanism in Fig. 18 is provided as a parallel link mechanism, injection head 110 can be rotated in the forward and backward directions while maintaining the same posture.

[0115] 18 to a predetermined location in a medical facility or to a predetermined medical device, an attachment mechanism as shown in Fig. 26 can be used. This attachment mechanism 500 is for fixing the injection head or the like to a guide rail (details below) of an imaging device.

[0116] Mounting mechanism 500 is broadly composed of a holding assembly 510 for holding a part of injection head holding mechanism 1320, and a base assembly 550 for supporting holding assembly 510. Note that holding assembly 510 and base assembly 550 may be separate parts, or may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0117] 27, the holding assembly 510 is a member having a receiving hole 515 into which a round shaft 1327 provided on the injection head holding structure 1320 is inserted. In this example, the receiving hole 515 is a round hole that is formed to extend vertically. The detailed structure of the receiving hole 515 and the structure for fixing the round shaft 1327 will be described later with reference to other drawings.

[0118] The base assembly 550 is a member that is removably fixed to the guide rail 330 of the imaging device. The guide rail 330 is provided, for example, on the side of the bed of the imaging device, and various medical devices are attached thereto as necessary. The guide rail 330 is generally a long metallic member with a rectangular cross section.

[0119] The holding assembly 510 is fixed to the upper surface of the base assembly 550. In this example, the base assembly 550 is attached so as to be placed on the guide rail 330 from above. As shown in Fig. 27, the base assembly 550 has two extension parts 551A, 551B extending downward. The extension parts 551A, 551B (which are also referred to as extension part 551 without distinction) are provided with a receiving groove 560 formed vertically upward from the lower surface side, and the guide rail 330 is adapted to fit into this groove.

[0120] The overall shape of the base assembly 550 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 28 (a view perpendicular to the side surface of the guide rail 330), it is approximately inverted V-shaped (consisting of a horizontal portion and two portions extending diagonally downward from both ends thereof). The base assembly 550 may be configured as a rectangular parallelepiped block member as shown by reference numeral 559 in Fig. 28, but in this embodiment, the overall shape is such that the left and right shoulder portions 559a, 559b and the central lower portion 559c of such a block member 559 are omitted. This results in a compact and lightweight structure while maintaining stability in holding.

[0121] 29 and 30, a tightening handle 556 is provided on the extension 551, and by turning the tightening handle 556, the abutting member 555 advances into the receiving groove 560. In this example, the abutting member 555 has a flat pressing surface 555a, which is adapted to come into contact with the side surface of the guide rail.

[0122] The mechanism of holding by the holding assembly 510 will be described with reference to Figs. 31 to 34. As shown in Figs. 31 and 32, the round shaft 1327 of the holding structure 1320 protrudes downward from the base portion 1325, and a recess 1327a is formed in a part of the round shaft 1327. The recess 1327a is a part where the diameter of the round shaft 1327 is partially reduced, and an abutment member 527 of the holding assembly 510 described later is fitted into the recess 1327a. A key portion 1327b is formed near the base end of the round shaft 1327, protruding radially outward from the shaft. Although not limited thereto, the key portion 1327b may be in a mountain shape formed by two oblique sides on the left and right and an apex that connects the two sides with a gentle curve.

[0123] The round shaft 1327 thus formed is inserted into the receiving hole 515 of the holding assembly 510. As shown in Fig. 33, a recess 515c (having a shape complementary to the key portion 1327b) is formed near the entrance of the receiving hole 515, and the round shaft 1327 is attached so that the key portion 1327b of the round shaft 1327 fits into the recess 515c, thereby restricting the rotation of the round shaft 1327.

[0124] By turning a handle 526 provided on the holding assembly 510, an engagement member 527 advances into the receiving hole 515. The engagement member 527 has a curved surface 527a at its tip that is shaped to fit along the outer periphery of the recess 1327a of the round shaft 1327. When the engagement member 527 advances to a predetermined position, the tip of the engagement member 527 enters the recess 1327a, thereby preventing the round rod 1327 from coming out of the receiving hole 515.

[0125] In the holding structure described above, both the rotational and axial movements of round shaft 1327 are restricted. This prevents round shaft 1327 from coming loose due to an unexpected cause, causing holding structure 1320 (and further injection head 110 held by it) to fall. In addition, because rotation is restricted by the engagement between key portion 1327b and recess 515c, the structure is simple and does not require any complicated installation work to restrict rotation. Preventing round rod 1327 from coming loose is also easy, as it only requires turning handle 526.

[0126] Furthermore, structures as shown in Figures 35 to 38 may be employed. This mounting structure 500' basically has the same functions as the mounting structure 500 described above, but the method of fixing to the guide rail 330 is different. Regarding structures and functions similar to those of the mounting structure 500, descriptions will be omitted to avoid duplication. That is, the mounting structure 500 is not attached to the guide rail 330 from above, but is attached by sliding the mounting structure 500 from the end side of the guide rail 330.

[0127] As shown in Figs. 37 and 38, the extension 551 is formed in a substantially U-shape surrounding the guide rail when viewed from the direction of the arrow A. As shown in Fig. 38, the "substantially U-shape" is composed of a first portion 557 facing one side of the guide rail 330, a second portion 558a and a third portion 558b along the upper and lower surfaces of the guide rail 330, and a fourth portion 559 facing the opposite side of the guide rail 330. More specifically, the fourth portion 559 is formed as an upper fourth portion 559 abutting the upper surface side of the guide rail 330 and a lower fourth portion 559 abutting the lower surface side of the guide rail 330. With this configuration, a gap S is formed as shown in Fig. 38. 551 With this configuration, it becomes possible to slide the mounting structure 500 along the guide rail 330 without interfering with other members (not shown) attached to the guide rail 330.

[0128] 35 to 38, the shapes of handles 526', 556' are different from those described above, but in this way, various shapes and parts can be used for each part of mounting structure 500. By turning handle 556' and sandwiching both side surfaces of guide rail 330 between flat abutment surface 555a of abutment member 555 and flat surface 559a of fourth portion 559, mounting structure 500 is stably fixed to guide rail 330.

[0129] (4) Supplementary explanation of the function of the chemical injection device The liquid medicine injector for angiography according to one embodiment of the present invention may perform automatic injection in "infusion mode". In the case of angiography, automatic injection of liquid medicine is usually performed only while a doctor is pressing a specific switch of the liquid medicine injector. However, in the infusion mode, automatic injection of liquid medicine is performed for a specific period of time at a preset injection speed and / or injection amount. In this case, an example of the liquid medicine is an anticancer drug. In this mode, the injection speed is set to a relatively low speed. In the example of FIG. 39, it is 1.0 mL / sec. In the infusion mode, images such as those in FIG. 39A to FIG. 39D may be displayed.

[0130] Fig. 39A shows a screen in a checked state. This screen displays information such as a syringe image 717p, remaining syringe volume, full injection button, injection speed, injection volume, injection time, and cumulative volume. One or more of these may be omitted. When the "check" button is pressed on this screen, the screen transitions to the standby state shown in Fig. 39B. In these states, the screen may be configured so that pressing a home button (not shown) for example can return to the home screen (referring to a screen from which various modes can be selected and from which the screen can be switched).

[0131] When the "Standby" button is pressed on the screen of Fig. 39B, the screen transitions to the standby state of Fig. 39C. On this screen, as an example, the text "Start OK" and a button that has switched to an injection start display are displayed. Then, by pressing this button 722, or by pressing another specified button, automatic injection in the infusion mode is started.

[0132] During the injection, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 39D may be displayed. In this image during injection, an animation is displayed in which multiple droplets are being discharged from one syringe 717p. In one embodiment, the color of the liquid medicine and / or the color of the droplets in the syringe may be displayed in a color different from that in the injection screen during normal injection for angiography so that the medical staff can easily confirm that the infusion mode is being used. For example, during normal injection, the contrast medium may be displayed in green and the saline in blue, and in the infusion mode, the liquid medicine may be displayed in another color. Regarding the injection time, the remaining time may be displayed in a countdown manner, or a visually identifiable indicator may be displayed.

[0133] In the infusion mode, basically, injection may continue until all of the medicinal liquid in the syringe is discontinued, but the infusion mode is configured so that it can be interrupted or stopped midway as necessary.

[0134] (5) CT mode injection using an angiography drug injection device The injection head of the liquid injection device for angiography as shown in FIG. 18 is required to inject contrast medium through a thin catheter, so that injection is basically performed at high pressure (500 psi to 1200 psi, for example). However, a "CT mode" may be provided in which injection is performed at a relatively low pressure, as is performed with an injection head for CT examination. In the CT mode, liquid injection is performed at a pressure of, for example, 300 psi or less. In addition, an upper limit of the injection speed (for example, 10 ml / sec or less) different from that for angiography may be set. Although not limited thereto, the liquid injection mode (here, angiography mode and CT mode) may be configured to be selectable via a graphical user interface. For example, icons representing the respective modes may be displayed on a console screen, and the operator may select one of them to select the mode.

[0135] In this way, in a configuration in which injection in different modes, such as injection in angiography mode (angiography) and injection in CT mode, may be configured so that liquid injection in each mode is started by a common input operation, but in this embodiment, it may be configured as follows. That is, the input for starting injection in one mode and the input for starting injection in another mode are set to be different operations. Specifically, for example, a hand switch needs to be pressed to inject in angiography mode, and for example, a specific switch of another device needs to be pressed to inject in CT mode. By deliberately requiring different inputs in this way, safer liquid injection can be performed.

[0136] In a configuration in which the liquid injector 100 is communicably connected to the angiographic imaging device 300-2, it is preferable in one embodiment that the two devices are configured to operate in conjunction with each other. For example, when a predetermined device of the imaging device 300-2 is operated, the liquid injector 100 may start injection. An image (icon, etc.) indicating that the interlocking is ON may be displayed on a predetermined display device of the liquid injector 100. An image (icon, etc.) indicating that the interlocking is ON may be displayed when the screen transitions to a standby screen. For example, when the cable is suddenly pulled out and the connection is lost, the following operation may be performed: -If the device is in a disconnected state while in standby mode, the device will be released from standby mode. - If infusion is in progress, interrupt the infusion.

[0137] (6) Light emission pattern Regarding the operation of injection head 110, light emitting unit 173' may be configured to emit light in a predetermined light pattern when operation knob 170 (see FIG. 40) is turned or in response to the operating status of the piston drive mechanism. Various patterns can be adopted as the arrangement pattern of the light emitting elements of light emitting unit 173', but here, it is assumed that a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a manner surrounding operation knob 170, as shown in FIG.

[0138] The light-emitting elements may be arranged so that one element can emit light in a plurality of colors, or elements emitting different colors may be arranged alternately or in a predetermined order. In Fig. 41, a first color 173a and a second color 173b are shown to show the difference in colors.

[0139] Injection head 110 may be configured to perform an animation display in which first color 173a is displayed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in sequence when the ram member of the piston drive mechanism is advanced (when the control knob is manually operated during liquid medicine injection, etc.). In this case, second color 173b is not emitted. When the control knob is manually operated, the speed of the animation display (i.e., the speed at which the light-emitting element changes its light-emitting state) may be changed in accordance with the speed of the knob's rotation. When the ram member is retracted, the display is performed in the opposite direction to the above. In the case of automatic injection, the speed of the animation display (i.e., the speed at which the light-emitting element changes its light-emitting state) may be changed in accordance with the set liquid medicine injection speed.

[0140] It is also preferable that the current status of the liquid injector can be known by the light emission pattern of light-emitting unit 173'. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, for example, if the liquid injector is in the "start OK" state, the following display may be performed: Of the two light-emitting sections 173' of injection head 110, one has its light-emitting element lit in a first color (e.g., green) corresponding to the first syringe, and the other has its light lit in a second color (e.g., light blue) corresponding to the second syringe.

[0141] If an error state occurs for some reason, a light emission pattern may be such that one or both of the two light emitting sections 173' are repeatedly turned on and off.

[0142] Each technical feature disclosed in this specification may be combined with other technical features as appropriate. Also, one or more of the elements may be omitted.

[0143] In addition, the various components (devices, apparatus, means, parts, units, etc.) referred to in this specification do not need to be independent entities, and multiple components may be formed as one member. One component may be formed from multiple members. A component may be a part of another component. A part of a component may overlap with a part of another component.

[0144] (Additional Note) This application discloses the following. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses are provided for reference only and are not intended to limit the present invention. 1.a: A syringe holder (140) for holding a syringe having a piston member slidably inserted into a cylindrical cylinder member; b) a piston drive mechanism (130) having a ram member (131) for moving a piston member of the syringe; c: a first light-emitting unit (133a) that emits light of a first color and illuminates the syringe, and a second light-emitting unit (133b) that emits light of a second color and illuminates the syringe; An injection head (110) comprising: the first light-emitting portion (133a) and the second light-emitting portion (133b) are provided above the ram member (131) when viewed in the in-use position of the injection head; An injection head (110).

[0145] 2. The first light emitting portion (133a) and the second light emitting portion (133b) are formed in an arc shape.

[0146] 3. The first light emitting portion (133a) and the second light emitting portion (133b) are in the shape of a circular arc coaxial with the central axis of the ram member.

[0147] 4. The syringe is held in the syringe holder while being housed in a protective case (840).

[0148] 5. Regarding the emission of the first light-emitting portion (133a) and the second light-emitting portion (133b), In the preparation phase for drug injection, the first light-emitting unit (133a) is not turned on or blinked. In the drug solution injection phase, the first light-emitting portion (133a) is configured to be turned on or blink.

[0149] The "chemical injection preparation phase" refers to the phase prior to the chemical injection phase, including the stage at which a syringe or the like is set on the injection head and the stage at which the syringe is filled with chemical solution. The "drug injection phase" may refer only to the stage in which the drug is actually being injected, or may also include the stage immediately prior to the injection (e.g. the stage in which the operator makes the final input to start the injection (e.g. pressing "start OK")) and / or the stage immediately following the injection (the stage in which the injection is stopped).

[0150] In this way, by changing the manner of light emission between the preparation phase and the injection phase, the operator can know which phase he or she is currently in.

[0151] 6. When the syringe is detected or when a protective case attached to the syringe is detected, either or both of the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit are configured to light up or flash (transition from an off state to a lighted / flashing state).

[0152] 7. The syringe holder has a clamping mechanism that holds a part of the syringe or a part of a protective case attached to the syringe; When the clamp mechanism is switched from an open state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an open state, either or both of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are configured to light up or flash (transition from an off state to a lighted / flashing state).

[0153] 8. A liquid injector comprising an injection head (110) according to any one of the above, and a console (210) connected to the injection head.

[0154] 9. One or more displays (146); a control device (250) that holds information of a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions in a device that extrudes a liquid medicine from a first liquid medicine container (800A) filled with a first liquid medicine and a second liquid medicine container (800B) filled with a second liquid medicine; An injection condition setting system (210) comprising: The graphical user interface is A display unit (716) that displays information regarding the mixing conditions of the first and second chemical liquids; a window (715) for changing the mixing conditions, the window (715) including an input button image (712) for an operator to input, and a plurality of mixing method setting buttons (713) for selecting a mixing method; An injection condition setting system including:

[0155] 10. As the plurality of blending method setting buttons (713), at least two of a magnification method button (713a), a ratio method button (713b), and a proportion method button (713c) are displayed.

[0156] 11. The input button image (712) used by the operator to make input is a numeric keypad.

[0157] 12. The first medicinal liquid container is a first syringe, and the second medicinal liquid container is a second syringe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100 Chemical injection device 110 Injection Head 111 Cabinet 111a Front end surface 130 Piston drive mechanism 131 Ram member 132 Ball nut unit 133a, 133b(133), 133a′, 133b′ light emitting part 135 Ball screw 137 Transmission Mechanism 139 Motor 139s Rotation Sensor 140 Syringe holder 141 Protective case holder 145 Clamper 146 Display section 150 Control circuit 161 Physical Buttons 162 Position Sensor 163 Clamper sensor 164 Syringe Sensor 165 Pressure Sensor 168 Storage section 169 Interface 170 Operation knob 173 Indicator 190 Power supply unit 210 Console 250 Control section 251 Display 253 Touch Panel 257 Slots 261 Storage section 262 Communications Department 269 ​​Interface 300 (300-1, 300-2) Imaging device 330 Guide Rail 311 RIS 313 PACS 315 Information management device 317 Information display terminal 319 Imaging Room Monitor 500 Attachment mechanism 510 Retaining Assembly 515 Receiving hole 526 Handle 527 Engagement member 550 Base Assembly 551A, 551B extension part 555 Contact member 556, 556′ Handle 557, 558a, 558b, 559 Part 1 ~ Part 4 560 Receiving groove 701 Human Body Images 703 Imaging area 704a, 704b indicator 705a Infusion Rate Window 705b Injection Volume Window 706a, 706b, 706c Phase display section 706s, 707s mixing device images 707w Window 707~709 Image button 711 Image Button 712 Numeric keypad 713a~713c Dilution setting button 714 Enter key 715, 715′ numeric keypad window 717a, 717b, 717p Syringes 718 Mixing Device Route 719a, 719b 721 Pause display 722 Image Button 800(800A, 800B) Syringe 810 Cylinder parts 820 Piston parts (plungers) 840 Protective Case 1320 Retention mechanism 1325 Base 1327 Round bar 1331, 1337 Arm members 1341 Retaining member 1705a, 1705b Windows 1761 Injection result display 1762 Mode display 1763 Window

Claims

1. a: a syringe holder that holds a syringe having a piston member slidably inserted into a cylindrical cylinder member; b) a piston drive mechanism having a ram member for moving a piston member of the syringe; c: a first light-emitting unit that emits light of a first color and illuminates the syringe, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color and illuminates the syringe; An injection head comprising: the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion are provided above the ram member when viewed in a position in use of the injection head; Injection head.

2. The injection head of claim 1 , wherein the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion are formed in an arc shape.

3. The injection head of claim 2 , wherein the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion are arc-shaped and coaxial with a central axis of the ram member.

4. 4. The injection head according to claim 1, wherein the syringe is held by the syringe holding portion while being housed in a protective case.

5. With respect to the emission of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit, In the preparation phase for drug injection, the first light-emitting unit is not turned on or blinked. In a drug solution injection phase, the first light-emitting unit is turned on or blinks.

5. The injection head according to claim 1, wherein the injection head is configured as follows.

6. The injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the injection head is configured to light up or blink either or both of a first light-emitting unit or a second light-emitting unit when the syringe is detected or when a protective case attached to the syringe is detected.

7. the syringe holder has a clamping mechanism that holds a part of the syringe or a part of a protective case attached to the syringe, 7. The injection head according to claim 1, wherein when the clamper mechanism is switched from an open state to a closed state, or when the clamper mechanism is switched from a closed state to an open state, either or both of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are turned on or flashed.

8. An injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a console connected to the injection head; A drug solution injection device comprising:

9. One or more displays; a control device that holds information of a graphical user interface for setting injection conditions in an apparatus for pushing out the liquid medicine from a first liquid medicine container filled with a first liquid medicine and a second liquid medicine container filled with a second liquid medicine; An injection condition setting system comprising: The graphical user interface includes: A display unit that displays information regarding the mixing conditions of the first chemical liquid and the second chemical liquid; A window for changing the mixing conditions, the window including an input button image for an operator to input data and a plurality of mixing method setting buttons for selecting a mixing method; An injection condition setting system including:

10. As the plurality of blending method setting buttons, At least two of the following buttons are displayed: a magnification method button, a percentage method button, and a ratio method button; The injection condition setting system according to claim 9 .

11. 11. The injection condition setting system according to claim 1, wherein the input button image for an operator to input is a numeric keypad.

12. the first drug solution container is a first syringe, The second drug solution container is a second syringe. The injection condition setting system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

Images