Cassette for retention of fluid path components for fluid injector system

Abstract

To provide features associated with a cassette for retaining and managing fluid path components for a fluid injector system.SOLUTION: A cassette for holding fluid path components for a fluid injector includes: a body defining at least one feature for holding at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cassette to the fluid injector, the connecting member operatively connected to the body. The connecting member comprises at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, where each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector, so that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlatched position and a second latched position in which the at least one fluid path component on the body of the cassette is positioned for operative connection to a corresponding feature of the fluid injector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 199,010, filed December 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a cassette-related mechanism for holding and managing fluid path components for a fluid injector system. The cassette allows for easy, compact storage of various fluid path components that may be easily accessed and engaged with a fluid injector for utilization in a fluid injection procedure. [Background technology]

[0003] Syringe injection systems are one type of medical device used in medical imaging procedures. Many such syringes are operatively connected to an internal plunger and operate by manually advancing a plunger extension to pressurize the fluid within the syringe. However, many medical injection procedures require precise control and / or high pressures that cannot be achieved with manual syringe manipulation. Therefore, several syringes and power injectors have been developed for use in contrast-enhanced medical imaging procedures, such as angiography, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,233,999 discloses a front-loading syringe and power injector in pressure-jacketed and unjacketed configurations, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] To fill a syringe with contrast fluid, a user typically connects a fill tube and / or spike to the syringe's front nozzle or discharge outlet and places the other end of the tube / spike into a bottle or bag of contrast medium (hereinafter "contrast agent") or other fluid, such as saline or other flushing fluid. The syringe plunger is retracted (usually by an injector piston) to draw contrast agent into the syringe until the desired amount is filled. After the syringe is filled, it may be primed to remove air from the syringe and fluid pathway. The various fluid pathway components may then be connected to the patient catheter via a fluid injection procedure.

[0005] Conventional fluid injector systems may utilize multiple components in a fluid pathway during filling and delivery procedures. These fluid pathway components include tubing, spikes, and / or connectors for filling syringes from bulk fluid sources for contrast and saline and delivering fluid from the syringes to the patient, air management components for managing fluid flow through the fluid pathway components, valves, and stopcocks, sterility maintenance components, etc. For example, in certain cases, significant lengths of tubing are used and can become tangled during transportation and setup. There is a need for a device to manage the various fluid pathway components that can be quickly accessed and set up. Loose tubing can also be difficult to install correctly due to excessive lengths of tubing that can be loose relative to the fluid injector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,383,858 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, a cassette for holding fluid path components for a fluid injector may include: a body defining at least one mechanism for holding at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connecting member for releasably connecting the body of the cassette to a receiving surface of the fluid injector, the connecting member being operably connected to the body, the connecting member having at least one pivotable connecting mechanism protruding from the body, each of the at least one pivotable connecting mechanism configured to releasably connect to a corresponding connecting mechanism receiver of the fluid injector, whereby the body is pivotable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlatched position and a second latched position in which at least one fluid path component of the body of the cassette is positioned to operably connect to a corresponding mechanism of the fluid injector.

[0008] In another embodiment, the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of at least one stopcock, at least one air bubble suspension device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection region, and at least one removable end cap for a fluid line. The at least one feature on the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, the at least one extension member configured to retain a fluid path component of the fluid infuser. The at least one extension member includes a retention tab for retaining the fluid path component on the at least one extension member. The at least one extension member comprises a plurality of extension members, each extension member configured to retain at least one fluid path component of the fluid infuser. The at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock having a first fluid fill position that establishes fluid communication between the bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged with the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position that establishes fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing set, and a third stop position that blocks fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing set, and when the cassette is in the second latched position, the at least one extension member holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage with at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector. The stopcock actuator actuates the stopcock between the first fluid fill position, the second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector. The body further includes a shield member that prevents user access to the at least one stopcock held in the body of the cassette. The at least one fluid component includes at least one air bubble suspension device fluidly disposed between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection region and the at least one stopcock, and the at least one holding element holds the at least one air bubble suspension device in a position movable between a first priming position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between the upright priming position and the downward angled injection position.The at least one air bubble suspension device is configured to prime substantially all air bubbles from the at least one air bubble suspension device when primed in the upright priming position and to at least temporarily suspend air bubbles detected in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure when in the downward angle injection position. The at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component having an air detection region, and the at least one retention element holds the at least one fluid path component having the air detection region in a position that operably engages with the air detector on the receiving surface of the fluid detector. The air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure and, in response to detecting air bubbles in the injection fluid, to send a signal to a controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one stopcock actuator to move the at least one stopcock from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position. The at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for a fluid line, the at least one removable end cap covering and preventing inadvertent contamination of connector elements of the fluid line. The cassette includes two stopcocks, two air bubble suspension devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components each including an air detection region, and a plurality of removable end caps from the fluid lines. The connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking groove of the fluid injector to removably attach the receiving surface to the fluid injector. The connecting member includes a latch member configured to removably connect a locking arm of the fluid injector. An identifier may be disposed on the body, the identifier configured to provide information about the cassette including at least one of an assembly date, a number of times the cassette has been used, and a location of the cassette. The identifier may include a bar code.

[0009] In another embodiment, a fluid injector comprises: a housing; at least one syringe removably retained within the housing; a cassette for holding fluid path components for the fluid injector, the cassette comprising: a body defining at least one mechanism for holding the at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connection member for removably connecting the body of the cassette to the fluid injector, the connection member being operably connected to the body, the connection member comprising at least one pivotable connection mechanism protruding from the body, each of the at least one pivotable connection mechanism configured to removably connect to a corresponding connection mechanism receiver of the fluid injector, whereby the body is pivotable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlatched position and a second latched position in which at least one fluid path component of the body of the cassette is arranged to operably connect to a corresponding mechanism of the fluid injector.

[0010] In another embodiment, the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of at least one stopcock, at least one air bubble suspension device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection region, and at least one removable end cap for a fluid line. The at least one feature on the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, the at least one extension member configured to retain a fluid path component of the fluid infuser. The at least one extension member includes a retention tab for retaining the fluid path component on the at least one extension member. The body of the cassette may include multiple retention elements, each retention element configured to retain at least one fluid path component of the fluid infuser. The at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock having a first fluid fill position that establishes fluid communication between the bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged with the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position that establishes fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing set, and a third stop position that blocks fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing set, and when the cassette is in the second latched position, the at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage with at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector. The stopcock actuator actuates the stopcock between the first fluid fill position, the second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector. The body further includes a shield member that prevents user access to the at least one stopcock held in the body of the cassette. The at least one fluid component includes at least one air bubble suspension device fluidly disposed between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection region and the at least one stopcock, and the at least one holding element holds the at least one air bubble suspension device in a position movable between a first priming position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between the upright priming position and the downward angled injection position.The at least one air bubble suspension device is configured to prime substantially all air bubbles from the at least one air bubble suspension device when primed in the upright priming position and to at least temporarily suspend air bubbles detected in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure when in the downward angle injection position. The at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component having an air detection region, and the at least one retention element holds the at least one fluid path component having the air bubble detection region in a position that operably engages with the air detector on the cassette receiving surface of the fluid detector. The air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure and to send a signal to a controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one stopcock actuator to move the at least one stopcock from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position in response to the detection of an air bubble in the injection fluid. The at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for a fluid line, the at least one removable end cap covering and preventing inadvertent contamination of connector elements of the fluid line. The cassette includes two stopcocks, two air bubble suspension devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components each including an air detection region, and a plurality of removable end caps from the fluid lines. The connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking groove of the fluid injector to removably attach the body to the fluid injector. The connecting member includes a latch member configured to removably connect a locking arm of the fluid injector. An identifier may be disposed on the body, the identifier configured to provide information about the cassette including at least one of an assembly date, a number of times the cassette has been used, and a location of the cassette. The identifier may include a bar code.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method of attaching at least one component to a fluid injector may include attaching the at least one component to a cassette, the cassette comprising a body defining at least one opening for holding the at least one component and a connecting member operably connected to the body, and connecting the cassette to a housing of the fluid injector by operably connecting the connecting member of the cassette to a corresponding connecting member of the fluid injector, wherein the connection of the cassette to the housing of the fluid injector is configured to position the at least one component in a predetermined position in the housing of the fluid injector.

[0012] In another embodiment, the at least one component is at least one of a stopcock, a bubble suspension device, a fluid line, and a dust cap for the fluid line. The method may include evaluating an identifier attached to the cassette to determine if the cassette has already been used.

[0013] In another embodiment, a connection interface between a cassette and a fluid infuser, wherein the cassette is configured to hold at least one component of the fluid infuser, the connection interface may include a first connection member provided on the cassette that engages with the fluid infuser and a second connection member provided on the fluid infuser that receives the first connection member, wherein connection of the first connection member to the second connection member is configured to position the at least one component in a predetermined position on the fluid infuser.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed in the following clauses.

[0015] Clause 1: A cassette for holding fluid path components for a fluid injector, the cassette comprising: a body defining at least one mechanism for holding at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connection member for releasably connecting the body of the cassette to the fluid injector, the connection member being operably connected to the body, the connection member comprising at least one pivotable connection mechanism protruding from the body, each of the at least one pivotable connection mechanism being configured to releasably connect to a corresponding connection mechanism receiver of the fluid injector, whereby the body is pivotable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlatched position and a second latched position in which at least one fluid path component of the body of the cassette is arranged to operably connect to a corresponding mechanism of the fluid injector.

[0016] Clause 2: A cassette as described in Clause 1, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of at least one stopcock, at least one air bubble suspension device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for a fluid line.

[0017] Clause 3: A cassette described in clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, the at least one extension member configured to hold a fluid path component of a fluid injector.

[0018] Clause 4: The cassette of clause 3, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retention tab for retaining a fluid path component on the at least one extension member.

[0019] Clause 5: The cassette of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the cassette comprises a plurality of holding elements, each holding element configured to hold a fluid path component of a fluid infuser.

[0020] Clause 6: A cassette described in any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock, the stopcock having a first fluid filling position that creates fluid communication between the bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged with the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position that creates fluid communication between the syringe and the patient tubing set, and a third stop position that blocks fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing set, and wherein when the cassette is in the second latched position, at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage with at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector.

[0021] Clause 7: A cassette as described in clause 6, wherein the stopcock actuator operates the stopcock between a first fluid filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third stop position in response to a signal from the control unit of the fluid injector.

[0022] Clause 8: A cassette described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the body further comprises a shielding member that prevents user access to at least one stopcock carried in the body of the cassette.

[0023] Clause 9: A cassette described in any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one air bubble suspension device fluidly positioned between at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection region and at least one stopcock, and at least one holding element holds the at least one air bubble suspension device in a position movable between a first priming position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between an upright priming position and a downward angled injection position.

[0024] Clause 10: A cassette as described in clause 9, wherein the at least one gas bubble suspension device is configured to prime substantially all gas bubbles from the at least one gas bubble suspension device when primed in an upright priming position, and when in a downward angled injection position, to at least temporarily suspend gas bubbles detected in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure.

[0025] Clause 11: A cassette described in any one of clauses 3 to 10, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one fluid path component having an air detection area, and at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component having the air detection area in a position in which it operably engages with the air detector on the receiving surface of the fluid detector.

[0026] Clause 12: A cassette as described in Clause 11, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure and, in response to the detection of air bubbles in the injection fluid, to send a signal to a control unit of the fluid injector to cause at least one stopcock actuator to move at least one stopcock from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position.

[0027] Clause 13: A cassette described in any one of clauses 3 to 12, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one removable end cap for a fluid line, the at least one removable end cap covering and preventing inadvertent contamination of connector elements of the fluid line.

[0028] Clause 14: A cassette described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the cassette comprises two stopcocks, two air bubble suspension devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components each having an air detection area, and a plurality of removable end caps from the fluid lines.

[0029] Clause 15: A cassette described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member comprises a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking groove in the fluid injector to removably attach the body to the fluid injector.

[0030] Clause 16: A cassette described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member comprises a latch member configured to releasably connect to a locking arm of a fluid injector.

[0031] Clause 17: A cassette described in any one of clauses 1 to 16, further comprising an identifier disposed on the body, the identifier configured to provide information about the cassette including at least one of the date of assembly, the number of times the cassette has been used, and the location of the cassette.

[0032] Clause 18: The cassette of clause 17, wherein the identifier comprises a barcode.

[0033] Clause 19: A fluid injector comprising: a housing; at least one syringe removably retained within the housing; and a cassette for holding fluid path components for the fluid injector, the cassette comprising: a body defining at least one mechanism for holding at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connection member for removably connecting the body of the cassette to the fluid injector, the connection member being operably connected to the body, the connection member comprising at least one pivotable connection mechanism protruding from the body, each of the at least one pivotable connection mechanism being configured to removably connect to a corresponding connection mechanism receiver of the fluid injector, whereby the body is pivotable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlatched position and a second latched position in which at least one fluid path component of the body of the cassette is arranged to operably connect to a corresponding mechanism of the fluid injector.

[0034] Clause 20: A fluid injector as described in Clause 19, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of at least one stopcock, at least one air bubble suspension device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection region, and at least one removable end cap for a fluid line.

[0035] Clause 21: A fluid injector as described in clause 19 or 20, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, the at least one extension member configured to hold a fluid path component of the fluid injector.

[0036] Clause 22: The fluid injector of clause 21, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retention tab for retaining a fluid path component on the at least one extension member.

[0037] Clause 23: A fluid infuser according to clause 21 or clause 22, wherein the cassette comprises a plurality of holding elements, each holding element configured to hold a fluid path component of the fluid infuser.

[0038] Clause 24: A fluid injector as described in any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one stopcock, the stopcock having a first fluid filling position that creates fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged to the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position that creates fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing set, and a third stop position that blocks fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing set, and wherein when the cassette is in the second latched position, at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage with at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector.

[0039] Clause 25: A fluid injector as described in Clause 24, wherein the stopcock actuator operates the stopcock between a first fluid filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third stop position in response to a signal from a control unit of the fluid injector.

[0040] Clause 26: A fluid injector as described in any one of clauses 19 to 25, wherein the body further comprises a shielding member that prevents user access to at least one stopcock carried in the body of the cassette.

[0041] Clause 27: A fluid injector described in any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one air bubble suspension device fluidly positioned between at least one fluid path component comprising an air detection region and at least one stopcock, and at least one holding element holds the at least one air bubble suspension device in a position movable between a first priming position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between an upright priming position and a downward angle injection position.

[0042] Clause 28: A fluid injector as described in clause 27, wherein the at least one gas bubble suspension device is configured to prime substantially all gas bubbles from the at least one gas bubble suspension device when primed in an upright priming position, and when in a downward angled injection position, to at least temporarily suspend gas bubbles detected in the injection fluid during the fluid injection procedure.

[0043] Clause 29: A fluid injector described in any one of clauses 21 to 28, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one fluid path component having an air detection area, and at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component having the air detection area in a position in which it operably engages with the air detector on the receiving surface of the fluid detector.

[0044] Clause 30: A fluid injector as described in Clause 29, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injection fluid during a fluid injection procedure and, in response to the detection of air bubbles in the injection fluid, to send a signal to a control unit of the fluid injector to cause at least one stopcock actuator to move at least one stopcock from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position.

[0045] Clause 31: A fluid injector as described in any one of clauses 21 to 30, wherein at least one fluid component comprises at least one removable end cap for a fluid line, the at least one removable end cap covering and preventing inadvertent contamination of connector elements of the fluid line.

[0046] Clause 32: A fluid injector described in any one of clauses 19 to 31, wherein the cassette comprises two stopcocks, two air bubble suspension devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components each having an air detection area, and a plurality of removable end caps from the fluid lines.

[0047] Clause 33: A fluid injector as described in any one of clauses 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member comprises a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking groove in the fluid injector to removably attach the body to the fluid injector.

[0048] Clause 34: A fluid injector as described in any one of clauses 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member comprises a latch member configured to releasably connect to a locking arm of the fluid injector.

[0049] Clause 35: A fluid injector described in any one of clauses 19 to 34, further comprising an identifier disposed on the main body, the identifier configured to provide information about the cassette including at least one of the date of assembly, the number of times the cassette has been used, and the location of the cassette.

[0050] Clause 36: The fluid injector of clause 35, wherein the identifier comprises a bar code.

[0051] Clause 37: A method of attaching at least one component to a fluid injector, the method comprising: attaching the at least one component to a cassette, the cassette comprising a body defining at least one opening for holding the at least one component, and a connecting member operably connected to the body; and connecting the cassette to a housing of the fluid injector by operably connecting the connecting member of the cassette to a corresponding connecting member of the fluid injector, wherein the connection of the cassette to the housing of the fluid injector is configured to position the at least one component in a predetermined position in the housing of the fluid injector.

[0052] Clause 38: The method of clause 37, wherein the at least one component is at least one of a stopcock, a bubble suspension device, a fluid line, and a dust cap for the fluid line.

[0053] Clause 39: The method of clause 37 or clause 38, further comprising evaluating an identifier attached to the cassette to determine if the cassette has already been used.

[0054] Clause 40: A connection interface between a cassette and a fluid injector, wherein the cassette is configured to hold at least one component of the fluid injector, the connection interface comprising a first connection member provided on the cassette that engages with the fluid injector and a second connection member provided on the fluid injector that receives the first connection member, and wherein connection of the first connection member to the second connection member is configured to position the at least one component in a predetermined position on the fluid injector.

[0055] The various features described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, but such features, both as to organization and method of operation, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cassette for a fluid infuser, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cassette of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cassette of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cassette assembly of FIG. 1 with fluid path components installed, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the cassette assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the cassette of FIG. 4 showing the dust cap connection to the cassette, without the tubing and connector elements. [Figure 6B] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the cassette of FIG. 4 showing the dust cap connection to the cassette with the tubing and connector element. [Figure 7A] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 4 showing the bubble suspension device connection to the cassette along the longitudinal axis. [Figure 7B] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 4 showing the bubble suspension device connection to the cassette along the transverse axis. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette assembly of FIG. 4 showing the stopcock valve connections to the cassette. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 4 showing fluid line connections to the cassette. [Figure 10] 5 is a perspective view of a fluid injector including a connection arrangement for receiving the cassette assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the fluid injector of FIG. 10 receiving the cassette assembly of FIG. 4 in a first position. [Figure 12] 11 is a perspective view of the fluid injector of FIG. 10 receiving the cassette assembly of FIG. 4 in a second position. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a side view of the fluid infuser and cassette assembly of FIG. 11 in the prime position. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a side view of the fluid injector and cassette assembly of FIG. 11 in the injection position. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cassette in a package according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a side view of a connection arrangement for a cassette and a fluid injector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a side view of a connection arrangement for a cassette and a fluid injector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16C] 16A and 16B are side views of a connection arrangement for a cassette and a fluid injector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with Fig. 16A showing the cassette assembly in an initial engagement position, Fig. 16B showing an intermediate position, and Fig. 16C showing the cassette assembly in a loaded position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cassette including posts for retaining fluid lines to the cassette according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cassette including angled posts for retaining fluid lines to the cassette according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cassette having a spool assembly for retaining fluid lines to the cassette according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cassette having a spool assembly for retaining fluid lines to the cassette in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 20 showing an air detector operatively interacting with the fluid line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. The exemplary features shown and described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other features may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0058] Before describing in detail various aspects of the cassette, its interaction with injector components, and its various features, it should be noted that the various aspects disclosed herein are not specifically limited in their application or use to the structure and arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings and description. Rather, the disclosed devices may be disposed on or incorporated into other devices, variations, and modifications thereof, and may be implemented or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, the aspects of the cassette and fluid injector features disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not meant to limit their scope or application. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and phrases used herein have been chosen for the convenience of the reader and for the purpose of describing various aspects of the cassette and fluid injector features, not to limit their scope. Furthermore, it should be understood that the cassette and fluid injector features, their representations, and / or any one or more components of their examples may be combined with, but not limited to, any one or more of the other components, their representations, and / or their examples.

[0059] It should also be understood that in the following description, terms such as front, rear, inside, outside, top, bottom, etc. are terms of convenience and should not be construed as limiting. The terms used herein are not meant to be limiting, insofar as the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be mounted or utilized in other orientations. Various aspects of the cassette and fluid infuser mechanisms are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0060] 1-5 , a disposable cassette 2 is shown and described that simplifies the installation of disposable fluid path components into a powered medical fluid injector 4, such as a fluid injector for use in contrast-enhanced angiography (CV), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, and similar imaging procedures. The cassette may include a skeletal feature, such as a retaining element, for holding the various fluid path components in the proper position for alignment and interaction with various components of the fluid injector head, patient fluid lines, and / or bulk fluid source. The various fluid path components may be held in the proper position and orientation by one or more retaining elements. According to various embodiments, the cassette and various fluid path components may be manufactured at a manufacturing facility, assembled, processed through a sterilization process, and packaged for shipment to an end user. According to various embodiments, along with multiple separate single-patient fluid path components that may be used for each injection procedure and discarded before a subsequent fluid injection procedure, the cassette and fluid path components may be utilized as multiple patient fluid path sets that may be used only across a series of fluid injection procedures. In other embodiments, the cassette and fluid path components may be utilized in a single-use manner, where the cassette and fluid path components are discarded after a single injection procedure and a new cassette / fluid path component assembly is installed for subsequent injections.

[0061] The cassette and fluid path component assembly, as described herein, can be configured for easy installation onto the receiving surface of a fluid injector head. Thus, the cassette assembly can be designed to minimize the time between injection procedures, allowing for multiple injection procedures to be performed over a period of time. Additionally, the cassette can reduce or eliminate user setup errors, since all fluid path components are assembled in the correct position and alignment, and the cassette can engage the receiving surface of a fluid injector in only a single possible orientation.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the disposable cassette 2 simplifies installation of disposable fluid path components of a fluid infuser, such as, but not limited to, a CV infuser 4 (FIG. 10), by integrating attachment points of the cassette and fluid path components with corresponding features of the fluid infuser 4 while maintaining the various fluid path components in an organized, compact configuration. Cassette 2 can be used to simplify and manage fluid path components by orienting various components, for example, by properly inserting one or more air detection regions of fluid path components into air detectors associated with the fluid infuser, by attaching and orienting bubble suspension devices in positions that allow priming and / or bubble suspension, by inserting stopcocks into corresponding stopcock actuators of the fluid infuser, by properly inserting one or more compressible pinch valve regions of the fluid path components into one or more corresponding pinch clamps of the fluid infuser, by managing tubing or other fluid path components, by managing male or female connector components and / or spikes on the ends of fluid paths in proper orientation and / or proximity for connection with corresponding female or male connector components of the fluid infuser component or fluid path component, and by managing one or more removable end caps for fluid lines. Cassette 2 can be provided to the user as a single device or scaffold with the various fluid path components positioned or connected in the appropriate positions on cassette 2, allowing easy installation of cassette 2 and associated fluid path components on receiving surface 11 of fluid infuser 4 in a single motion or a simple series of motions. A single operation or simple series of operations to install cassette 2 replaces the several complex operations of installing multiple fluid path components in a conventional fluid injector, minimizing the possibility of incorrect installation of one or more of the multiple fluid path components that could lead to an error in the fluid injection procedure.The cassette 2 may also be designed to be installed in only a single, predetermined orientation relative to the fluid injector 4, thereby minimizing confusion, delays, and errors during setup and ensuring that the various fluid path components are properly positioned for rapid connection to one or more syringes attached to the fluid injector 4.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cassette 2 may include a body 6 configured to hold various fluid path components in position for operative connection with corresponding mechanisms of the fluid injector 4, disposable components such as syringes attached to the fluid injector, and / or components attachable to the cassette fluid path components, such as patient fluid lines, bulk fluid sources, etc. The body 6 may define various openings, compartments, and multiple holding elements for holding the various fluid path components. In one example, the cassette 2 is configured to hold at least one fluid line 8 used to deliver medical fluids from the fluid injector 4 (i.e., the syringe of the fluid injector 4) to a patient. In one example, the cassette 2 may be configured to hold two separate fluid lines 8, each configured to deliver a different medical fluid to the patient. For example, one fluid line 8 may deliver saline to the patient, while the other fluid line 8 may deliver a contrast agent or other liquid pharmaceutical formulation to the patient.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, cassette 2 may include multiple mechanisms for mounting various tube types thereon. According to various embodiments, cassette 2 is configured to accommodate fluid path components such as fluid lines 8, which may include fill tubing, patient line tubing, and other fluid path components (e.g., U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 212,055, filed June 17, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 222,605, filed July 16, 2021, as well as International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 018523, filed February 18, 2021, International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 022421, filed March 15, 2021, International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 022321, filed April 29, 2021, and International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 029963, filed February 25, 2021). 2021 / 01507), an in-line bubble suspension component (International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 037623, filed June 16, 2021), and a priming / purging tube (International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 045689, filed August 13, 2021), the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by this reference in their entirety. In various embodiments, cassette 2 may be designed for a single syringe setup (e.g., when only contrast is being injected) or as a dual syringe setup (e.g., including a first syringe containing contrast and a second syringe containing a flushing fluid such as saline or lactated Ringer's solution). Depending on the embodiment, a single set of mechanisms may be used for all of these, or separate mechanisms may be used for each fluid line 8.

[0065] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , for example, one or more posts 10 may protrude from the surface of the cassette 2 to allow the fluid line 8 to be wrapped around it. For example, a long patient fluid line 8 may be wrapped around or engaged with one or more posts to maintain the patient fluid line 8 in a compact position to minimize tangling during transport and / or setup for fluid infusion. In certain embodiments, one or more posts 10 may be designed to apply a spring force to the fluid line 8 to ensure tension on the fluid line 8 when held on the post 10. The post 10 and / or cassette 2 may also have one or more grooves or protrusions into which the fluid line 8 is positioned when held on the post 10. In certain embodiments, a lid or cap (not shown) may be placed on one or more or all of the posts 10 to hold the fluid line 8. The lid may be removable or permanently attached. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the posts 10 may be angled outward to create tension in the fluid line 8 wrapped around the post 10. Fluid lines that may be associated with one or more posts 10 may include, for example, patient fluid lines and / or bulk fluid lines, with or without associated spike members for spiking a bulk fluid source.

[0066] According to non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 , 19 , and 20 , one or more spools or reels 12 may be positioned on the top, bottom, or sides of the cassette 2 to hold various portions of the fluid line 8 and allow the fluid line 8 to be pulled out prior to installation. In certain embodiments, the spool 12 may be wound from the end or center of a tubing section. In certain embodiments, the spool 12 may be removable so that it can be unwound or placed on the fluid infuser 4, electromechanically, by the fluid infuser 4, or by a biasing element, such as a spring, associated with the spool 12, to be unwound during setup and rewound after use. The spool 12 may rotate freely in the cassette 2 or with resistance, such as friction or a click pawl. The rotation allows for easy removal of the fluid line 8 from the spool 12. The one or more spools 12 may be nestable or stackable so that multiple spools 12 may be used with a single cassette 2. In certain embodiments, the spool 12 may include a spring or other biasing member to retract the fluid line 8, for example, by release of a click pawl and spring-driven take-up that places the fluid line 8 back onto the spool or reel 12 upon completion of the fluid injection procedure. The spool 12 may have a removable end cap or tube retainer molded therein to retain the fluid line 8 thereon. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the spool 12 may also define a retention groove 13 that receives and retains the fluid line 8 when wound onto the spool 12.

[0067] According to non-limiting embodiments, one or more pockets or wells may be molded into cassette 2, and fluid line 8 may be wound onto cassette 2 prior to setup. Fluid line 8 may be placed into this pocket so that fluid line 8 can be pulled straight out and unwound on itself prior to use with fluid infuser 4. Cassette 2 may also have additional connectors securely attached so that other fluid line connections are easily accessed.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 , the body 6 of the cassette 2 may also include at least one extension member 14 to help retain the distal ends of the fluid lines 8 on the cassette 2. For example, the at least one extension member 14 may be configured to retain the distal ends of the fluid lines 8. In one example, the cassette 2 may include multiple extension members 14 such that the distal ends of each fluid line 8 may be retained on a separate extension member 14 in a position where they will be attached to a patient fluid line. The extension members 14 may include retention tabs 16 to which fluid path components, such as fluid lines 8, may be removably secured to the extension members 14. The retention tabs 16 may include grooves defined in the extension members 14 such that the fluid lines 8 may be press-fit into the grooves to be retained on the extension members 14. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 20 , the cassette 2 may omit the extension members 14, and instead, the fluid lines 8 may extend from the front surface of the cassette 2 without support from extension members or retention elements.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the upper and / or lower surfaces of cassette 2 may include a plurality of retention elements for holding various fluid path components in the proper position and configuration on cassette 2, e.g., in the correct position and / or orientation for engagement with corresponding components of a fluid injector or in the proper orientation for a step of an injection procedure. For example, in various embodiments, the retention elements may include one or more catch members for engaging corresponding features on the fluid path components. At least one retention element may be configured such that the fluid path component is removably retained by the at least one retention element, or the at least one retention element may be configured such that the fluid path component is non-removably retained by the at least one retention element.

[0070] 1-6B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cassette 2 may define a holder 18 configured to hold one or more removable end caps 20 operably connected to the proximal and / or distal ends of one or more fluid lines 8. The removable end caps 20 may be provided to prevent dust and other microbial contaminants from entering pre-sterilized fluid pathway components and contaminating the fluid traveling therethrough. Examples of suitable removable end caps are described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 222,605 or may be commercially available end caps. In certain embodiments, the removable end caps 20 may include a sterilization element, such as an alcohol swab element, to maintain sterility of the connector elements at the ends of the fluid lines. The removable end caps 20 may be operably connected to the fluid lines 8 using a rotational connection, a press-fit or friction-fit connection, or a snap-lock connection. According to various embodiments, the removable end caps 20 may be configured to engage with one or more flexible locking legs of a corresponding connector element of the fluid line 8, for example, as described in PCT Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 018523, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, or U.S. Pat. No. 11,083,882. Each removable end cap 20 may have a tab 22 that a user can easily grasp to remove the removable end cap 20 from the connector of the fluid line 8 to allow fluid access to the fluid line 8. In one embodiment, the holder 18 defines at least one slot 24 for receiving each tab 22 of the removable end cap 20, thereby holding the removable end cap 20 and the corresponding connector end of the fluid line 8 in a defined position during transportation and installation into a fluid injector. Alternatively, the holder 18 may be configured to hold another portion of the removable end cap 20.According to various embodiments, slot 24 may be sized or configured to receive tab 22 in a friction fit to hold removable end cap 20 in holder 18 so that the end of fluid line 8 and connector element are positioned adjacent to or near a corresponding feature on the injector, such as a connector element on the distal end of a syringe inserted into fluid injector 4. As described herein, after cassette 2 is installed in fluid injector 4 and the operator is ready to connect fluid line 8 to a connector element on the distal end of a syringe on fluid injector 4, removable end cap 20 is pulled from holder 18 and removed from fluid line 8 to allow connection of fluid line 8 to fluid injector 4. Similar to removable end cap 20, the opposing end of fluid line 8 held in extension member 14 may also have a removable end cap 26 provided on extension member 14 to prevent contamination of the fluid line 8. Referring to FIG. 6B, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tab 22 of the removable end cap 20 may include an enlarged tab section that may be press-fit into the holder 18 for connection to the cassette 2.

[0071] 1-5, 6A and 6B, and 21, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cassette 2 may also include a retaining element configured to retain at least one air detection region 29 of the fluid path such that the cassette 2 positions the at least one air detection region 29 for alignment with one or more air detectors 129 of the receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4 (see FIGS. 10 and 21). According to various embodiments, the cassette 2 and fluid line 8 may include two air detection regions 29: a first air detection region 29 of the contrast fluid path and a second air detection region 29 of the saline fluid path. According to certain embodiments, each air detection region 29 interacts with a corresponding air detector 129 of the fluid injector 4, such that any air bubbles flowing through the fluid path of the at least one air detection region 29 may be detected by the air sensor of the air detector 129. Advantages of the defined scaffold of cassette 2 include ensuring that at least one air detection region 29 is precisely positioned within a corresponding region of air detector 129, ensuring that any air bubbles passing through the fluid path within at least one air detection region 29 are detected by air detector 129. Air detector 129 is configured to detect one or more air bubbles in the infused fluid during a fluid injection procedure. In response to detecting an air bubble in the infused fluid, air detector 129 may send a signal to a control unit of the fluid injector indicating that an air bubble has been detected in the fluid line. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the injection of air into a patient's vascular system can pose serious and harmful health risks to the patient. In angiography procedures in particular, but also in other contrast injection procedures such as CT, PET, and MR, it is important to minimize or eliminate the possibility of injection of a critical amount of air (defined as the smallest amount of air that could cause harmful harm if injected into a patient) during a particular procedure. Herein, the cassette 2 is configured to precisely align at least one air detection region 29 with one or more corresponding air detectors 129 to eliminate the possibility of operator error or manufacturing defects that may cause misalignment between the at least one air detection region 29 and the air detector 129, and to ensure accurate detection of any air that may pass through the fluid line 8.

[0072] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the cassette 2 may be designed and structured to apply a load to the fluid lines 8 of the air detection region 29. The shape and thickness of the cassette 2 may be configured to act as a spring and apply a continuous force to the fluid lines 8 of the air detection region 29, ensuring contact between the fluid lines 8 of the air detection region 29 and the corresponding air detector 129 and eliminating tolerance issues in manufacturing. For example, when the fluid lines 8 of the air detection region 29 are inserted into the cassette 2, the shape of the cassette 2, particularly the protrusions or retaining elements on the cassette 2, may be configured to apply pressure to the fluid lines 8, forcing the air detection region 29 of the fluid lines 8 against the air detector 129 and ensuring an accurate reading of the fluid and any air passing through the fluid lines 8. Ensuring that the cassette 2 is configured to apply this pressure against the fluid lines 8 may mitigate tolerance issues introduced during manufacturing and / or fabrication of the air detection region 29.

[0073] In various embodiments, cassette 2 may define at least one holder 28 configured to receive and hold an air bubble suspension device 30. In one example, air bubble suspension device 30 may be fluidly connected to fluid line 8 downstream of air detection region 29 to at least temporarily suspend and delay any air bubbles that may be detected in fluid passing through air detection region 29 upstream of fluid line 8. For example, at least one air bubble suspension device 30 may be configured to at least temporarily suspend and delay the flow of one or more detected air bubbles within the air bubble suspension region for at least sufficient time that air detector 129 may notify a controller of fluid injector 4 that it has detected air, halt the fluid injection procedure, and stop the flow of fluid to the patient, e.g., by moving a shut-off valve, such as a pinch valve or stopcock described herein, to a closed position. In this manner, even small amounts of air can be detected, and the injection procedure stopped before high fluid flow and system capacitances can carry air bubbles to the patient. In one example, the cassette 2 may define two holders 28 each configured to receive and hold a separate gas bubble suspension device 30, each in fluid communication with a single fluid line 8 (e.g., a contrast fluid line and a saline line). In one embodiment, the gas bubble suspension device 30 may be an in-line gas bubble suspension device disclosed in PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 037623. The gas bubble suspension device 30 may be retained in the cassette 2 using a latch or snap-fit ​​connection, as well as other connection configurations that allow the gas bubble suspension device 30 to be removably attached to the cassette 2. With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the gas bubble suspension device 30 may be retained in the cassette 2 using a push tab 31 configured to be inserted into an opening defined in the holder 28. The push tab 31 is configured such that when the push tab 31 is pushed beyond the opening, the push tab 31 expands outward to prevent back movement through the opening in the holder 28.

[0074] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cassette 2 can be configured to mount to the fluid injector 4 so that the cassette 2 and fluid injector 4 can pivot between an upright priming position (Figure 13) and a downward-angled injection position (Figure 14). A retaining element associated with at least one gas bubble suspension device 30 of the cassette 2 can align and orient the at least one gas bubble suspension device 30, thereby enabling it to be moved between a first priming position, in which substantially all air within the gas bubble suspension device 30 can be primed out of the gas bubble suspension device 30 and fluid line prior to an injection procedure, and a second injection position, in which the gas bubble suspension device 30 is oriented to temporarily retain air bubbles in the fluid path during an injection procedure. Movement of the head of the fluid injector 4 between the upright priming position and the downward-angled injection position moves one or more gas bubble suspension devices 30 between the priming position, in which air is removed from the gas bubble suspension device 30, and the injection position, in which air within the injection fluid is retained within the gas bubble suspension device 30.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8 , the cassette 2 may also define at least one holder 32 for receiving and holding a fluid control valve 34 used to control the flow of fluid through the fluid line 8. In one embodiment, the cassette 2 may define two holders 32 for respectively receiving and holding a fluid control valve 34. In one example, the fluid control valve 34 may be a stopcock valve, such as a three-way stopcock. The fluid control valve 34 may be removably held in the holder 32 via a snap-fit ​​connection, a friction fit, or any other removable connection configuration that allows the fluid control valve 34 to be inserted into and removed from the holder 32. In one embodiment, the fluid control valve 34, such as a three-way stopcock, is movable between at least three different positions by the fluid injector 4. In a first, fluid-filling position, the fluid control valve 34 may direct fluid through the fluid line 8 to establish fluid communication between a bulk fluid source and a syringe held by the fluid injector 4 while preventing fluid communication with the patient fluid line. In the second fluid delivery position, the fluid control valve 34 may be positioned to provide direct fluid communication from a syringe held in the fluid injector 4 into the patient fluid line, and thus into the patient, via the fluid line 8, while preventing fluid communication with the bulk fluid source. In the third stop position, the fluid control valve 34 prevents fluid communication through the fluid line 8 between the syringe, the bulk fluid source, and the patient. The cassette operably positions a stopcock with a corresponding stopcock actuator 134 of the fluid injector 4, such that the stopcock actuator 134 may actuate the corresponding stopcock in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector 4 to move the stopcock between the first, second, and third positions. For example, when a fluid injection protocol requires filling a syringe, the controller may send a signal to the stopcock actuator 134 to move the stopcock to the first fluid fill position, allowing fluid to be drawn from the bulk fluid source into the syringe.The controller may then signal the stopcock actuator 134 to move the stopcock to a second fluid delivery position to allow priming of the system, followed by initiation of a fluid injection procedure. The controller may signal the stopcock actuator 134 to move the stopcock to a third stop position when: a) the fluid injection procedure is temporarily stopped to prevent dripping of fluid from the system; b) the fluid injection procedure is terminated; or c) the air detector 129 notifies the controller that it has detected one or more air bubbles in the fluid flowing through the air detection region 29 of the fluid pathway. In the latter case, the air detector may operate in cooperation with the air bubble suspension device 30, the controller, and the stopcock and stopcock actuator 134 to detect air in the fluid pathway, temporarily suspend the air in the bubble suspension device 30, notify the controller that it has detected the air, and signal and activate the controller to move the stopcock actuator 134 to the third stop position in time to stop the flow of fluid before the air passes through the bubble suspension device 30 and downstream (via the stopcock) to the patient. Cassette 2 is configured to precisely align the stopcock with stopcock actuator 134, thereby preventing movement of air through the system and into the patient.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the fluid control valve 34 may be one or more pinch valves of the fluid injector 4 that may be operably positioned to interact with one or more fluid lines 8, such as bulk fluid lines and / or patient fluid lines, retained within the cassette. In certain embodiments, the pinch valves may be dual pinch valves designed to control flow through two separate fluid lines, for example, between bulk fluid lines and / or patient fluid lines. Pinch valves suitable for incorporation into the fluid injector 4 are described in PCT International Application No. PCT / US 2021 / 029963, such as the dual pinch valves described therein. For example, in certain embodiments, the dual pinch valve may include a first pinch valve for controlling fluid flow between a bulk fluid source and a syringe and a second pinch valve for controlling fluid flow between the syringe and a patient fluid line. According to certain embodiments, the cassette 2 may be configured to align various fluid lines 8 with the pinch valves. In certain embodiments, when the cassette is operably engaged with the fluid injector 4, the cassette 2 may be configured to apply a force to the fluid line 8 to urge the fluid line 8 into an engaged interaction (i.e., insert the fluid line tubing into the pinch area of ​​the pinch valve).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the body 6 of the cassette 2 may include a guard member 35 that covers the at least one fluid control valve 34. The guard member 35 is configured to protect and / or prevent the handle of the at least one fluid control valve 34 from becoming dislodged during transport or handling by an operator. In one embodiment, a notch 37 may be provided in the guard member 35 to allow for viewing of the handle of the fluid control valve 34 and to determine the position of the handle.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the cassette 2 includes features that enable proper positioning of the cassette 2 relative to the receiving surface 11 of the head of the fluid injector 4, and connection arrangements 36 for easy installation of the cassette 2 onto the fluid injector 4 and alignment of the various fluid path components of the cassette 2 with associated features of the fluid injector 4. According to various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-14 , the cassette 2 is hingedly engageable with the fluid injector 4 to align the fluid lines 8, the air bubble suspension device 30, the air detection region 29, and the fluid control valves 34 with their corresponding actuators on the fluid injector 4, while also positioning the ends of the fluid lines 8 adjacent to corresponding connection arrangements on the fluid injector 4 and patient fluid lines. Thus, the cassette 2 may increase efficiency and reduce the time between injection procedures while minimizing operator installation errors or delays. In certain embodiments, cassette 2 may be provided in a sterile package or as a single packaged disposable unit with all associated disposable fluid path components, which may be provided as sterile fluid path components (i.e., the internal portions of the various fluid path components are sterilized and then sealed and packaged). Cassette 2 may be removed from the package and quickly engaged with fluid injector 4 such that all fluid path components of cassette 2 are ready for the subsequent injection procedure.

[0079] Various methods for positioning, engaging, and latching the cassette 2 on the fluid injector 4 are illustrated in Figures 10-12 and incorporate fixed pivot points on the fluid injector 4 and fixed latching mechanisms for retaining the cassette 2 after positioning and engaging with the receiving surface 11 of the head of the fluid injector 4. Once the cassette 2 is attached and engaged to the mechanisms of the fluid injector 4, the user may access the various fluid pathway components and, after removing the associated removable end caps 20, connect connector elements to the distal and proximal ends of the fluid pathway with the appropriate mechanisms of the fluid injector 4 (e.g., syringe nozzles, spikes on a bulk fluid source, patient fluid lines, etc.) to prepare the system for a fluid injection procedure.

[0080] 1-5 and 10-12 , according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the cassette 2 may include a connection arrangement 36 including at least one hinge member 38. In various examples, two hinge members 38 are provided on either side of the proximal end of the cassette 2. Each hinge member 38 may include a rounded member 40 and a latch member 42. In one embodiment, the hinge members 38 are configured to be received within corresponding grooves 44 defined in the cassette receiving surface 11 of the fluid infuser 4. In one example, the hinge members 38 may be positioned on the cassette 2 such that the hinge members 38 can be inserted into the grooves 44 in the receiving surface 11 of the fluid infuser 4 only at predetermined orientations or insertion / removal angles relative to the receiving surface 11, thereby eliminating the risk of an operator or user placing the cassette 2 in an undesired position on the fluid infuser 4. The grooves 44 may be defined to have a shape corresponding to the hinge members 38. To install cassette 2 into fluid infuser 4, round member 40 of hinge member 38 may first be inserted into groove 44 of fluid infuser 4. Once round member 40 is inserted into groove 44, cassette 2 may be rotated downward relative to fluid infuser 4, moving cassette 2 toward fluid infuser 4 and moving latch member 42 of hinge member 38 into groove 44. It is also contemplated that cassette 2 may be press-fit into fluid infuser 4 instead of a rotational fit.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 10-12 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, after the hinge members 38 are inserted into the grooves 44, the cassette 2 may be fully rotated toward the fluid infuser 4 to fully connect the cassette 2 to the fluid infuser 4. As the cassette 2 is rotated toward the fluid infuser 4, flexible locking tabs 46 on the distal end of the cassette 2 are bent and pressed into locking engagement with locking grooves 48 defined in the receiving surface 11 of the head of the fluid infuser 4. The locking tabs 46 may snap into engagement with the locking grooves 44 to retain the hinge members 38 within the corresponding grooves 48 so that the cassette 2 remains removably engaged with the fluid infuser 4. After the cassette 2 is locked in place on the fluid infuser 4, the fluid path components retained on the cassette 2 are positioned in a predetermined orientation on the fluid infuser 4 for easy connection with corresponding fluid path components of the fluid infuser 4 and / or patient fluid lines. For example, in the engaged / locked position, the cassette 2 positions the proximal connector end of the fluid line 8 and the associated removable end cap 20 adjacent the distal end of the syringe, such that the proximal connector end may be removed from the removable end cap 20 and the connector engaged with the syringe to create fluid communication between the interior of the syringe and the fluid line 8. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, to remove the cassette 2 from the fluid injector 4 after use, the locking tab 46 may be flexibly pressed toward the cassette 2 to disengage it from the locking groove 48 of the fluid injector 4, thereby rotating the cassette upward to the insertion / removal angle via rotation of the rounded member 40 of the hinge member 38 within the groove 44, thereby disengaging the fluid path components from the corresponding mechanisms of the fluid injector 4 and releasing the cassette 2 from the fluid injector 4. The cassette 2 may then be discarded, and a new, sterile cassette 2 may be installed for a subsequent fluid injector procedure.

[0082] Once installed, the cassette 2 may provide a rigid attachment point to the fluid infuser 4 to enable one-handed connection of the patient fluid lines 8. As noted above, mechanisms may be added to the cassette 2 to store the removable end caps 20. According to certain embodiments, these mechanisms may include removable end caps 20 molded directly onto the cassette 2. Additional embodiments may include additional sterile removable end caps 20 to maintain the sterility of connector ends, e.g., connector ends attached to patient fluid lines, after priming of multiple patient fluid lines 8 and between patient infusion procedures. In alternative embodiments, the cassette 2 may include a sterilization element, such as an alcohol swab mechanism or functionality for accessing a UV light onto the fluid infuser 4, to enable sterilization of the distal connector ends of the fluid lines 8 of the cassette 2 between patient infusion procedures. The cassette 2 may also serve as a storage location for used removable end caps 20 from the setup, which helps maintain a neat workspace and ensures disposal of removable end caps 20 with the disposable cassette 2. The removable end cap 20 may also be retained on the cassette 2 after being removed from the fluid line 8 to ensure that the removable end cap 20 does not fall out of the cassette 2 .

[0083] Upon completion of one or a series of multiple patient fluid injections, removal of cassette 2 from fluid injector 4 is simplified because cassette 2 provides one-step, single-handed removal of one or more, e.g., all, of the multiple fluid path components associated with cassette 2. Cassette 2 may remain attached to the fluid injector and syringe during this process, e.g., with fluid control valve 34 in the third stop position, minimizing fluid dripping between injection procedures in a multiple-patient injection setup or during disassembly steps. The combined syringe and cassette assembly may then be discarded as a unit. In certain embodiments, used syringe and cassette assemblies may be recycled. Furthermore, maintaining fluid control valve 34 in the third stop position and maintaining upstream components, such as syringes and other upstream fluid path components, in a pressurized position allows for a reduction in fluid volume delivery errors due to the release and uptake of system capacitance (i.e., expansion of system components under injection pressure, uptake of system slack) between patient injection procedures in a multiple-patient injection setup.

[0084] According to certain non-limiting embodiments, cassette 2 may have one or more components that separate when cassette 2 is removed, rendering cassette 2 and associated fluid path components no longer usable. For example, in certain embodiments, flexible locking tab 46 or connecting feature 36 may be configured to break or deform when disengaged from fluid infuser 4. This prevents accidental reuse of cassette 2 and associated fluid path components, thus preventing potential cross-contamination and other safety issues associated with multiple uses of cassette 2 and associated fluid path components outside of the recommended and approved uses.

[0085] According to some non-limiting embodiments, one or more deformable parts or shields (not shown) of cassette 2 may be used to position components and prevent inadvertent movement of fluid path components, such as stopcock handles or engagement mechanisms, during transportation and installation of cassette 2. For example, during shipping or installation, a stopcock engagement mechanism may be inadvertently moved so that it is no longer in position to engage with an associated stopcock actuator; the shield may prevent access to the engagement mechanism and minimize the possibility of inadvertent movement. As described herein, these deformable parts may be designed to flex out of the way when cassette 2 is installed, allowing fluid injector 4 mechanisms, such as actuators, to interface with fluid path components, such as actuators that may engage and operate stopcock handles, while allowing the controller to identify the specific rotational position of the stopcock so that the controller can precisely move the stopcock between first, second, and third positions.

[0086] According to some non-limiting embodiments, portions of the cassette 2 may be illuminated via one or more lights 50 on the fluid injector 4. These lights 50 may include area lighting, in which light is projected onto at least certain portions, or all, of the cassette 2. This may also be directional lighting, such as "light plumbing," in which the cassette 2 is designed to allow light to reach the interior through one or more portions of the fluid path or cassette skeletal mechanism. In certain embodiments, the cassette 2 may be made of transparent or translucent plastic, and the lights 50 are tightly coupled to the cassette 2 on the fluid injector 4. The lights may be used to indicate to a user that the cassette 2 is properly installed in the injector 4, and / or that the fluid path components are primed and / or ready for a fluid injection procedure, and / or which fluid type (e.g., contrast or saline) is associated with a particular fluid path. The light mechanism may also be used to indicate whether the fluid control valve 34 is in a first fill position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third rest position by using different colored lights for each position. The cassette 2 may be made of a light-transmitting material so that when the cassette 2 is fully loaded, the light from the emitter travels to the transmitter to indicate that the cassette 2 is fully loaded.

[0087] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the cassette 2 may include one or more identification labels 52, such as RFID, barcode, QR code, or other machine-readable identification labels, which may be scanned by the fluid injector 4 or by other components of the fluid injector system, such as a controller, a handheld identification label reader, or a computer associated with the fluid injector 4. The identification label 52 may be present on either or both the cassette 2 and the cassette packaging. According to various embodiments, the identification label 52 may be used for various purposes. The identification label 52 may be utilized when setting up the fluid injector 4 to operate with various components and characteristics of the disposable set (e.g., workflow, prime volume, compliance information, patient population, etc.). According to these embodiments, the cassette 2 may be configured to include various fluid path components depending on the specifications of the infusion protocol. The identification label 52 enables the fluid injector 4 to recognize the features, characteristics, and components of a particular cassette 2 and associated fluid path components, determine whether the cassette 2 is an appropriate cassette 2 for a selected fluid infusion procedure, and configure the fluid infusion procedure according to the characteristics and components of the cassette 2. The identification label 52 may further be used to prevent reuse of the cassette or use of the cassette beyond its approved lifespan and / or may include information regarding the manufacture of the cassette, such as the date of manufacture, usable lifespan, etc.

[0088] Identification label 52 may also be provided to ensure that a compatible, non-counterfeit disposable set is used with fluid injector 4. Fluid injector 4 may notify the user that cassette 2 is not a compatible or approved disposable set or is not from an approved manufacturer with appropriate quality control protocols, which, if used, could result in one or more errors during a fluid injection procedure. Upon reading identification label 52, the controller may indicate to the user that cassette 2 is not suitable or approved for the associated injection procedure and may further prevent use of the cassette and associated fluid path components during the injection procedure.

[0089] The identification label 52 may be used to record the use of the cassette 2 and / or fluid infuser 4 for a patient / patients in a hospital record system. If the cassette 2 includes multiple patient fluid pathway configurations, the identification label 52 may enable communication and data transfer with a hospital record system or other tracking system to ensure that the cassette 2 and associated components are used according to specifications. The identification label 52 may also be used to alert the user when a multi-patient disposable set is approaching or has reached its maximum usage (maximum number of injections or maximum total usage time), or when it has reached the end of its shelf life or expiration date, and instruct the user of the need to replace and / or properly dispose of the cassette 2. In another embodiment, an indicator may be provided on the fluid infuser 4 to notify the operator when the fluid control valve 34 is fully engaged, indicating when the fluid infuser 4 is ready to operate.

[0090] 16A-16C , an alternative connection configuration 54 for connecting the cassette 2 to the fluid infuser 4 is shown and described, according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The connection configuration 54 may include a locking tab 56 disposed on the cassette 2 and a locking groove 58 disposed on the fluid infuser 4. To connect the cassette 2 to the receiving surface 11 of the fluid infuser 4, the locking tab 56 is inserted into the locking groove 58 in the receiving surface 11, and the cassette 2 may be rotated toward the fluid infuser 4. When the cassette 2 is rotated toward the fluid infuser 4, the cassette 2 engages with a latch mechanism 60 to releasably lock the cassette 2 to the fluid infuser 4.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 15 , according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, after the fluid path components are attached to the cassette 2, the entire assembled cassette 2 may be inserted into a press-formed container and / or at least partially covered with plastic using an impermeable or semi-permeable polymeric material, or any other known method, or packaged within a package 62. In one example, patient fluid lines may be coiled and placed in associated tubing receptacles outside the package to maintain an organized package. Fluid lines 8 may be tied, individually wrapped, or placed in a sterile package. In addition to using removable end caps 20, 26 to cover opposite ends of the fluid lines 8, this packaging method may be used to maintain a sterile fluid path rather than a completely sterilized cassette 2. In another embodiment, a package may be formed using a cassette 2 with two protective covers on the top and bottom of the cassette 2 to seal the internal components of the cassette 2 from contamination. In one example, the sides of the body 6 of the cassette 2 may form the sides of the package.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of attaching at least one component to a fluid infuser 4 is described. The method may include attaching at least one component to a cassette 2, the cassette 2 including a body 6 defining at least one opening for holding the at least one component, and a connecting arrangement or member 36 operably connected to the body 6. The method may include connecting the cassette 2 to a housing of the fluid infuser 4 by operably connecting the connecting arrangement or member 36 of the cassette 2 to a corresponding connecting arrangement or member 36 of the fluid infuser 4. The connection of the cassette 2 to the housing of the fluid infuser 4 is configured to position the at least one component in a predetermined position in the housing of the fluid infuser 4. The at least one component may be at least one of a stopcock 34, an air bubble suspension device 30, a fluid line 8, and a removable end cap 20 for the fluid line 8. The method may also include evaluating an identifier 52 attached to the cassette 2 to determine whether the cassette 2 has already been used.

[0093] It is worth noting that a reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and accompanying descriptions described herein are used as examples for conceptual clarity, and that various configuration variations are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying descriptions are intended to represent their general class. In general, the use of any specific example is intended to represent that class and should not be construed as limiting the inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects.

[0095] With respect to the use of any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

[0096] The subject matter described herein may depict various components contained within or connected to various other components. It should be understood that any such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact, many other architectures that achieve the same functionality may be implemented. In a conceptual sense, any configuration of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Thus, any two components herein that combine to achieve a particular function may be considered to be “associated” with each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated may be considered to be “operably connected,” and any two components so associated may also be considered to be “operably connectable” with each other to achieve the desired functionality. Examples of operably connectable include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or logically interacting components, and / or logically interacting components.

[0097] Some aspects may be described using the terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term "connected" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term "coupled" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term "coupled" can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0098] In some examples, one or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured," "operable," "adapted," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured" may generally encompass active components, and / or inactive components, and / or standby components, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0099] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects; therefore, the appended claims encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the subject matter described herein. In general, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms used in this specification, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but not limited to," etc.). Where the recitation of a specific number of introduced claims is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim; it will be further understood by those skilled in the art that, absent such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, to aid in understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to mean that introducing a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim that includes such a recitation to claims that include only one of such recitations, nor does this apply to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more," or "at least one," and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should ordinarily be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more").

[0100] Furthermore, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitations should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "an enumeration of two" without other modifiers generally means at least two enumerations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, when a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such configurations are generally intended in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand that convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). When a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such a configuration is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that disjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should typically be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" is typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0101] In summary, many advantages have been described that arise from using the concepts described herein. The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the entire scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 2 disposable cassettes 4 Electric medical fluid injectors 6 Main unit 8 fluid lines 10 posts 11 Receptive Aspects 12 spools or reels 13 Retaining groove 14 Extension member 16 retention tab 18 Holder 20 End Caps 22 tabs 24 slots 26 End cap 28 Holder 29 Air detection area 30 Air bubble suspension device 31 Push Tab 32 Holder 34 Fluid Control Valve 35 Guard material 36 Connection Configuration 37 notches 38 Hinge member 40 Round Member 42 Latch member 44 Groove 46 Flexible Locking Tab 48 Lock groove 50 Light 52 Identification Label 54 Connection Configuration 56 Locking tab 58 Lock groove 60 Latch mechanism 129 Air Detector 134 Stopcock actuator

Claims

1. 1. A fluid pathway set for a fluid infuser, said fluid pathway set comprising: a first fluid pathway comprising: a first proximal connector element at a proximal end of the first fluid pathway; a first distal connector element at a distal end of the first fluid pathway; and one or more fluid pathway components selected from the group consisting of a first air detection region, a first air bubble suspension device, and a first stopcock; a cassette comprising a body, a plurality of retaining elements, and at least one connecting member for removably connecting the body to the fluid injector; Equipped with A fluid path set, wherein at least one of the plurality of retaining elements is configured to retain the one or more components of the first fluid path.

2. 2. The fluid path set of claim 1, wherein the one or more fluid path components comprise the first air detection region, the first air bubble suspension device, and the first stopcock, and the first air bubble suspension device is disposed in the first fluid path between the first air detection region and the first stopcock.

3. 2. The fluid path set of claim 1, wherein the first air detection region is connected to the body of the cassette by at least one of the plurality of retaining elements, and the cassette is configured to retain the first air detection region in a position that interacts with a first air detector of the fluid injector.

4. 2. The fluid pathway set of claim 1, wherein the first fluid pathway further comprises at least one of a first removable end cap associated with the first proximal connector element and a second removable end cap associated with the first distal connector element.

5. 5. The fluid path set of claim 4, wherein a tab of the first removable end cap is retained in a first retention slot of the body of the cassette and is positioned to retain the first proximal connector at the proximal end of the body of the cassette.

6. 2. The fluid pathway set of claim 1, wherein the first stopcock is a three-way stopcock, a first connector of the three-way stopcock is connected to an upstream tubing piece in the first fluid pathway, a second connector of the three-way stopcock is connected to a downstream tubing piece in the first fluid pathway, and a third connector of the three-way stopcock is connected to a first filling tubing piece configured to be in fluid communication with a first bulk fluid container.

7. 7. The fluid pathway set of claim 6, wherein the three-way stopcock has a first fluid-filling position that provides fluid communication between the first bulk fluid container and the first proximal connector element, a second fluid-supply position that provides fluid communication between the first proximal connector element and the first distal connector element, and a third stop position that blocks fluid communication between the first proximal connector element, the first bulk fluid container, and the first distal connector element.

8. 7. The fluid pathway set of claim 6, wherein the first filling tube component has a spike at a distal end, the spike configured to spike the first bulk fluid container to provide fluid communication between the first filling tube component and the first bulk fluid container.

9. The fluid pathway set of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the plurality of retention elements retains the first stopcock in a position configured to engage a first stopcock actuator of the fluid infuser.

10. a second fluid pathway comprising a second proximal connector element at a proximal end of the second fluid pathway, a second distal connector element at a distal end of the second fluid pathway, and one or more fluid pathway components of the second fluid pathway selected from the group consisting of a second air detection region, a second air bubble suspension device, and a second stopcock; The fluid path set of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of retention elements is configured to retain the one or more components of the second fluid path.

11. 11. The fluid path set of claim 10, wherein the one or more fluid path components of the second fluid path comprise the second air detection region, the second air bubble suspension device, and the second stopcock, and the second air bubble suspension device is disposed in the second fluid path between the second air detection region and the second stopcock.

12. 11. The fluid pathway set of claim 10, wherein the first fluid pathway is configured to deliver a first fluid to a patient from a first syringe connected to the fluid infuser, and the second fluid pathway is configured to deliver a second fluid to the patient from a second syringe connected to the fluid infuser.

13. 1. A fluid pathway for a fluid injector, the fluid pathway comprising: a proximal connector element at a proximal end of the fluid pathway, a first proximal connector configured to connect to a syringe; an air detection tube area; an air bubble suspension device; A stopcock and a distal connector element at the distal end of the fluid pathway; wherein the distal connector element is configured to connect to a patient supply fluid pathway.

14. a first tube section providing fluid communication between the proximal connector element and the air detection tube region; a second tube section providing fluid communication between the air detection tube region and a fluid inlet of the air bubble suspension device; a third tubing section providing fluid communication between the fluid outlet of the air bubble suspension device and the inlet connector of the stopcock; a fourth tubing section providing fluid communication between the stopcock outlet connector and the distal connector element; Furthermore, The fluid pathway of claim 13 , wherein the fluid pathway provides fluid communication between the proximal connector element and the distal connector element when the stopcock is in a dispensing position.

15. 15. The fluid pathway of claim 14, wherein the stopcock is a three-way stopcock comprising the inlet connector, the outlet connector, and a fill connector, and the fluid pathway further comprises a fifth tubing section having a spike at a distal end of the fifth tubing section, the fifth tubing section configured to provide fluid communication between the syringe and a bulk fluid container attached to the spike when the three-way stopcock is in a fill position.

16. The fluid pathway of claim 13 , further comprising a first removable end cap associated with the proximal connector element and a second removable end cap associated with the distal connector element.

17. 17. The fluid pathway of claim 16, wherein the first and second removable end caps are configured to cover the proximal and distal connector elements to prevent inadvertent contamination.

18. The fluid pathway of claim 13 , wherein the fluid pathway is configured to be connected to a body of a cassette, the cassette being configured to be removably attached to a fluid infuser.

19. The fluid pathway of claim 18 , wherein the fluid pathway is connected to the body of the cassette by a plurality of retaining elements.

20. The fluid pathway of claim 13 , wherein the proximal connector element is configured to connect to an outlet nozzle of a syringe and the distal connector element is configured to connect to a disposable tubing set.

Images