Radioactive drug administration device, and method for attaching a syringe to the radioactive drug administration device.

The device accurately attaches syringes to the radioactive drug administration device using a movable pin and detection unit, ensuring correct placement and preventing radiation leakage.

JP2026113895APending Publication Date: 2026-07-08SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-26
Publication Date
2026-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing radioactive liquid medicine administration devices face challenges in accurately attaching syringes, which affects the accuracy of radioactive drug solution measurement, and existing technologies have not effectively addressed this issue.

Method used

A pin that can move forward and backward by an elastic body is provided on the side of the syringe, and a detection unit is provided to detect whether the syringe has been placed in the housing section via the pin.

Benefits of technology

The device can accurately determine the yield of the radioactive drug solution and ensure correct syringe placement, improving measurement accuracy and preventing radiation leakage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a radioactive drug administration device that can easily and accurately determine the yield of the radioactive drug solution contained in a container, and a method for attaching a syringe to the radioactive drug administration device. [Solution] According to the radioactive drug administration device 1, a pin 80 that can move forward and backward by an elastic body 82 is provided on the side 70a of the housing section 70 that houses the syringe 31. Therefore, when the syringe 31 is placed in the housing section 70, the pin 80 is pushed into the side section 70a, and when the syringe 31 is not placed, the pin 80 protrudes from the side section 70a. In contrast, the radioactive drug administration device 1 has a detection unit 64 that detects whether the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing section 70 via the pin 80. The radioactive drug administration device 1 can determine whether the syringe 31 has been correctly placed in the housing section 70, and if it has not been placed, it can take action to ensure that it is correctly placed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radioactive liquid medicine administration device and a method for attaching a syringe to the radioactive liquid medicine administration device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technology in this field, a radioactive liquid medicine administration device described in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this device, a transport line for transporting a transport liquid connects a transport liquid syringe and a winged needle. A liquid medicine line for supplying a radioactive liquid medicine merges with this transport line. After a radioactive liquid medicine with a desired radiation dose is sent from the liquid medicine syringe through the liquid medicine line into the transport line, it is pushed out by the transport liquid syringe together with the transport liquid, and the radioactive liquid medicine is administered to the patient through the transport line and the winged needle. The above transport line etc. are connected using a pinch valve etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above radioactive liquid medicine administration device, a syringe for sucking and discharging the radioactive liquid medicine is attached to a predetermined location. Near the location where the syringe is attached, a sensor for measuring the amount of radioactive liquid medicine inside the syringe is provided. The accuracy of the measurement result of such a sensor is affected by whether the syringe is correctly attached or not. That is, if the syringe is not correctly attached, the measurement result of the sensor may decrease. Therefore, it has been required to accurately attach the syringe to the radioactive liquid medicine administration device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a radioactive drug administration device that can accurately attach a syringe, and a method for attaching a syringe to a radioactive drug administration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a radioactive drug administration device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container for containing a radioactive drug solution and a syringe for drawing the radioactive drug solution from the container and discharging the radioactive drug solution for administration, wherein a pin that can move forward and backward by an elastic body is provided on the side of the container for containing the syringe, and a detection unit is provided to detect when the syringe is placed in the container via the pin.

[0007] According to the radioactive drug administration device described above, a pin that can move forward and backward by an elastic body is provided on the side of the housing section that houses the syringe. Therefore, when a syringe is placed in the housing section, the pin is pushed inward on the side, and when a syringe is not placed in the housing section, the pin protrudes from the side. In contrast, the radioactive drug administration device has a detection unit that detects whether the syringe has been placed in the housing section via the pin. That is, the detection unit can detect whether the syringe has been placed in the housing section by detecting the movement of the pin, which changes depending on whether a syringe is placed or not. As a result, the radioactive drug administration device can determine whether the syringe has been correctly placed in the housing section, and if it has not been placed, it can take action to ensure that it is correctly placed. Thus, the syringe can be accurately placed.

[0008] The pin may be positioned closer to one end of the syringe in the longitudinal direction. Inside the syringe are the radioactive drug solution and the plunger that pushes it in, and depending on where the pin pushes, the sealing performance of the syringe may be affected. In contrast, by positioning the pin closer to one end, the pin can push in a location that has less impact on the sealing performance of the syringe.

[0009] The pin may be positioned within a shielding element. This prevents radiation from the radioactive liquid in the syringe from leaking to the outside through the area where the pin is located.

[0010] A syringe attachment method for a radioactive drug administration device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container for containing a radioactive drug solution and a syringe for drawing the radioactive drug solution from the container and discharging the radioactive drug solution for administration, wherein a pin having an elastic body is provided on the side of the container for containing the syringe, and the presence of the syringe in the container is detected via the pin.

[0011] This method of attaching the syringe to the radioactive drug delivery device allows for the same effects and actions as those of the radioactive drug delivery device described above to be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radioactive drug solution administration device that can easily and accurately determine the yield of the radioactive drug solution contained in a container, and a method for attaching a syringe to the radioactive drug solution administration device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates the radioactive drug administration device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the RI syringe, the first detection unit, and the second detection unit. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows a table that correlates the volume of the radioactive liquid with the output values ​​detected by the first, second, and third RI sensors. [Figure 5] This graph corresponds to Figure 4, where (a) shows the detection result of the first RI sensor, (b) shows the detection result of the second RI sensor, (c) shows the detection result of the third RI sensor, and (d) shows the average of the output values ​​detected by the first to third RI sensors. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart showing the procedure for the first administration. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the procedure for the second dose administration. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the syringe mounting structure, which is the structure surrounding the syringe, viewed from above. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the syringe mounting structure from the side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a radioactive drug delivery device according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the radioactive drug delivery device 1 includes a saline line 7 connecting a saline pack 3 containing physiological saline (or distilled water for injection) and a winged needle 5, a drug line 9 connecting a vial (container) 6 containing the radioactive drug solution and the saline line 7, and a waste liquid line 11 connecting a waste liquid bottle 10 and the saline line 7. The main parts of the radioactive drug delivery device 1, excluding the winged needle 5, are housed in a housing 13. The vial 6 is housed in a shielding case 15 that shields against radiation, and the shielding case 15 is located in a first shielding chamber 16. The main part of the drug line 9 is located in a second shielding chamber 17, and the waste liquid bottle 10 is located in a third shielding chamber 18.

[0016] The saline solution line 7 comprises a first tube 19A, a second tube 19B, a third tube 19C, and a fourth tube 19D for transferring dilution saline solution from the saline solution pack 3 to the winged needle 5. The first tube 19A, the second tube 19B, the third tube 19C, and the fourth tube 19D are each made of sterile extension tubes. An injection needle 20 connected to the saline solution pack 3 is provided at the base end of the first tube 19A. A winged needle 5 for administering the radioactive drug solution to the subject is provided at the tip of the fourth tube 19D.

[0017] The first tube 19A and the second tube 19B are connected via the first T-shaped tube 21. The first T-shaped tube 21 is provided with a first check valve 21a for preventing physiological saline or the like from flowing back into the first tube 19A. Further, the second tube 19B and the third tube 19C are connected via the second T-shaped tube 23, and the second T-shaped tube 23 is provided with a second check valve 23a for preventing physiological saline or the like from flowing back into the second tube 19B. Also, the third tube 19C and the fourth tube 19D are connected via the third T-shaped tube 25. In the vicinity of the fourth tube 19D, a passage sensor 26 for detecting the passage of the radioactive chemical solution through the fourth tube 19D is provided.

[0018] A raw food syringe 27 is connected to the branch portion of the first T-shaped tube 21. The raw food syringe 27 is connected to, for example, a syringe driving device (not shown) by a pulse motor. The raw food syringe 27 moves the pusher portion by the drive of the syringe driving device, and pushes the physiological saline or the like in the first tube 19A into the second tube 19B, the third tube 19C, and the fourth tube 19D.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chemical solution line 9 includes a chemical solution tube 29 for transferring the radioactive chemical solution dispensed from the vial 6, an RI syringe 31 that sucks the radioactive chemical solution from the vial 6 through the chemical solution tube 29 and discharges the sucked radioactive chemical solution to the raw food line 7 for administration, an actuator 33 for moving the RI syringe 31, and a control means 35 for controlling the drive of the actuator 33. Further, the chemical solution line 9 includes a first detection unit (detection means) 37 and a second detection unit (auxiliary detection means) 39 for detecting the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive chemical solution sucked by the RI syringe 31.

[0020] Vial 6 contains a radioactive drug solution, such as FDG (2-deoxy-18Ffluoro-glucose), used in PET (positron emission tomography), at a concentration of approximately 500 mCi / 20 ml to 1 Ci / 20 ml. The drug solution tube 29 is an extension tube, and a catheter needle, which is inserted into vial 6, is provided at the base end of drug solution tube 29. The tip of drug solution tube 29 is connected to the first conduit 41a of the three-way branch pipe 41. The first conduit 41a is equipped with a drug solution check valve 41b to prevent backflow of the radioactive drug solution into vial 6.

[0021] The second conduit 41c of the three-way branch pipe 41 is connected to the branch of the second T-shaped pipe 23 of the saline line 7. Furthermore, the second conduit 41c is equipped with a saline check valve 41d to prevent the entry of physiological saline solution, etc.

[0022] The third conduit 41f of the three-way branch pipe 41 is connected to the RI syringe 31. The RI syringe 31 comprises an outer cylinder portion (tube portion) 31a and a plunger portion (piston portion) 31b that slides within the outer cylinder portion 31a. The tip of the outer cylinder portion 31a is provided with an intake / exhaust port 31c that communicates with the third conduit 41f, and a flange 31d is provided at the base end. The outer cylinder portion 31a is housed in a holder portion 43. The holder portion 43 is provided with a retaining bracket 43a formed so that the flange 31d is inserted into it. The outer cylinder portion 31a is prevented from coming off by the flange 31d being held in place by the retaining bracket 43a. By moving the plunger portion 31b, radioactive liquid is drawn into the outer cylinder portion 31a, and the drawn-in radioactive liquid is discharged.

[0023] The actuator 33 consists of a pulse motor and has a movable bracket 33a. The plunger portion 31b of the RI syringe 31 is fixed to the movable bracket 33a. The actuator 33 reciprocates the movable bracket 33a, thereby reciprocating the plunger portion 31b. The suction and discharge means 45 is composed of the RI syringe 31 and the actuator 33.

[0024] A control means 35 is connected to the actuator 33. The control means 35 corresponds to a PC (Personal Computer), and is composed of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and is connected to the actuator 33 to send and receive electrical signals. The control means 35 controls the aspiration for dispensing and discharge for administration of the radioactive drug solution by the RI syringe 31 by controlling the drive of the actuator 33. The control means 35 is also connected to the first detection unit 37 and the second detection unit 39, and can receive output values ​​output from the first detection unit 37 or the second detection unit 39.

[0025] A first detection unit 37 and a second detection unit 39 are provided on the outside of the holder portion 43 that holds the RI syringe 31, along the outer cylinder portion 31a of the RI syringe 31. The first detection unit 37 and the second detection unit 39 are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the RI syringe 31. The first detection unit 37 is provided to determine the amount of radioactive drug solution drawn in by the RI syringe 31, and the second detection unit 39 is provided to monitor the first detection unit 37 and determine whether or not to administer the drug.

[0026] The first detection unit 37 is equipped with a first RI sensor 47A, a second RI sensor 47B, and a third RI sensor 47C. RI (Radioisotope) is an isotope that emits radiation and changes (decays) into other types of atomic nuclei. The first RI sensor 47A is a sensor that detects the decay rate (Bq) per second, i.e., the radioactivity intensity, and outputs it as an electrical signal. The second RI sensor 47B and the third RI sensor 47C function similarly. The first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C each independently detect the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder 31a of the RI syringe 31.

[0027] The detection accuracy of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C increases as they are moved closer to the outer cylinder portion 31a, but the range in which they can be accurately detected narrows. Therefore, the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C are arranged vertically along the axis L of the outer cylinder portion 31a, with the first RI sensor 47A positioned closer to the tip, the second RI sensor 47B closer to the center, and the third RI sensor 47C closer to the base. This arrangement makes it easier to bring each of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C closer to the outer cylinder portion 31a, thereby improving detection accuracy over a wide range along the axis L of the outer cylinder portion 31a.

[0028] The detection accuracy of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C increases as they are moved closer to the outer cylinder portion 31a, but the range in which they can be accurately detected narrows. Therefore, the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C are arranged vertically along the axis L of the outer cylinder portion 31a, with the first RI sensor 47A positioned closer to the tip, the second RI sensor 47B closer to the center, and the third RI sensor 47C closer to the base. This arrangement makes it easier to bring each of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C closer to the outer cylinder portion 31a, thereby improving detection accuracy over a wide range along the axis L of the outer cylinder portion 31a. The details will be explained below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0029] Figure 4 is a table showing the output values ​​(mV) and average values ​​(mV) when a predetermined liquid volume corresponding to a radioactivity intensity of 100 (MBq) is drawn up with the RI syringe 31, and detected independently by the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the predetermined liquid volumes corresponding to a radioactivity intensity of 100 (MBq) are shown as 0.2 (ml), 1.1 (ml), 2.1 (ml), 3 (ml), 4 (ml), and 5 (ml).

[0030] Figure 5 is a graph corresponding to Figure 4, with the liquid volume (ml) on the horizontal axis and the output value (mV) on the vertical axis. Furthermore, Figure 5(a) shows the detection results of the first RI sensor 47A, (b) shows the detection results of the second RI sensor 47B, (c) shows the detection results of the third RI sensor 47C, and (d) shows the average values ​​of the output values ​​(mV) detected by the first RI sensor 47A, second RI sensor 47B, and third RI sensor 47C for each liquid volume.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5(a), when the volume of the radioactive liquid is 0.2 ml and the radioactivity is 100 MBq, the radioactivity concentration is very high, and the output value of the first RI sensor 47A is 50 mV. However, when the radioactivity concentration of the radioactive liquid decreases and the volume increases, the output value of the first RI sensor 47A decreases. For example, when the volume of the radioactive liquid is 5 ml, the output value is 26 mV. Thus, when attempting to detect with the first RI sensor 47A alone, the output value varies depending on the volume of the radioactive liquid. Similarly, with the second RI sensor 47B (see Figure 5(b)), the output value is highest at 43 mV when the volume of liquid that reaches 100 MBq is 3 ml, and lowest at 34 mV when the volume is 0.2 ml. Furthermore, with the third RI sensor 47C (see Figure 5(c)), the output value is highest at 34 mV when the liquid volume that produces a radioactivity intensity of 100 MBq is 5 ml, and lowest at 15 mV when the liquid volume is 0.2 ml. Thus, even when the liquid volume that produces the same radioactivity intensity of 100 MBq is used for each of the first RI sensor 47A, second RI sensor 47B, and third RI sensor 47C individually is used, the output value varies depending on the liquid volume.

[0032] On the other hand, the average value of the output values ​​for 0.2 ml in the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C is 33.0 mV. Similarly, the average value of the output values ​​for 1.1 ml is 34.0 mV, the average value of the output values ​​for 2.1 ml is 34.7 mV, the average value of the output values ​​for 3 ml is 35.0 mV, the average value of the output values ​​for 4 ml is 34.7 mV, and the average value of the output values ​​for 5 ml is 34.7 mV. In this way, the average values ​​of the output values ​​for the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C show almost no variation due to the liquid volume, and are no longer affected by the volume of the radioactive liquid, thereby improving the detection accuracy of radioactivity intensity. As a result, the detection accuracy can be improved over a wide range along the axis of the outer cylinder 31a.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the overall average of the output values ​​corresponding to each liquid volume in the case of a radioactivity intensity of 100 MBq is 34.3 mV, with a standard deviation of 0.7. In this embodiment, when a radioactivity intensity of 100 MBq is administered to a subject, the overall average of the output values, 34.3 mV, is set as the target value. Note that as the radioactivity intensity administered to the subject increases, the output values ​​of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C also increase, so the output value set as the target value increases, and as the radioactivity intensity administered to the subject decreases, the output value set as the target value decreases.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C are housed in a lead-based first shield chamber (shielding section) 49. The first shield chamber 49 has a first opening 49a through which radiation passes, on the side facing the outer cylinder section 31a, with the holder section 43 in between. The radioactivity intensity from the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder section 31a is detected from the radiation passing through the first opening 49a of the first shield chamber 49. Other radiation is shielded by the first shield chamber 49. As a result, it becomes difficult for noise radiation to enter the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C, improving the detection accuracy of the radioactivity intensity from the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder section 31a. The shape and wall thickness of the first shield chamber 49 can be determined as appropriate. For example, the wall thickness around the first RI sensor 47A, which is close to the chemical solution tube 29 through which the radioactive liquid flows, can be made thicker than that around the second RI sensor 47B and the third RI sensor 47C, thereby making it less susceptible to noise interference.

[0035] The second detection unit 39 includes a fourth RI sensor 47D, a fifth RI sensor 47E, and a sixth RI sensor 47F arranged along the axis L of the outer cylinder portion 31a. The fourth RI sensor 47D, the fifth RI sensor 47E, and the sixth RI sensor 47F are housed in a second shielding chamber 51 made of lead. The second shielding chamber 51 has a second opening 51a formed on the side facing the outer cylinder portion 31a, with the holder portion 43 in between, through which radiation passes. The fourth RI sensor 47D, the fifth RI sensor 47E, and the sixth RI sensor 47F have the same configuration as the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C, so their description is omitted. Also, the second shielding chamber 51 has the same configuration as the first shielding chamber 49, so their description is omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the waste liquid line 11 includes a waste liquid tube 53 made of an extension tube, and the waste liquid tube 53 is connected to the waste liquid bottle 10 via a waste liquid pipe 55. The waste liquid tube 53 and the fourth tube 19D of the saline line 7 are provided with a first pinch valve 56A and a second pinch valve 56B, respectively. When the radioactive drug solution is administered, the first pinch valve 56A opens and the second pinch valve 56B closes, and when the radioactive drug solution is disposed of, the first pinch valve 56A closes and the second pinch valve 56B opens.

[0037] Next, the method of administering the radioactive drug solution using the radioactive drug solution administration device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6 or Figure 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the first administration process, where steps are abbreviated as S. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the second administration process, where steps are abbreviated as S. First, the method of administering the radioactive drug solution according to the procedure for the first administration process will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, when the first administration procedure is started, preparation is performed first, filling the first tube 19A, second tube 19B, third tube 19C, and fourth tube 19D of the saline line 7 with physiological saline, and filling the drug solution tube 29 of the drug solution line 9 with radioactive drug solution (Step 1).

[0039] Next, the operator operates an operating device (not shown) to set and input the target value of the radioactivity intensity to be administered to the subject. The data input via the operating device is input to the control device 35, which stores the target value in memory (Step 2).

[0040] Subsequently, the control means 35 drives the actuator 33 to begin aspirating the radioactive liquid with the RI syringe 31 and storing the radioactive liquid in the outer cylinder portion 31a (step 3). The first detection unit 37 also detects the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder portion 31a of the RI syringe 31 (step 4). In step 4, the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C each independently detect the radioactivity intensity and input their output values ​​to the control means 35. The control means 35 calculates the average value of the output values ​​of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C. Steps 3 and 4 correspond to the detection steps.

[0041] The control means 35 compares the average value calculated in step 4 with a pre-stored target value (step 5), and repeatedly executes steps 3 and 4 until the average value reaches the target value, thereby controlling the amount of suction by the RI syringe 31. If the control means 35 determines that the average value has reached the target value, it instructs the actuator 33 to stop suction by the RI syringe 31 (step 6). Steps 5 and 6 correspond to the suction stop step.

[0042] Next, the fourth RI sensor 47D, fifth RI sensor 47E, and sixth RI sensor 47F of the second detection unit 39 detect (re-detect) the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder portion 31a of the RI syringe 31, and input the output values ​​to the control means 35. The control means 35 calculates the average value of the output values ​​of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C (step 7).

[0043] Next, the control means 35 compares the calculated average value with a pre-stored target value (step 8). If the average value is outside a predetermined error range of the target value, it discharges the radioactive drug solution from the RI syringe 31 in order to discard the radioactive drug solution stored in the RI syringe 31 (step 11). On the other hand, if the average value is within a predetermined error range of the target value, it discharges the radioactive drug solution stored in the outer cylinder 31a from the RI syringe 31 (step 9), and then discharges physiological saline from the saline syringe 27 for administration to the subject (step 10). Steps 9 and 10 correspond to the administration step.

[0044] If a malfunction occurs in the first detection unit 37, the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution stored in the RI syringe 31 will have a large error compared to the predetermined radioactivity intensity required for administration. In the first administration process described above, the detection accuracy of the first detection unit 37 is indirectly monitored by detecting the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution with the second detection unit 39, thereby preventing inappropriate administration of the radioactive drug solution.

[0045] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the method of administering the radioactive drug solution according to the procedure for the second administration will be described. As shown in Figure 7, when the second administration is started, the same preparation process (step 21), target value setting input (step 22), aspiration of the radioactive drug solution using the RI syringe 31 (step 23), and detection of the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution stored in the RI syringe 31 (step 24) are performed as in the first administration. Steps 23 and 24 correspond to the detection steps.

[0046] Next, the control means 35 compares the average value calculated in step 24 with a pre-stored target value (step 25), similar to the first administration process, and repeatedly executes steps 23 and 24 until the average value reaches the target value, thereby controlling the amount aspirated by the RI syringe 31. If the control means 35 determines that the average value has reached the target value, it instructs the actuator 33 to stop aspiration by the RI syringe 31 (step 26). Steps 25 and 26 correspond to the aspiration stop step.

[0047] Subsequently, the control means 35 accepts changes to the target value setting as necessary (step 27). If, for example, the initial setting input was incorrect, the operator operates an operating means (not shown) to input a new target value and correct the target value. When a new target value is input, the control means 35 updates the already stored target value to the new target value. If the target value setting is not changed, the operator operates the operating means to perform an operation indicating no change. Step 27 corresponds to the target value change step.

[0048] Next, immediately before administering the drug to the subject, the fourth RI sensor 47D, fifth RI sensor 47E, and sixth RI sensor 47F of the second detection unit 39 detect (re-detect) the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution stored in the outer cylinder portion 31a of the RI syringe 31, and input the output values ​​to the control means 35. The control means 35 calculates the average value of the output values ​​of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C (step 28). Step 28 corresponds to the re-detection step.

[0049] Next, the control means 35 compares the average value calculated in step 28 with a pre-stored target value (step 29). If the average value is less than the target value, it instructs the actuator 33 to re-aspiration using the RI syringe 31 (step 30). The first detection unit 37 also detects the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive liquid stored in the outer cylinder portion 31a of the RI syringe 31 by re-aspiration and inputs the output value to the control means 35. The control means 35 calculates the average value of the output values ​​of the first RI sensor 47A, the second RI sensor 47B, and the third RI sensor 47C (step 31). Steps 29, 30, and 31 correspond to the adjustment amount detection step.

[0050] Next, the control means 35 compares the average value calculated in step 31 with a pre-stored target value (step 32), and repeatedly executes steps 30 and 31 until the average value reaches the target value. If the control means 35 determines that the average value has reached the target value, it instructs the actuator 33 to stop re-aspiration by the RI syringe 31 (step 33). Step 33 corresponds to the re-aspiration stop step.

[0051] Next, the control means 35 instructs the actuator 33 to discharge the radioactive drug solution stored in the outer cylinder portion 31a (step 34). Furthermore, saline solution is discharged from the saline syringe 27 and administered to the subject (step 35). Steps 34 and 35 correspond to the administration steps.

[0052] The radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution decreases over time. Therefore, after a predetermined time has elapsed between stopping the aspiration of the radioactive drug solution with the RI syringe 31 and administering it to the subject, the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution may fall below the target value. In the second administration process, the radioactivity concentration is detected in the second detection unit 39 immediately before administration to the subject (step 28). If the average value of the detected values ​​is below the target value, re-aspiration is performed with the RI syringe 31 (step 30) to fine-tune the radioactivity intensity. As a result, in the second administration process, even if the radioactivity intensity of the radioactive drug solution decreases over time, fine-tuning of the radioactivity intensity is possible, making it less wasteful and more efficient to administer the radioactive drug solution compared to discarding and re-aspirationing it.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the configuration of the radioactive drug administration device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. Figure 8 is a view from above of the syringe mounting structure 100, which is the structure around the syringe 31. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the syringe mounting structure 100 from the side. The syringe mounting structure 100 is a structure provided inside the second shielding chamber 17 (see also Figure 1). As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the syringe mounting structure 100 comprises the aforementioned syringe 31, a holder portion 43, a shielding member 60, a back member 61, a door portion 62, a pin structure 63, and a detection portion 64. In the following description, the front-to-back direction D1 may be set for explanation. The front side in the front-to-back direction D1 is the opening side of the housing 13 (see Figure 1). For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the front side of the paper is the front side in the front-to-back direction.

[0054] As described above, the holder portion 43 is a member that holds the syringe 31. The holder portion 43 has a housing portion 70 on the front surface 43b side that accommodates the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31. When viewed from above, the housing portion 70 has a shape that is recessed from the front surface 43b toward the rear. The housing portion 70 has a constant cross-sectional shape and extends in the vertical direction. The housing portion 70 has a substantially semicircular side portion 70a. The side portion 70a supports the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion of the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31 housed in the housing portion 70.

[0055] The shielding member 60 is a member provided on the rear side of the holder portion 43 and is a member that provides shielding against radiation. The shielding member 60 is made of a material such as lead or tungsten. The shielding member 60 extends vertically so as to be provided in a range corresponding to at least the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31. A structure 72 housing the first shielding chamber 49 and the first detection unit 37 is provided on the left side of the holder portion 43 and the shielding member 60. A structure 73 housing the second shielding chamber 51 and the second detection unit 39 is provided on the right side of the holder portion 43 and the shielding member 60.

[0056] The rear member 61 is a member that supports the back side of the shield member 60 and the structures 72 and 73. The rear member 61 extends vertically and horizontally so as to cover the back of the shield member 60 and the structures 72 and 73.

[0057] The door portion 62 is a member that can be opened and closed to close the front opening of the second shielding chamber 17. When the door portion 62 is closed (as shown in Figure 8), it is positioned to face the front of the holder portion 43 and the structures 72 and 73. The door portion 62 is a member that provides shielding. However, the door portion 62 does not necessarily have to have a shielding function. The door portion 62 is formed from a material such as lead or stainless steel. A gap GP is formed between the door portion 62 and the syringe 31 supported by the holder portion 43. A pressing member 74 is provided in the area of ​​the gap GP on the front side of the syringe 31. The pressing member 74 is positioned between the inner surface 62a of the door portion 62 and the portion of the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31 that is exposed to the front side from the housing portion 70. The pressing member 74 presses the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31 against the side portion 70a of the housing portion 70 when the door portion 62 is in the closed position. The pressing member 74 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0058] The pin structure 63 is a mechanism for positioning a pin 80 that can move forward and backward by an elastic body on the side portion 70a of the housing portion 70. The pin structure 63 is positioned to extend rearward from the side portion 70a of the holder portion 43, through the holder portion 43, the shield member 60, and the back member 61. The pin structure 63 is also provided near the lower end of the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31 (see Figure 2). Therefore, the pin 80 is positioned near one end (in this case, the lower end) in the longitudinal direction of the syringe 31.

[0059] The pin structure 63 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. Note that Figure 9 shows the syringe 31 not housed in the housing 70. Unless otherwise noted, the description of Figure 9 is based on the state in which the syringe 31 is not housed in the housing 70. The pin structure 63 comprises a pin 80, a cylindrical portion 81, and an elastic body 82.

[0060] The pin 80 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the front-to-back direction. The pin 80 is positioned to penetrate the holder portion 43, the shield member 60, and the back member 61 in the front-to-back direction D1. As a result, the pin 80 is positioned surrounded by the shield member 60.

[0061] The front end 80a of the pin 80 protrudes from the side 70a of the housing 70. The rear end 80b of the pin 80 is housed inside the back member 61 so as not to be exposed from the rear surface 61a of the back member 61. In Figure 9, the pin 80 shown by the dashed line represents the state when the syringe 31 is housed in the housing 70. When the syringe 31 is attached to the housing 70, the front end 80a of the pin 80 is pushed backward. As a result, when the syringe 31 is housed in the housing 70, the front end 80a of the pin 80 is housed inside the holder portion 43 so as not to be exposed from the side 70a of the housing 70, and the rear end 80b of the pin 80 protrudes from the rear surface 61a of the back member 61 (see also Figure 8).

[0062] The cylindrical portion 81 is positioned to surround the pin 80 and is a member that guides the movement of the pin 80 in the front-rear direction. The cylindrical portion 81 is positioned to extend in the front-rear direction D1 inside the holder portion 43, the shield member 60, and the back member 61. The cylindrical portion 81 is positioned together with the pin 80 and surrounded by the shield member 60.

[0063] The elastic body 82 is formed in the holder portion 43 and is positioned within the internal space 83 that houses the pin 80. The internal space 83 is formed to extend forward from the cylindrical portion 81. A flange portion 84 is provided in the internal space 83, extending outward from the outer circumferential surface of the pin 80. The elastic body 82 is positioned between the flange portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 81. The elastic body 82 applies an elastic force toward the forward direction to the pin 80, which has moved backward when the syringe 31 is attached. As a result, when the syringe 31 is removed from the housing portion 70, the front end portion 80a of the pin 80 protrudes from the side portion 70a of the housing portion 70.

[0064] The detection unit 64 detects that the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing 70 via the pin 80. The detection unit 64 is provided on the rear surface 61a of the back member 61. The detection unit 64 has a detection area DS at the location where the rear end 80b of the pin 80 moves in and out. The detection unit 64 detects that the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing 70 when the rear end 80b of the pin 80 protrudes into the detection area DS. On the other hand, if the rear end 80b of the pin 80 is not present in the detection area DS, the detection unit 64 detects that the syringe 31 has not been placed in the housing 70. Furthermore, even if the pin 80 protrudes into the detection area DS, if the amount of protrusion does not reach a predetermined value, the detection unit 64 detects that there is a problem with the installation of the syringe 31, such as the syringe 31 being misaligned in the housing 70. The detection unit 64 transmits the detection result to the control unit. The control unit determines whether or not the syringe 31 has been installed based on the detection result. The control unit may proceed to the next process if the syringe 31 is successfully attached, or issue an alarm if it is not.

[0065] The type of sensor used in the detection unit 64 is not particularly limited, but for example, a photodiode or distance sensor may be used. If a photodiode is used as the detection unit 64, the detection area DS will be the photosensitive area. When the photosensitive area is blocked at the rear end 80b of the pin 80, the detection unit 64 sends a signal to the control unit, which determines that the syringe 31 has been attached. Due to the manufacturing tolerances of the pin structure 63, the position of the rear end 80b of the pin 80 may be shifted left or right relative to the sensor position of the detection unit 64. However, since the manufacturing tolerances are within the range that can be covered by the precision of the assembly, detection accuracy can be ensured by positioning the detection unit 64 with a jig or the like.

[0066] The specific structure of the pin structure 63 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in Figure 9, the elastic body 82 was provided only in a portion of the area in front of the pin 80, but the elastic body 82 may be made longer to extend to the rear of the pin 80. For example, the cylindrical portion 81 may be shortened to support a portion of the area near the rear end 80b of the pin 80. The internal space 83 is provided with a cylindrical portion that supports the area near the front end 80a of the pin 80. The elongated elastic body 82 is arranged in the space between the pair of front and rear cylindrical portions.

[0067] Next, the operation and effects of the radioactive drug administration device 1 and the method for attaching the syringe to the radioactive drug administration device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0068] In the radioactive drug administration device 1, a pin 80 that can move forward and backward by an elastic body 82 is provided on the side 70a of the housing section 70 that houses the syringe 31. Therefore, when the syringe 31 is placed in the housing section 70, the pin 80 is pushed into the side 70a, and when the syringe 31 is not placed, the pin 80 protrudes from the side 70a. In contrast, the radioactive drug administration device 1 has a detection unit 64 that detects whether the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing section 70 via the pin 80. That is, the detection unit 64 can detect whether the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing section 70 by detecting the movement of the pin 80, which changes depending on whether the syringe 31 is placed or not. As a result, the radioactive drug administration device 1 can determine whether the syringe 31 has been correctly placed in the housing section 70, and if it has not been placed, it can take action to ensure that it is correctly placed. Thus, the syringe can be accurately placed.

[0069] Here, since variations in the diameter of the syringe 31 are permitted, the size of the housing 70 is designed with ample margin. To avoid dependence on user operation, the fixing bracket of the flange portion of the outer cylinder portion 31a of the syringe 31 is shaped so as not to restrict its orientation, and the syringe 31 is pressed in by the elastic force of the pressing member 74. In this embodiment, the syringe 31 can be fixed in such a way that the central position remains almost constant, regardless of the size of the syringe, by the elastic force of the pressing member 74 and the elastic force of the pin 80.

[0070] The pin 80 may be positioned closer to one end in the longitudinal direction of the syringe 31. Inside the syringe 31 are the radioactive drug solution and the plunger portion 31b that pushes it in, and depending on where the pin 80 presses, the sealing performance of the syringe 31 may be affected. In addition, air may enter the end on the three-way branch pipe 41 side due to the pressure of the pin 80. In contrast, by positioning the pin 80 closer to one end (in this case, closer to the lower end), the pin 80 can press on a location that has less impact on the sealing performance of the syringe 31.

[0071] The pin 80 may be positioned within the shielding member 60. This prevents radiation from the radioactive liquid in the syringe 31 from leaking to the outside from the location where the pin 80 is provided.

[0072] The syringe attachment method for the radioactive drug administration device 1 according to this embodiment includes a vial 6 for containing a radioactive drug solution and a syringe 31 for drawing the radioactive drug solution from the vial 6 and discharging the radioactive drug solution for administration. In the radioactive drug administration device 1, a pin 80 having an elastic body 82 is provided on the side 70a of the housing section 70 that houses the syringe 31, and the device detects that the syringe 31 has been placed in the housing section 70 via the pin 80.

[0073] By using this method of attaching the syringe to the radioactive drug delivery device 1, the same effects and actions as those of the radioactive drug delivery device 1 described above can be obtained.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0075] For example, the overall configuration of the radioactive drug administration device is not limited to that shown in Figure 1, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 6 and 7 are merely examples of processing and may be modified as appropriate.

[0076] Note that the number of pins 80 is not limited to one; multiple pins may be provided. However, increasing the number of pins 80 increases the likelihood of radiation leakage. Therefore, by limiting the number of pins 80 to one, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained while also suppressing radiation leakage. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1...Radioactive drug administration device, 6...Vial (container), 31...Syringe, 60...Shielding member, 70...Container section, 80...Pin.

Claims

1. A container for holding radioactive liquid, A radioactive drug administration device comprising: a syringe for aspirating the radioactive drug solution from the container and for discharging the radioactive drug solution for administration, A pin that can move forward and backward by an elastic body is provided on the side of the housing portion that houses the syringe. A radioactive drug administration device having a detection unit that detects when the syringe is placed in the housing via the pin.

2. The radioactive drug administration device according to claim 1, wherein the pin is positioned near one end in the longitudinal direction of the syringe.

3. The radioactive drug administration device according to claim 1, wherein the pin is arranged surrounded by a shielding member.

4. A container for holding radioactive liquid, A radioactive drug administration device comprising a syringe for aspirating the radioactive drug solution from the aforementioned containment container and for discharging the radioactive drug solution for administration, A pin having an elastic body is provided on the side of the housing portion that houses the syringe. A method for attaching a syringe to a radioactive drug administration device, which detects that the syringe has been placed in the housing via the pin.