Pressure jacket and syringe retention mechanism for an angiographic fluid injector - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

1. An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface being configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; and a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the linkage assembly being configured to move at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm between at least a first open position and a closed position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 898,289, filed September 10, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,048, filed February 20, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to angiography fluid injectors having one or more syringe retention mechanisms configured to hold a syringe and a pressure jacket, where the syringe retention mechanisms engage a distal end of the syringe and the pressure jacket to limit distal movement of the syringe during a fluid injection procedure and support the distal end of the syringe under pressure. [Background technology]

[0003] In many medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, physicians inject one or more medical fluids into patients. In recent years, many injector-actuated syringes and powered fluid injectors for pressurized injection of medical fluids such as contrast media (often simply referred to as "contrast media"), flushing agents such as saline, and other medical fluids have been developed for use in contrast-enhanced imaging procedures such as cardiovascular angiography (CV), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other imaging procedures. Generally, these fluid injectors are designed to deliver a preset amount of one or more fluids at a preset pressure and / or flow rate.

[0004] Typically, a fluid injector has at least one drive member, such as a piston, that connects to a syringe via a connection with an engagement feature on a plunger or proximal end wall of the syringe. The syringe may include a rigid barrel with a syringe plunger slidably disposed within the barrel. In some instances, the syringe may include a rolling diaphragm barrel configuration with a flexible sidewall configured to roll on itself, in which case the proximal end wall of the syringe body releasably engages at least one drive member. The drive member drives the plunger or rolling diaphragm / proximal end wall proximally and / or distally relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel to draw or deliver fluid into or from the syringe barrel.

[0005] Syringes for use with fluid injectors may be formed from various medical-grade plastic materials with specific minimum wall thicknesses. Because fluid pressures of up to 1200 psi may be used during injection procedures, syringe thickness is an important design factor. During certain injection procedures, the syringe itself may not be able to withstand such high pressures without excessive radial expansion of the syringe wall. This can result in undesirable changes in fluid delivery and flow rate or potentially even structural failure. Fluid injectors have been developed that have at least one pressure jacket surrounding at least a portion of the syringe to prevent radial expansion of the syringe due to increased fluid pressure within the syringe. A conventional pressure jacket configuration includes a rigid cylindrical pressure jacket that engages with a rigid cap at its distal end to maintain the syringe within the pressure jacket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,383,858 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,553,294 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,563,249 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,666,169 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 8,945,051 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 9,173,995 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 9,199,033 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 9,474,857 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 10,124,110 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 305,285 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 541,573 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 568,505 [Patent Document 13] International Publication No. 2016 / 191485 Brochure [Patent Document 14] International Publication No. 2016 / 112163 Brochure [Patent Document 15] International Publication No. 2020 / 055785 Brochure [Patent Document 16] International Publication No. 2017 / 040152 Brochure [Patent Document 17] International Publication No. 2017 / 040154 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is currently a need in the art for a syringe retention interface that helps limit movement and / or expansion of a syringe within a pressure jacket during a filling procedure or a pressurized injection fluid delivery procedure. In one example, there is a need for a syringe retention interface that helps limit movement of a syringe in a distal direction relative to a pressure jacket and / or injector housing during an injection procedure, while still allowing for easy insertion and removal of the syringe and / or pressure jacket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In consideration of the above needs, systems and methods are provided for retaining at least one syringe within a medical injector during injection of a medical fluid. In some examples of the present disclosure, an assembly for retaining a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector is described. The assembly includes a base plate having a body and at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at its distal end and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at its distal end. The first retaining surface and the second retaining arm are configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. The assembly includes a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm. The linkage assembly is configured to move at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0009] In a further example of the present disclosure, a linkage assembly is operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm. The linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move cooperatively between at least a first open position and a closed position. The linkage assembly includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move cooperatively between at least the first open position and the closed position. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively, such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm pivot about the first pivot point and the second pivot point between at least the first open position and the closed position. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and syringe with and / or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and syringe from the fluid injector. In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance to hold the pressure jacket and syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm. In the second open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a third distance to hold the pressure jacket within the fluid injector and allow insertion and removal of the syringe from the fluid injector. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The third distance is less than the first distance and greater than the second distance. Each of the first and second holding arms includes at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate and at least one holding portion provided on a distal end of the at least one base member.The first retention surface of the first retention arm comprises a first syringe retention surface and a first pressure jacket retention surface. The second retention surface of the second retention arm comprises a second syringe retention surface and a second pressure jacket retention surface. The at least one biasing member is configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm in at least one of the first open position, the closed position, or the second open position such that the arms are retained in any of the first open position, the closed position, and the second open position. In certain embodiments, the at least one biasing member is configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to the first open position and the closed position such that the arms are retained in the first open position and the closed position.

[0010] In another example of the present disclosure, an assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe in a fluid injector is described. The assembly includes a base plate having a body and at least a first retention arm and a second retention arm operably attached to the body of the base plate. The first retention arm has a first retention surface at its distal end, and the second retention arm has a second retention surface at its distal end, the first retention surface and the second retention surface configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. Each of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate and at least one retainer provided on the distal end of the at least one base member configured to engage at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0011] In another example of the present disclosure, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. At least one of the inner protrusions is a syringe retention protrusion that extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding sloped distal surface of the peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first retention arm and the second retention arm with an inward retention force. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position. In other embodiments, the first retention arm and the second retention arm each include at least one finger tab to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position. In certain aspects, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each define a retention groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket. In the open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with and / or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector. In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The retaining portions of the first retention arm and the second retention arm have a curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to at least a portion of the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0012] In a further example of the present disclosure, an assembly for retaining a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector is described. The assembly includes a base plate having a body and at least a first retention arm and a second retention arm operably attached to the body of the base plate. The first retention arm has a first retention surface at a distal end thereof, and the second retention arm has a second retention surface at a distal end thereof, the first retention surface and the second retention surface being configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. The assembly includes a linkage assembly operably connected to the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the linkage assembly being configured to move at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm between at least a first open position and a closed position. Each of the first and second holding arms includes at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate and at least one holding portion provided on a distal end of the at least one base member configured to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe when in the closed position, wherein a first holding surface of the first holding arm is provided on the holding portion of the first holding arm and a second holding surface of the second holding arm is provided on the holding portion of the second holding arm.

[0013] In a further example of the present disclosure, a linkage assembly is operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm. The linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move cooperatively between at least a first open position and a closed position. The linkage assembly includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move cooperatively between at least the first open position and the closed position. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively, such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm pivot about the first pivot point and the second pivot point between at least the first open position and the closed position. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with and / or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector. In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. In certain embodiments, the at least one internal protrusion is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding sloped distal surface of the peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm with an inward retaining force.In certain embodiments, at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position. In certain embodiments, each of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position. In certain embodiments, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each define a retention groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket. The first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm have a curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to at least a portion of the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0014] In a further example of the present disclosure, a fluid injector is described that includes an assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe. The fluid injector includes an injector housing, at least one port defined in the injector housing for receiving at least one syringe, the syringe being received in the at least one pressure jacket, and an assembly for holding the at least one pressure jacket on the fluid injector and the at least one syringe in the at least one port. The assembly includes a base plate having a body, and at least first and second retention arms operably attached to the body of the base plate, and includes features according to various aspects of the syringe and pressure jacket retention assembly described herein.

[0015] In certain aspects, an electromechanical motor is provided within the injector housing to move the first and second retention arms between the first open and closed positions, while in other aspects, movement of the first and second retention arms between the first open and closed positions may be performed manually.

[0016] In certain embodiments, retention features may be utilized in cardiovascular angiography (CV) injectors, which typically require injection pressures of up to 1200 psi. As described herein, such retention mechanisms and elements may be provided with specific configurations and mechanisms to withstand increased injection pressures.

[0017] The following sections also list further features of the present disclosure.

[0018] Item 1: An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface being configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; and a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the linkage assembly being configured to move at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0019] Item 2: The assembly of item 1, wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to the proximal end of the first retention arm and the proximal end of the second retention arm.

[0020] Item 3: The assembly of items 1 or 2, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0021] Clause 4: The assembly of clause 3, wherein the linkage assembly includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0022] Item 5: The assembly of any of items 1 to 4, wherein the first and second retention arms are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively, such that the first and second retention arms rotate about the first and second pivot points between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0023] Item 6: The assembly of any of items 1 to 5, wherein the first retention arm and the second retention arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

[0024] Item 7: The assembly of item 6, wherein in a first open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector; in a closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a second distance to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm; and in a second open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a third distance to hold the pressure jacket within the fluid injector and allow removal of the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than the second distance, and the third distance being less than the first distance and greater than the second distance.

[0025] Item 8: An assembly of any of items 1 to 7, wherein in a first open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a first distance that is configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, and in a closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are spaced apart a second distance to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0026] Item 9: An assembly of any of items 1 to 8, wherein each of the first and second holding arms comprises at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate, and at least one holding portion provided at a distal end of the at least one base member.

[0027] Item 10: The assembly of any of items 1 to 9, wherein the first holding surface of the first holding arm comprises a first syringe holding surface and a first pressure jacket holding surface, and the second holding surface of the second holding arm comprises a second syringe holding surface and a second pressure jacket holding surface.

[0028] Item 11: The assembly of any of items 4 to 10, wherein at least one biasing member is configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm in the first open position or the second open position.

[0029] Item 12: An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe in a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; and at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface being configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe, each of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm comprising at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate; and at least one retaining portion provided on the distal end of the at least one base member configured to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0030] Item 13: The assembly of item 12, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0031] Item 14: The assembly of item 13, wherein at least one of the inner protrusions is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding inclined surface on the peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm with an inward retaining force.

[0032] Item 15: The assembly of any of items 12 to 14, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position.

[0033] Item 16: The assembly of any of items 12 to 15, wherein each of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position.

[0034] Item 17: The assembly of any of items 12 to 16, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each define a retaining groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

[0035] Item 18: An assembly of any of items 12 to 17, wherein in the open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, and in the closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0036] Item 19: An assembly of any of items 12 to 18, wherein the holding portions of the first holding arm and the second holding arm have a curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0037] Item 20: An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first holding arm and a second holding arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first holding arm having a first holding surface at a distal end thereof and the second holding arm having a second holding surface at a distal end thereof, the first holding surface and the second holding arm having a second holding surface at a distal end thereof, the first holding surface and the second holding surface being configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; and a linkage assembly operably connected to the first holding arm and the second holding arm, The assembly is configured to move at least one of the first and second holding arms between at least a first open position and a closed position, each of the first and second holding arms comprising at least one base member operably connected to a body of the base plate and at least one holding portion provided on a distal end of the at least one base member configured to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe when in the closed position, wherein a first holding surface of the first holding arm is provided on the first holding arm holding portion and a second holding surface of the second holding arm is provided on the second holding arm holding portion.

[0038] Item 21: The assembly of item 20, wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to the proximal end of the first retention arm and the proximal end of the second retention arm.

[0039] Item 22: The assembly of item 20 or 21, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retaining arm to the second retaining arm such that the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are configured to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0040] Clause 23: The assembly of clause 22, wherein the linkage assembly includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0041] Item 24: The assembly of any of items 20 to 23, wherein the first retention arm and the second retention arm are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively, such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm rotate about the first pivot point and the second pivot point between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0042] Item 25: The assembly of any of items 20 to 24, wherein the first retention arm and the second retention arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

[0043] Clause 26: An assembly of any of clauses 20 to 25, wherein in a first open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, and in a closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0044] Item 27: An assembly of any of items 20 to 26, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0045] Item 28: The assembly of item 27, wherein the at least one inner protrusion is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding inclined surface on the peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm with an inward retaining force.

[0046] Item 29: The assembly of any of items 20 to 28, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position.

[0047] Item 30: The assembly of any of items 20 to 29, wherein each of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the open position.

[0048] Item 31: The assembly of any of items 20 to 30, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each define a retaining groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

[0049] Item 32: An assembly of any of items 20 to 31, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm have a curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0050] Item 33: A fluid injector comprising: an injector housing; at least one port defined in the injector housing for receiving at least one syringe, the syringe being received in at least one pressure jacket; and an assembly for retaining the at least one pressure jacket on the fluid injector and retaining the at least one syringe in the at least one port, the assembly comprising: a base plate having a body; and at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface being in contact with the pressure jacket. a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first and second holding arms, the linkage assembly being configured to move at least one of the first and second holding arms between at least a first open position and a closed position, each of the first and second holding arms comprising at least one base member operably connected to a body of a base plate, and at least one retaining portion provided on a distal end of the at least one base member to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe when in the closed position.

[0051] Clause 34: The fluid injector of clause 33, wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to the proximal end of the first retaining arm and the proximal end of the second retaining arm.

[0052] Item 35: The fluid injector of item 33 or 34, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retaining arm to the second retaining arm such that the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are configured to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0053] Clause 36: The fluid injector of clause 35, wherein the linkage assembly includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm to move in coordination between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0054] Item 37: A fluid injector of any of items 33 to 36, wherein the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively, thereby allowing the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm to rotate between at least a first open position and a closed position around the first pivot point and the second pivot point.

[0055] Item 38: The fluid injector of any of items 33 to 37, wherein the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

[0056] Clause 39: A fluid injector of any of clauses 33 to 38, wherein in a first open position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are spaced apart from each other by a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with the fluid injector or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, and in a closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm are spaced apart from each other by a second distance configured to hold the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0057] Item 40: A fluid injector of any of items 33 to 39, wherein the first holding surface of the first holding arm and the second holding surface of the second holding arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging with a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0058] Item 41: A fluid injector according to item 40, wherein at least one inner protrusion is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding inclined surface on the peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm with an inward retaining force.

[0059] Item 42: The fluid injector of any of items 33 to 41, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the first open position.

[0060] Item 43: The fluid injector of any of items 33 to 42, wherein each of the first and second retention arms includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first and second retention arms between the closed position and the first open position.

[0061] Item 44: A fluid injector of any of items 33 to 43, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each define a retaining groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

[0062] Item 45: A fluid injector of any of items 33 to 44, wherein the first holding surface of the first holding arm and the second holding surface of the second holding arm have a curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

[0063] Item 46: The fluid injector of any of items 33 to 45, further comprising an electromechanical motor provided within the injector housing for moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the open position and the closed position.

[0064] Clause 47: A fluid injector of any of clauses 33 to 46, wherein the syringe comprises a drip flange provided at a distal end of the syringe, and the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm are configured to engage with the drip flange of the syringe to retain the syringe in at least one port of the injector housing.

[0065] Further details and advantages of the various examples detailed herein will become apparent from a review of the following detailed description of the various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid injector configured for use in a multi-fluid delivery system according to one example or aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 10A-10C illustrate hinged retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 2B] 10A-10C illustrate hinged retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 3A] 10A-10C illustrate a pivoting clamp retention element for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 3B] 10A-10C illustrate a pivoting clamp retention element for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 4A] 10 illustrates another pivoting clamp retention element for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 4B] 10 illustrates another pivoting clamp retention element for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 4C] 10 illustrates another pivoting clamp retention element for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 5A] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for CV applications with rotatable pressure jackets according to various embodiments. [Figure 5B] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for CV applications with rotatable pressure jackets according to various embodiments. [Figure 6A]10A-10C illustrate retention elements for rear-loading CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 6B] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for rear-loading CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 6C] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for rear-loading CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 6D] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for rear-loading CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 6E] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for rear-loading CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 7A] 10A-10C illustrate front-loaded sliding retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 7B] 10A-10C illustrate front-loaded sliding retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 7C] 10A-10C illustrate front-loaded sliding retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 7D] 10A-10C illustrate front-loaded sliding retention elements for CV applications according to various embodiments. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates a stationary retention element and a two-piece pressure jacket for a CV application according to various embodiments. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates a stationary retention element and a two-piece pressure jacket for a CV application according to various embodiments. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates a stationary retention element and a two-piece pressure jacket for a CV application according to various embodiments. [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates a stationary retention element and a two-piece pressure jacket for a CV application according to various embodiments. [Figure 8E] 1 illustrates a stationary retention element and a two-piece pressure jacket for a CV application according to various embodiments. [Figure 9A] 10A-10C illustrate a rotating retention element for CV applications having a hinged pressure jacket retention mechanism according to various embodiments. [Figure 9B] 10A-10C illustrate a rotating retention element for CV applications having a hinged pressure jacket retention mechanism according to various embodiments. [Figure 10A]10A-10C illustrate retention elements for CV applications with a pressure jacket on a rotatable plate according to various embodiments. [Figure 10B] 10A-10C illustrate retention elements for CV applications with a pressure jacket on a rotatable plate according to various embodiments. [Figure 11A] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11C] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11D] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11E] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11F] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11G] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11H] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 11I] 1 illustrates a fluid injector front plate having a three-position breech-loaded pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12C]1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12D] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12E] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12F] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12G] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 12H] 1 illustrates a fluid injector having a two-position breech-loading pressure jacket carriage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10 illustrates a mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 13B] 10 illustrates a mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 13C] 10 illustrates a mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 13D] 10 illustrates a mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 13E] 10 illustrates a mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14C]10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14D] 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14E] 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 14F] 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for engaging a pressure jacket in a receiving portion of a fluid injector carriage according to one embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a face-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a side view of a linkage arrangement of a retention mechanism showing one embodiment of a muzzle-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15C] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support arm for a distal support surface showing one embodiment of a face-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the retention mechanism showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-15C in a second, open position. [Figure 16B] FIG. 18 is a side view of the linkage arrangement of the retention mechanism, showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-15C in a second, open position. [Figure 16C] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a support arm for a distal support surface showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-15C in a second, open position. [Figure 17A] 15A-15C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket. FIG. [Figure 17B]15A-15C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket; FIG. 15B is a side view of the linkage arrangement of the retention mechanism; [Figure 17C] 15A-15C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket; FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the support arm for the distal support surface showing the front-loading pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-15C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket; [Figure 18] FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-17C including an operably connected electromechanical motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the front-loading pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 15A-17C including at least one finger tab on the retention arm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a face-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a side view of a linkage arrangement of a retention mechanism showing another embodiment of a muzzle-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 20C] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a linkage arrangement illustrating another embodiment of a muzzle-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism in a closed position with a syringe and pressure jacket in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 21A] FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the retention mechanism, showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 20A-20C in a second, open position. [Figure 21B] FIG. 20C is a side view of the linkage arrangement of the retention mechanism, showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 20A-20C in a second, open position. [Figure 21C] FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the linkage arrangement showing the front-loaded pressure jacket retention mechanism of FIGS. 20A-20C in a second, open position. [Figure 22A] 20A-20C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket. FIG. [Figure 22B] 20A-20C in a first, open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket; FIG. 20B is a side view of the linkage arrangement of the retention mechanism; [Figure 22C] 20A-20C in a first open position showing the syringe removed from the pressure jacket; FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the linkage arrangement; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0068] Spatial or directional terms such as "left," "right," "inside," "outside," "top," "bottom," etc. relate to the present invention as shown in the drawing figures and should not be considered limiting as the present invention may assume various alternative orientations.

[0069] All numbers used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." The term "about" is meant to include ±25% of the stated numerical value, for example ±10% of the stated numerical value. However, this should not be considered as limiting any analysis of values ​​under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0070] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to encompass the starting and ending values ​​and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of "1 to 10" includes any and all subranges or subratios between (and including) a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. Ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent average values ​​across the stated range and / or ratio.

[0071] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but rather to different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0072] All documents referred to herein are "incorporated by reference" in their entirety.

[0073] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to."

[0074] The term "not greater than" is synonymous with "less than or equal to."

[0075] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" is synonymous with "one or more of." For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes only A, or only B, or only C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or all of A, B, and C.

[0076] The term "including" is synonymous with "comprises."

[0077] When used with respect to a syringe, e.g., a rolling diaphragm syringe, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the syringe closest to the piston element that engages the end wall of the syringe to deliver fluid from the syringe. When used with respect to a fluid pathway, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the fluid pathway closest to the injector system when the fluid pathway is connected to the injector system. When used with respect to a syringe, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the syringe closest to the delivery nozzle. When used with respect to a fluid pathway, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the fluid pathway closest to the patient when the fluid pathway is connected to the injector system. The term "radial" refers to a direction within a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the syringe extending between the proximal and distal ends. The term "circumferential" refers to a direction around the inner or outer surface of the sidewall of the syringe. The term "axial" refers to a direction along the longitudinal axis of the syringe extending between the proximal and distal ends.

[0078] However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may contemplate alternative variations and step sequences unless expressly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0079] Referring to the drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, the present disclosure generally relates to a medical injector / injection system 100 (hereinafter "fluid injector system 100"), such as an injector system including one or more syringes, including muzzle-loaded syringes and rolling diaphragm syringes. However, the various methods and protocols of the present disclosure may be utilized or incorporated into other syringe-based injector systems.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1 , fluid injector system 100 includes several components, which are described individually herein. Generally, fluid injector system 100 includes a power injector administrator or device configured to move various components of the injector during an injection protocol and operated by at least one processor, and a fluid delivery set adapted to be associated with the power injector to draw and deliver one or more fluids under pressure from one or more fluid reservoirs to a patient. The various devices, components, and features of fluid injector system 100 and the associated fluid delivery set are similarly described in detail herein, according to non-limiting embodiments. In one example, fluid injector system 100 may include at least one fluid reservoir, such as a syringe 132, at least one piston (not shown) having an interface reversibly connectable to a plunger of the syringe, and a fluid control module (not shown). Suitable syringe embodiments and features are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 073,519, filed September 2, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. At least one syringe 132 is generally adapted to connect with at least one component of the system, such as a syringe port 13 and / or a pressure jacket 134. The fluid injector system 100 is generally configured to deliver at least one fluid to a patient during an injection procedure, such as an angiography injection procedure. The fluid injector system 100 is configured to releasably receive at least one syringe 132, which is adapted to be filled with at least one fluid, such as imaging contrast media, saline, lactated Ringer's solution, or any desired medical fluid, supplied by a fluid source via a fluid line. The system may be a multi-syringe injector, in which two or more syringes may be oriented side-by-side or in other spatial relationships and are separately actuated by respective pistons associated with the injectors. The at least one syringe 132 may be oriented in any manner, such as upright, right down, or positioned at any angle.

[0081] 1 , the injector system 100 can be used during a medical procedure to inject at least one medical fluid into a patient's vascular system by driving a plunger of at least one syringe 132 with a driving member, such as at least one piston (not shown). The at least one piston may be reciprocally movable with at least a portion of the at least one syringe 132, such as the plunger. Upon engagement, the at least one piston may move the plunger toward a distal end 140 of the at least one syringe 132 and retract the plunger toward a proximal end of the at least one syringe 132. The syringe 132 extends along a longitudinal axis. Fluid lines may also be connected in fluid communication with the outlet ports of each syringe 132 to fluidly connect each syringe 132 to a bulk fluid reservoir for filling each syringe 132 with medical fluid and / or to a catheter (not shown) for delivering fluid from each syringe 132 to a catheter inserted into a patient at a vascular access site.

[0082] In various examples, the syringe retention mechanisms of the present disclosure may be suitable for use in single or dual syringe type muzzle-loaded fluid injector systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,275,929; ...

[0083] 1, fluid injector system 100 (also referred to as an "injector") includes an injector housing 102 having opposing sides 104, a distal or upper end 106, and a proximal or lower end 108. Housing 102 houses various mechanical drive components, electrical power components necessary to drive the mechanical drive components, and control components such as electronic memory and electronic control device(s) (hereinafter, electronic control device(s)) used to control the operation of a reciprocable piston associated with fluid injector system 100 described herein, including communication with a controller or processor.

[0084] 1 , embodiments of the fluid injector system 100 may include one or more user interfaces 124, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) display window or touch screen, and / or one or more buttons and readouts. The user interface 124 may display information regarding the fluid injection process involving the fluid injector system 100, such as the current flow rate, fluid pressure, and volume remaining in the fluid source 21 connected to the fluid injector system 100. In certain embodiments, the one or more user interfaces 124 may be at least one touch screen GUI that allows an operator to input commands and / or data for operation of the fluid injector system 100. While the user interface 124 is shown on the injector housing 102, the interface 124 may take the form of or include an additional remote display that is wired or wirelessly linked to the housing 102 and the electrical control devices and mechanical elements of the fluid injector system 100. In some aspects, the user interface 124 may be a tablet computer that is removably connected to the housing 102 and that is wired or wirelessly linked and communicates with the housing 102. Fluid injector system 100 may further include one or more processors configured to electronically communicate with and control one or more functions of fluid injector system 100. Additionally, fluid injector system 100 and / or user interface 124 may include at least one control button 126 for tactile operation by an attending operator of fluid injector system 100, such as a button for engaging and disengaging a syringe retention mechanism described herein. In certain embodiments, at least one control button 126 may be part of a keyboard for inputting commands and / or data by the operator. At least one control button 126 may be hardwired or wirelessly connected to one or more electronic control devices associated with fluid injector system 100 to provide direct input to the one or more electronic control devices.Additionally, the at least one control button 126 may be a graphical portion of the user interface 124, such as a touch screen. In either configuration, the at least one control button 126 desirably provides a specific, individual control function to an attending operator of the fluid injector system 100, including, but not limited to, (1) filling / purging the fluid injector system 100, (2) inputting information and / or data related to the patient and / or the injection procedure, and (3) starting / stopping the injection procedure. The user interface 124 and / or any electronic processing unit associated with the fluid injector system 100 may be wired or wirelessly connected to an operating and / or data storage system, such as a hospital network system.

[0085] As used herein, an electronic control device includes, or is operable to include, a processor for executing appropriate custom-designed or conventional software to perform and implement the processing steps of the presently disclosed method and system embodiments, thereby forming a specialized, specific computing system. Accordingly, the presently disclosed methods and systems may include one or more electronic control devices or similar computing devices having a computer-readable storage medium capable of storing computer-readable program code or instructions that cause a processing unit to execute, configure, or otherwise perform the methods, processes, and transformative data operations described below in connection with the present disclosure. Furthermore, the electronic control device may be in the form of a computer, personal digital assistant, portable computer, laptop, palmtop, mobile device, mobile phone, server, or any other type of computing device having the necessary processing hardware to appropriately process data to effectively implement the presently disclosed computer-implemented methods and systems. In one example, the electronic control device may house a user interface 124 and a corresponding processor.

[0086] The present disclosure relates to a syringe and pressure jacket retention mechanism, particularly for angiographic (CV) injectors. Contrast-enhanced angiography involves injecting fluid into the heart through a catheter. Due to the contrast agent's viscosity, high flow rate, and small catheter diameter, angiographic injection can involve high pressures of up to 1200 psi. Under such high pressures, conventional plastic syringes used in contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which involve pressures of up to 300 psi, can experience excessive radial expansion of the syringe wall, which can result in undesirable changes in fluid delivery and flow rate, or potentially even structural failure. To combat this, pressure jackets with thicker walls or stronger materials have been developed to limit the radial expansion of pressurized syringes. CV injectors must be designed to engage and retain not only the syringe but also a corresponding pressure jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the syringe's sidewall. The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a pressure jacket and / or retention mechanism for connecting a syringe with a CV fluid injector.

[0087] For example, according to various embodiments, the present disclosure describes an assembly for retaining a pressure jacket and a syringe on a CV fluid injector. The syringe and pressure jacket may be connected to a base plate of the fluid injector, where the base plate may include a body. The assembly may include one or more retaining arms projecting distally from the base plate and having a retaining surface at a distal end thereof for abutting and engaging the distal end of the pressure jacket and / or the syringe. In certain embodiments, the assembly may include at least a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm operably attached to the body of the base plate. The first retaining arm may have a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof, and the second retaining arm may have a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, where the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface are configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. The assembly may further include a linkage assembly operably connected to one or both of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm. The linkage assembly may be configured to move at least one of the first and second retention arms between at least a first open position and a closed position. The first and second retention arms may each include at least one, and in certain embodiments, two, longitudinal supports connecting opposite sides of the base plate to opposite sides of the corresponding retention surface. The two first longitudinal supports of the first retention arm may be connected to move in unison about a commonly aligned first pivot point, and the two second longitudinal supports of the second retention arm may be connected to move in unison about a commonly aligned second pivot point.

[0088] In certain embodiments, a linkage assembly may be operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm. For example, the linkage assembly may operably connect the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move in unison between at least a first open position and a closed position. Alternatively, the linkage assembly may operably connect the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move independently between at least a first open position and a closed position. In certain embodiments, the first retention arm and the second retention arm are connected to the body of the base plate at first and second pivot points, respectively, such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm rotate about the first and second pivot points between at least a first open position and a closed position.

[0089] In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and syringe from the fluid injector. In certain embodiments, in the first open position, the distance between the first retention surface and the second retention surface may be wide enough to allow insertion and engagement of a syringe into and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and retention assembly, but not insertion / engagement and removal of the pressure jacket from the retention assembly. In other embodiments, in the first open position, the distance between the first retention surface and the second retention surface may be wide enough to allow insertion and engagement of a syringe into and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and retention assembly, and may be wide enough to allow insertion / engagement and removal of the pressure jacket from the retention assembly simultaneously with or in separate operations from insertion / removal of the syringe.

[0090] In the closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm may be spaced apart a second distance to retain the pressure jacket and syringe between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm. For example, in the closed position, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm may be held in a position where the first retaining surface abuts the second retaining surface to retain the syringe and pressure jacket within the retention assembly, for example, during a pressurized fluid delivery procedure. In certain embodiments, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface may be arcuate or semicircular in shape and may form at least a partially circular retaining surface for engaging and retaining the distal end of the syringe and the distal end of the pressure jacket when in the closed, abutting position. According to various embodiments, the first distance between the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm may be greater than the second distance.

[0091] In various embodiments, the first and second retention arms may pivot about a first pivot point and a second pivot point to at least an intermediate second open position. In the second open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a third distance to retain the pressure jacket within the fluid injector and allow insertion and removal of a syringe from the pressure jacket and engagement and disengagement of the syringe from the fluid injector. In particular, in the second open position, the distance between the first and second retention surfaces may be wide enough to allow insertion and engagement of a syringe within the pressure jacket and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and retention assembly, but not insertion / engagement and removal of the pressure jacket from the retention assembly. According to these embodiments, the first distance in the first position is greater than the second distance, and the third distance is smaller than the first distance and greater than the second distance.

[0092] In various embodiments, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm comprises a first syringe retaining surface and a first pressure jacket retaining surface, and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm comprises a second syringe retaining surface and a second pressure jacket retaining surface. The first and second syringe retaining surfaces and / or the first and second pressure jacket retaining surfaces may include one or more protrusions for engaging the syringe and / or the pressure jacket, respectively.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm may each include at least one inner protrusion that engages the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe. In certain embodiments, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface include an inner syringe retaining protrusion that engages with a circular load-bearing wall at the distal end of the syringe. The syringe retaining protrusion is at least partially circumferential, extending proximally from each retaining surface and including a proximal surface at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe, with an innermost at least partial circumference extending proximally beyond the outermost at least partial circumference to form a sloped proximal surface. The sloped proximal surface may be configured to interact with a corresponding oppositely sloped surface of the circumferential load-bearing wall at the distal end of the syringe. The complementary ramped surfaces interact to bias the distal ends of the first and second retention arms with an inward retaining force under distal pressure acting on the syringe associated with a fluid injection procedure, i.e., the ramped surfaces of the syringe's circumferential load-bearing wall are biased distally when the syringe is pressurized, providing an inward radial force on the corresponding complementary ramped surfaces of the syringe retaining projections, biasing the first retention surface and first retention arm with an inward retaining force toward the second retention surface and second retention arm to help retain the first and second retention arms in a closed position under fluid injection pressure.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm may each include at least one pressure jacket protrusion for engaging the distal end of the pressure jacket. For example, the pressure jacket protrusion may form a circumferential groove in the proximal surface of the first and second retention surfaces that interacts with and provides a slot into which the distal end of the pressure jacket can be inserted and retained. The first and second retention surfaces may include one or more engagement slots, tabs, or other features that interact with corresponding tabs, slots, or features on the distal end of the pressure jacket to engage and retain the pressure jacket when the retention assembly is in the closed position, e.g., to prevent the pressure jacket from sliding laterally out of alignment with the engagement arms.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the linkage assembly may include at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second retention arms to move in unison between at least a first open position and a closed position, and in certain embodiments, an intermediate second open position. The biasing member may include multiple biasing members, such as springs, that bias the first retention arm toward the first open position and may cooperate with a first biasing plate to bias the first retention arm toward the closed position. Similarly, the second retention arm may include two or more biasing members, such as springs, that bias the second retention arm toward the first open position and may cooperate with a second biasing plate to bias the first retention arm toward the closed position.

[0096] According to various embodiments, at least one of the first and second retention arms can include at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first and second retention arms between a closed position and the first and / or second open positions. The one or more finger tabs can be disposed on the first and second retention arms to allow a user to manually open and / or close the first and second retention arms to insert or remove a syringe and / or pressure jacket from the retention assembly. In certain embodiments, each longitudinal support of the first retention arm and each longitudinal support of the second retention arm can include one finger tab.

[0097] In other embodiments, the assembly and / or fluid injector can include an electromechanical motor disposed within the injector housing for moving the first and second retention arms between the first open and closed positions. According to certain embodiments, the electromechanical motor can further move the first and second retention arms to an intermediate second open position.

[0098] 2A and 2B illustrate various embodiments of a retaining element 600 attached to a central support 602 of a CV fluid injector 604 by a hinged mechanism 606 that can move between an open position ( FIG. 2B ), in which at least one syringe 608 can be inserted into a pressure jacket assembly 610, and a closed position ( FIG. 2A ), in which at least one syringe 608 is secured within the pressure jacket assembly 610 for the fluid delivery process. In various embodiments, the retaining element 600 can include a rotatable plate member that can rotate between the open and closed positions. The retaining element 600 can be locked in the closed position using a snap tab mechanism 612 to prevent the retaining element 600 from moving to the open position during use of the CV fluid injector 604. In various embodiments, other locking mechanisms can be utilized to retain the retaining element 600 in the closed position.

[0099] 3A and 3B illustrate various embodiments of a retaining element 700 comprising two or more arms 702a, 702b attached to a central support 704 of a CV fluid injector 706 by a pivoting mechanism 708. The retaining element 700 is movable between an open position (FIG. 3B) in which at least one syringe 710 can be inserted or removed from a pressure jacket assembly 712, and a closed position (FIG. 3A) in which at least one syringe 710 is fixedly retained within the pressure jacket assembly 712 for the fluid delivery process. The pivoting mechanism 708 may be manually actuated by an operator, for example, by moving a lever or other actuation assembly, or may be automatically actuated by a motor assembly (not shown). The pivoting mechanism 708 is configured such that in the closed position, the retaining element 700 generates a clamping force and a downward force on the distal ends of one or both of the syringe 710 and the pressure jacket assembly 712 to prevent one or both of the syringe 710 and the pressure jacket assembly 712 from moving during operation of the CV fluid injector 706.

[0100] 4A, 4B, and 4C show a retaining element 800 according to an embodiment similar to that described in FIGS. 3A and 3B, where the retaining element 800 comprises two or more arms 802a, 802b attached to a central support 804 of a CV fluid injector 806 by a pivoting mechanism 808. The retaining element 800 is movable between a first open position (top view in FIG. 4C) in which at least one syringe 810 and pressure jacket assembly 812 can be inserted or removed from the assembly, a second open position ( FIG. 4B) in which at least one syringe 810 can be inserted or removed from the pressure jacket assembly 812, and a closed position ( FIG. 4A) in which at least one syringe 810 and pressure jacket assembly 812 are fixedly retained within the retaining element 800 for the fluid delivery process. The pivoting mechanism 808 may be manually actuated by an operator or automatically moved by a motor assembly (not shown). The pivoting mechanism 808 is configured such that in the closed position, the retaining element 800 exerts a clamping and downward force on the distal end of one or both of the syringe 810 and the pressure jacket assembly 812 to prevent one or both of the syringe 810 and the pressure jacket assembly 812 from moving during operation of the CV fluid injector 806. The embodiments of Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C differ from the embodiments of Figures 3A and 3B at least in the distance that two or more arms 802a, 802b pivot to enable the syringe 810 and / or the pressure jacket assembly 812 to be inserted into or removed from the fluid injector 806.

[0101] 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a retention element 900 for CV applications having a rotatable pressure jacket 902 on a rotatable retainer assembly 906 according to various embodiments. In FIG. 5A, both a portion of the retention arm 904 and the retainer assembly 906 that holds the pressure jacket 902 and syringe assembly 908 rotate about respective pivot points 905, 910 to allow insertion and removal of the pressure jacket 902 and syringe assembly 908 from a retention fixture. As shown in FIG. 5A, the retention arm 904 and retainer assembly 906 can rotate in opposite directions. FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment in which the retainer assembly that holds the pressure jacket 902 and syringe 908 rotates the syringe 908 and pressure jacket 902 to disengage from a fixed retention surface of the retention element 900. The retainer assembly 906 is independently rotatable relative to the CV fluid injector 912 to move the syringe 908 and pressure jacket 902 away from and toward the CV fluid injector 912. When the retainer assembly 906 is rotated to a docked position (shown on the right side of FIG. 5B ), the retaining arm 904 can be rotated to engage the syringe 908 and pressure jacket 902 in the retainer assembly 906 to retain the syringe 908 and pressure jacket 902 within the CV fluid injector 912. The retaining arm 904 can include one or more elements for holding the assembly of the syringe 908 and pressure jacket 902. The retainer assembly 906 may be moved manually, for example, using an arm 910, to pivot the retainer assembly 906 between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, a motor associated with the fluid injector 912 can be used to move the retainer assembly 906 between the open and closed positions.

[0102] 6A-6E illustrate one embodiment of a retention element 1000 for CV applications that provides for breech loading of a syringe 1002 according to various embodiments. In contrast to conventional front-loading syringe-based injectors, according to this embodiment, the syringes 1002 are loaded into the pressure jacket 1004 by a breech-loading mechanism 1006, in which the proximal end of the pressure jacket 1004 is rotated upward (see FIGS. 6B and 6C) or downward to allow at least one syringe 1002 to be inserted into the proximal end of the pressure jacket 1004. The pressure jacket 1004 is then rotated toward the plane of the original injector 1008 (see FIG. 6D) and locked into place by a locking mechanism 1010 (see FIG. 6E) to allow the fluid injector piston to engage the syringe 1002. In certain embodiments, the pressure jacket 1004 can include a distal cap (not shown) having a shape complementary to the distal end of the syringe 1002. For example, the distal cap may be conical to mate with the conical distal end of the syringe 1002. The cap may be integral with the pressure jacket 1004 or may be attachable to the distal end of the pressure jacket 1004. In other embodiments, the distal cap may be placed on the distal end of the syringe 1002 prior to insertion into the rear of the pressure jacket 1004 such that the outer periphery of the distal cap engages with an inner ridge on the inner surface of the distal end of the pressure jacket 1004.

[0103] 7A-7D illustrate an embodiment for a CV fluid injector 1100 front-loaded with a slidable retaining element 1102 according to various embodiments. The slidable retaining element 1102 is configured to slide up (see FIG. 7A ) or down (see FIG. 7D ) relative to the longitudinal axis of a pressure jacket 1104 to provide access to the distal end of the pressure jacket 1104, thereby allowing insertion or removal of a syringe 1106 therefrom (see FIGS. 7B and 7C ). After syringe insertion, the slidable retaining element 1102 is slid into a closed position and locked in place, retaining the syringe 1106 within the pressure jacket 1104 (see FIG. 7D ). A fluid plumbing component 1108 can then be attached to a fluid outlet at the distal end of the syringe 1106.

[0104] 8A-8E illustrate one embodiment of a CV fluid injector 1200 having a fixed retention element 1202 (see FIG. 8A) and a two-piece pressure jacket 1204 (see FIG. 8E) according to various embodiments. According to this embodiment, the upper portion 1206 of the pressure jacket 1204 can be removed, fluid path components and a valve 1208 are installed (FIG. 8B), and a syringe 1210 is inserted into the lower pressure jacket assembly 1212 (FIGS. 8C and 8D). The upper portion 1206 of the pressure jacket 1204 can then be reinstalled (FIG. 8E), and the system can be prepared for the fluid delivery process, for example, by attaching the fluid path components 1208. The upper portion 1206 of the pressure jacket 1204 can engage, for example, with a retention surface at the distal end of the lower pressure jacket assembly 1212 and an engagement feature on a port of the fluid injector 1200 when the syringe is urged distally by pressure applied by a piston.

[0105] 9A and 9B illustrate one embodiment of a rotating retention element 1300 for providing access to a pressure jacket / syringe assembly 1310 of a CV fluid injector 1302 having a hinged pressure jacket retention mechanism 1304 according to various embodiments. Figure 9A shows the retention member / pressure jacket assembly 1304 in a closed and locked position. In Figure 9B, the retention member / pressure jacket assembly 1304 is shown in an open position in which the top plate 1306 of the assembly 1304 has rotated up to 90 degrees and the hinged pressure jacket cover 1308 has been pivoted to provide access to the pressure jacket / syringe assembly 1310 for insertion or removal.

[0106] 10A and 10B show one embodiment of a retaining element 1400 for a CV fluid injector 1402 having a pressure jacket 1404 on a rotatable plate 1406 according to various embodiments. A pressure jacket and syringe assembly 1408 is retained on the rotatable proximal plate 1406 that rotates between a closed position ( FIG. 10A ), in which the distal end of the pressure jacket and syringe assembly 1408 is engaged with a distal retaining plate 1410, and an open position ( FIG. 10B ), in which the rotatable proximal plate 1406 is rotated up to 90 degrees to disengage the pressure jacket and syringe assembly 1408 from the distal retaining plate 1410. After rotation to the open position, the pressure jacket and syringe assembly 1408 may be inserted or removed from the CV fluid injector 1402.

[0107] 11A-11I illustrate one embodiment of a fluid injector head with a breech-loading pressure jacket and a rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1500. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 includes an opening 1502 through which a pressure jacket 1504 can be loaded when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 is loaded. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 can include a pressure jacket retention mechanism (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A-13E and 14A-14F) for releasably retaining the pressure jacket 1504 within the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500. The rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 can rotate about a pivot point 1506 (see FIG. 11B) from an open position (shown in FIG. 11A) to an engaged position (shown in FIG. 11C). The rotatable pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 may be rotated manually by a user or automatically by the fluid injector operating system, for example, after the user presses a button or other actuation mechanism on the fluid injector system or after the fluid injector detects that a syringe 1508 is positioned within the pressure jacket 1504. In other embodiments, the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 is slidable between an open position and an engaged position.

[0108] In the open position, the syringe 1508 may be loaded into the pressure jacket 1504 by a breech-loading process (see FIG. 11A ). As used herein, the term “breech-loading” means that the syringe 1508 is inserted into the proximal open end of the pressure jacket 1504, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 11A , for example, until the distal tip and fluid delivery port of the syringe 1508 protrude from the distal opening of the pressure jacket 1504. According to these embodiments, the pressure jacket 1504 may include a circumferential sidewall having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sidewall of the syringe 1508, and may also include a partially closed distal end having an inner wall covering a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket 1504 and having an inner surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the distal end of the syringe 1508. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure jacket 1504 and the distal end of the syringe 1508 may have complementary conical-shaped distal ends. In other embodiments, a portion of the distal end of the syringe 1508 may include an outer surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the syringe 1508 that engages with an inner surface of the distal end of the pressure jacket 1504 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure jacket 1504. Once the syringe 1508 is loaded into the pressure jacket 1504, the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 may be rotated as shown by arrow B in FIG. 11B to the engaged position of FIG. 11C. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 may be held in the engaged position by, for example, a latch or detent mechanism 1510.

[0109] Figure 11D shows a front view of a fluid injector pressure jacket retention mechanism 1500 in an engaged position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11E is a cross-sectional side perspective view of a fluid injector carriage movement along line AA according to one embodiment.

[0110] 11A-11I, the assembly can include three carriage positions when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 is in the engaged position during a filling or injection procedure. Various features of the interface between the fluid injector port 1512 and the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 when in the engaged position are shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11F. The interface features include a carriage on an axial slide 1514, a detent or latch 1510 for releasably locking the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 in the engaged position, a plunger interface 1518 attached by a piston to a ball screw or other drive mounting mechanism, a frame 1520 on the proximal end of the fluid injector, the pressure jacket 1504, and the syringe 1508 within the pressure jacket 1504.

[0111] Operation of these features is illustrated in three carriage positions shown in Figures 11G, 11H, and 11I. In Figure 11G, the detent or latch 1510 is initially in a disengaged position to allow rotation of the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 from the open position to the engaged position. To facilitate rotation to the engaged position, the fluid injector carriage device 1514 is in a first disengaged position, with clearance between the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 and the frame 1520 of the fluid injector. The clearance between the carriage device 1514 and the pressure jacket / syringe mechanism with the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500, shown in Figure 11H, provides mechanical slack between the injector, pressure jacket 1504, and syringe 1508 components. Once the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 is in the engaged position, a user can lock the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 in the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 11H, by actuating a detent or latch 1510 to the locked position, locking the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 in the engaged position. The detent or latch 1510 may be a motor operated by a screw mechanism, solenoid, or other mechanism to move a detent post distally and lock it into a corresponding hole in the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500. Alternatively, a user can latch or manually lock the detent or latch 1510 into the locked position. While the detent / latch 1510 is now in the engaged position, the fluid injector carriage device 1514 remains in the first disengaged position, maintaining a gap between the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 and the fluid injector frame 1520. Movement of the carriage 1514 to the locked, operating position is shown in FIG. 11I. The carriage 1514 is moved distally, for example, by a spring or other biasing member, or by a motor associated with the piston of the fluid injector, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the carriage 1514 may be moved distally by a ball screw connected to a piston interface or other motorized component.When the carriage 1514 is moved to the locked operating position, the distal face of the carriage 1514 abuts the proximal end of the syringe 1508, pushing the syringe 1508 distally and thereby seating the syringe 1508 within the pressure jacket 1504. Furthermore, as the carriage 1514 is moved distally, the proximal circumferential flange of the pressure jacket 1504 abuts the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500, and the distal face of the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 seats against the fluid injector frame 1520. When the system is placed in the locked operating position, mechanical slack associated with the syringe 1508, pressure jacket 1504, and piston is reduced and accounted for, thereby limiting compliance associated with the fluid injection system and providing more accurate injection volumes. In embodiments including a spring-loaded or otherwise distally biased carriage 1514, the spring or biasing force is sufficient to prevent proximal movement of the syringe 1508 and / or the pressure jacket 1504 during a syringe 1508 filling operation. Additionally, the spring or biasing force should be sufficient to overcome the spring force when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 pushes the arm back during a syringe loading operation. In certain embodiments including a spring biasing force biasing the carriage 1514 distally, proximal retraction of the piston retracts the carriage 1514 proximally against the spring bias, thereby allowing the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500 to automatically open in response to a second torsion spring associated with the pressure jacket engagement arm 1500. In various embodiments, a carriage latch mechanism may be incorporated into the fluid injector to prevent distal movement of the carriage 1514, for example, in the event of a power failure, to prevent the interface from accidentally locking into a locked delivery position.

[0112] 12A-12H illustrate another embodiment of a fluid injector head with a breech-loading pressure jacket and a rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1600. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 includes an opening through which a pressure jacket 1602 can be loaded when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 is loaded. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 can include a pressure jacket retention mechanism 1604 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14) for releasably retaining the pressure jacket 1602 within the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600. The rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 can rotate about a pivot point 1606 (see FIG. 12C) from an open position (shown in FIG. 12A) to an engaged position (shown in FIG. 12C). The rotatable pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 can be rotated manually by a user using a user engagement handle 1610 on the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600, or can be rotated automatically by the fluid injector operating system, for example, after a user presses a button or other actuation mechanism on the fluid injector system or after the fluid injector detects that a syringe 1612 is positioned within the pressure jacket 1602. In other embodiments, the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 can slide between an open position and an engaged position.

[0113] In the open position, a syringe 1612 may be loaded into the pressure jacket 1602 by a breech-loading process (see FIG. 12A described herein). The syringe 1612 is inserted into the proximal open end of the pressure jacket 1602, for example, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 12A until the distal tip and fluid delivery port of the syringe 1612 protrude from the distal opening of the pressure jacket 1602. Once the syringe 1612 is loaded into the pressure jacket 1602, the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 can be rotated, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 12B, to the engaged position of FIG. 12C. The pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 may be held in the engaged position by, for example, a latch or detent mechanism 1614.

[0114] Figure 12D is a front view of a fluid injector pressure jacket retention mechanism in an engaged position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12E is a cross-sectional side perspective view of a fluid injector carriage movement along line BB according to one embodiment.

[0115] 12A-12H, the assembly can include two carriage positions when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 is in the engaged position during a filling or injection procedure. Various features of the interface between the fluid injector port and the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 when in the engaged position are shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12F. The interface features include a carriage on an axial slide 1616, a detent or latch 1614 for releasably locking the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 in the engaged position, a plunger interface 1618 attached by a piston to a ball screw or other drive mounting mechanism, a frame 1620 on the proximal end of the fluid injector, the pressure jacket 1602, and the syringe 1612 within the pressure jacket 1602.

[0116] Operation of these features is illustrated in the two carriage positions shown in Figures 12G and 12H. In Figure 12G, rotation of the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 from the open position to the engaged position moves the biased detent or latch 1614 into the engaged position. To facilitate rotation to the engaged position, the fluid injector carriage device 1616 is in a first disengaged position, and as shown in Figure 12G, there is a gap between the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 and the frame 1620 of the fluid injector, which creates mechanical slack between the injector, pressure jacket 1602, and syringe 1612 components, allowing movement of the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 once the biasing force of the detent or latch 1614 is overcome. While the detent / latch 1614 is now in the engaged position, the fluid injector carriage device 1616 remains in the first disengaged position, maintaining a gap between the rotating pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 and the fluid injector frame 1620. Movement of the carriage 1614 to the locked operating position is shown in FIG. 12H. The carriage 1614 is moved distally, for example, by a spring or other biasing member or by a motor associated with the fluid injector piston, such as a ball screw connected to a piston interface or other motorized component. When the carriage 1614 is moved to the locked operating position, the distal face of the carriage 1614 abuts the proximal end of the syringe 1612, pushing the syringe 1612 distally, thereby seating the syringe 1612 within the pressure jacket 1602. Additionally, as the carriage 1614 is moved distally, the proximal circumferential flange of the pressure jacket 1602 abuts the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 and the distal face of the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 seats against the fluid injector frame 1620. According to one embodiment, the detent or latch 1614 can move to an unlocked position once the fluid injector is in a locked, operating position. Alternatively, the detent 1614 can remain in a biased, locked position whenever the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 is in the closed position.When the system is placed in the locked operating position, mechanical slack associated with the syringe 1612, pressure jacket 1602, and piston is reduced and disabled, thereby limiting compliance associated with the fluid injection system and providing a more accurate injection volume. In embodiments including a spring-loaded or otherwise distally biased carriage 1614, the spring or biasing force is sufficient to prevent proximal movement of the syringe 1612 and / or pressure jacket 1602 during a syringe 1612 filling operation. Furthermore, the spring or biasing force should be sufficient to overcome the spring force when the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 pushes the arm back during a syringe loading operation. In certain embodiments including a spring bias biasing the carriage 1614 distally, retracting the piston proximally retracts the carriage 1614 against the spring bias, thereby allowing the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 to automatically open in response to a second torsion spring associated with the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600. Alternatively, a user can manually rotate the pressure jacket engagement arm 1600 back to the open position by grasping the handle 1610 and rotating the arm 1600 outward. In various embodiments, a carriage latch mechanism may be incorporated into the fluid injector to prevent distal movement of the carriage 1614, for example, in the event of a power failure, to prevent the interface from accidentally locking into a locked delivery position.

[0117] 13A-13E illustrate one embodiment of a pressure jacket retention mechanism 1700 that can be used with embodiments of a breech-loaded fluid injector system. The pressure jacket retention mechanism 1700 securely holds the pressure jacket 1702 within a pressure jacket engagement arm 1704 while allowing the pressure jacket 1702 to be removed, for example, for cleaning or replacement. FIG. 13A illustrates a proximal perspective view of the pressure jacket 1702 held within the pressure jacket retention mechanism 1700 of an engagement arm 1704 according to one embodiment. The pressure jacket 1702 can include a circumferential flange 1706 at the proximal end of the pressure jacket sidewall. The outer periphery of the circumferential flange 1706 can have a beveled surface with a larger diameter at the distal edge of the flange 1706 relative to the proximal edge (see FIG. 13B). The beveled circumferential flange 1706 can be used to hold the pressure jacket 1702 within the mechanism 1700. As shown in FIG. 13B, the pressure jacket 1702 is breech-loaded into the receiving opening of the engagement arm 1704 at an angle indicated by arrow A. On one side of the receiving opening, an inner lip engages a side of the angled circumferential flange 1706. The pressure jacket 1702 may then be pivoted as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 13C until the pressure jacket 1702 is seated in the receiving opening, as shown in FIG. 13D. Once the pressure jacket 1702 is seated, as shown in FIG. 13D, the other side of the angled circumferential flange 1706 engages a biased detent or latch 1708 on the inner surface of the receiving opening, thereby retaining the pressure jacket 1702 within the receiving opening of the pressure-jacket engagement arm 1704, FIG. 13E. The pressure jacket 1702 can be removed from the pressure-jacket engagement arm 1704 by reversing these steps.

[0118] 14A-14F illustrate another embodiment of a pressure jacket retention mechanism 1800 that can be used in embodiments of a breech-loaded fluid injector system that utilize a bayonet-style retention mechanism. FIG. 14A illustrates a proximal perspective view of a pressure jacket 1802 retained in a pressure jacket retention mechanism 1800 of an engagement arm 1804 according to one embodiment. The pressure jacket 1802 can include a circumferential flange 1806 at the proximal end of the pressure jacket sidewall. The outer periphery of the circumferential flange 1806 includes a retention groove, such as a standard bayonet-style retention groove 1808 (see FIG. 14E) or a latch bayonet-style groove 1810 (see FIG. 14F). The groove in the circumferential flange 1806 interacts with an associated engagement pin 1812 on the inner surface of the opening in the pressure jacket retention arm 1804, as shown in FIG. 14A. As shown in FIG. 14B, the pressure jacket 1802 is back-loaded into the receiving opening of the engagement arm 1804, as shown by arrow A, with the sides of the retention groove aligning with the engagement pin 1812 of the engagement arm 1804 until the pressure jacket circumferential flange 1806 abuts the corresponding flange of the opening, as shown in FIG. 14C. Once the pressure jacket 1802 is loaded and the sides of the retention groove engage the pin 1812, the pressure jacket 1802 can then be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 14D, to engage the pin 1812 at the portion of the groove perpendicular to the transverse axis in a bayonet-type locking process. FIG. 14E shows one embodiment of a retention groove 1808 for retaining a pin and thereby holding the pressure jacket in place. FIG. 14F shows another embodiment of a locking groove 1810 for locking the pin 1812 with a groove having a pocket for receiving the pin 1812, thereby locking the pressure jacket 1802 in place.

[0119] 15A-17C , a pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 according to another example or aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 can include a base plate 1902 operably connected to an injector housing, such as the injector housing 102 of the fluid injector system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . The fluid injector system 100 of FIG. 1 can include one or more of the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assemblies 1900 depending on the number of syringes to be attached. According to various embodiments, the fluid injector system 100 of FIG. 1 can include two or more pressure jacket and syringe retaining assemblies 1900 for retaining two or more syringes. The base plate 1902 can include a body 1904 for supporting the components of the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900. According to various embodiments, the base plate 1902 may be operably connected to or attached to a fluid injector system, such as the fluid injector system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , or may be integrally formed with the fluid injector system. The base plate 1902 may hold a pressure jacket 1906 configured to receive and hold a syringe 1908. The pressure jacket 1906 may be pre-installed in the pressure jacket and syringe holding assembly 1900 such that only the syringe 1908 can be inserted into or removed from the pressure jacket 1906, or inserted / replaced after assembly of the pressure jacket and syringe holding assembly 1900.

[0120] The pressure jacket and syringe retention assembly 1900 may also include at least two retention arms 1910a, 1910b operatively connected to the base plate 1902 and used to retain the syringe 1908 to the pressure jacket 1906 and retain the pressure jacket 1906 to the fluid injector. Each retention arm 1910a, 1910b may include at least two base members or support arms 1912a, 1912b, 1912c, 1912d pivotally connected to the base plate 1902 at respective pivot points 1914a, 1914b. The base members 1912a, 1912b, 1912c, 1912d may be configured to rotate toward and away from the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 between open and closed positions. In the open position (shown in FIGS. 17A-17C ), the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b may be spaced apart from one another a first distance that allows the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 to be inserted between the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b for operative connection to a fluid injector system. The retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b may also be pivoted toward one another to move to the closed position. In the closed position, the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b are positioned in contact with or adjacent to one another such that the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 are held within the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 positioned to prevent the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 from moving distally. In the closed position, the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b are spaced apart from one another a second distance. In various embodiments, a first distance between the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b in the open position is greater than a second distance between the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b in the closed position. In various other embodiments, the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b may be positioned in an intermediate position such that the syringe 1908 can be removed from the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 but the pressure jacket 1906 is retained within the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 by the retaining arms 1910 a, 1910 b.The retaining arms 1910a, 1910b may be moved to the intermediate position when an operator desires to replace the syringe 1908 in the pressure jacket 1906 without removing the pressure jacket 1906 from the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900. In various embodiments, when the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are moved to the intermediate position, the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are positioned a third distance from each other, where the third distance is less than the first distance when the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are in the open position and greater than the second distance when the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are in the closed position.

[0121] Each retaining arm 1910a, 1910b may also include a retaining portion 1916a, 1916b including a respective retaining surface operably connected to the distal end of the respective base member 1912a, 1912b and 1912c, 1912d. In some examples or embodiments, at least a portion of the retaining portions 1916a, 1916b may be formed from plastic or a metal such as stainless steel. Each retaining portion 1916a, 1916b may form a semicircle that, when formed by the opposing retaining elements 1916a, 1916b, results in a full circle surrounding the distal end of the pressure jacket 1906 and the syringe 1908. Each of the retaining portions 1916a, 1916b may have a curvature along its longitudinal axis that generally corresponds to the curvature of the distal end of the syringe 1908 and the pressure jacket 1906. Contact between retainers 1916a, 1916b prevents distal movement of pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 within pressure jacket and syringe retainer assembly 1900. When fluid pressure from the fluid injector acts to move pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 distally, retainers 1916a, 1916b create an opposing force in the proximal direction, preventing pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 from moving distally relative to the fluid injector.

[0122] In various embodiments, each retaining portion 1916 a, 1916 b may include a syringe cone support positioned and retained within the retaining elements 1916 a, 1916 b. The syringe cone support may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, such as a polymeric material, to support the distal portion of the syringe 1908 and enable inspection of the distal portion of the syringe 1908, for example, visual inspection or inspection using a camera, sensor, or other detector setup. For example, inspection of the distal portion of the syringe 1908 may enable detection of air in the syringe 1908 or detection of the type of fluid in the syringe 1908, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,999 and 5,729,999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The retaining elements 1916 a, 1916 b may surround and reinforce the syringe cone support and provide a stronger abutment surface for the conical distal end of the syringe 1908. The syringe cone support may be conical in shape to correspond to the conical shape of the distal end of the syringe 1908. Although the syringe cone support is shown as conical in shape, the shape of the syringe cone support may be any shape that is contoured to match the shape of the distal end of the syringe 1908.

[0123] 15B, 16B, and 17B, various embodiments of a linkage arrangement 1920 for actuating movement of the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b for the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 are shown and described. The linkage arrangement 1920 is provided for moving the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. In various embodiments, the linkage arrangement 1920 may be manually actuated by an operator by pulling the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b apart or pushing them together. In various embodiments, the linkage arrangement 1920 may be actuated using an electromechanical motor 1922 (see FIG. 18) provided within or operably connected to the fluid injector. In various embodiments, the linkage arrangement 1920 is configured to coordinately move the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b between the closed position, the intermediate position, and the open position. For example, in one embodiment, "in coordination" is understood to mean that each of the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b moves outward and inward relative to one another at the same or similar speed or rate so that each retaining arm 1910a, 1910b moves the same or similar distance. By moving in coordination, the linkage arrangement 1920 ensures that the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are spaced a precise distance apart from one another when moved to a closed, intermediate, or open position.

[0124] In various embodiments, the linkage arrangement 1920 may include a first linkage assembly 1924a and a second linkage assembly 1924b. The linkage assemblies 1924a, 1924b may be provided on opposite sides of the base plate 1902. In various embodiments, the first linkage assembly 1924a is identical to the second linkage assembly 1924b. Accordingly, a description of the first linkage assembly 1924a is provided below, and that description also corresponds to the description of the second linkage assembly 1924b. The first linkage assembly 1924a may include a first retention arm link 1926a and a second retention arm link 1926b. The first retention arm link 1926a may have one end connected to a proximal end of one retention arm 1910a, and the second retention arm link 1926b may have one end connected to a proximal end of the other retention arm 1910b. The retaining arm links 1926a, 1926b may be connected to the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b via mechanical fasteners 1928a, 1928b. Each of the retaining arm links 1926a, 1926b may be operably connected to a corresponding connecting link 1930a, 1930b. Each connecting link 1930a, 1930b may be connected at one end to a corresponding end of the retaining arm link 1926a, 1926b. Each connecting link 1930a, 1930b may be connected to a corresponding retaining arm link 1926a, 1926b using a connecting pin 1932a, 1932b.

[0125] In various embodiments, connecting links 1930a, 1930b may be connected to a central link 1934. Connecting links 1930a, 1930b may be connected to the central link 1934 by connecting pins 1936a, 1936b. In various embodiments, the central link 1934 may be connected to a base link 1938, which is also connected to the base plate 1902. The central link 1934 may be connected to the base link 1938 using a connecting pin 1940.

[0126] 15B, 16B, and 17B, in operation of the linkage arrangement 1920, the retention arms 1910a, 1910b can be pulled apart to move the retention arms 1910a, 1910b from the closed position to the open position. As the retention arms 1910a, 1910b move apart, the proximal ends of the retention arm links 1926a, 1926b move inward toward each other. As the proximal ends of the retention arm links 1926a, 1926b move inward toward each other, the connecting links 1930a, 1930b also move inward toward each other. The ends of the connecting links 1930a, 1930b that connect to the central link 1934 begin to rotate relative to each other in a counterclockwise direction. Based on this movement of the linkage arrangement 1920, the retention arms 1910a, 1910b can rotate outward relative to each other to move to the open position. Similarly, the linkage arrangement 1920 can be moved in a manner opposite to that described above to move the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b from the open position to the closed or intermediate position.

[0127] The first linkage assembly 1924a may also include a biasing member 1942 configured to bias the first linkage assembly 1924a, and indirectly the retention arms 1910a, 1910b, toward the closed position. Thus, when an operator or the electromechanical motor 1922 pulls the retention arms 1910a, 1910b away from one another, the retention arms 1910a, 1910b are biased toward one another by the release of the outward pressure acting on the retention arms 1910a, 1910b. In various embodiments, the biasing member 1942 may be a spring. The biasing member 1942 may have one end connected to the center link 1934 and an opposite end connected to a biasing member link 1944. The biasing member link 1944 is connected to the base link 1938 at both ends. One end of the biasing member link 1944 is fixed to the base link 1938, and the opposite end of the biasing member link 1944 is pivotally connected to a groove 1946 defined in the base link 1938. The end of the biasing member link 1944 that is connected to the groove 1946 allows the corresponding end of the biasing member link 1944 to slide along the groove 1946.

[0128] During operation of the first linkage assembly 1924a, the ends of the connecting links 1930a, 1930b that are connected to the central link 1934 rotate in a first or counterclockwise direction to rotate the central link 1934 in the same first or counterclockwise direction. This counterclockwise rotation causes the end of the central link 1934 that is connected to the biasing member 1942 to rotate in the first or counterclockwise direction, beginning to stretch or expand the biasing member 1942. As the central link 1934 continues to rotate, the biasing member 1942 continues to stretch or expand. As the biasing member 1942 stretches or expands, the potential energy stored in the biasing member 1942 increases. Thus, when the outward pressure acting on the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b is reduced, the biasing member 1942 is configured to pull the central link 1934 back to its rest position, causing the biasing member 1942 to rotate the central link 1934 in a second or clockwise direction, thereby causing the connecting links 1930a, 1930b to also rotate in the second or clockwise direction and pull the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b back to the closed position.

[0129] To ensure a smooth and consistent transition between the closed, open, and intermediate positions, a groove 1946 defined in the base link 1938 allows the end of the biasing member 1942 connected to the groove 1946 to maintain balance between the components of the first linkage assembly 1924a. When the central link 1934 rotates in a counterclockwise direction to pull the connected end of the biasing member 1942 in a counterclockwise direction, the opposing end of the biasing member 1942 is configured to slide within the groove 1946 to cause the biasing member 1942 to remain substantially horizontal relative to the first linkage assembly 1924a. When the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b are pulled apart to the open position, the end of the biasing member 1942 connected to the groove 1946 is moved to the bottom of the groove 1946, holding the biasing member 1942 in the extended position and allowing the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b to remain in the open position until an inward force is applied to the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b.

[0130] 15C, 16C, and 17C, in various embodiments, the pressure jacket and syringe retention assembly 1900 may include features on the retaining portions 1916a, 1916b to assist in retaining the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 within the fluid injector. In one embodiment, each of the retaining portions 1916a, 1916b may include an inner protrusion 1948 (also referred to as a syringe retaining surface) extending circumferentially along the inner surface of the retaining portion 1916a, 1916b. The inner protrusion 1948 further reduces the diameter of the retaining portion 1916a, 1916b to engage at least a portion of the distal end of the syringe 1908 loaded within the fluid injector. In one embodiment, the inner protrusion 1948 may be dimensioned to engage and establish contact with a drip flange 1950 on the distal end of the syringe 1908, which acts as a circumferential wall around the distal end of the syringe 1908. However, it should also be understood that the inner protrusion 1948 may be structured and dimensioned to contact any portion of the distal end of the syringe 1908. The inner protrusion 1948 may include a surface that engages the distal end of the syringe 1908 that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe 1908 to create an inward biasing force acting on the syringe 1908 to retain the syringe 1908 within the fluid injector. If the syringe 1908 attempts to move distally due to fluid pressure exerted by the fluid injector, the inner protrusion 1948 can create an increasing inward pressure acting on the syringe 1908 to keep the syringe 1908 retained within the fluid injector. In one embodiment, the drip flange 1950 can extend at a 45 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe 1908, while the inner protrusion 1948 can extend at the same or a similar angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the syringe 1908.

[0131] 15C, 16C, and 17C, in various embodiments, the retaining portions 1916a, 1916b may also define a retention groove 1952 (also referred to as a pressure jacket retention surface) configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure jacket 1906 and / or syringe 1908. In one embodiment, the retention groove 1952 may be structured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the pressure jacket 1906 to help retain the pressure jacket 1906 within the fluid injector. The retention groove 1952 also helps to create a radially inward pressure to keep the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b in a closed position when the pressure jacket 1906 and syringe 1908 are pushed distally due to fluid pressure exerted by the fluid injector.

[0132] 19 , in various embodiments, the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b may include at least one finger tab 1954a, 1954b to assist in opening the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b to insert or remove the pressure jacket 1906 and / or syringe 1908. In one embodiment, a finger tab 1954a, 1954b is provided on each of the base members 1912a, 1912b, 1912c, 1912d. In this embodiment, an operator can use their thumb and index finger to apply an outward force to the inner surfaces of the finger tabs 1954a, 1954b to push the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b away from each other. Similarly, an operator can apply an inward pushing force to the finger tabs 1954a, 1954b to push the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b into a closed position. In other embodiments, a single finger tab 1954a, 1954b may be provided on only one of the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b and may be used to move the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b between the open, closed, and intermediate positions. In one embodiment, the finger tabs 1954a, 1954b may be located at or near the distal ends of the retaining arms 1910a, 1910b.

[0133] Figures 20A-22C illustrate the structure and operation of another embodiment, front-loaded pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 2000. Figures 20A-22C show front-loaded pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 2000 after a syringe has been inserted through the distal access opening. Pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 2000 includes the same base plate and retaining arm as pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 1900 shown in Figures 15A-17C.

[0134] 20C, 21C, and 22C show other features of the pressure jacket and syringe retaining assembly 2000, including the spring plate 2002, which is biased distally when the syringe 2004 is not fully inserted, and the keyed shaft, which is connected by the spring plate tab and the keyed shaft keyway. When the syringe 2004 is moved proximally, the syringe 2004 pushes the spring-loaded spring plate 2002 proximally at the base of the retaining arms 2006 a, 2006 b, thereby seating the syringe 2004 within the pressure jacket 2008. The spring plate 2002 resides within the assembly 2000 with the keyed shaft 2010 extending through an elongated hole in the spring plate 2002, which allows the plate 2002 to translate in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the keyed shaft 2010 as the syringe 2004 pushes the spring plate 2002 downward. Additionally, the spring plate 2002 may have tabs that may align with the keyways to prevent rotation of the shaft 2010. The keyed shaft 2010 may be spring loaded in torsion.

[0135] 20C, 21C, and 22C, once syringe 2004 is fully inserted, spring plate 2002 releases keyed shaft 2010, which is already biased from the removal of the last syringe, as described below. Keyed shaft 2010 then rotates two similar cam plates 2012 (one on each side of retention assembly 2000; only one is shown in FIGS. 20B, 21B, and 22B). Cam plates 2012, in turn, are rotated by spring force to release two locking plates 2014 (one on each side of retention assembly 2000; only one is shown in FIGS. 20B, 21B, and 22B), which are wedged between retention arms 2006a, 2006b, preventing them from opening in the closed position.

[0136] 21A-21C, once the syringe 2004 is fully inserted, the spring plate 2002 releases the keyed shaft 2010, which was already biased from the removal of the last syringe, and the locking plate 2014 is positioned between the retaining arms 2006a, 2006b, the syringe 2004 is fully seated and locked as shown in FIGS. 20A-20C. The injection procedure for the fluid injector can then proceed.

[0137] Removal of syringe 2004 is illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, to remove syringe 2004, handle 2016 is pulled approximately 45 degrees from its resting, locked position. While handle 2016 is being moved, two actions occur substantially simultaneously. Handle 2016 is rigidly attached to two gear plates 2018 (one on each side, only one shown in FIGS. 22A-22C), which also have pins 2020 pressed into the gear plates at a distance from the axis of rotation. Pins 2020 contact and drive cam plate 2012 (see FIG. 22C), which shares the same axis of rotation as gear plate 2018. Cam plate 2012 has a cam profile that drives lock plate 2014 away from retaining arms 2006a, 2006b, thereby releasing the retaining arms and allowing removal of the syringe.

[0138] 20A-22C, the teeth of gear plate 2018 mesh with the teeth of lever plate 2022, which has a fixed axis of rotation across from said plate. As gear plate 2018 rotates (see FIGS. 20B, 21B, and 22B), the gear plate drives lever plate 2022 with a mechanical advantage due to the reduced gear ratio. As lever plate 2022 rotates, two cam profiles 2024 (on each side of the assembly) push the proximal portions of retaining arms 2006 a, 2006 b together, causing them to pivot about the axis of rotation, opening the retaining arms and releasing syringe 2004.

[0139] 22A-22C, once the handle 2016 is returned to the set position, the keyed shaft 2010 aligns with a tab on the spring-loaded plate 2002, urging the plate 2002 distally, thereby ejecting the syringe 2004 beyond the distal loading surface for removal by the operator. The assembly 2000 is then ready for installation of a new syringe for the next procedure.

[0140] While various examples of the present disclosure have been provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to these examples without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The foregoing disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 13 Syringe port 21 Fluid source 100 Medical injector / injection system, fluid injector system 102 Injector housing 104 Side 106 Upper end 108 Bottom end 124 User Interface 126 control buttons 132 Syringe 134 Pressure Jacket 140 distal end 600 holding elements 602 Central support 604 CV fluid injector 606 Hinged Mechanism 608 Syringe 610 Pressure Jacket Assembly 612 Snap tab mechanism 700 holding element 702a Arm 702b Arm 704 Central support 706 CV fluid injector 708 Rotating mechanism 710 Syringe 712 Pressure Jacket Assembly 800 retention elements 802a Arm 802b Arm 804 Central support 806 CV fluid injector 808 Rotating mechanism 810 Syringe 812 Pressure Jacket Assembly 900 holding element 902 Pressure Jacket 904 Holding Arm 905 Pivot Point 906 Retainer Assembly 908 Syringe Assembly 910 Arm 912 CV fluid injector 1000 holding elements 1002 Syringe 1004 Pressure Jacket 1006 Rear loading mechanism 1008 Injector 1010 Locking mechanism 1100 CV fluid injectors 1102 Holding element 1104 Pressure Jacket 1106 Syringe 1108 Fluid Piping Components 1200 Fluid Injector 1200 CV fluid injectors 1202 Fixed holding element 1204 Two-Piece Pressure Jacket 1206 Upper 1208 Valves, fluid path components 1210 Syringe 1212 Lower Pressure Jacket Assembly 1300 Rotational Holding Element 1302 CV fluid injector 1304 Pressure jacket assembly, hinged pressure jacket retention mechanism 1306 Top Plate 1308 Hinged Pressure Jacket Cover 1310 Syringe Assembly 1400 holding element 1402 CV fluid injector 1404 Pressure Jacket 1406 Proximal Plate 1408 Syringe Assembly 1410 Distal Retaining Plate 1500 Rotation Pressure Jacket Engagement Arm, Fluid Injector Pressure Jacket Retention Mechanism 1502 Aperture 1504 Pressure Jacket 1506 Pivot point 1508 Syringe 1510 Detent mechanism, latch 1512 Fluid Injector Port 1514 Fluid injector carriage device, carriage 1518 Plunger Interface 1520 Fluid Injector Frame 1600 Rotating Pressure Jacket Engagement Arm 1602 Pressure Jacket 1604 Pressure jacket retention mechanism 1606 Pivot point 1610 user-engaged handle 1612 Syringe 1614 Detent mechanism, latch mechanism 1616 Fluid injector carriage device 1618 Plunger Interface 1620 Fluid Injector Frame 1700 Pressure Jacket Retention Mechanism 1702 Pressure Jacket 1704 Pressure jacket engagement arm 1706 Circumferential flange 1708 Latch 1800 pressure jacket retention mechanism 1802 Pressure Jacket 1804 Pressure jacket retaining arm, engagement arm 1806 Pressure Jacket Circumferential Flange 1808 bayonet-type retaining groove 1810 Latch bayonet groove, locking groove 1812 Engagement pin 1900 Syringe Retaining Assembly 1902 base plate 1904 Main Unit 1906 Pressure Jacket 1908 Syringe 1910a holding arm 1910b holding arm 1912a Support arm, base member 1912b Support arm, base member 1912c Support arm, base member 1912d Support arm, base member 1914a pivot point 1914b pivot point 1916a Retaining element, retaining part 1916b Retaining element, retaining part 1920 Linkage Configuration 1922 Electrical Machine Motor 1924a linkage assembly 1924b linkage assembly 1926a Retaining Arm Link 1926b Retaining Arm Link 1928a mechanical fasteners 1928b Mechanical Fasteners 1930a Connecting Link 1930b connection link 1932a connecting pin 1932b connecting pin 1934 Central Link 1936a connecting pin 1936b connecting pin 1938 Base Link 1940 connecting pins 1942 biasing member 1944 biasing member link 1946 Groove 1948 Medial projection 1950 drip flange 1952 Retaining groove 1954a Finger Tab 1954b Finger Tab 2000 Syringe Retaining Assembly 2002 Spring Loaded Spring Plate 2004 Syringe 2006a Holding Arm 2006b Holding Arm 2008 Pressure Jacket 2010 Keyed Shaft 2012 Cam Plate 2014 Rock Plate 2016 Handle 2018 Gear Plate 2020 Pin 2022 Lever Plate 2024 cam profile

Claims

1. 1. An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first holding arm and a second holding arm operably mounted to the body of the base plate, the first holding arm having two first support arms pivotally connected to the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis, the second holding arm having two second support arms pivotally connected to the base plate at a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis, the first holding arm having a first holding surface at a distal end of the two first support arms, and the second holding arm having a second holding surface at a distal end of the two second support arms, the first holding surface and the second holding surface configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm; Equipped with the linkage assembly is configured to move at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm between at least a first open position and a closed position; assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm.

3. 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move in coordination between at least the first open position and the closed position.

4. 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the linkage assembly comprises at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move in unison between at least the first open position and the closed position.

5. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second holding arms rotate about the first pivot point having a common first pivot axis and the second pivot point having a common second pivot axis, respectively, between at least the first open position and the closed position.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second retention arms are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

7. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than an outer diameter of the pressure jacket; In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance to retain the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the second distance being less than an outer diameter of the syringe; in the second open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a third distance to retain the pressure jacket within the fluid injector and allow removal of the syringe from the fluid injector; the first distance is greater than the second distance; the third distance is smaller than the first distance and larger than the second distance; 7. The assembly of claim 6.

8. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than an outer diameter of the pressure jacket; In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance to retain the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the second distance being less than an outer diameter of the syringe; the first distance is greater than the second distance; 8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second holding arms comprises at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate, and at least one holding portion provided on a distal end of the at least one base member.

10. the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm comprises a first syringe retaining surface and a first pressure jacket retaining surface; the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm comprises a second syringe retaining surface and a second pressure jacket retaining surface; 10. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one biasing member is configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm in at least one of the first open position, a second open position, and the closed position, the second open position being between the first open position and the closed position.

12. 1. An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe in a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first holding arm and a second holding arm operably mounted to the body of the base plate, the first holding arm having two first support arms, the second holding arm having two second support arms, the first holding arm having a first holding surface at a distal end of the two first support arms, and the second holding arm having a second holding surface at a distal end of the two second support arms, the first holding surface and the second holding surface configured to abut and engage a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; Equipped with the two first support arms are pivotally connected to the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis, and the two second support arms are pivotally connected to the base plate at a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis; assembly.

13. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each include at least one internal protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

14. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of the internal protrusions is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding sloped distal surface on a peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first and second retaining arms with an inward retaining force.

15. 15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between a closed position and an open position.

16. 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second retention arms includes at least one finger tab to assist in moving the first and second retention arms between the closed and open positions.

17. 17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each define a retention groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

18. In the open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than an outer diameter of the pressure jacket; In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to retain the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the second distance being less than an outer diameter of the syringe; the first distance is greater than the second distance; 17. An assembly according to claim 15 or 16.

19. 19. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm have a curvature about a longitudinal axis of the syringe that corresponds to a curvature of a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

20. 1. An assembly for holding a pressure jacket and a syringe on a fluid injector, comprising: a base plate having a body; at least a first retention arm and a second retention arm operably mounted to the body of the base plate, the first retention arm having a first retention surface at a distal end thereof and the second retention arm having a second retention surface at a distal end thereof, the first retention surface and the second retention surface configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; a linkage assembly operably connected to the first retention arm and the second retention arm; Equipped with the linkage assembly is configured to move at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm between at least a first open position and a closed position; each of the first and second holding arms comprising two first and two second support arms operably connected to the body of the base plate, respectively; and a first holding surface and a second holding surface configured to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe when in the closed position, wherein the first holding surface of the first holding arm is provided on a holding portion of the first holding arm, and the second holding surface of the second holding arm is provided on a holding portion of the second holding arm; the two first support arms are operably connected to the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis, and the two second support arms are operably connected to the base plate at a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis; assembly.

21. The assembly of claim 20 , wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm.

22. 22. The assembly of claim 20 or 21, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move in coordination between at least the first open position and the closed position.

23. 23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the linkage assembly comprises at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move in unison between at least the first open position and the closed position.

24. 24. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the first and second retention arms are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis and a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis, respectively, such that the first and second retention arms rotate about the first pivot point having the common first pivot axis and the second pivot point having the common second pivot axis between at least the first open position and the closed position.

25. 25. The assembly of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the first retention arm and the second retention arm are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

26. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than an outer diameter of the pressure jacket; In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to retain the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the second distance being less than an outer diameter of the syringe; the first distance is greater than the second distance; 26. An assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

27. 27. The assembly of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each include at least one internal protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

28. 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the at least one internal protrusion is a syringe retaining protrusion extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the syringe and configured to interact with a corresponding inclined distal surface on a peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first and second retaining arms with an inward retaining force.

29. 29. The assembly of any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the first open position.

30. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein each of the first and second retention arms includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first and second retention arms between the closed position and the first and / or second open positions.

31. 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each define a retention groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

32. 31. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm have a curvature about a longitudinal axis of the syringe that corresponds to a curvature of a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

33. 1. A fluid injector comprising: an injector housing; at least one port defined in the injector housing for receiving at least one syringe, the syringe being received within at least one pressure jacket; an assembly for holding the at least one pressure jacket on the fluid injector and for holding the at least one syringe in the at least one port; Equipped with The assembly comprises: a base plate having a body; at least a first holding arm and a second holding arm operably mounted to the body of the base plate, the first holding arm having two first support arms pivotally connected to the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis, the second holding arm having two second support arms pivotally connected to the base plate at a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis, the first holding arm having a first holding surface at a distal end of the two first support arms, and the second holding arm having a second holding surface at a distal end of the two second support arms, the first holding surface and the second holding surface configured to abut a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; a linkage assembly operably connected to at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm; Equipped with the linkage assembly is configured to move at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm between at least a first open position and a closed position; A fluid injector, wherein each of the first and second holding arms comprises at least one base member operably connected to the body of the base plate, and at least one holding portion provided at a distal end of the at least one base member so as to engage with at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe when in the closed position.

34. 34. The fluid injector of claim 33, wherein the linkage assembly is operably connected to a proximal end of the first retention arm and a proximal end of the second retention arm.

35. 35. The fluid injector of claim 33 or 34, wherein the linkage assembly operably connects the first retention arm to the second retention arm such that the first retention arm and the second retention arm are configured to move in coordination between at least the first open position and the closed position.

36. 36. The fluid injector of claim 35, wherein the linkage assembly comprises at least one biasing member configured to bias the first retention arm and the second retention arm to move in unison between at least the first open position and the closed position.

37. 37. A fluid injector as described in any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first retention arm and the second retention arm are connected to the body of the base plate at a first pivot point having a common first pivot axis and a second pivot point having a common second pivot axis, respectively, whereby the first retention arm and the second retention arm rotate around the first pivot point having a common first pivot axis and the second pivot point having a common second pivot axis between at least the first open position and the closed position.

38. 38. The fluid injector of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the first and second retention arms are further configured to move to a second open position between the first open position and the closed position.

39. In the first open position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a first distance configured to allow insertion and engagement of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe with or removal of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe from the fluid injector, the first distance being greater than an outer diameter of the pressure jacket; In the closed position, the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are spaced apart a second distance configured to retain the pressure jacket and the syringe between the first retention arm and the second retention arm, the second distance being less than an outer diameter of the syringe; the first distance is greater than the second distance; 39. A fluid injector according to any one of claims 33 to 38.

40. 40. A fluid injector as described in any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the first retaining surface of the first retaining arm and the second retaining surface of the second retaining arm each include at least one inner protrusion for engaging a distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

41. 41. The fluid injector of claim 40, wherein the at least one internal protrusion is a syringe retaining protrusion that extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and is configured to interact with a corresponding inclined distal surface of a peripheral wall of the distal end of the syringe to bias the distal ends of the first and second retaining arms with an inward retaining force.

42. 42. The fluid injector of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first retention arm and the second retention arm includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first retention arm and the second retention arm between the closed position and the first open position.

43. 39. The fluid injector of claim 38, wherein each of the first and second retention arms includes at least one finger tab configured to assist in moving the first and second retention arms between the closed position and the first and / or second open positions.

44. 44. A fluid injector as described in any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm each define a retention groove for receiving at least a portion of the distal end of the pressure jacket.

45. 45. A fluid injector as described in any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein the first holding surface of the first holding arm and the second holding surface of the second holding arm have a curvature about the longitudinal axis of the syringe corresponding to the curvature of the distal end of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe.

46. 44. The fluid injector of claim 38 or 43, further comprising an electromechanical motor provided within the injector housing for moving the first and second retention arms between the first open position, the second open position, and the closed position.

47. the syringe comprising a drip flange disposed at a distal end of the syringe; the first retention surface of the first retention arm and the second retention surface of the second retention arm are configured to engage the drip flange of the syringe to retain the syringe in the at least one port of the injector housing.

47. A fluid injector according to any one of claims 33 to 46.

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