CONNECTOR FOR SINGLE-USE DISPOSABLE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A medical connector is provided to establish a sterile connection between a multi-use and a single-use part of a fluid administration system. The medical connector includes a fluid inlet port configured for a removable coupling with a connection port of a multi-use disposable set (MUDS) to establish a fluid connection with the MUDS, and a waste outlet port configured for a removable coupling with a waste inlet port of the MUDS to establish a fluid connection with the MUDS. A patient fluid line is connected, at one end, to the fluid inlet port and, at the other end, to the waste outlet port. Fluid flow through the patient fluid line is unidirectional, from the first end to the second end.The patient fluid line is configured to disconnect from the waste outlet port to administer fluid to a patient. A multi-fluid delivery system, including the medical connector and the MUDS, is also provided.

Description

This disclosure relates, in general, to the field of connectors for single-use disposable assemblies, and, more particularly, to connectors for single-use disposable assemblies configured to administer a fluid to a patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Description of the related technique In many diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures, a medical professional, such as a physician, injects a patient with one or more medical fluids. In recent years, several medical fluid delivery systems have been developed for the pressurized injection of fluids, such as a contrast solution (often simply called “contrast”), a flushing agent such as saline, and other medical fluids, for use in procedures such as angiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other molecular imaging procedures. Generally, these medical fluid delivery systems are designed to deliver a predetermined amount of fluid at a predetermined flow rate. In some injection procedures, the healthcare professional inserts a catheter or needle into a patient's vein or artery. The catheter or needle is connected to a fluid injector system, either manual or automatic, via tubing and a connector. Automatic fluid injector systems typically include at least one syringe connected to at least one fluid injector, which may have, for example, a powered linear piston. The syringe may contain, for example, a contrast agent and / or a flushing fluid. The healthcare professional sets an electronic control system for the fluid injector to a fixed volume of contrast agent and / or saline solution and a fixed injection rate for each. A connector for a single-use disposable set and associated tubing are connected to the fluid injector system to deliver one or more fluids to the patient. Although various manual and automatic fluid administration systems are known in the medical field, there is still a demand for improved multi-fluid administration systems adapted for use in medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in which one or more fluids are administered to a patient during such procedures. COCI I n / l 7P7 / E / YILI procedures. Additionally, improved connectors for single-use disposable assemblies are also desired in the medical field, which can be used with multi-fluid administration systems to facilitate the administration of one or more fluids to a patient. The medical field continues to demand improved medical devices and systems used to deliver fluids to patients during various medical procedures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In light of the above, there is a need for a medical connector assembly to connect a single-use portion of a medical assembly to a multi-use portion of the assembly. Additionally, there is a need for a fluid delivery system to administer multiple doses of fluid to multiple patients using one or more multi-dose containers. The assembly will be configured to maintain the sterility of the fluid pathway through the single-use and multi-use portions of the assembly and, in particular, will maintain the sterility of reusable portions. Furthermore, the system will be arranged to allow for automated preparation, defined as the removal of air from the fluid conduit, for easier fluid injections. Therefore, this document provides a medical connector configured to address some or all of these needs. In one configuration, a medical connector may include a fluid inlet port configured for a removable coupling with a connection port for a multi-use disposable set (MUDS) to establish a fluid connection. The medical connector may also include a waste outlet port configured for a removable coupling with a waste inlet port of the MUDS to establish a fluid connection. A patient fluid line may be connected, at one end, to the fluid inlet port and, at the other end, to the waste outlet port. Fluid flow through the patient fluid line may be unidirectional, from the first end to the second end.The patient fluid line can be configured to reversibly disconnect from the waste outlet port to administer fluid to a patient. According to another embodiment, the medical connector may have a locking mechanism to removably secure the medical connector to the MUDS. The locking mechanism may have a flexible tab that can be moved between a locked and an unlocked position by displacing at least a portion of the tab. The tab may have a pressure surface that, when pressed, moves the tab from the locked to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet port may have a cover surrounding the COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI less a portion of the fluid inlet port. The cover may have at least one notch to facilitate handling of the medical connector. The cover may have one or more ribs protruding from an external surface of the cover. The fluid inlet port may be shaped to prevent connection with the waste inlet port of the MUDS, and the waste outlet port may be shaped to prevent connection with the connection port of the MUDS. The medical connector may be asymmetrically shaped so that it can be connected to the MUDS in only one orientation. At least one fin may be provided to prevent incorrect connection of the medical connector to the MUDS. In some modalities, the second end of the patient fluid line may have a connector configured for removable engagement with the waste outlet port while maintaining sterility at the second end.The connector may be in fluid communication with the waste outlet port. The connector may be a Luer-Lock type connector. A one-way valve may be configured to maintain unidirectional flow through the fluid inlet port into the fluid conduit for the patient. In some modalities, at least one sensing element may be configured to interact with at least one sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the device, indicating that the medical connector has been properly inserted or installed. The at least one sensing element has one or more reflective surfaces to reflect visible or infrared light to the device. The fluid inlet port has at least one plug to seal the fluid inlet port. According to another embodiment, a connector for a single-use disposable assembly may have a fluid inlet port configured for a removable attachment to a MUDS connection port to establish a fluid connection with the MUDS, and a waste outlet port configured for a removable attachment to a MUDS waste inlet port to establish a fluid connection with the MUDS. A spacer may be provided to separate the fluid inlet port from the fluid outlet port. A locking mechanism may be configured to removably secure the connector to the MUDS. The locking mechanism may have a flexible tab that can be moved between an engaged and an disengaged position by displacing at least a portion of the flexible tab. A patient fluid line may be connected, at one end, to the fluid inlet port.A connector may be attached to a second end of the patient fluid tubing. Fluid flow through the patient fluid tubing may be unidirectional, from the first end to the second end. The connector may be configured for a removable fluid connection with a waste outlet port for administering fluid to a patient. COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ According to another embodiment, a procedure for managing fluid using a single-use disposable assembly connector may include fluid-connecting a fluid inlet port of the single-use disposable assembly connector to a connection port of a multi-use disposable assembly (MUDS) and establishing fluid communication between a waste outlet port of the single-use disposable assembly connector and a waste inlet port of the MUDS. The procedure may further include preparing the single-use disposable assembly connector by managing fluid from the fluid inlet port to the waste outlet port through a fluid conduit and disconnecting the fluid conduit from the waste outlet port. The procedure may further include managing fluid from the fluid inlet port to a connector through the fluid conduit.In some modalities, the procedure may include blocking the single-use disposable assembly connector from the MUDS before preparing the single-use disposable assembly connector. These and other properties and characteristics of connectors for disposable single-use assemblies, as well as the operating procedures and functions of related structural elements and the combination of parts and manufacturing economies, will become more apparent after considering the following description and the accompanying claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, where similar reference numbers designate corresponding parts in the various figures. However, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of disclosure. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-fluid management system, according to one modality; Figure 2 is a schematic view of various fluid paths within the multi-fluid management system of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a perspective view of a connection interface before connecting a single-use disposable assembly connector to a multi-fluid management system; Figure 3B is a perspective view of the connection interface in Figure 3A showing the connector for single-use disposable assembly connected to the multi-fluid management system; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a connector for assembly COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI disposable single use according to a modality; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the connector for single-use disposable assembly shown in Figure 4A; Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the single-use disposable assembly connector shown in Figure 4A connected to a port of a multi-fluid management system; Figure 5A is a perspective view of the connector for single-use disposable assembly shown in Figure 40 with a portion of the multi-fluid management system and the MUDS cropped out; Figure 5B is a detailed perspective view of a sensor nerve of the connector for single-use disposable assembly shown in Figure 5A; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the single-use disposable assembly connector shown in Figure 6, taken along line AA; Figure 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the single-use disposable assembly connector shown in Figure 6, taken along line BB; Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F are perspective views of various stages for connecting a connector for a single-use disposable assembly to a connector for MUDS; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 10A is a perspective view of a port of a connector for MUDS according to a modality; Figure 10B is a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of the MUDS connector of Figure 10A; Figure 10C is a schematic drawing of a MUDS connector having an adhesive pad attached to it, according to another modality; Figure 11A is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 11B is a perspective view of a connector for MUDS according to another modality; Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of a medical connector assembly, with the single-use disposable assembly connector of Figure 11A inserted COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ in the MUDS connector of Figure 11B; Figure 12 is a front perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 13A is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of a medical connection assembly including the single-use disposable assembly connector of Figure 13A; COCI I n / l 7A7 / B / YILI Figure 14A is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 14B is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 15A is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 15B is a perspective view of a connector for a single-use disposable assembly according to another modality; Figure 16A is a side view of an external clamp for the single-use disposable assembly connector of Figure 15A; Figure 16B is a perspective view of a single-use connector of a medical connector assembly, according to another embodiment; and Figure 17 is a schematic view of an electronic control system of a multi-fluid injection system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For the purposes of this document, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “above,” “below,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall refer to the disclosure as indicated in the drawings. When used in relation to a MUDS syringe, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a syringe closest to a piston element for administering fluid from a syringe. When used in relation to a single-use disposable assembly connector, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a single-use disposable assembly connector closest to a user when the connector is oriented to connect to a multi-fluid injector system. When used in relation to a MUDS syringe, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a syringe closest to a delivery nozzle.When used in relation to a single-use disposable assembly connector, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a single-use disposable assembly connector closest to a multi-fluid injector system when the single-use disposable assembly connector is intended to connect to a multi-fluid injector system. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely illustrative examples for the purposes of this disclosure. Therefore, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting. With reference to the drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts in all the various views thereof, this disclosure generally relates to a multi-fluid medical injection / injector system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the “fluid injector system 100”) having a multi-patient disposable assembly (MUDS) 130 configured to administer a fluid to a patient using a single-use disposable assembly (SUDS) connector. The fluid injector system 100 includes multiple components as individually described herein.Generally, the Fluid Injector System 100 has a powered injector device or manager and a fluid delivery assembly to be associated with the injector to deliver one or more fluids from one or more pressurized multi-dose containers to a patient, as described herein. The various devices, components, and features of the Fluid Injector System 100 and the associated fluid delivery assembly are also described in detail herein. With reference to Figure 1, the fluid injector system 100 includes an injector housing 102 having opposing side faces 104, a distal or upper end 106, and a proximal or lower end 108. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be supported on a base 110 having one or more casters 112 for rotatable and mobile support of the housing 102 on a floor surface. The one or more casters 112 may be lockable to prevent the housing 102 from being accidentally moved once placed in a desired location. At least one handle 114 may be provided to facilitate the movement and placement of the fluid injector system 100. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may be removably or immovably fixed to a fixed surface, such as a floor, ceiling, wall, or other structure.Housing 102 encloses the various mechanical drive components, electrical and power components necessary to drive the mechanical drive components, and control components, such as electronic control devices and electronic memory (hereinafter referred to as electronic control device(s)), used to control the operation of piston elements of. COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI reciprocating motion 103 (shown in Figure 2) associated with the fluid injector system 100 described herein. Such piston elements 103 can be reciprocated by electromechanical drive components such as a motor-driven ball screw shaft, a voice coil actuator, a rack and pinion drive gear, a linear motor, and the like. In some embodiments, at least some of the mechanical drive components, electrical and power components, and control components can be provided on the basis 110. Continuing with reference to Figure 1, the fluid injector system 100 has at least one door 116 that encloses at least some of the MUDS, mechanical drive components, electrical and power components, and control components. The door 116 can desirably move between an open position and a closed position (shown in Figure 1). In some embodiments, the door 116 can be lockable. The fluid injector system 100 further includes at least one bulk fluid connector 118 for connection to at least one bulk fluid source 120. In some embodiments, a plurality of bulk fluid connectors 118 may be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 1, three bulk fluid connectors 118 may be provided side-by-side or in another arrangement. In some embodiments, the at least one bulk fluid connector 118 may be a tip configured to removably connect to the at least one bulk fluid source 120, such as a vial, bottle, or bag. The at least one bulk fluid connector 118 may have a reusable or non-reusable interface with each new bulk fluid source 120. The at least one bulk fluid connector 118 may be formed in the multi-patient disposable assembly, as described herein.The at least one bulk fluid source 120 may be configured to receive a medical fluid, such as saline solution, contrast solution, or other medical fluid, for delivery to the fluid injector system 100. The housing 102 may have at least one support element 122 to support the at least one bulk fluid source 120 once connected to the fluid injector system 100. Continuing with reference to Figure 1, the fluid injector system 100 includes one or more user interfaces 124, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) display window. The user interface 124 can display information relating to a fluid injection procedure involving the fluid injector system 100, such as current flow rate, fluid pressure, and remaining volume in the at least one bulk fluid source 120 connected to the fluid injector system 100, and can be a GUI of COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI touchscreen that allows an operator to input commands and / or data for the operation of the fluid injector system 100. Although the user interface 124 is displayed on the injector housing 102, such user interface 124 may also be in the form of a remote display connected by cable or wirelessly to the housing 102 and the control and mechanical elements of the fluid injector system 100. In some embodiments, the user interface 124 may be a tablet-type computer that is detachably connected to the housing 102 and is in wired or wireless communication with the housing 102. Additionally, the fluid injector system 100 and / or the user interface 124 may include at least one control button 126 for touch operation by an operator in charge of the fluid injector system 100.In certain configurations, at least one control button may be part of a keypad for operator input of commands and / or data. At least one control button 126 may be wired to the electronic control device(s) associated with the fluid injector system 100 to provide direct input to the electronic control device(s). At least one control button 126 may also be graphically integrated into the user interface 124, such as a touchscreen.In any arrangement, at least one control button 126 desirably provides certain individual control features to the operator in charge of the fluid injector system 100, such as, but not limited to: (1) confirming that a disposable multi-patient set has been loaded or unloaded; (2) locking / unlocking the disposable multi-patient set; (3) filling / emptying the fluid injector system 100; (4) entering patient and / or injection procedure information and / or data; and (5) starting / stopping an injection procedure. The user interface 124 and / or any electronic processing unit associated with the fluid injector system 100 may be connected by cable or wirelessly to a data storage and / or operating system such as a hospital network system. With reference to figure 2, the fluid injector system 100 includes a MUDS 130 that is removably connected to the fluid injector system 100 to administer one or more fluids from the one or more bulk fluid sources 120 to the patient. The MUDS 130 may include one or more syringes or pumps 132. In some embodiments, the number of syringes 132 may correspond to the number of bulk fluid sources 120. For example, with reference to Figure 2, the MUDS 130 has three syringes 132 arranged side-by-side so that each syringe 132 can be fluid-connected to one or more of the bulk fluid sources 120. In some embodiments, one or two bulk fluid sources 120 may be connected to one or more syringes 132 of the MUDS 130. Each syringe 132 can be fluid-connected to one of the bulk fluid sources 120 by means of a COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI corresponding mass fluid connector 118 and an associated MUDS fluid path 134. The MUDS fluid path 134 may have a tip element that connects to the mass fluid connector 118. In some embodiments, the mass fluid connector 118 may be provided directly in the MUDS 130. With further reference to Figure 2, the MUDS 130 can be removably connected to the housing 102 of the fluid injector system 100. As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, it may be desirable to construct at least part of the MUDS 130 from a transparent, medical-grade plastic to facilitate visual verification that a fluid connection has been established with the fluid injector system 100. Visual verification is also desirable to confirm that no air bubbles are present within the various fluid connections. Alternatively, at least part of the MUDS 130 and / or the door 116 may include windows (not shown) for visualizing the connection between various components. Various optical sensors (not shown) may also be provided for detecting and verifying the connections.Additionally, various lighting elements (not shown), such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), can be provided to activate one or more optical sensors and indicate that a proper connection has been established between the various components. With specific reference to Figure 2, a schematic view of various fluid paths of the fluid injector system 100 is provided. The MUDS 130 may include one or more valves 136, such as gate valves, for controlling the medical fluid or combinations of medical fluids drawn from the multi-dose bulk fluid source 120 and / or administered to a patient through each syringe 132. In some embodiments, the one or more valves 136 may be provided at the distal end 140 of the plurality of syringes 132 or in the manifold 148. The manifold 148 may be in fluid communication via valves 136 and / or syringes 132 with a first end of the MUDS fluid path 134 that connects each syringe 132 to the corresponding bulk fluid source 120.The opposite end of the MUDS 134 fluid path can be connected to the respective bulk fluid connector 118, which is configured for fluid connection to the bulk fluid source 120. Depending on the position of one or more valves 136, fluid can be introduced into one or more syringes 132, or dispensed from one or more syringes 132. In a first position, such as during the filling of the syringes 132, the one or more valves 136 are oriented so that fluid flows from the bulk fluid source 120 into the desired syringe 132 through a fluid inlet conduit 150, such as the MUDS fluid path. During the filling procedure, the one or more valves 136 are arranged so that fluid flow is blocked through one or more fluid outlet conduits 152 or the manifold 148. In a second position... COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI position, such as during a fluid administration procedure, fluid from one or more syringes 132 is administered to the manifold 148 through one or more fluid outlet conduits 152 or syringe valve outlet ports. During the administration procedure, one or more valves 136 are arranged so as to block fluid flow through one or more fluid inlet conduits 150. The one or more valves 136, the fluid inlet conduits 150, and / or fluid outlet conduits 152 may be integrated into the manifold 148. The one or more valves 136 may be selectively arranged in the first or second position by manual or automatic operation. For example, the operator may arrange the one or more valves 136 in the desired position for filling or administering fluid.In other embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid injector system 100 can be operated to automatically position one or more valves 136 in a desired position for filling or fluid administration based on input from the operator, as described herein. Continuing with reference to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the fluid outlet conduit 152 may also be connected to a waste reservoir 156 in the fluid injector system 100. The waste reservoir 156 is desirably separated from the syringes 132 to prevent contamination. In some embodiments, the waste reservoir 156 is configured to receive the waste fluid expelled from the syringes 132 during, for example, a preparation operation. The waste reservoir 156 can be removed from the housing 102 to dispose of its contents. In other embodiments, the waste reservoir 156 may have a drain port (not shown) for emptying its contents without removing it from the housing 102. In some embodiments, the waste reservoir 156 is provided as a separate component of the MUDS 130. Having described in general the components of the fluid injector system 100 and the MUDS 130, the structure and procedure for using a disposable single-use assembly 190 (SUDS) and its interaction with the MUDS 130 will now be described. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the fluid injector system 100 has a connection port 192 configured to form a direct fluid connection with at least a portion of the SUDS 190. In some embodiments, the connection port 192 may be formed within the MUDS 130. The connection port 192 may be shielded by at least a portion of the housing 102 of the fluid injector system 100. For example, enclosing the connection port 192 within the housing 102 may preserve the sterility of the connection port 192 by preventing or limiting contact between a user or patient and contamination of the portions of the connection port 192 that come into contact with the fluid to be injected. COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI in the patient. In some embodiments, the connection port 192 is recessed within an opening 194 formed in the housing 102 of the fluid injector system 100, or the connection port 192 may have a protective structure (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the connection port 192. In other embodiments, the connection port 192 may be formed directly in the housing 102 and connected to the MUDS 130 via a fluid path (not shown). As described herein, SUDS 190 may be connected to connection port 192, formed in at least part of MUDS 130 and / or housing 102. Desirably, the connection between SUDS 190 and connection port 192 is a releasable connection to allow SUDS 190 to be selectively disconnected from connection port 192 (Figure 3A) and connected to connection port 192 (Figure 3B).In some configurations, the SUDS 190 can be disconnected from connection port 192 and discarded after each fluid management procedure, and a new SUDS 190 can be connected to connection port 192 for a subsequent fluid management procedure. Continuing with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, a waste inlet port 196 may be provided separately from the connection port 192. The waste inlet port 196 is in fluid communication with the waste tank 156. In some embodiments, the waste tank 156 is provided separately from the SUDS 190 so that fluid from the waste inlet port 196 can be supplied to the waste tank 156. At least a portion of the SUDS 190 may be releasably connected to or associated with the waste inlet port 196 to introduce waste fluid into the waste tank 156 during, for example, a preparation operation that expels air from the SUDS 190. The waste tank 156 may have a viewing window 198 with indicators 200, such as graduated markings, that indicate the fill level of the waste tank 156. With reference to Figure 4A, the SUDS 190 has a fluid inlet port 202 configured for releasable connection to the connection port 192 (shown in Figure 3A). The fluid inlet port 202 receives the fluid supplied from the fluid injector system 100. The fluid inlet port 202 is preferably a hollow, tubular structure, as shown in Figure 4B. The SUDS 190 also has a waste outlet port 204 configured for releasable connection or association with the waste inlet port 196 (shown in Figure 3A). The waste outlet port 204 receives the waste fluid and supplies it to the waste tank 156 during, for example, a SUDS 190 preparation operation. The waste outlet port 204 is preferably a hollow, tubular structure, as shown in Figure 4B. Waste outlet port 204 may be COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI connected to, inserted into, or located in the waste inlet port 196 so that waste fluid can flow through the waste inlet port 196 and continue into the waste container 156. The fluid inlet port 202 and the waste outlet port 204 may be separated from each other by a spacer 206. In some embodiments, the spacer 206 is sized to position the fluid inlet port 202 and the waste outlet port 204 for alignment with the connection port 192 and the waste inlet port 196, respectively. Note that SUDS 190 is shown in Figure 4A in a state after its removal from the container (not shown). Prior to use, SUDS 190 is preferably packaged in a pre-sterilized, sealed container that protects SUDS 190 from contamination by air or surface-borne contaminants.Alternatively, the sealed container and SUDS 190 can be sterilized after packaging. The SUDS 190 ideally has an asymmetrical structure so that the user can only connect it to the MUDS 130 in one orientation. This prevents the user from connecting the fluid inlet port 202 to the waste inlet port 196. In some embodiments, a fin 207 may be provided on at least part of the SUDS 190 to prevent incorrect insertion of the SUDS 190 into the connection port 192. In certain embodiments, the fin 207 may be formed on the spacer 206 near the waste outlet port 204. This fin 207 may interfere with the incorrect insertion of the SUDS 190 into the connection port 192. Different fin structures and shapes may be used to prevent incorrect insertion of the SUDS 190 into the connection port 192. In some embodiments, the tube 208 may be connected at its proximal end 210 to the fluid inlet port 202. The tube 208 is configured to deliver fluid received from the fluid inlet port 202. The distal end 212 of the tube 208 may have a connector 214 that is configured for connection to the waste outlet port 204 or a fluid pathway connected to the patient (not shown). The tube 208 may be made of a flexible material, such as medical-grade plastic, that allows the tube 208 to be coiled. The connector 214 may be a Luer-Lock type connector (either a male or female Luer-Lock type connector, depending on the desired application) or another medical connector configuration. In some embodiments, the connector 214 may have a one-way valve to prevent fluid backflow.Alternatively, a one-way valve may be located elsewhere in the SUDS 190 between fluid inlet port 202 and connector 214. Continuing with reference to Figure 4A, the SUDS 190 may have a locking tab 216 that is configured to selectively lock the SUDS 190 COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI with the fluid injector system 100 depending on the engagement of the locking tab 216 with at least a part of the fluid injector system 100. In some embodiments, the locking tab 216 may be a flexible tab that can be moved between an engaged and an unengaged position by displacing at least a part of the locking tab 216. The locking tab 216 may have a pressure surface 218 which, when pressed, causes the locking tab 216 to move from the engaged to the unengaged position for the insertion and removal of the SUDS 190 from the fluid injector system 100. In some embodiments, the locking tab 216 may be configured for a releasable locking engagement with a receiving groove 217 in MUDS 130 (shown in Figure 4C). With reference to Figure 4B, the SUDS 190 may have a first annular skirt 224 extending circumferentially around a proximal end 226 of the fluid inlet port 202 and a second annular skirt 220 extending circumferentially around a distal end 222 of the fluid inlet port 202. The first and second annular skirts 224, 220 surround the fluid inlet port 202 to prevent unintentional contact and contamination. The first annular skirt 224 may have one or more recesses 228 (shown in Figure 4A) extending through a side wall thereof. The one or more recesses 228 can provide a locking interface with a corresponding locking element (not shown) in the fluid injector system 100. The second annular skirt 220 can have at least one notch 230 (shown in Figure 4A) to facilitate gripping and handling of the SUDS 190.In some forms, the second annular skirt 220 may have a textured surface with one or more ribs 232 (shown in Figure 4A) to facilitate the grip and handling of the SUDS 190. Continuing with reference to Figure 4B, at least one annular plug 234 may be provided around the proximal end 226 of the fluid inlet port 202. This at least one annular plug 234 may seal the fluid inlet port 202 to prevent fluid from escaping through the SUDS 190. The at least one annular plug 234 may also provide a fluid seal between the SUDS 190 and the MUDS 130 when they are fluid-connected to allow fluid to flow from the MUDS 130 to the SUDS 190 without escaping. A one-way valve 236 may be provided within a lumen of the fluid inlet port 202 to prevent fluid from flowing in the reverse direction from the SUDS 190 to the MUDS 130. With reference to Figure 4C, the SUDS 190 shown in Figure 4A is shown connected to the fluid injector system 100. Although Figure 4C illustrates the connection port 192 formed in the SUDS 130, in other embodiments, the connection port 192 may be formed in a part of the housing 102 (shown in Figure 1). The port of COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI fluid inlet 202 of SUDS 190 is connected to connection port 192 to establish a fluid path in the direction of arrow F shown in figure 4C. The fluid passing through the fluid inlet port 202 flows through the one-way valve 236 and into the tube 208. Any fluid that may drip from the interface between the fluid inlet port 202 and the connection port 192 is collected in the waste tank 156. The waste tank 156 may be configured to collect any fluid that may drip from the SUDS 190 when it is removed from the MUDS 130. Additionally, when the SUDS 190 is connected to the connection port 192, the outlet of the waste outlet port 204 is positioned inside the waste inlet port 196 so that waste fluid from the tube 208 can be discharged into the waste tank 156.Spacer 206 can define an insertion stop surface to define the insertion depth of SUDS 190 in connection port 192. With reference to Figure 5A, the fluid injector system 100 may have a sensor system 238 adapted to identify when the SUDS 190 is in fluid communication with the MUDS 130. The sensor system 238 may include at least one sensing element, such as a sensor flap 240, in the SUDS 190 and a corresponding sensor 242 in the fluid injector system 100 or MUDS 130. The sensor 242 may be configured to detect the presence and absence of the at least one sensor flap 240, or another sensing element. In some embodiments, the sensing element, such as the at least one sensor flap 240, is formed in the locking tab 216 of the SUDS 190, as shown in Figure 4A. In other embodiments, the sensing element, such as the at least one sensor flap 240, may be formed anywhere on the SUDS 190.The sensor 242 may be an optical sensor positioned and secured within a respective support formed in the housing 102 of the fluid injector system 100. As those familiar with the field of powered medical fluid injectors will appreciate, the sensor 242 may be electronically coupled to an electronic control device used to discretely control the operation of the fluid injector system, such as the operation of one or more piston elements, based, at least in part, on the input from the sensor 242. The sensing element, such as the sensor vane 240, may have one or more reflective surfaces that reflect the visible or infrared light to be detected by the sensor 242. In other embodiments, a mechanical interaction between the sensing element and the sensor 242 may be used. In some configurations, the SUDS 190 may also include features to prevent reuse (not shown). For example, the SUDS 190 may include one or more breakable sensor elements, tabs, or structures that bend or break when the COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ SUDS 190 is removed from MUDS 130. The absence of these features can prevent the reinsertion and reuse of SUDS 190 after its removal. This ensures that SUDS 190 is used only for one fluid administration procedure. Having described in general terms the components of the Fluid Injector System 100, the MUDS 130, and the SUDS 190, a detailed operating procedure for using the SUDS 190 will now be described. In use, a medical technician or user removes the disposable SUDS 190 from its packaging (not shown) and inserts the fluid inlet port 202 into the connection port 192 on the MUDS 130. As described above, the SUDS 190 must be inserted in the correct orientation so that the fluid inlet port 202 is aligned for connection with the connection port 192 and the waste outlet port 204 is aligned for connection with the waste inlet port 196. The SUDS 190 can be secured to the MUDS 130 by inserting the locking tab 216 into the receiving slot 217 on the MUDS 130.Once the SUDS 190 is securely connected to the MUDS 130, for example, as detected by sensor 242, the fluid injector system 100 (shown in Figure 1) introduces fluid into one or more of the plurality of syringes 132 in the MUDS 130 and performs an automatic priming operation to remove air from both the MUDS 130 and the SUDS 190. During this priming operation, fluid from the MUDS 130 is injected through the connection port 192 and into the tubing 208 of the SUDS 190. The fluid flows through the tubing 208, through the waste outlet port 204, and into the waste reservoir 156. After the automatic priming operation is complete, the medical technician disconnects connector 214 from the waste outlet port 204. Connector 214 can then be connected to the patient via a catheter, vascular access device, needle, or other appropriate device. additional fluid pathway to facilitate fluid administration to the patient.Once fluid administration is complete, the SUDS 190 is disconnected from the patient and the MUDS 130 by disengaging the locking tab 216 of the SUDS 190 from the receiving slot 217 in the MUDS 130. The medical technician can then dispose of the SUDS 190. In certain modalities, removing the SUDS 190 from the MUDS 130 activates features to prevent reuse (not shown), thus preventing reinsertion and reuse of the SUDS 190. With reference to Figure 6, a connection interface between the SUDS 190 and the MUDS 130 is shown according to another configuration. The MUDS 130 has a connection port 192 that can be configured as a hollow, tubular structure with a Luer-Lock 24 connector (either a male or female Luer-Lock connector, depending on the application) extending from the distal end of port 192 into the interior of port 192. Consequently, the proximal opening of the Luer-Lock 24 connector is recessed into port 192. COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ The Luer-Lock 24 connector may include screw threads 30 (shown in Figure 7B) for securing the MUDS 130 to the SUDS 190. For example, the screw threads 30 may be located on an outer cover 32 surrounding the Luer-Lock 24 connector, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The screw threads 30 may also be located on the Luer-Lock 24 connector itself. The Luer-Lock 24 connector defines a fluid passage 34 (shown in Figure 7B) that extends through it from the proximal end of the connection port 192 to its distal opening. Although the connection port 192 is shown including a Luer-Lock 24 connector, other styles of connectors, including but not limited to clamp connectors, bayonet connectors, push-fit connectors, and the like, may be used within the scope of this disclosure.Additionally, in certain configurations, connector 24 for connection port 192 is desirably a non-conventional connector (e.g., a connector with an unusual size or shape) so that third-party connectors cannot be fitted. The MUDS 130 has a waste inlet port 196 (shown in Figure 6) that can also be configured as a hollow, tubular structure. The waste inlet port 196 includes a distal nozzle of decreasing cross-section 36 coupled to a fluid conduit, such as the flexible tube 208, formed from a medical-grade polymer, which connects the waste inlet port 196 to the waste reservoir 156 (shown in Figure 2). With reference again to Figure 6, as described in detail herein, the MUDS 130 is adapted to connect to the SUDS 190, which is disposable after a single use. The SUDS 190 is shown in Figure 6 in its post-packaging state (not shown). Prior to use, the SUDS 190 is ideally packaged in a sealed, pre-sterilized container that protects it from airborne or surface-borne contamination. The SUDS 190 may have two or more ports, corresponding to the connection port 192 and waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130. For convenience, the ports of the SUDS 190 are equivalent to the fluid inlet port 202 and waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS 190 described with reference to Figures 4A-4B. Ports 202 and 204 may be provided in a receptacle 42 suitable for reception in the housing 20 of the MUDS 130, as shown in Figure 7B. The receptacle 42 preferably has an asymmetrical structure so that the user can only couple the SUDS 190 to the MUDS 130 in one orientation only. Therefore, for example, the user is prevented from connecting MUDS 130 connection port 192 to SUDS 190 waste outlet port 204. Ports 202, 204 and receptacle 42 of SUDS 190 can be made from a material suitable for medical applications, such as COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI as medical-grade plastic. The SUDS 190 tube 208 is connected between the proximal end of the fluid inlet port 202 and the waste outlet port 204 via check valves. The tube 208 can be supplied in a coiled or wound configuration for easy packaging and handling. With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the fluid inlet port 202 of the SUDS 190 is a hollow, tubular structure configured for insertion into the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130. The fluid inlet port 202 of the SUDS 190 includes a tubular conduit, such as a Luer-Lock connector 44, which defines a fluid passage 46 extending from a proximal end of port 202, located adjacent to the MUDS 130, to the distal end of port 204, connected to tubing 208. The Luer-Lock connector 44 is adapted to connect to the Luer-Lock connector 24 of the MUDS 130. When securely connected, the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130 is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port 202 of the SUDS 190. The Luer-Lock connector 44 may include a wheel. 52 to fix the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130 to the fluid inlet port 202 of the SUDS 190.The wheel 52 may be integrally formed with the Luer-Lock connector 44 or may be a separate structure permanently connected to the Luer-Lock connector 44 by conventional means. The wheel 52 rotates the Luer-Lock connector 44, causing the tabs 54 extending from it to engage with the corresponding screw threads 30 in the connection port 192. The tube 208 is connected to the fluid inlet port 202 through an opening 56 in the wheel 52, thus establishing a continuous fluid connection from the MUDS 130 to the tube 208. Continuing with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the SUDS 190 also includes the waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS 190. The waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS has a fluid passage 58, defined by a tubular conduit 60, which extends between the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130 and the tube 208. The tube 208 may not be directly connected to the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130. Instead, the tubular conduit 60 of the SUDS 190 may separate the tube 208 of the MUDS 130, thereby ensuring that the tube 208 and the connector 214 are isolated from the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130. The tubular conduit 60 may be recessed relative to the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130 by a portion of the single-use connector receptacle. 42, to reduce the probability of contamination.The tubular conduit 60 can also be angled with respect to the horizontal to facilitate fluid flow through the waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS 190 and into the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130. In some embodiments, the SUDS 190 may also include features to prevent reuse (not shown). For example, the... COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ SUDS 190 may include tabs or breakable structures that bend or break when the SUDS 190 is removed from the MUDS 130. In this way, it can be ensured that the SUDS 190 is used only for one fluid administration procedure. With reference to figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F, the following will describe in detail an operating procedure for the connection assembly mode between the SUDS 190 and the MUDS 130 illustrated in figures 6-7B. In use, a medical technician or user removes the disposable SUDS 190 from its packaging and inserts the SUDS 190 into the corresponding MUDS 130. As described above, the SUDS 190 must be inserted in the correct orientation so that the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130 engages with the fluid inlet port 202 of the SUDS 190, and the waste inlet port 196 of the MUDS 130 engages with the waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS 190. As shown in Figure 8B, the medical technician then rotates the wheel 52 to secure the SUDS 190 to the MUDS 130.Once the SUDS 190 is securely connected to the MUDS 130, the fluid injector system 100 (shown in Figure 1) introduces fluid into one or more of the plurality of syringes 132 of the MUDS 130 and performs an automatic priming operation (Figure 8C) to remove air from the MUDS 130 and the SUDS 190. During this priming operation, fluid from the MUDS 130 is injected through the connection port 192 and into the tube 208 of the SUDS 190. The fluid flows through the tube 208 and through the waste outlet port 204 and into the waste reservoir 156. After the automatic priming operation is complete, the medical technician disconnects connector 214 from the waste outlet port 204 (Figure 8D). The 214 connector can then be connected to the patient via a catheter, vascular access device, or additional fluid pathway assembly to facilitate fluid administration to the patient (Figure 8E).After fluid administration is complete, the user disconnects connector 214 and rotates wheel 52 to remove the SUDS 190 from the MUDS 130 (Figure 8F). The medical technician can then dispose of the SUDS 190. In certain modalities, removing the SUDS 190 from the MUDS 130 causes the non-reusable features (not shown), such as tabs extending from a portion of the SUDS 190, to bend or break, preventing reinsertion of the SUDS 190. With reference to Figure 9, an additional embodiment of a connector assembly having a SUDS 190 and a MUDS 130 is illustrated. In this embodiment of the assembly, the SUDS 190 includes a cannula port 62 to receive a needle cannula 129 connected to a connector 214. The cannula 129, used for administering fluid to a patient, can be inserted into the cannula port 62 after it has been withdrawn from the patient. The cannula port 62 can cover a contaminated end of the cannula 129 while the cannula 129 is being disposed of. In this embodiment, the single-use receptacle 42 is desirablely located. COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI sufficiently long so that the entire length of the needle cannula 129 can be inserted into the receptacle 42 for safe disposal. With reference to Figures 10A and 10B, an additional embodiment of a connector assembly having a SUDS 190 and a MUDS 130 is illustrated. The connector assembly is provided in a vertical orientation with the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130 positioned above the waste inlet port 196. The MUDS 130 includes a drip channel 64 extending between the connection port 192 and the waste inlet port 196. Any fluid escaping from the connection port 192 is directed downwards through the drip channel 64 by gravity. The drip channel 64 enters the waste inlet port 196. Consequently, any fluid expelled from the drip channel 64 is directed through the waste inlet port 196 and collected in the waste reservoir 156.Alternatively, the MUDS 130 can be fitted with an absorbent material, such as an absorbent pad 66 shown in Figure 10C, which surrounds part of the connection port 192 and the waste inlet port 196. The absorbent material is provided to absorb any fluid droplets during removal of the MUDS 190 for improved drip control. With reference to Figures 11A-11C, an additional embodiment of the connector assembly is illustrated, which has a SUDS 190 and a MUDS 130 having a plurality of push-fit connectors. As shown in Figure 11A, the SUDS 190 includes a fluid inlet port 202 and a waste outlet port 204. The SUDS 190 includes disconnect tabs 68, instead of a wheel. The SUDS 190 also includes an alignment structure 70 that extends from the receptacle 42 of the SUDS 190 and is configured for insertion into a corresponding groove 72 of the MUDS 130 (shown in Figure 11B). As shown in the cross-sectional view illustrated in Figure 11C, the SUDS 190 is inserted into and aligned with the MUDS 130 by means of alignment channels 71. The disconnect tabs 68 are integrally formed with a tubular cover 74 having an inwardly extending flange 76 at one end thereof. The cover 74 surrounds a tubular conduit 80 in the SUDS 190. When the SUDS 190 is inserted into the MUDS 130, the flange 76 forms a crimp engagement with a corresponding projection 78 extending from a portion of the connection port 192 of the MUDS 130. The crimp engagement creates a substantially fluid-tight connection between the MUDS 130 and the SUDS 190. Pressure on the disconnect tabs 68 of the SUDS 190 disengages the flange 76 from the projection 78 to allow a user to remove the SUDS 190 from the MUDS 130.With reference to figure 12, the connection assembly, which has a MUDS 130 and a SUDS 190 with the disconnect tabs 68 described above, can also be provided in. COCI I n / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ a vertical configuration. With reference to Figures 13A and 13B, an additional embodiment of the connector assembly having a SUDS 190 and a MUDS 130 is illustrated. The MUDS 130 includes the connection port 192 and the waste inlet port 196, as described in the preceding embodiments. The connection port 192 includes a jointly molded sealing surface 82 for sealing between the SUDS 190 and the MUDS 130. The SUDS 190 includes external alignment surfaces 84, formed integrally with the receptacle 42, for proper alignment of the SUDS 190 and the MUDS 130. The alignment surfaces 84 also recess the fluid inlet port 202 and the waste outlet port 204 of the SUDS 190 to reduce the possibility of contamination prior to use. With reference to Figures 14A-16B, various embodiments of tube 208 are illustrated. For example, the tube 208 can be wound around a holding structure 133, such as a frame or reel element, to ensure that the tube 208 does not unwind while being removed from its packaging or when the SUDS 190 is being connected to the MUDS 130. With reference to Figure 16A, the tube 208 can further include a removable external clamp 135. The clamp 135 connects around the wound tube 208 to prevent the tube 208 from unwinding during removal from the packaging or automated preparation. With reference to Figure 16B, in an additional embodiment, the tube 208 is provided with uncoiled parts 137 to keep the tube 208 away from the SUDS 190. A coiled part 139 of the tube 208 hangs below the uncoiled parts 137 when the SUDS 190 is connected to the MUDS 130. With reference to Figure 17, an electronic control device 900 (shown in Figure 17) can be associated with the fluid injector system 100 to control filling and dispensing operations. In some embodiments, the electronic control device 900 can control the operation of various valves, piston elements, and other components to perform a desired filling or dispensing procedure. For example, the electronic control device 900 can include a variety of discrete computer-readable media components. For example, these computer-readable media can include any media accessible to the electronic control device 900, such as volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, non-removable media, transient media, non-transient media, etc.As an additional example, these computer-readable media may include computer storage media, such as media implemented in any procedure or technology for the storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data; random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable and erasable read-only memory. COCI I n / l 7P7 / E / YILI electrically (EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technology; CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), or other optical disc storage; magnetic tapes, magnetic strip, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the electronic control device 900.Furthermore, these computer-readable media may include communication media, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and include any means of information delivery, wired media (such as a wired network and a direct wired connection), and wireless media (such as acoustic signals, radio frequency signals, optical signals, infrared signals, biometric signals, barcode signals, etc.). Clearly, combinations of any of the above will also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. The electronic control device 900 also includes a system memory 908 with computer storage media in the form of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as ROM and RAM. A basic input / output system (BIOS) with appropriate computer-based routines assists in the transfer of information between components within the electronic control device 900 and is normally stored in ROM. The RAM portion of the system memory 908 typically contains program and data modules that are immediately accessed or currently being operated on by the processing unit 904, such as an operating system, application programming interfaces, application programs, program modules, program data, and other instruction-based, computer-readable code. Continuing with reference to Figure 17, the electronic control device 900 may also include other removable or non-removable, volatile or non-volatile, transient or non-transient computer storage media products. For example, the electronic control device 900 may include a non-removable memory interface 910 that communicates with and controls a hard disk drive 912, for example, a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium; and a removable, non-volatile memory interface 914 that communicates with and controls a magnetic disk drive 916 (which reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 918), an optical disk drive 920 (which reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatile optical disk 922, such as a CD-ROM), a universal serial bus (USB) port 921 for use in connection with a removable memory card, etc.However, it is understood that other removable or non-removable, volatile or non-volatile computer storage media may be used in the computer system environment, including, but not limited to, magnetic stripe tapes, DVDs, tape. COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI digital video, solid-state RAM, solid-state ROM, etc. These various removable or non-removable, volatile or non-volatile magnetic media are in communication with the processing unit 904 and other components of the electronic control device 900 via the system bus 906. The units and their associated computer storage media, discussed above and illustrated in Figure 17, provide storage of operating systems, computer-readable instructions, application programs, data structures, program modules, program data, and other computer-readable code, based on instructions for the electronic control device 900 (whether or not this information and data is duplicated in system memory 908). A user can input commands, information, and data into the electronic control device 900 through certain attachable or operational input devices, such as the user interface 124 shown in Figure 1, via a user input interface 928. A variety of such input devices can be used, including a microphone, a trackball mouse, a joystick, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a scanner, and so on—any arrangement that facilitates the input of data and information into the electronic control device 900 from an external source. As mentioned, these and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 904 via the user input interface 928, which is coupled to the system bus 906. However, they can also be connected via other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, a game port, or a USB connection.Furthermore, data and information can be presented or provided to a user in an intelligible form or format through certain output devices, such as a monitor 930 (to visually display this information and data electronically), a printer 932 (to physically display this information and data in printed form), a speaker 934 (to audibly present this information and data), etc. All these devices communicate with the electronic control device 900 via an output interface 936 coupled to the system bus 906. The use of any of these peripheral output devices is intended to provide information and data to the user. The electronic control device 900 can operate in a network environment 938 through the use of a communications device 940, which is either attached to or separate from the electronic control device 900. This communications device 940 can operate through and in communication with the other components of the electronic control device 900 via a communications interface 942. By using such an arrangement, the electronic control device 900 can connect to or otherwise communicate with one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 944, which can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device, or other common network nodes, and typically includes many or all of the components described above in connection with the electronic control device 900.By using appropriate communication devices, such as a modem, network adapter or interface, etc., the computer can operate within and communicate across a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), although it can also include other networks such as a virtual private network (VPN), an office network, a company network, an intranet, the Internet, etc. As used herein, the electronic control device 900 includes, or may operate to execute, appropriate custom or conventional software to perform and implement the processing steps of the procedure and system of this disclosure, thereby forming a specialized and particular computer system. Accordingly, the procedure and system actually invented may include one or more electronic control devices 900 or similar computer devices with a computer-readable storage medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions or program code that cause the processing unit 904 to execute, configure, or otherwise implement the transformational procedures, processes, and data manipulations discussed below in connection with this disclosure.Furthermore, the electronic control device 900 can be in the form of a personal computer, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, laptop and palmtop computers, a mobile device, a mobile phone, a server, or any other type of computing device that has the processing hardware necessary to process data appropriately to effectively implement the currently invented computer-implemented procedure and system. It will be evident to someone skilled in the relevant technology that the system can use databases physically located on one or more computers, which may or may not be the same as their respective servers. For example, programming software on the 900 electronic control device may control a database physically stored on a network-independent processor or otherwise. In some embodiments, the electronic control device 900 can be programmed to automatically refill the syringes 132 based on a pre-programmed minimum activation volume. For example, when the volume of fluid remaining in at least one of the syringes 132 falls below a programmed volume, a syringe refilling procedure is automatically initiated by the electronic control device 900. The electronic control device 900 associated with the The COCI I n / l 7P7 / B / YILI fluid injector system 100 can determine that the pre-programmed minimum activation volume has been reached by monitoring the volume of fluid delivered from the respective syringes 132 during operation of the fluid injector system 100. Alternatively, fluid level sensors can be incorporated into the fluid injector system 100, and inputs from these fluid level sensors can be provided to the electronic control device 900 so that the electronic control device 900 can determine when the pre-programmed minimum activation volume has been reached in at least one of the syringes 132. The filling volume and refilling rate can be pre-programmed in the electronic control device 900. The automatic refilling procedure can be stopped either automatically by the electronic control device 900 or manually.Additionally, an automatic refill procedure may be initiated when, upon completion of a fluid injection procedure, there is not enough fluid in at least one of the syringes 132 to perform the next scheduled fluid injection procedure. During a refilling procedure, one or more of the bulk fluid sources 120 associated with the respective syringes 132 may become empty (for example, they may initially lack sufficient fluid to fully refill one or more syringes 132). Therefore, a replacement bulk fluid source 120 is required, and ideally, this replacement should be carried out promptly. The fluid injector system 100 may have an indicator, such as an audible and / or visual indicator, to alert the operator that a change of bulk fluid source 120 is necessary before the fluid injector system 100 can be used. Although the accompanying figures show and this document describes in detail various connector configurations for single-use disposable assemblies, other configurations will be evident to those skilled in the art, and they can easily implement them without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, it is understood that this disclosure assumes that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any configuration may be combined with one or more features of any other configuration. Therefore, the preceding description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A medical connector characterized in that it comprises: a fluid inlet port configured for a removable attachment with a connection port of a multi-use disposable assembly (MUDS) to establish a fluid connection therewith; at least one sensor element configured to interface with at least one sensor in a fluid injector system; and a patient fluid conduit connected, at a first end, to the fluid inlet port and having a fluid conduit connector at a second end, configured for connection to a patient catheter, establishing a fluid connection between the fluid inlet port and a patient vein or artery, wherein the fluid flow through the patient fluid conduit is unidirectional from the first end to the second end, and wherein the patient fluid conduit is configured to deliver fluid from the fluid inlet port to the patient vein or artery.

2. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor element comprises at least one sensor fin.

3. The medical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one sensor fin comprises one or more reflective surfaces that reflect the light to be detected by the at least one sensor.

4. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor element is a breakable sensor element that bends or breaks when the medical connector is removed from the MUDS.

5. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor element is configured to indicate that the medical connector has been inserted or installed in the connection port when the at least one sensor element is detected by the at least one sensor.

6. The medical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for removably attaching the medical connector to the MUDS.

7. The medical connector according to claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism having a flexible locking tab that can be moved between an engaged position and an disengaged position by displacing at least a portion of the flexible locking tab.

8. The medical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one sensor element is formed in the flexible locking tab.

9. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the medical connector has an asymmetrical shape so that the medical connector can be connected to the MUDS in only one orientation.

10. The medical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises at least one fin to prevent incorrect connection of the medical connector to the MUDS.

11. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a waste outlet port configured for removable engagement with a waste inlet port of the fluid injector system to establish a fluid connection therewith, and wherein the fluid conduit connector is further configured for removable engagement with the waste outlet port while maintaining the sterility of the second end.

12. The medical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid conduit connector is in fluid communication with the waste outlet port when engaged with the waste outlet port.

13. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one one-way valve configured to maintain unidirectional flow through the fluid inlet port into the fluid conduit for the patient.

14. The medical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid inlet port has at least one plug to form a fluid-tight connection between the fluid inlet port and the connection port.

15. A connector for a single-use disposable assembly (SUDS), the SUDS connector being characterized in that it comprises: a fluid inlet port configured for a removable engagement with a connection port of a multi-use disposable assembly (MUDS) to establish a fluid connection therewith; a locking mechanism configured to removably fix the SUDS connector to the MUDS, the locking mechanism having a flexible tab that can be displaced between an engaged position and an unengaged position by displacing at least a portion of the flexible tab; at least one sensor fin formed in the flexible tab, wherein the at least one sensor fin is configured to interact with at least one sensor in a fluid injection system when the flexible tab is in the engaged position;and a patient fluid conduit connected, at a first end, to the fluid inlet port and having a fluid conduit connector at a second end, configured for connection to a patient catheter, establishing a fluid connection between the fluid inlet port and a patient vein or artery, wherein at least one sensor flap is configured to indicate that the medical connector has been correctly inserted or installed in the connection port when the at least one sensor flap is detected by at least one sensor, wherein detection of the at least one sensor flap by at least one sensor initiates an automatic priming sequence to prime the patient fluid conduit with a fluid, and wherein the fluid flow through the patient fluid conduit is unidirectional from the first end to the second end.

16. A method for priming a connector for a single-use disposable assembly (SUDS), the method being characterized in that it comprises: fluidly connecting a fluid inlet port of the SUDS connector to a connection port of a multi-use disposable assembly (MUDS); establishing fluid communication through a patient fluid conduit between the fluid inlet port of the SUDS connector at a first end of the patient fluid conduit and a fluid conduit connector at a second end of the patient fluid conduit; detecting, by means of at least one sensor in a fluid injector system, the presence or absence of at least one sensor element in the SUDS connector, wherein detecting the presence of the at least one sensor element by means of the at least one sensor indicates that the SUDS connector has been correctly inserted or installed in the connection port;and if the presence of at least one sensor element is detected, automatically prime the SUDS connector by supplying fluid from the fluid inlet port to the fluid conduit connector through the fluid conduit to the patient.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises connecting the fluid conduit connector at the second end of the patient fluid conduit of the primed SUDS connector to a patient catheter to establish fluid communication from the SUDS fluid inlet port to a patient vein or artery.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the fluid conduit connector is removably engaged with a waste inlet port, and wherein the waste inlet port is in fluid communication with a waste outlet port of the fluid injector system.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that detecting the presence or absence of at least one sensor element in the SUDS connector comprises detecting the presence or absence of one or more reflective surfaces on at least one sensor fin of the sensor element by the at least one sensor.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that if the absence of at least one sensor element in the SUDS connector is detected, automatic priming of the SUDS connector is prevented, the injection procedure is stopped, and the fluid injection system is indicated that no SUDS connector is detected.

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