Radiopharmaceutical Fluid Injection With Automated Dose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for the distribution, handling, and administration of radiopharmaceuticals face challenges such as limited applicability, potential radiation exposure, complex regulations, and variability in shipping and handling, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in dosing, which restrict their widespread use and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a storage device with a housing and a vessel, a door mechanism, and a fluid cassette connected to a delivery system, enabling precise volumetric delivery and automated dose determination, reducing the need for manual handling and treatment location dose calibrators, and incorporating shielding for radiation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual handling and dose calibration at treatment location are used, then flexibility in administration is maintained, but human error and dosing inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated dose determination and preparation. The processor automatically calculates the required dose based on patient parameters and radiopharmaceutical properties, then controls the delivery mechanism to administer the precise dose without manual intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical dose calibration and measurement processes are replaced with an automated electronic system. The processor computes doses algorithmically and controls electronic delivery mechanisms, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated computational and electronic control systems to improve precision
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiopharmaceuticals are stored and transported in conventional containers, then ease of handling is maintained, but radiation exposure risks to personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses a nested structure where the radiopharmaceutical container is placed within a shielded housing. The container is nested inside the protective enclosure, which contains radiation-absorbing materials, providing protection during storage and transport while maintaining easy access through a simple door mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A shielded housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the radiopharmaceutical and personnel. This intermediate structure absorbs and blocks radiation, protecting handlers while allowing convenient access to the radiopharmaceutical through a controlled door opening
3Measurement precision
If automated delivery systems are implemented, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions: it determines the dose based on patient parameters, calculates the required volume of radiopharmaceutical, controls the delivery mechanism, and monitors the administration process. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise volumetric delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the dose calculation, volume determination, and delivery control functions into a single integrated automated system. The processor combines computational algorithms with direct control of the delivery mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual calibration devices and reducing overall system complexity
4Measurement precision
If radiopharmaceuticals are prepared closer to administration time, then dosing accuracy is improved, but loss of time in preparation and shipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the required dose and volume before actual administration. The processor determines the exact dose needed based on patient parameters in advance, then immediately controls the delivery system to prepare and administer the precise volume, eliminating delays associated with manual measurement and preparation
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid injector system includes at least one fluid reservoir having a first fluid reservoir configured for injecting a radiopharmaceutical and a radiation filter in fluid communication with the at least one fluid reservoir. The radiation filter is configured for retaining radioactive particles from the radiopharmaceutical passing though the radiation filter. The system further includes at least one sensor configured to detect radioactivity in at least one of the first fluid reservoir, the radiation filter, and a fluid path element in fluid communication with the radiation filter; and a controller in operative communication with the at least one sensor. The controller is programmed or configured to receive a radioactivity measurement from the at least one sensor and determine, based on the radioactivity measurement, that an amount of radioactive particles in at least one of the first fluid reservoir, the radiation filter, and the fluid path set satisfies a predetermined threshold.