Split Bolus Injector Protocol Parameter Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The split bolus technique for reducing radiation exposure in contrast-based medical imaging is underutilized due to difficulties in developing and implementing consistent and practical injection protocols.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for determining parameters of a split bolus injection protocol, including a processor-based injector system that calculates and controls the volume and flow rate of contrast agent injections, with a graphical user interface for displaying and managing these parameters, to facilitate the split bolus technique in medical imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the split bolus technique is used to reduce radiation exposure, then patient radiation exposure is reduced, but the complexity of developing and implementing consistent injection protocols increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidinjection protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the contrast agent injection into multiple separate injections (loading injection and diagnostic injection) with a pause between them. This segmentation allows the protocol to be broken down into manageable, standardized steps that reduce radiation exposure while maintaining consistency through automated parameter generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically generates injection parameters (volumes, flow rates, pause durations) based on patient-specific data and protocol requirements. This parameterization transforms the complex protocol development into a systematic process where parameters are calculated and optimized automatically, reducing implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual protocol development is used, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but consistency and practical implementation become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol customizationVSAvoidprotocol consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where injection parameters are automatically adjusted based on patient-specific data (weight, body composition) and real-time monitoring of injection progress. This ensures consistent implementation while maintaining adaptability to individual patient needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol system performs self-adjustment by automatically generating and modifying injection parameters based on input data without requiring manual recalibration for each patient. This self-service capability ensures consistency across different patients while maintaining customization through automated parameter generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate injections are performed, then simultaneous enhancement of different body portions is achieved, but the time required for procedure setup and execution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenhancement timing precisionVSAvoidprocedure setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations and generates all injection parameters before the actual injection begins. Pause durations, volumes, and flow rates are pre-determined based on patient data and protocol requirements, eliminating time-consuming manual setup during the procedure while maintaining precise enhancement timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11565035B2Systems and methods for split bolus protocol generation

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Described is an injector system for implementing a split bolus injection procedure. The injector system includes a processor and a non-transitory storage medium having programming instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor, enable the injector system to operate as a parameter generation system for use in determining parameters associated with a split bolus injection protocol via which injection of the contrast agent by the injector system is controlled. The split bolus injection protocol includes at least a loading injection and a diagnostic injection, wherein the loading injection is performed before the diagnostic injection, and wherein a pause separates the loading injection from the diagnostic injection. Also described is a method for patient imaging using a split bolus injection technique and a system having an imaging device and the injector system described above.