Total system for contrast delivery

Abstract

An apparatus and method enabling the injection of fluid media into a plurality of patients is provided, including a fluid supply source providing multiple doses, a metering device for measuring the doses, a pressurizing device to effect injection, a contamination prevention device disposed between the fluid source and the patient and, when desired, an electronic control device to integrate operation of the apparatus and process.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of delivering fluid media to a plurality of patients, comprising: 
 delivering a first fluid medium through a reusable fluid path;    delivering the first fluid medium through a per-patient disposable fluid path;    disconnecting the per-patient disposable fluid path from the reusable fluid path;    disposing the per-patient disposable fluid path; and    connecting a second per-patient disposable fluid path to the reusable fluid path.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 delivering the first fluid medium through the reusable fluid path and the second per-patient disposable fluid path;    disconnecting the second per-patient disposable fluid path from the reusable fluid path; and    disposing the second per-patient disposable fluid path.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the reusable fluid path comprises a source of the first fluid medium and a pressurizing unit.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the per-patient disposable fluid path comprises a valve and a tube.