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Selecting the Right Components for Contrast Injector Systems

July 18, 2024
contrast-injectors

In the realm of medical imaging, the utilization of contrast agents plays a pivotal role in enhancing the clarity of structures and fluids within the body. These agents are indispensable tools, but their effectiveness hinges greatly on the precise delivery facilitated by specialized equipment known as contrast injectors. These devices are engineered to administer specific quantities of the contrast agent at designated flow rates, ensuring optimal imaging results.

At the heart of the contrast injector lies its motion system, comprised of the motor, gearbox, and encoder. Each element must be carefully selected to guarantee accurate delivery of the contrast medium, accommodating both steady infusion and sudden bolus injections when critical areas are identified during scans. Let’s review each of those components and the right technology to select:

  • Motor Selection. The motor serves as the powerhouse of the contrast injector, demanding high output torque to propel the syringe with precision. Two key technologies stand out for this demanding task: brushless DC slotless and DC coreless motors. These technologies offer exceptional power density and dynamic speed capabilities, perfectly suited to meet the constant delivery requirements as well as the sudden speed surges necessary for bolus injections. Their ironless design ensures swift speed adjustments, crucial for accommodating rapid changes in injection rates. Portescap’s 22ECT BLDC motor, as well as the 25GST2R brush DC motor, are excellent examples.
  • Gearbox Consideration. Given the substantial torque requirements for pushing the contrast medium, a robust gearbox design is imperative. Planetary gearboxes, like Portescap’s R26HT gearbox, emerge as the ideal choice, offering higher reduction ratios that translate to increased torque for the syringe drive. Their sturdy construction aligns with the need for consistent and repeatable delivery, ensuring reliability throughout the imaging process.
  • Encoder Integration. Monitoring the delivery of the contrast medium is paramount to guaranteeing alignment with imaging scans. This task falls to the encoder, which provides crucial feedback to the motion system. Optical encoders such as Portescap’s HEDS5540 encoder are preferred for their unparalleled accuracy, offering medical professionals the certainty that the contrast medium is administered precisely as required.

Medical imaging efficiency hinges greatly on the precision and reliability of contrast delivery systems. By leveraging miniature motor technologies and rigorous component selection, contrast injectors can facilitate accurate administration of contrast agents, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and ultimately improving patient care. Looking to collaborate on the selection process for your contrast injector device? Portescap’s design engineers are ready to help; reach out to us here to kickstart the process!