Standardized interface for contrast-media injector

The nonprofit CiA international users and manufacturers group has released the version 2.1 of the CANopen application profile for medical diagnostic add-on modules (CiA 425). This specification describes the standardized communication interface between the contrast-media injector and the image-processing device (x-ray, MR, CT, and angiography devices). The new version is released as Draft Standard. The involved companies -- scanner manufacturer as well as injector provider -- are working on a joint test-environment. The test tool under development will improve the interoperability and conformance testing.

The standardized interface is based on the Controller Area Network (ISO 11898-1/-2) serial network, which is one of the most robust and reliable communication-system. The CANopen application layer provides a lot of communication flexibility. The CiA 425 profile specifies a common behavior and guarantees the interoperability between medical devices and injectors developed and manufactured by different companies. The standardization of interfaces in healthcare business is time and cost saving.
European, American, and Japanese experts have developed the CiA 425 profile. The new version provides some additional functions such as injector configuration check, indication of mixed flow capability, and setting of display unit increments.