Contrast medium delivery system and associated method

A system for delivering a contrast medium to a patient's vascular system, comprising:

• a source of contrast medium;
• a pump for moving contrast medium from said source into a patient;
• a dual check valve having:
• an inlet port connectable to said source,
• an inlet-outlet port connectable to said pump, and
• an outlet port;
• a tubular member coupled to said outlet port;
• an in-line check valve connected to said tubular member at a point spaced from said dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards said dual check valve;
• and
• a three-port stopcock connected at a first port to said in-line check valve, a second port of said stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter.

A method for supplying a contrast medium to a patient's vascular system, comprising:

• providing a flexible bag filled with contrast medium at essentially atmospheric pressure;
• operatively connecting said flexible bag to the patient's vascular system via a gas transfer system;
• purging said gas transfer system of air;
• and
• after purging said gas transfer system of air, delivering contrast medium from said flexible bag through said gas transfer system to the patient's vascular system.