Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing zones with different contrast agent concentrations in a contrast agent infused target. An aspect of the method is subjecting the target to an ultrasound flash capable of producing first and second target zones, the first target zone having a higher concentration of contrast agent than the second target zone. Another aspect of the method is forming an ultrasound image of the target, wherein the first and second target zones in the ultrasound image have different ultrasonic responses. An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a front-end controller (FEC) for use in a medical imaging system wherein the FEC controls a transducer to selectively radiate, in a single frame, a first beam position at a first energy and a second beam position at a second energy.

Abstract: The volume of fluid flow within a vessel (VE) is measured by an ultrasound system. Ultrasound waves backscattered from the fluid within the vessel generate data from which velocity values representing components of velocity (Vx and Vy) of the fluid flow in the scan plane (IP) are calculated. Grayscale data is correlated and the rate of decorrelation (D) of the data is calculated. The volume flow of the fluid (F) is estimated in response to the velocity signals and the rate of decorrelation (D).

Abstract: A Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) having multi-level image data processing is provided. The system includes imaging a patient with an imaging modality to generate raw digital image data and then sending the raw image data to an acquisition workstation. The acquisition workstation then performs a first level of image data processing to form partially processed raw image data with regard to a predetermined subset of the set of control parameters to form a partially processed image. The subset of control parameters may comprise frequency control parameters or contrast control parameters, for example. The partially processed image may then be sent to an external connection, stored in a database in the PACS, or sent to a display workstation for a second level of image data processing to complete the image processing and display the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting ghosting artifacts that are related to Maxwell fields and/or other perturbation magnetic fields is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes acquiring MR image n-space data and an MR reference scan, each having perturbation field effects therein. After determining phase correction values from the MR reference scan and reconstructing an MR image using the phase correction values, a projection phase error is calculated from the reconstructed MR image and then subtracted from the reference scan, the result of which is used to determine a new set of phase correction values. The new set of phase correction values is applied to the acquired MR image data to reconstruct a new image. The reconstructed new image can then be reused to calculate a new projection phase error, which again is subtracted from the reference scan data and the process is repeated until an image of desired ghost artifact reduction is achieved.

Abstract: An ultrasound system operating on a personal computer architecture comprising multiple processors controlled to operate in parallel to share ultrasound operations of the system. The multiple processors are controlled by software to share the operations associated with system setup, system control, scanning, data acquisition, beamforming, user interface service, signal processing, and scan conversion. The ultrasound system utilizes management software which divides operations associated with each function (such as signal processing and scan conversion) into parallel sub-operations or tasks. Each task is assigned by the operating system to a CPU. Any of the CPUs may be capable of performing any of the tasks. The CPUs operate in parallel to carry out the assigned tasks. Once all of the CPUs have completed the assigned tasks, the system may serially advance to the next ultrasound function.

Abstract: A method for processing images in a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) is provided. The method includes imaging a patient with an imaging modality to generate raw digital image data and then sending the raw image data to an acquisition workstation. The acquisition workstation then partially processes the raw image data with regard to a predetermined subset of the set of control parameters to form a partially processed image. The subset of control parameters may comprise frequency control parameters or contrast control parameters, for example. The partially processed image may then be sent to an external connection, stored in a database in the PACS, or sent to a display workstation for complete processing and display. A partially processed image that has been stored in a database in the PACS may be retrieved and sent to a display workstation for complete processing and display.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of tissue deformation parameters, such as tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging, are disclosed. An ultrasound acquisition technique that allows a high frame rate in tissue velocity imaging or strain rate imaging is employed. With this acquisition technique the same ultrasound pulses are used for the tissue image and the Doppler based image. The number of beams used in Doppler subframes are increased to allow tissue visualization based only on Doppler subframes. A sliding window technique is used for processing.

Abstract: A mount (50) is adapted to be move along a table (20) without disturbing a patient (P) lying on a pad (130) on the table. The mount includes lips (52 and 72) which are joined by a cross member (90) which passes under the table (20).

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to the base and the support mechanism moving the patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing the support mechanism, the telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of the support mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic video camera apparatus is provided for focusing light rays from object plane proximate image intensifier of a medical x-ray imaging system onto an image plane proximate a light sensor. The electronic video camera includes a lens system located between the object and image planes to focus light rays from the object plane onto the image plane. The light rays at the object plane are representative of a patient image. An optical filter is located between the object and image planes and partially blocks light rays passing there through. The optical filter includes at least first and second filter regions having different opacity. The first and second filter regions are alignable with the lens system at different times to block differing first and second amounts of light rays, respectively, associated with differing first and second x-ray amounts transmitted at different times.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for optimized dual energy image acquisition. The system comprises a dual energy medical imaging system, a detector, a user interface, an image segmentation module, a characterization module, and a control module. The method comprises obtaining an image from a first exposure of a patient and segmenting the image into an anatomy of interest. The method further comprises characterizing the segmented anatomy in terms of a set of patient parameters and optimizing a second exposure of the segmented anatomy based upon said anatomy and the characterization of the anatomy. A resulting anatomy image is obtained from analysis of the first and second exposures.

Abstract: An ultrasound color flow imaging system is programmed to optimize display images on a display monitor (18) by automatically adjusting a threshold. B-mode data corresponding to valid color data is subjected to statistical analysis including mean and standard deviation (S3). The threshold is computed according to mean plus k (standard deviation), where k preferably is based on a linear regression equation.

Abstract: A system and method of computer tomography imaging using a cerium-doped lutetium orthosilicate scintillator are provided. The system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy projection source to project high frequency energy toward an object, such as a patient. A scintillator array having a plurality of cerium-doped lutetium orthosilicate scintillators therein receives the high frequency energy attenuated by the object and emits light energy based on the attenuated energy received. A photodiode array including a plurality of photodiodes is optically-coupled to the scintillator array and configured to detect the light energy and discharge output to a data processing system to produce a visual display. Each scintillator of the scintillator array is formed into a transparent glass ceramic having a high crystalline phase by combing glass-forming compounds in a glass forming system.

Abstract: An internal imaging probe including an expandable scanhead for improving the positioning of an imaging element mounted on the scanhead. The imaging probe is introduced into the esophagus of a patient via the patient's mouth. Once, the imaging probe is introduced, the imaging probe is positioned to a point where an internal structure of the patient is within the direction of view of an imaging element, such as a transducer, located on the scanhead. Once positioned, the scanhead is expanded either by inflation, or via a moving extensor located within the scanhead. The scanhead is then expanded until the imaging element, such as a transducer, achieves close and uniform contact with the esophageal wall of the patient thereby providing accurate imaging of the internal structure. Further, expanding the scanhead while the scanhead is within the esophagus of the patient minimizes the risks of damage to the esophageal wall that are associated with prior art probes.

Abstract: An x-ray system (10) include a digital detector (400) that defines two regions: a first region (404) suitable for generating data useful for creating a patient x-ray image and a second region (406) less suitable for generating such data than the first region. A source (20) transmits x-rays through a phantom (420) located between the source and the second region (406) so that the detector (400) generates test data in the second region. A processor (302) measures at least one parameter in response to the test data and stores a value of the parameter at one point of time. The processor compares the first value with a second value of the one parameter generated at a later second point in time. The processor also generates a result signal representing the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A system employs a tracker and a set of substantially non-shadowing point markers, arranged in a fixed pattern or set in a fluoroscope calibration fixture that is imaged in each shot. The fixture is preferably affixed to the image detector of the fluoroscope, and tracking elements secured with respect to the fixture and at least one of a tool and the patient, provide respective position data irrespective of movement. A marker detection module identifies markers imaged in each shot, and a processor applies the known marker positions to model the projection geometry, e.g., camera axis and focus, for the shot and, together with the tracked tool position, form a corrected tool navigation image. In one embodiment an inverting distortion correction converts the tracked or actual location of the tool and displays the tool on the fluoroscopic image to guide the surgeon in tool navigation.

Abstract: A system employs a tracker and a set of substantially non-shadowing point markers, arranged in a fixed pattern or set in a fluoroscope calibration fixture that is imaged in each shot. The fixture is preferably affixed to the image detector of the fluoroscope, and tracking elements secured with respect to the fixture and at least one of a tool and the patient, provide respective position data irrespective of movement. A marker detection module identifies markers imaged in each shot, and a processor applies the known marker positions to model the projection geometry, e.g., camera axis and focus, for the shot and, together with the tracked tool position, form a corrected tool navigation image. In one embodiment an inverting distortion correction converts the tracked or actual location of the tool and displays the tool on the fluoroscopic image to guide the surgeon in tool navigation.

Abstract: G.E. DOCKET NUMBER 15-DS-00536A system and method for measuring a position of an imaging element located within a scanhead of an imaging probe, such as transesophageal ultrasound probe, is provided. The imaging probe may be used in a medical imaging system and/or a three-dimensional imaging system. The probe includes an articulating portion having a scanhead. The scanhead includes an imaging element, such as a transducer, and a position sensor positioned within the scanhead. Preferably, the position sensor is connected to the imaging element via an axle. Therefore, the rotation of the position sensor is synchronized to the rotation of the imaging element. The location of the position sensor within the imaging element provides accurate measurement of the position of the imaging element. The position sensor preferably includes a code disk having apertures and a system of light emitters and detectors.

Abstract: A transesophageal ultrasound probe allowing for scan-plane rotation comprises an endoscope with a probe head connected to the distal end of the endoscope. A transducer is secured to the probe head. A transfer mechanism is connected to the transducer. A motor at the distal end of the endoscope is connected to the transfer mechanism. Finally, an electrical wire is connected to the motor. The transesophageal ultrasound probe uses a motor in the tip of the transesophageal ultrasound probe for scan-plane rotation.

Abstract: A brake for a medical table (20) includes a speed detector (40) for determining when the table speed is greater than a threshold value. If the table is moving at greater than the threshold value, the brake is prevented from engaging to prevent the patient from being jolted. When the brake is engaged, teeth (91-95) of a brake tooth member (90) mesh with a groove set assembly (70). The teeth have central planes (A). Each of the teeth has sidewalls that define planes (P1 and P2) which make acute angles with respect to the respective central planes. A position detector (110) warns an operator when the brake is not engaged. A linear bearing assembly (125) guides the brake into the engaged position. A pawl assembly (100) hold the brake in the engaged position until released.