Abstract: The present invention relates generally a device for locating an indwelling catheter relative to its initial location. The system of the invention is based on emitting light from an optical probe placed on the patient to an optical marker on the tip of the catheter. The reflected light from the optical marker is then detected by the optical probe and the reading is recorded to memory as the reference measurement. The position of the optical probe on the patient is marked so that future measurements are taken from the same location. These future measurements will be compared to the reference measurement and from this comparison the displacement of the tip of the catheter is found and can be corrected. This system is fast, non-invasive, radiation free, and accurate to within 2-3 mm.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic and therapeutic device includes a catheter equipped with an intracorporeal ultrasound transducer at its tip, an extracorporeal ultrasound transmitter, an imaging electronic unit and a time-reversal electronic unit. The intracorporeal transducer may be used to record an image of surrounding tissues so as to identify a treatment site. The same transducer is then used as a beacon to receive an ultrasound impulse from the extracorporeal transmitter. The impulse response signal from the intracorporeal transducer is then time-reversed so that high-intensity focused ultrasound can be generated at the location of the intracorporeal transducer. The device is capable of shaping the area of focused ultrasound to correspond to that of the treatment site.

Abstract: Methods for assessing viscoelastic properties of soft tissues are based on detecting an inflection point on a pressure-time plot when air is aspirated from a cavity placed over the tissue sample. A small diameter tube through which air aspiration is conducted is ultimately closed off by tissue being drawn into the cavity causing an abrupt change in pressure slope. First or second derivatives of the pressure-time plot can be used to detect the inflection point. Repeating the test with a different aspiration rates or after a predetermined relaxation time allows determining tissue viscosity and tissue creep in addition to tissue elasticity expressed as Young's modulus.

Abstract: Methods for assessing viscoelastic properties of soft tissues are based on detecting an inflection point on a pressure-time plot when air is aspirated from a cavity placed over the tissue sample. A small diameter tube through which air aspiration is conducted is ultimately closed off by tissue being drawn into the cavity causing an abrupt change in pressure slope. First or second derivatives of the pressure-time plot can be used to detect the inflection point. Repeating the test with a different aspiration rates or after a predetermined relaxation time allows determining tissue viscosity and tissue creep in addition to tissue elasticity expressed as Young's modulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate with a transrectal probe. In the method, generating a composite two- and three-dimensional prostate mechanical image from a plurality of partial mechanical images extracted from pressure response data and a probe orientation data starts with examining the prostate by pressing a probe head pressure sensor array against it at various overlapping locations. Merging of partial mechanical images together is accomplished by analyzing an overlap between each subsequent and previous partial mechanical image. Finding the prostate is assisted with a supplemental pressure response data indicating the location of a sphincter known to be about 4-5 cm away from the prostate. Data processing is improved by including probe orientation data to further increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the method.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: An ultrasonometer for bone assessment in infants includes a focusing acoustic wave transducer, an acoustic wave detector, and an elongated chamber filled with an acoustically-coupling fluid. The chamber is equipped with an acoustically-transparent flexible membrane facing the extremity of the infant. Supporting means such as a gliding rod is adapted to retain at least one of the transducer or the detector inside the chamber facing the subject. Supporting means is further adapted to move the transducer or detector along the chamber to perform the bone scanning without repositioning of the probe. A focused ultrasound transducer is adapted to remotely generate an acoustic wave in the bone by acoustic radiation force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate with a transrectal probe. In the method, generating a composite two- and three-dimensional prostate mechanical image from a plurality of partial mechanical images extracted from pressure response data and a probe orientation data starts with examining the prostate by pressing a probe head pressure sensor array against it at various overlapping locations. Merging of partial mechanical images together is accomplished by analyzing an overlap between each subsequent and previous partial mechanical image. Finding the prostate is assisted with a supplemental pressure response data indicating the location of a sphincter known to be about 4-5 cm away from the prostate. Data processing is improved by including probe orientation data to further increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the method.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: A pain monitor for a patient undergoing a medical procedure includes a housing adapted to fit in a hand of the patient, a force sensor, and a battery-powered data processor. The patient is instructed to squeeze the housing with a force representing his level of pain. That force is measured by the sensor, acquired by the data processor and then wirelessly transmitted to an outside data receiver for further processing and recording. This device allows the patient to non-verbally express his perception of the level of pain which in turn allows a physician to adjust the course of the procedure or the level of pain-reducing medication. The pain monitor of the invention is particularly useful during a colonoscopy procedure.

Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing elasticity of vaginal tissue are provided. A transvaginal probe is used to deform vaginal tissue during examination. The probe is equipped with pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. Stress and strain data is recorded during examination. Elasticity of vaginal tissue is then characterized by calculating a stress gradient defined as a ratio of stress over strain for each point of measurement. Vaginal tactile image may also be compiled to include a family of surfaces representing locations of measurement points at predefined constant levels of stress. Pelvic organ abnormality condition may be detected if the stress gradient is below either a predetermined threshold or a normal stress gradient obtained from clinical data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transrectal probe and method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate. The probe is equipped with dual-array pressure sensors—one on the probe head and another on the shaft of the probe spaced away from the head with an angular and linear offset forming an S-shaped transition between the shaft and the head of the probe. The addition of the shaft pressure sensor array together with orientation tracking sensors allows precise calculation of the current head position throughout the examination of the prostate. Display means are used to guide the user in the proper manipulation of the probe in order to reduce the forces on surrounding tissues and organs and to minimize patient's discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transrectal probe and method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate. The probe is equipped with dual-array pressure sensors—one on the probe head and another on the shaft of the probe spaced away from the head with an angular and linear offset forming an S-shaped transition between the shaft and the head of the probe. The addition of the shaft pressure sensor array together with orientation tracking sensors allows precise calculation of the current head position throughout the examination of the prostate. Display means are used to guide the user in the proper manipulation of the probe in order to reduce the forces on surrounding tissues and organs and to minimize patient's discomfort.

Abstract: An ultrasound beacon is incorporated into a needle of a drug delivery system utilizing high intensity ultrasound energy during certain cancer treatments. The beacon is configured to generate a electrical feedback signal in response to an initial ultrasound signal sent by an ultrasound transmitter. The electrical feedback signal is then sent along two electrical conductors of the needle and further over a cable back to the electronic unit. The feedback signal is then used to generate high intensity focused ultrasound using time-reversal acoustics principles. Therapeutic application of the system of the invention includes applying high intensity focused ultrasound at the site of drug delivery to enhance local tissue uptake of injected medication.

Abstract: A novel method for soft tissue characterization includes obtaining a sequence of surface stress patterns as a function of an increasing compression force when a probe is pressed against the tissue over the location of the lesion of interest. A number of elasticity features are then calculated to characterize the tissue and the lesion located therein including strain hardening, loading curve average slope, lesion peak signal under a predetermined load, tissue heterogeneity, lesion shape and lesion mobility. At least three elasticity features are provided as an input to a statistical Bayesian classifier trained on a clinical database to calculate the probability of the lesion being benign or malignant. Additional patient-related parameters may be further provided as inputs to the classifier to increase the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

Abstract: A method for focusing broadband acoustic signals with flat spectral content based on Time-Reversed Acoustics (TRA) principle is disclosed. The method of the invention differs from the conventional TRA focusing in that it includes an additional step of adjusting the spectral content of time-reversed signal, prior to applying it to the radiating transducer. This additional step, which includes attenuation of the spectral components with high amplitude and amplification of the spectral components with low amplitude, leads to flattening of the spectra of the radiated signal and widening of its frequency band. TRA focusing with this additional step of adjusting spectral content of the radiated signal allows generation of shorter pulses and provides better concentration of acoustic energy than standard TRA focusing.