Patents Examined by Amelie R Gillman
  • Patent number: 10357211
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 10342416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical probe which consists of a cannula with a multilumen stylet inside. The multilumen contains at least two lumen. Both the multilumen as well as the cannula may have beveled ends. In the lumen straight optical fibers (i.e. no angle end face) are present that can be connected at the proximal end to a console. The cannula, multilumen, fiber system forming the medical probe comprises at least in one of the lumen of the multilumen more than one optical fiber. Preferably the source and detector fibers for the fluorescence detection are contained in one single lumen of the multilumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff, Axel Winkel, Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Stephan Voss, Gerhardus Wilhelmus Lucassen
  • Patent number: 10335048
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for determining a level of cellular metabolic activity for a region of interest in order to detect and map on-going gliovascular unit metabolic activity using high-resolution 1H2O MRI. In one example approach, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a first set of DCE-MRI time-course data for a region, wherein a contrast agent is administered prior to imaging, identifying a region of interest from the first set of DCE-MRI time-course data for further analysis, performing shutter-speed pharmacokinetic analysis of the time-course data associated with the region of interest using computer-implemented software to obtain a finite and non-zero mean water molecule capillary lifetime in the region of interest, and indicating a level of cellular metabolic activity in the brain based on the mean water molecule capillary lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: William Rooney, Charles Springer, Jr., Xin Li
  • Patent number: 10335192
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring an ablation procedure applied to an object comprises an ultrasound signal providing unit for providing an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound signal is produced by sending ultrasound pulses out to the object, by subsequently receiving dynamic echo series after the ultrasound pulses have been reflected by the object, and finally by generating the ultrasound signal depending on the received dynamic echo series, whereby ultrasound scattering properties of the object are determined that represent blood perfusion. The monitoring apparatus further comprises an ablation depth determination unit for determining an ablation depth from the provided ultrasound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Godefridus Antonius Harks, Fei Zuo, Szabolcs Deladi, Steven Antonie Willem Fokkenrood, Nenad Mihajlovic
  • Patent number: 10327737
    Abstract: A model-independent method for producing a viscoelastic tissue property metric using ultrasound is provided. A mechanical stress, such as an acoustic force, is applied to a tissue during a creep period using an ultrasound system to generate a creep response. Tissue displacement resulting from the applied acoustic force is measured during a recovery period following the creep period. From the tissue displacement measurements, a relative complex modulus is extracted, and a loss tangent is calculated based on extracted complex modulus. Using the calculated loss tangent, viscoelastic tissue property metrics may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James F. Greenleaf, Carolina Amador Carrascal
  • Patent number: 10292593
    Abstract: An imaging device configured for optoacoustic imaging of an object, including an illumination device including optical components arranged to illuminate the object, a detector device comprising an array of detector elements arranged in a tank and arranged to detect acoustic signals created in the object, and a container device including a tank arranged to accommodate the detector device, the object and a matching transmission medium, a holding device adapted to position and move the object relative to the illumination device and the detector device, wherein the optical components are arranged in the tank to illuminate the object from different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
    Inventors: Daniel Razansky, Vasilis Ntziachristos
  • Patent number: 10264947
    Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Holsing, Mark Hunter
  • Patent number: 10258373
    Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system. A fiducial may include dimples to enhance echogenicity and/or to provide for engagement with a delivery cannula or stylet. The needle system may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time, when the fiducials are coaxially disposed around a central deployment member that may be embodied as a delivery cannula or stylet. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. An elongate structure may be included that is configured to distally advance fiducials along the deployment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Shay Lavelle, Paul Devereux, Michael Clancy
  • Patent number: 10251711
    Abstract: Optical probes for port-based corridor surgery are provided, including a device comprising: a surgical tool mounting adaptor configured for mounting to a surgical tool; an optical probe attached to the surgical tool mounting adaptor, the optical probe comprising: an optical interface end; an optical output end, distal the optical interface end, the optical output end comprising illumination optics and collection optics, the illumination optics configured to illuminate tissue proximal the optical output end, the collection optics configured to collect an optical signal from the tissue; one or more illumination optical fibers configured to convey illumination light from the optical interface end to the illumination optics; and, one or more collection optical fibers configured to convey the optical signal collected by the collection optics to the optical interface end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Cameron Anthony Piron
  • Patent number: 10245000
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining a volume of interest in a physiological image based upon an anatomical image. The method and system acquires an anatomical image of a volume of interest using a first imaging modality. A physiological image is acquired using a second imaging modality different from the first imaging modality. An outline of the volume of interest is defined on the anatomical image and applied to the physiological image to define the volume of interest m the physiological image. Based upon the outline, the system and method assigns binary values to voxels within the outline to more accurately define the volume of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Avi Bar-Shalev, Jonathan Sachs, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 10219785
    Abstract: A method of generating therapeutic ultrasound that forms multi-foci by a therapeutic ultrasound probe, the method including: obtaining a medical image including anatomical information of a region of interest in a subject; calculating, by using the medical image, characteristics which influence traveling of therapeutic ultrasound with respect to tissues included in the region of interest; calculating, by using the calculated characteristics, a parameter of the therapeutic ultrasound for forming multi-foci in the region of interest; and generating the therapeutic ultrasound according to the calculated parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-taik Lee, Won-chul Bang
  • Patent number: 10219700
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for noninvasive functional brain imaging using low-coherence interferometry (e.g., for the purpose of creating a brain computer interface with higher spatiotemporal resolution). One variation of a system and method comprises optical interference components and techniques using a lock-in camera. The system comprises a light source and a processor configured to rapidly phase-shift the reference light beam across a pre-selected set of phase shifts or offsets, to store a set of interference patterns associated with each of these pre-selected phase shifts, and to process these stored interference patterns to compute an estimate of the number of photons traveling between a light source and the lock-in camera detector for which the path length falls within a user-defined path length range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: HI LLC
    Inventors: Changhuei Yang, Adam Marblestone, Jamu Alford
  • Patent number: 10215698
    Abstract: A photoplethysmographic (PPG) device is disclosed. The PPG device can include one or more light emitters and one or more light sensors to generate the multiple light paths for measuring a PPG signal and perfusion indices of a user. The multiple light paths between each pair of light emitters and light detectors can include different separation distances to generate both an accurate PPG signal and a perfusion index value to accommodate a variety of users and usage conditions. In some examples, the multiple light paths can include the same separation distances for noise cancellation due to artifacts resulting from, for example, tilt and/or pull of the device, a user's hair, a user's skin pigmentation, and/or motion. The PPG device can further include one or more lenses and/or reflectors to increase the signal strength and/or and to obscure the optical components and associated wiring from being visible to a user's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chin San Han, Ueyn Block, Brian R. Land, Nevzat Akin Kestelli, Serhan Isikman, Albert Wang, Justin Shi
  • Patent number: 10206653
    Abstract: Devices and method are provided for ultrasound transmission without the need for external couplants, such as gels, which are typically used in conventional ultrasound procedures. In particular, ultrashields are provided for use with ultrasound probes, wherein the ultrashields have specialized layers to provide an uninterrupted pathway of acoustic conductance from the probe to the surface of the body throughout the procedure while introducing minimal to no attenuation of ultrasound wave transmission. In addition, combinations of ultrashields and probe covers are provided to provide additional features such as a microbial barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: HealthCare Evolution LLC
    Inventors: Siddharth Desai, Jerry Jones
  • Patent number: 10194801
    Abstract: A method for visualizing branches of a lumen includes inserting (402) a fiber optic shape sensing device into a lumen and determining (404) changes in the lumen based upon strain induced in the fiber optic shape sensing device by flow in the lumen. Locations of branches are indicated (410) on a rendering of the lumen. An instrument is guided (414) to the locations of branches indicated on the rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Haytham Elhawary, Aleksandra Popovic, Robert Manzke, Raymond Chan
  • Patent number: 10159462
    Abstract: A method is provided for creating a volume graphic via a catheter for introduction into a vessel which has an ultrasound unit, which is embodied to transmit ultrasound, to measure an echo of the transmitted ultrasound, and to create image data for a two-dimensional cross-section of the vessel on the basis of the measured echo. The method involves creating image data of a cross-section with the ultrasound unit at a plurality of different positions on a movement track of the catheter, and, in addition to the image data, creating position data for the current position of the ultrasound unit with a localization device. The method further involves creating the volume graphic from the image data of all cross-sections in which the cross-sections are arranged relative to one another in accordance with the position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Yuan Jiang
  • Patent number: 10149700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-serial, substantially simultaneous or simultaneous tissue sampling and placement of multiple markers/fiducials in a non-linear, distributed or three dimensional configuration. The systems and methods can be applicable to other forms and combinations of distributed/3 dimensional/spherical localization which may include a single procedure or combination of procedures that may include 3D biopsy, fiducial placement, brachytherapy seed placement, injection/infusion of bioactive materials (e.g., chemotherapy, small molecules, cellular materials, cells, caustic materials, proteolytics, embolic material, glue, etc.), thermally or electrically derived ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jan R. Lau
  • Patent number: 10143446
    Abstract: A method for eliminating background noises in shear waves and the respective ultrasonic imaging system, the method includes: transmitting a push pulse along a push pulse vector; transmitting a first group of focus track pulses at a first group of a plurality of locations far away from the push pulse vector; receiving a first group of focus echo signals in response to the first group of focus track pulses; and processing the first group of focus echo signals to determine a first group of tissue displacement information varying with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Lu Tang, Xiaodong Han, Gang Cheng, Liang Shen
  • Patent number: 10143531
    Abstract: An image guided biopsy grid markable with marking medium for marking a subject's skin underlying the grid with a marking to identify a needle entry target. The grid includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of substrate pores extending therethrough. An adhesive layer on the underside of the substrate conformingly and removably attaches the substrate to the skin substantially without gapping therebetween. The adhesive layer defines a plurality of adhesive pores and/or adhesive free spaces that allow marking medium to flow through the adhesive layer and onto the skin to mark the skin and identify the needle entry target. The biopsy grid may be marked substantially anywhere along its upper surface and marking medium will pass therethrough and mark the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: BEEKLEY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maeghan E. Traboulsi, Thomas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10130336
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe and ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus that can maintain surface temperature of an ultrasound probe within a safe range, without reduction in performance. The ultrasound probe includes a casing, a transducer, an electronic circuit, and a heat-transfer construction. Elements of the transducer are aligned at one end of the casing and send out ultrasound waves in accordance with their respective delay times. The electronic circuit, disposed in the casing, includes a delay circuit setting delay times and pulsers for generating pulses in accordance with the delay times, the pulses being sent to the transducer. While the electronic circuit is being energized, the heat-transfer construction disposes a member having a low heat conductivity at least either between the electronic circuit and the casing or between the electronic circuit and the transducer. Thereby, heat from the electronic circuit is conducted to the other end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Miyajima, Hironobu Hongou, Toru Hirano, Isao Uchiumi, Nobuyuki Iwama, Masaaki Ishitsuka