Abstract: Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement.

Abstract: An ultrasound processing system includes an ultrasound interface and processing electronics. The ultrasound interface receives imaging information. The processing electronics are coupled to the ultrasound interface and are configured to utilize the ultrasound imaging information to use time-varying frame selection to estimate strain so that the processing electronics perform the time-varying frame selection by comparing a single frame to a plurality of previous frames and selecting a single comparison set for each frame for strain estimation.

Abstract: Systems and methods generally relate to identifying ultrasound images from multiple ultrasound exams. The systems and methods identify a first ultrasound image feature of a current ultrasound image of an anatomical structure during a current ultrasound exam based on ultrasound data received from an ultrasound probe, and accessing a plurality of prior ultrasound images that were acquired during a prior ultrasound exam. The systems and methods compare the first ultrasound image feature in the current ultrasound image with related ultrasound image features in the plurality of prior ultrasound images to identify candidate ultrasound images. The systems and methods identify a resultant ultrasound image from the candidate ultrasound images based on the related ultrasound image features, and display the current and resultant ultrasound images on a display.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.

Abstract: A diagnosis support system includes a calculator configured to calculate position information indicating a positional relationship between a biological sensor and a predetermined region of a measurement target; and an extractor configured to extract, from biological information already diagnosed, biological information that is associated with position information, which is similar to the position information calculated by the calculator.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus in which, when a quantitative value, which does not depend on imaging parameter values, is computed from a plurality of image data having different pixel values that are acquired by performing imaging the plurality of times with different imaging parameter values in the same pulse sequence, pixel values which are acquired from the imaging parameter values are predicted for each of a plurality of predetermined quantitative-value candidate group, and an initial value of the quantitative value is selected from the quantitative-value candidate groups with reference to the predicted pixel values. The optimal quantitative value is computed through a localized optimization technique using the selected initial value.

Abstract: Resonance Raman scatter is used to differentiate in quasi-real time (QRT) anomalous tissue from adjacent normal tissue. The fingerprint generated from the tissue by a 1 second pulse of 532 nm emission for approximately one second is collected and is relayed by fiber-optic to a computerized controller that determines whether the target tissue is anomalous or normal. If anomalous it is ablated. This is performed by a pattern of Resonance Raman diagnostic emission and diagnostic sensor fibers. This diagnostic/therapeutic pattern of fibers can be moved by a joystick or robotically controlled. The data received by the computer is examined instantly, and should the site be diagnosed as anomalous, the optical biopsy/ablation is repeated immediately and repeated until the site is read as normal. Novel arrays of the diagnostic and therapeutic energies ensure a 3D anomalous tissue free zone around the removal site.

Abstract: Reconstruction of projection images of a CBCT scan is performed by generating simulated projection data, comparing the simulated projection data to the projection images of the CBCT scan, determining a residual volume based on the comparison, and using the residual volume to determine an accurate reconstructed volume. The reconstructed volume can be used to segment a tumor (and potentially one or more organs) and align the tumor to a planning volume (e.g., from a CT scan) to identify changes, such as shape of the tumor and proximity of the tumor to an organ. These changes can be used to update a radiation therapy procedure, such as by altering a radiation treatment plan and fine-tuning a patient position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for registering a manipulator assembly and independently positionable surgical table are provided herein. In one aspect, methods include attaching a registration device to a particular location of the surgical table and attaching a manipulator arm of the manipulator assembly to the registration device and determining a position and/or orientation of the surgical table relative the manipulator assembly using joint state sensor readings from the manipulator arm. In another aspect, methods for registration include tracking of one or more optical or radio markers with a sensor associate with the manipulator assembly to determine a spatial relationship between the surgical table and manipulator assembly.

Abstract: A marker coil includes a flexible substrate, a coil formed on the substrate by wiring, and a substrate holding part that is capable of being attached to a testee. A convex shape is formed in one of the substrate and the substrate holding part, and an engaging part for engaging the convex shape is formed in the other one of the substrate and the substrate holding part.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe, a method for controlling the same, and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing; a first contact sensing portion located at one position of an outer surface of the housing, and configured to detect contact; and a second contact sensing portion located at a different position from the first contact sensing portion, and configured to detect contact. A combination of contact sensing results obtained from the first contact sensing portion and the second contact sensing portion is determined such that an operation corresponding to the determined combination of the contact sensing results is carried out.

Abstract: A method of locating a tool or device uses vision driven navigation augmented by inertial guidance. The vision navigation is in reference to fiducial markers in a room viewed by cameras mounted on the tool or device. The cameras calculate the location of the tool or device based on the fiducial markers. The combination of a camera fiducial location and inertial guidance assures knowing the tool's location and orientation regardless of interruption of line-of-sight. Using combined guidance provides a more robust and precise tool or device location and pointing. MEMS sensors and smart phone cameras can be used to make compact tools or devices.

Abstract: A guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system includes an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors may be associated with the probe. The system may include a medical device, such as a needle, separate from the probe, the medical device having a magnetic field associated therewith. The system may include a processor that uses data relating to the magnetic field sensed by the one or more sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the medical device. The system may also include a display that shows an image of the internal body portion target taken by the ultrasound imaging probe and a depiction of the medical device positioned and/or oriented with respect to the image.

Abstract: Dynamic reference arrays use markers and trackers to register a patient's anatomy to computer system. Wherein the dynamic reference array may be screwed into a patient's spinous process, clamped on to a spinous process, or attached to the spinous process using posts. In embodiments, a dynamic reference array may comprise a single structure comprising and attachment member and a scaffold. In alternate embodiments, the dynamic reference array may comprise distinct structures that allow the dynamic reference array to swivel and collapse in order to facilitate registration, while not interfering with a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Alignment of an ultrasonograph and volume data obtained beforehand is correctly performed without requiring a user to perform complicated operation. First volume data for an ultrasonograph and second volume data obtained by another imaging apparatus are received and aligned. A predetermined imaging part selected from a plurality of imaging parts of a subject is received from a user. The second volume data are initially rotated by a rotation angle corresponding to the imaging part received by the receptor, and alignment of the initially rotated second volume data and the first volume data after is further carried out.

Abstract: A system and method for shape sensing assistance in a medical procedure includes a three-dimensional image (111) of a distributed pathway system (148). A shape sensing enabled elongated device (102) is included for insertion into the pathway system to measure a shape of the elongated device in the pathway system. A pathway determination module (144) is configured to compute a planned path to a target in the three-dimensional image and compute permissible movements of the elongated device at diverging pathways in the pathway system to provide feedback for deciding which of the diverging paths to take in accordance with the planned path.

Abstract: A system for providing navigational guidance to a sonographer acquiring images may provide haptic feedback to the sonographer. The haptic feedback may be provided through an ultrasonic probe or a separate device. Haptic feedback may include vibrations or other sensations provided to the sonographer. The system may analyze acquired images and determine the location of acquisition and compare it to a desired image based, at least in part, on the acquired image. The system may then provide the haptic feedback to guide the sonographer to move the ultrasonic probe to the location to acquire the desired image.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus and a method of emitting plane wave are provided. The ultrasound apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a transceiver circuit, a switch module and a processor. The ultrasound probe has a 1st to a Mth transducer elements for respectively emitting ultrasound beams to form the plane wave, and the transceiver circuit has a 1st to a Nth transceiving channels. M, N are positive integers, and M is a multiple of N. During a scanning period, the processor controls the switch module to initially and respectively connect the 1st-Nth transceiving channels to the 1st-Nth transducer elements, such that the 1st-Nth transducer elements successively emit the ultrasound beams. After the ultrasound beam is emitted by the Nth transducer element, the processor controls the switch module to respectively connect the 1st-Nth transceiving channels to the (N+1)th-(2N)th transducer elements, such that the (N+1)th-(2N)th transducer elements successively emit the ultrasound beams.

Abstract: Cooling units for an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and related ultrasound systems are described. The ultrasound imaging systems may include an ultrasound imaging apparatus operable to acquire ultrasound image data; and a cooling unit configured to detachably couple to the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The cooling unit may be cordless and include an active cooling element for removing heat from the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may have a sensor to determine when the cooling unit is attached. The cooling unit may have an identity interface, and the ultrasound imaging apparatus may use the identity interface to determine whether the cooling unit is compatible.

Abstract: A medical system for shape sensing by interacting with a shape sensing element (12) configured to perform a shape sensing measurement of an interventional device (14) and by interacting with an image data generation unit (28) for generating image data (21) is provided.