Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for guiding a surgical instrument into a preselected spatial relationship with a lesion, in particular a lesion of the breast. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a data translation system that translates a set of data points representing the position of the lesion into a set of three dimensional coordinates, and also includes a tracking system that tracks the position of a surgical instrument in three dimensional space, and further includes a representation system that produces a representation of the position of the surgical instrument relative to the lesion. The systems of the present invention are correlated with methods for biopsying a lesion and for surgically removing a lesion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information concerning a tubular structure is disclosed. The method includes determining a centerline of the tubular structure and a plurality of center points along that centerline, determining a plurality of cross-sections at the respective center points that are perpendicular to the centerline, and identifying first values associated with each of the cross-sections and indicative of a first characteristic of the tubular structure. The method additionally includes generating a modified image of the tubular structure by determining a plurality of image lines corresponding to the respective cross-sections, and displaying a curve that represents the first characteristic alongside the modified image. The curve is formed by displaying, along a scale, a plurality of second values that are functionally related to the respective first values, each second value being positioned alongside the modified image along a respective one of the image lines.

Abstract: A system with multimodality instrument for tissue identification includes a computer-controlled motor driven heuristic probe with a multisensory tip. For neurosurgical applications, the instrument is mounted on a stereotactic frame for the probe to penetrate the brain in a precisely controlled fashion. The resistance of the brain tissue being penetrated is continually monitored by a miniaturized strain gauge attached to the probe tip. Other modality sensors may be mounted near the probe tip to provide real-time tissue characterizations and the ability to detect the proximity of blood vessels, thus eliminating errors normally associated with registration of pre-operative scans, tissue swelling, elastic tissue deformation, human judgement, etc., and rendering surgical procedures safer, more accurate, and efficient. A neural network program adaptively learns the information on resistance and other characteristic features of normal brain tissue during the surgery and provides near real-time modeling.

Abstract: Connector and guidewires connectable thereto are disclosed which enable for the connection of guidewires requiring electrical connection to an external electrical source. These guidewires may be used for MRI imaging and the external source could be an MRI scanner. An embodiment of a guidewire is provided with enables for easier connection through improved dimensions and mechanical strength at the proximal end. An embodiment of a connector is provided which can attach to any guidewire or coaxial cable. These connectors provide for desirable mechanical and electrical properties while still enabling catheters and other tools to be used in conjunction with guidewires and other cables.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual contrast agent for blood vessels in a body portion for angioscopy comprising deriving data from a 3D model using, for example, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography (CT), and 3D angio. The data is segmented to provide a segmented 3D model of the blood vessels. A first procedure image is made with a contrast agent present. The 3D model is then registered with the first procedural image and “virtual camera parameters” are obtained. The 3D model is rendered and overlaid onto a second procedure image without contrast, whereby a virtual contrast is achieved.

Abstract: An imaging probe and method and an MRI system utilizing the same are presented. The probe comprises first and second magnetic field sources, and a receiver of NMR signals. The first magnetic field source creates a primary, substantially non-homogeneous, static magnetic field in a region of interest in a medium outside the probe. The second magnetic field source creates an external time-varying magnetic field, which when being applied to the region of the static magnetic field, is capable of exciting nuclei in an extended sub-region of this region and generating the NMR signals.

Abstract: In a phase information restoring method using a phase contrast method, the estimated accuracy of phase is enhanced. The phase information restoring method of restoring phase information of radiation transmitted through an object on the basis of a plurality of image signals respectively obtained by detecting intensity of radiation transmitted through the object on a plurality of planes different in distance from the object, comprises the steps of: obtaining a differential signal representing difference between a first image signal and a second image signal; subjecting any one of the plurality of image signals to a suppressing process or a removing process for high spatial frequency components thereof so as to generate a third image signal; obtaining Laplacian of phase with respect to the differential signal and the third image signal; and restoring phase information by applying an inverse Laplacian operation to the Laplacian of phase.

Abstract: An embodiment of the targeting system includes a penetrating beam emitter, a penetrating beam receiver, and a targeting assembly. The targeting assembly is adjustable. The targeting assembly has a targeting marker in a path of a penetrating beam provided by the emitter. The targeting marker is at least partially opaque to a penetrating beam emitted by the emitter, and the targeting marker indicates a targeting point on a target axis. The targeting assembly further includes a targeting beam device capable of providing a targeting beam along the target axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for graphic visualization and diagnosis of thrombi as well as the use of particle suspensions for the production of contrast media for the visualization of thrombi with use of nuclear spin tomography.

Abstract: An optical CT apparatus 10 is mainly composed of a container 12 filled with an optical interface member 20; a light-projecting section, comprising a light source 22 and an optical switch 24, for projecting light into the container 12; a light-detecting section, comprising photodetectors 30 and shutters 32, for detecting the light from the inside of the container 12; and an arithmetic/control section 14 for calculating a spatial distribution of absorption coefficient. The arithmetic/control section 14 has a function of determining a spatial distribution of a characteristic amount concerning a part of an object to be measured 200 according to a comparison of an optical intensity signal actually measured by each detector 30 in a state where the container 12 is filled with the optical interface member 20 with an optical signal actually measured by each detector 30 in a state where the optical interface member 20 is partly replaced by the part of object to be measured 200.

Abstract: In a method for acquiring an image of a plane in a magnetic resonance apparatus, the images are obtained in imaging planes which are defined directly with respect to the patient. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes an imaging volume, a patient support table which positioned in the imaging volume, a position measuring device to establish and maintain in real time the position of the patient, as well as a controller for controlling gradient coils in response to the signals provided by the position measuring device in such a manner that consecutive images are acquired from imaging planes which are defined directly with respect to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for semi-automatically registering low signal to noise ratio relaxation-time images, with particular application to tracking motion in moving organs and quantifying myocardial perfusion reserve. For each image acquired in a time series, a corresponding high signal to noise ratio image is extrapolated from the collected data. The high signal to noise ratio images are registered to track motion, and the resulting registration data is copied onto the corresponding relaxation time image.

Abstract: An optical sampling subsystem and method that reduces the effect of errors in an optical sampling subsystem when heterogeneously distributed samples are measured in the path of a spectrometer. The optical sampling subsystem is used to collect the non-uniformly distributed radiation exiting the heterogeneous sample and produce a uniform irradiance at its output. The output is then directed into the wavenumber (inverse of wavelength in centimeters) dispersive or modulating device of the spectrometer. The resulting spectra exhibit less spectral complexity arising from components of the sampling subsystem design and the heterogeneous sample, in particular, the effect of wavenumber shift is minimized. Improved quantitative predictions, qualitative analysis and calibration transfer are direct consequences of the reduced spectral complexity.

Abstract: Medical diagnosis apparatuses (and a respective method for using such apparatuses) are provided, particularly large apparatuses operated in a centralized manner, (e.g., MR scanners, CT tomographs or the like), characterized by a patient acquisition device assigned to it for acquiring individual distinctive identification features of the patient, which are automatically stored with the apparatus data obtained.

Abstract: A review and analyze protocol is described. The protocol comprises the steps of performing a patient scan to collect scan data to be used in generating an image, performing at least one of a single exam review and a dual exam review of images generated using the scan data, and analyzing an area of interest identified in performing the exam review.

Abstract: A cardiovascular imaging and functional analysis system and method is disclosed, wherein a dedicated fast, sensitive, compact and economical imaging gamma camera system that is especially suited for heart imaging and functional analysis is employed. The cardiovascular imaging and functional analysis system of the present invention can be used as a dedicated nuclear cardiology small field of view imaging camera. The disclosed cardiovascular imaging system and method has the advantages of being able to image physiology, while offering an inexpensive and portable hardware, unlike MRI, CT, and echocardiography systems. The cardiovascular imaging system of the invention employs a basic modular design suitable for cardiac imaging with one of several radionucleide tracers.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging cross-sectional views of the inner structure of the breast, the apparatus comprising: a source of light (12) illuminating the breast situated at a first position of the breast a matching interface (19) situated, at a second position, on a surface of the breast, which reduces scatter caused by said surface; and an imaging detector (24) focused on a plane within the breast, through said matching interface.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique and apparatus for acquiring anatomic information used in diagnosing and characterizing abdominal aortic aneurismal disease and the like. This technique provides anatomic information, in the form of images, using a combination of a plurality of magnetic resonance angiography sequences, including a spin-echo and four contrast enhanced (e.g., gadolinium) magnetic resonance angiography sequences. The anatomic images may be used in, for example, pre-operative, operative and post-operative evaluation of aortic pathology, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and occlusive disease of branch vessels such as the renal arteries. The gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides sufficient anatomic detail to detect aneurysms and all relevant major branch vessel abnormalities seen at angiography operation.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance imaging is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering a series of video images of a spherical or quasi-spherical surface subject to movement relies on projecting at least four diffusely scattering spots of light on the surface in a preferred angular manner, and monitoring the movement of images of the light spots relative to a reference image of the light spots.