Abstract: Ingestible event markers comprising an identifier and an ingestible component are provided. The ingestible component may vary, where ingestible components of interest include osmotic ingestible components, liquid capsules, tablets, multi-layered ingestible component and multi-compartment ingestible components. In some instances, the identifier is mechanically stably associated with the ingestible component. Also provided are systems that include the ingestible event markers, as well as methods of using the ingestible event markers.

Abstract: An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus that can display image data acquired at a plurality of measuring positions in panoramic image data and display measured results of diagnosis parameters for each of the measuring positions of the panoramic image data The panoramic image data is generated by combining a plurality of reference image data generated at a plurality of diagnosis target positions. The plurality of measuring positions is designated based on the latest reference image data composing the panoramic image data. Based on Doppler signals acquired through ultrasound transmissions and receptions to and from the plurality of measurement positions, image data is generated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic equipment of the present invention includes: an ultrasonic transducer body transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a swing shaft (4) attached integrally to the ultrasonic transducer body; a swing shaft pulley (5) provided on the swing shaft; a motor having an output shaft (7); an output shaft pulley (8) provided on the output shaft; a belt (9) wound around the swing shaft pulley and the output shaft pulley; a plurality of belt fixing screws (11, 12) fixing the belt to the swing shaft pulley and the output shaft pulley. The belt is divided into two regions at the belt fixing screws so as to allow the regions to have different natural frequencies. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly reliable ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment using the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a fluid and reduced-toxicity optical media with optical analysis and therapeutic energy delivery. An aspect of the invention provides an aqueous solution of increased-salinity of between about 1% and 35%. An increasing salinity in accordance with the invention provides improved transmissive efficiency at many wavelengths and less toxicity than many existing systems and methods. A catheter having integrated fibers for probing or treating internal lumens or other tissues can include a liquid-inflatable balloon or flushing mechanism using the solution for displacing blood or other obstructions in an optical path between the fiber and targeted tissue. Methods including spectroscopy can be employed with the solution for diagnosing medical conditions associated with diseased vessels or other tissues while reducing the risk of permanent damage resulting from the diagnosis.

Abstract: In a method for acquisition of magnetic resonance images of the heart, MR signals of the heart are acquired using an imaging sequence, wherein the magnetization is inverted by an RF inversion pulse before the acquisition of the MR signals; and of the heart activity is detected, and the point in time of the switching of the RF inversion pulse dependent on the detected heart activity.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can acoustically couple an ultrasound therapy transducer to a patient. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured to conform to the anatomy of a patient's perineal area to acoustically couple an ultrasound therapy transducer to the patient for treatment of BPH. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.

Abstract: Versatility and the quality of images are to be improved. As preparation pulses, a first RF pulse to flip along the yz plane spins oriented in a magnetostatic field direction in a subject; a velocity encoding gradient pulse which, in spins flipped by that first RF pulse, mutually shifts the phase of spins in a static state and the phase of spins in a moving state; and a second RF pulse to flip along the yz plane spins whose phase has been shifted by the velocity encoding gradient pulse are successively transmitted. After that, a killer pulse is transmitted to extinguish the transverse magnetizations of the spins flipped by the second RF pulse.

Abstract: Treatment targets such as tumors or lesions, located within an anatomical region that undergoes motion (which may be periodic with cycle P), are dynamically tracked. A 4D mathematical model is established for the non-rigid motion and deformation of the anatomical region, from a set of CT or other 3D images. The 4D mathematical model relates the 3D locations of part(s) of the anatomical region with the targets being tracked, as a function of the position in time within P. Using fiducial-less non-rigid image registration between pre-operative DRRs and intra-operative x-ray images, the absolute position of the target and/or other part(s) of the anatomical region is determined. The cycle P is determined using motion sensors such as surface markers. The radiation beams are delivered using: 1) the results of non-rigid image registration; 2) the 4D model; and 3) the position in time within P.

Abstract: A diagnostic catheter and method of use for analyzing tissue is provided. A method for analyzing tissue in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes inserting a catheter having a sensor at its distal end into the body of a patient, applying suction through the catheter to secure the tissue to the catheter and then analyzing the tissue with the sensor. An apparatus for analyzing tissue within the body of a patient in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is also provided. This alternative embodiment includes a catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end having an orifice and a sensor, the catheter also having a lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass comprises a cannula with a preloaded localization wire having a distal end and at least one anchor. An actuator is in operable communication with the cannula and is configured for operation between a charged condition and a discharged condition to retract the cannula toward a retracted position to expose the distal end and the at least one anchor of the localization wire to the tissue mass, without inducing movement of the localization wire, and with the cannula being removable from the localization wire in its entirety.

Abstract: Treatment targets such as tumors or lesions, located within an anatomical region that undergoes motion (which may be periodic with cycle P), are dynamically tracked. A 4D mathematical model is established for the non-rigid motion and deformation of the anatomical region, from a set of CT or other 3D images. The 4D mathematical model relates the 3D locations of part(s) of the anatomical region with the targets being tracked, as a function of the position in time within P. Using fiducial-less non-rigid image registration between pre-operative DRRs and intra-operative x-ray images, the absolute position of the target and/or other part(s) of the anatomical region is determined. The cycle P is determined using motion sensors such as surface markers. The radiation beams are delivered using: 1) the results of non-rigid image registration; 2) the 4D model; and 3) the position in time within P.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting lipid cores underneath thin fibrous caps (LCTC) and thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA) in a subject in need of diagnosis for having a vulnerable plaque, a plaque at risk of disruption or thrombosis, or risk of an acute coronary syndrome, and for screening compounds for modulators of this process.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus for imaging a subject so as to emphasize, more than a background tissue, a bodily fluid flowing through an imaging region of the subject, the apparatus includes a transmission coil for transmitting an RF pulse to the subject, a first transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a first inversion pulse for inverting longitudinal magnetization components of the bodily fluid and the background tissue to negative values from the positive values, a second transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a second inversion pulse for inverting the longitudinal magnetization component of the background tissue to the positive value from the negative value inverted by the first inversion pulse, a third transmission coil control device for controlling the transmission coil so that the transmission coil transmits a third inversion pulse for inverting the longitudinal magnetizati

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for a forward looking guidewire having a reduced radial cross-section for increased maneuverability and use of the guidewire within more narrow vasculature. The guidewire can include an elongate tubular member having a distal region, proximal region and inner lumen and a forward looking imaging device coupled with the distal end of the guidewire. The distal region of the guidewire can be relatively more flexible than the proximal region. The guidewire can also include a second, side looking imaging device, which can be coupled around a longitudinal portion of the guidewire in the radial or proximal regions.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for motion with displaying ultrasound motion tracking information are provided. The method includes obtaining ultrasound image data of an imaged object and determining motion tracking information based on the ultrasound image data. The method further includes compensating for motion of the imaged object based on the determined motion tracking information and generating motion compensated ultrasound image data in combination with motion tracking indicators based on the motion compensation.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides an imaging device having a light source, a photo-sensor and a scanning assembly. In some embodiments, the light source is fixedly mounted in the first end of an elongated sheath and is adapted for illuminating a target, and the photo-sensor is mounted on the scanning assembly, also in the first end of the elongated sheath, and is adapted to detect light energy from the target. In other embodiments, the light source is movably mounted and the detector is held stationary. In other embodiments, both the light source and the photo-sensor are movably mounted. The scanning devices synchronously capture light energy from each of a plurality locations on the target, the light energy resulting from illumination by the light source, and synchronously digitizes the output from the photo-sensor from each of the plurality of locations on the target to generate an image of the target.

Abstract: An electronic array probe for ultrasonic imaging includes an array of transmitting and/or receiving electroacoustic transducers arranged in concentric bands in which the transducers are tangent to one other in both radial and circumferential directions. In order to minimize the number of transducers required without compromising dynamic range, a transducer arrangement geometry is provided so that the number of transducers having the same focusing delay is minimal or null.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating subcutaneous tissues using acoustic waves in the range of low acoustic pressure ultrasound waves is disclosed. The method includes injections of enhancing agents, wherein disruption of subcutaneous tissues and subcutaneous cavitational bioeffects are produced by ultrasound waves having a power that will not produce tissue cavitation in the absence of the enhancing agents. The apparatus and method of use is useful for treatment of subcutaneous abnormalities including cellulite, lipomas, and tumors.