Abstract: Certain aspects relate to apparatuses and techniques for non-invasive optical imaging that acquires a plurality of images corresponding to both different times and different frequencies. Additionally, alternatives described herein are used with a variety of tissue classification applications, including assessing the presence and severity of tissue conditions, such as burns and other wounds.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound system and method for providing a guide line corresponding to a pathway through which a needle is introduced or inserted. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound data acquisition unit that transmits an ultrasound signal to a living body into which the needle is inserted, receives an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the living body, and acquires ultrasound data corresponding to each of a plurality of ultrasound images, and a processor that generates the plurality of ultrasound images by using the ultrasound data, creates a mask image for detecting a position and an angle at which the needle is introduced, detects the position and angle by using the mask image, and sets a guide line of the needle on the ultrasound image by using the position and angle.

Abstract: A method of producing a series of vasculature images over an extended field of view (FOV) larger than an FOV of an MRI system includes acquiring initial time-resolved image data from the vasculature and, during the acquiring process, reconstructing, in substantially real-time, a series of three-dimensional (3D) tracking images of the initial portion of the vasculature illustrating a current position of a contrast bolus in the vasculature as the contrast bolus passes through the initial portion of the vasculature. Based on a current position of the contrast bolus, the subject is moved to a subsequent imaging station to acquire subsequent time-resolved image data and reconstruct subsequent 3D tracking images of subsequent portions of the vasculature. This process is repeated and then an image is assembled that extends over the extended FOV using the initial time-resolved image data and the subsequent time-resolved image data.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) system. The MRI-PET system includes a PET unit and a radiofrequency (RF) coil disposed within a gradient coil assembly.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to systems and methods for assessing neural activity of a neural region having multiple subfields. In certain embodiments, a method includes evoking a cellular electrical response in at least one subfield due to neural activity in the neural region, capturing image data of the electrical response at a level sufficiently detailed in space and time to differentiate between polarization-based events of two respective portions of the subfield, and then assessing neural activity by correlating space and time information, from the captured data, for the two respective portions of the sub-field. Other more specific aspects of the invention involve different preparation and neural stimulation approaches which can vary depending on the application.

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: The present invention relates to a sliding-type apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment comprising: a body (1100) on which a thermo-therapeutic treatment device (1010) is arranged; a cover (1250) which is slid, and covers said thermo-therapeutic treatment device (1010); and guide grooves which are formed to slide on said body (1100). According to the present invention, if the apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment is not used, a lower bed member is slid such that the lower bed member can be overlapped with the body whereby a space can be easily utilized, and if the apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment is used, the lower bed member is easily unfolded in a sliding manner.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an imaging assembly located in a scan room and a controller coupled to the imaging assembly and located in a separate control room. A display is coupled to the controller and located in the scan room. The display is configured to display at least one graphical user interface relating to the set up of a patient and a scan for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. An input device is also located in the scan room and is coupled to the display and the controller. The input device is configured to receive data regarding the set up of a patient and a scan for the MRI exam.

Abstract: A therapy system comprises a therapy module to direct a therapeutic action to a target along successive trajectories in a target zone that includes the target. A thermometry module is provided to measure temperature in a measurement field and to compute a thermal dose. The measurement field at least partially covers the target zone. A control module controls the therapy module to switch the therapeutic action to a next successive trajectory on the basis of the measured temperature or thermal dose. The successive trajectories are located inside of or outside of one another within the target zone. The therapeutic action comprises application of a focused ultrasound beam to the target. Temperature measurement is done on the basis of magnetic resonance signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope system includes: an ultrasound endoscope that wirelessly transmits and receives endoscope state information; a video processor including a first read-out section that reads out the endoscope state information of the ultrasound endoscope; an ultrasound observation apparatus including a second read-out section that reads out endoscope state information obtained by a communication section for observation apparatus; and a control section that compares the endoscope state information obtained by the first read-out section in the video processor and the endoscope state information obtained by the second read-out section in the ultrasound observation apparatus, and causes sharing of information related to a subject to be started between the video processor and the ultrasound observation apparatus only when the endoscope state information obtained by the first read-out section and the endoscope state information obtained by the second read-out section match with each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. For one preferred embodiment, an IGRT apparatus is provided comprising a ring gantry having a central opening and a radiation treatment head coupled to the ring gantry that is rotatable around the central opening in at least a 180 degree arc. For one preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gantry translation mechanism configured to translate the ring gantry in a direction of a longitudinal axis extending through the central opening. Noncoplanar radiation treatment delivery can thereby be achieved without requiring movement of the patient. For another preferred embodiment, an independently translatable 3D imaging device distinct from the ring gantry is provided for further achieving at least one of pre-treatment imaging and setup imaging of the target tissue volume without requiring movement of the patient.

Abstract: An integrated radiation therapy process comprises acquiring first objective target data related to a parameter of a target within a patient by periodically locating a marker positioned within the patient using a localization modality. This method continues with obtaining second objective target data related to the parameter of the target by periodically locating the marker. The first objective target data can be acquired in a first area that is apart from a second area which contains a radiation delivery device for producing an ionizing radiation beam for treating the patient. The localization modality can be the same in both the first and second areas. In other embodiments, the first objective target data can be acquired using a first localization modality that uses a first energy type to identify the marker and the second objective target data can be obtained using a second localization modality that uses a second energy type to identify the marker that is different than the first energy type.

Abstract: An elongated shaft assembly includes a rotatable inner cutting sleeve and a non-rotating outer sleeve. A window of the inner cutting sleeve is selectively rotatable within an opening of the non-rotating outer sleeve to cut tissue with a sharpened cutting blade when rotated in a first rotational direction and to cut tissue with an electrode when rotated in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) targeting and treatment of tissue. In one embodiment, the system includes an HIFU applicator and a user interface with a touchscreen display for three-dimensional visualization of the tissue. Image frames displayed on the user interface depict real-time images of the tissue, including an image parallel to a feature of the applicator and an image orthogonal to the parallel image. Reference lines may be sketched using the touchscreen and displayed on the image frames. In one embodiment, tissue boundaries are detected and marked on the image frames, either by the user or automatically by the system. In another embodiment, the user interface includes a footswitch for the user to interact with the system. In another embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound imaging component configured to undock from the system for use as a stand-alone ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments using radio frequency (RF) technology. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow a trajectory, e.g., an angular approach, of a surgical instrument relative to a patient to be identified during use of the instrument in a surgical procedure being performed on the patient. The trajectory can be identified using a plurality of RF modules. The methods, systems, and devices can allow the trajectory to be compared to a predetermined trajectory so as to identify whether the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory. A result of the matching can be communicated to a user of the instrument. Based on the result, the user can maintain the trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory, or can adjust the trajectory to closer align the trajectory with the predetermined trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory does not match the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: An ultrasound energy barrier for avoiding energy accumulation in a to-be-protected region during tumor treatment has a barrier element and a positioning element. The barrier element is attached to a body surface of an animal outside a to-be-protected region and a to-be-treated tumor in turn, the barrier element has an outline matched with the to-be-protected region to thus shield the to-be-protected region, so as to avoid energy accumulation in the to-be-protected region during an ultrasound focusing treatment of the to-be-treated tumor. The positioning element positioning the barrier element on the body surface during the ultrasound focusing treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of radiotherapy in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging in which various conductors, shields and shims may be used to solve issues occurring when radiation therapy equipment is placed in the vicinity of an magnetic resonance imaging system.

Abstract: Cavity and sentinel lymph node marking devices, marker delivery devices, and methods are disclosed. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammography, echogenic, or other noninvasive imaging techniques. A composition and method are disclosed for locating the sentinel lymph node in a mammalian body to determine if cancerous cells have spread thereto. The composition is preferably a fluid composition consisting of a carrier fluid and some type of contrast agent; alternatively, the contrast agent may itself be a fluid and therefore not need a separate carrier fluid. This composition is capable of (1) deposition in or around a lesion and migration to and accumulation in the associated sentinel node, and (2) remote detection via any number of noninvasive techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing apparatus for sensing an object. The sensing apparatus comprises an ultrasound unit (11) for ultrasonically sensing the object (4), an electrical energy application unit (9) for applying electrical energy to the object (4), and an ultrasound unit shielding element (16) for electrically shielding the ultrasound unit (11), wherein the ultrasound unit shielding element (16) is electrically connected to the electrical energy application unit (9). Since the ultrasound unit shielding element electrically shields the ultrasound unit, the ultrasound sensing of the object is less influenced by a capacitive coupling of the application of electrical energy, in particular, of an RF signal which may be used for applying the electrical energy, into the ultrasound sensing. A further reduction of this influence is achieved by electrically connecting the ultrasound unit shielding element to the electrical energy application unit.