Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the imaging of structures in deep tissue within biological specimens, using spectral imaging to provide highly sensitive detection. By acquiring data that provides a plurality of images of the sample with different spectral weightings, and subsequent spectral analysis, light emission from a target compound is separated from autofluorescence in the sample. With the autofluorescence reduced or eliminated, an improved measurement of the target compound is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatuses for identifying nerve tissue and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus may include an elongate shaft having a distal region configured to be percutaneously deployed within a patient. An active imaging structure may be disposed on the distal region. The active imaging structure may be configured to remotely image nerve tissue by exciting a signal in nerve tissue from a percutaneous location and receiving the signal from a percutaneous location. The active imaging structure may include one or more probes.

Abstract: A device for internal ultrasound imaging including a micro-motor rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. Conductors attach between the transducer and slip ring assemblies. The slip ring assemblies conductively couple the transducer conductors to a set of conductors extending toward a console.

Abstract: In a method for guiding brachytherapy radiation treatment the patient is supported on a table and an MR magnet is brought into the treatment bunker through doors for imaging while the after-loader for the radiation source delivery is stored away in a storage location outside the RF shield. A safety system controls movement of the after-loader and the magnet. Images of the patient obtained while the patient is on the table are used to locate the applicator with respect to the lesion and organs-at-risk. The MR and X-ray compatible patient support table with MR coil integration includes a removable end-extension, which provides pelvic access for applicator insertion.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including a probe in which a plurality of elements transmitting an ultrasound wave to a measurement target region of an object and receiving a reflected wave is arranged in a first direction, and a mechanical scanning unit that moves the probe in the first direction and a direction crossing the first direction. A transmission processor, to each element included in a transmission aperture element row transmitting the ultrasound wave, inputs an input signal for driving the element, and a received signal processor combines received signals obtained by the elements included in a reception aperture element row receiving the ultrasound wave. A generator generates property information on the object from the combined signal, and a controller that determines at least one of the number of elements included in the transmission aperture element row.

Abstract: A method for producing multiple temporal frames of a time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram from a subject using an MR contrast agent by repeatedly applying RF pulses and sampling data in the corresponding image k-space along spiral trajectories that start at the k-space center and spiral outward toward the k-space edge.

Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate body, a central lumen extending within the elongate body from the proximal end to the distal end, a rotatable tip at the distal end of the elongate body, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip is configured to rotate relative to the elongate body. The OCT imaging sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. A distal end of the elongate body includes one or more markers configured to occlude the OCT imaging sensor as it rotates. A fixed jog in the elongate body proximal to the distal end of the catheter positions the distal end of the catheter at an angle relative to the region of the catheter proximal to the fixed jog and is aligned with the one or more markers on the elongate body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for fluid control in a thermal therapy system is disclosed. A fluid circuit permits passage of a fluid through a fluid circuit, including into and out of a treatment zone so as to cool or heat or maintain a temperature in said treatment zone at or near a desired temperature. The temperature is sensed at a point in the circuit between a discharge of a fluid pump and the treatment zone. MRI based thermometry of tissue in the treatment zone is accomplished in some aspects. Furthermore, a desired temperature may be programmably set to a given value or within a band of values using a processor and a temperature controller. In some aspects, leakage of fluid from a patient or from the fluid control system is captured by a leak-proof member to protect imaging and treatment equipment from damage.

Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining one or more parameters of a tuned circuit forming part of a wireless energy transmission system in an implanted (or implantable) medical device are described. The method involves energizing the tuned circuit then receiving a signal back from it. This signal is then analyzed to determine a property of the circuit such as its quality factor (Q) or resonant frequency. Also described herein is a method and system for determining the implantation depth of a component of an implanted medical device. The method involves determining the position of a magnetic element which is mounted in a fixed physical relationship with the component of the medical device. The methods can be performed on an implanted medical device without the need to explant the device.

Abstract: A subject information acquiring device which has: an light absorbing member provided outside a subject; a light source radiating pulsed light on the subject and the light absorbing member; a detector detecting an acoustic wave produced from the subject and the light absorbing member by means of the pulsed light; and a signal processing unit acquiring subject information using a detection signal, and the signal processing unit calculates a second detection signal by specifying a signal resulting from an acoustic wave produced from the light absorbing member in a first detection signal, acquiring impulse response data using the specified signal, and deconvoluting the first detection signal using the impulse response data, and acquires the subject information using the second detection signal, can reduce image deterioration due to probe characteristics even when an impulse response of a probe is not measured in advance in a photoacoustic tomography.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system that is adapted to simultaneously display photoacoustic and ultrasound images of the same object. An image combiner can perform spatial and temporal interpolation of the two images before generating a combined image. The combined image is then displayed on a display such as an LCD or CRT. The system is able to use motion estimates obtained from the ultrasound data to enhance the photoacoustic image thereby increasing its apparent frame rate, registering consecutive frames in order to reduce artifacts. The system is capable of generating combined ultrasound and photoacoustic images which are registered spatially and temporally.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integration of a PET detector with a CT gantry are provided. One system includes an x-ray computed tomography (CT) gantry having a rotating portion and a stationary portion within a housing, and including a bore volume therethrough. The system also includes an x-ray source and an x-ray detector coupled to the rotating portion. The system further includes a positron emission tomography (PET) detector, wherein the PET detector is coupled to the stationary portion of the CT gantry, such that the PET detector extends at least partially into the CT gantry with at least a portion of the PET detector within the housing of the CT gantry.

Abstract: A method and system for intraoperative, image-based reduction control for long bone shaft fracture treatment. The method includes preoperative steps of a) implanting markers into the proximal fragment and into the distal fragment of the broken bone, b) creating a 3D reference model of bone by taking a CT scan of the healthy bone, a CT scan of the broken bone and c) defining landmarks in the reference model based on the marker positions. The method further includes intraoperative steps of d) extracting the 3D position of the same landmarks from a series of 2D fluoroscopic images, using a reference object and e) comparing the positions the preoperatively defined landmarks and the positions of the intraoperatively extracted landmarks to calculate the malalignment of the fracture fragments.

Abstract: A stenotic lesion can be characterized by measuring both pressure drop across the stenotic lesion and the size of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion, both with sensors delivered intravascularly to the stenotic lesion site. The size (e.g., inner diameter, cross-sectional profile) of the vessel lumen adjacent the stenotic lesion can be measured via one or more intravascular ultrasound transducers. Such one or more intravascular ultrasound transducer(s) can be delivered to the site of the stenotic lesion with the same delivery device that carries a pressure transducer.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, computing devices, and computer programs related to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy, methods of use thereof, and a method for detecting abnormal tissue, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ultrasound system being superior in operability and design properties, and being allowed to take various storage postures fitting to the volume of a storage place. The keyboard unit 50 provided with an input device such as a keyboard and the display unit 80 incorporating a display part are mounted on the main body unit 30 that incorporates a main part of the ultrasound diagnostic system, respectively about the rotation axes P1 and P2, independently, in such a manner as rotatable, and further the rotation axes P1 and P2 are on a common axis P. The rotation axis part 200 supporting the display unit 80 is supported by the bearing of the main body unit in a part lower than the axis P, allowing the display unit to be rotatable about the rotation axis Q that is orthogonal to the axis P.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning system includes a graphical user interface that provides visually intuitive feedback to a user to assist the user in properly aligning an ultrasound scanner to a desired acquisition state. In addition to providing pose information, the feedback may direct the user as to a target contact force applied by the ultrasound scanner to a surface undergoing a scan.