Abstract: A laser light source transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument such as a needle via an optical fiber. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The laser light source is configured to receive a trigger signal from an ultrasound machine when a laser pulse is to be produced. The light source signals the ultrasound machine when an optical connector is connected to the laser light source to automatically begin a needle tip (NTV) visualization mode. If the optical connector is removed from the laser light source, the laser light source stops producing laser light pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting heat out a medical imaging device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a medical imaging device includes a housing having electronics and a heat sink. The heat sink is positioned near a first end of the housing, a groove that is configured to receive at least a portion of an operator's hand is positioned at a second end of the housing. A heat pipe in the housing extends from the electronics toward the first end of the housing and is configured to transfer heat produced by the electronics toward the heat sink and away from the groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting heat out a medical imaging device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a medical imaging device includes a housing having electronics and a heat sink. The heat sink is positioned near a first end of the housing, a groove that is configured to receive at least a portion of an operator's hand is positioned at a second end of the housing. A heat pipe in the housing extends from the electronics toward the first end of the housing and is configured to transfer heat produced by the electronics toward the heat sink and away from the groove.

Abstract: A laser light source transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument such as a needle via an optical fiber. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The laser light source is configured to receive a trigger signal from an ultrasound machine when a laser pulse is to be produced. The light source signals the ultrasound machine when an optical connector is connected to the laser light source to automatically begin a needle tip (NTV) visualization mode. If the optical connector is removed from the laser light source, the laser light source stops producing laser light pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting heat out a medical imaging device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a medical imaging device includes a housing having electronics and a heat sink. The heat sink is positioned near a first end of the housing, a groove that is configured to receive at least a portion of an operator's hand is positioned at a second end of the housing. A heat pipe in the housing extends from the electronics toward the first end of the housing and is configured to transfer heat produced by the electronics toward the heat sink and away from the groove.

Abstract: A device is provided which will electronically impart upon a latent image, a notation which will permanently identify its exposure side, such identification forming an integral part of the resultant digitized image. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the notation is chirally asymmetric, so as to provide a viewer with apparent notice when the image has been reversed.

Abstract: A multi-modal detection system is appointed to reliably detect metallic surgical instruments such as scalpels, hemostats and the like, and non-metallic surgical implements such as sponges or laparotomy pads and gauze pad associated with an embedded marker. A first system detects metallic surgical instruments and a second independent system detects non-metallic surgical implements. The systems operate sequentially. The metallic surgical implements are removed immediately after detection and prior to scanning by the second system. Shielding of markers embedded in non-metallic surgical implements is thereby prevented. The marker may be a mechanically resonant target or RFID target. The first and second systems may be attached to be a rollaway cart and can comprise hand held antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplex system for identifying the presence of surgical sponges, metal instruments, and other implements in a surgical wound by employing a plurality of discrete sensing systems. At least two modalities of operation are chosen from a plurality of detection modalities, which can include: 1) magnetomechanically resonant marker tags; 2) “smart markers” or RFID markers; and 3) a system designed to detect metallic objects solely based upon their metal content, without need for a separate, affixed marker. The selected modes of operation can operate sequentially or simultaneously. Consequently, the use of such a multiplex system eliminates the possibility that surgical implements, non-metallic or metallic, will be left behind within a surgical cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a detector system for detecting a plurality of items each having at least one RFID tag attached thereto. The detector system may include a presence detector and/or a message detector. The presence detector may include a signal reader which receives modulated carrier frequencies from the RFID tags during a predetermined response time period for comparison to a reference level. The signal reader may be configured as a power integrator or a constellation discriminator. The power integrator sums the power contained in signals transmitted by the RFID tags by integration for comparison to an environmental noise level measurement taken during a quiet period. For the constellation discriminator, bits contained in the modulating message are compared to the bit pattern of a predetermined reference constellation. The detector system may be configured as a 3-state detector which combines the presence detector with a message detector that indicates the identification code of the RFID tags.

Abstract: A radio-frequency surgical implement detection system detects surgical implements in a surgical wound during and at the completion of a surgical procedure. Surgical implements, including surgical sponges or laparotomy pads, gauze pads and metallic surgical instruments, are individually attached to a non battery-powered, encapsulated radio-frequency marker. The marker comprises an integrated chip having a burnt-in memory code, which is broadcast through an antenna using a modulated carrier frequency. The code is received by an interrogating antenna of a detector. The interrogating antenna provides a power pulse, which is received by the antenna of the radio-frequency marker. The power pulse charges a capacitor, which proves power for the read function, carrier frequency modulation function and broadcast function of the integrated chip, permitting each marker-containing implement to be specifically identified.

Abstract: Externally detectable electronic article surveillance markers are attached to surgical implements, such as sponges and surgical instruments, appointed for use in a surgical wound. The attachment mechanism facilitates detection by an external interrogating field before the wound has been closed and the patient has left the operating table. The markers are responsive to the imposition of an interrogating field produced by an electronic article surveillance system. Use of the attachment mechanism and markers assure that the surgical implements are reliably detected and removed before completion of the surgical procedure. This technique eliminates the not infrequent mishap in which an implement is undiscovered at the time of surgery and remains indefinitely within the surgical cavity, often entailing dire consequences to the patient.

Abstract: An accurate, fast-acting, wearable lightning strike hazard detector has a plurality of collecting plates for collection of arriving charged particles. The collecting plates are insulated from each other by an insulating mechanism. A connecting means electrically connects the collecting plates to a bleeding circuit to bleed accumulated charges to a ground plane. The voltage within the bleeding circuit is determined by a voltage measuring mechanism. A voltage accumulation mechanism measures the accumulated voltage of each plate and its rate of voltage accumulation as a function of time. Voltage accumulation and voltage time data are interpreted by an algorithm to determine lightning strike potential. A signal generating means connected to the algorithm means generates a signal when said voltage accumulation and voltage accumulation rate exceed preselected limits. The signal actuates an alarm means, which provides an audible or visual alarm to warn against an impending lightning strike.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprises a radiopaque marker having a high radiographic density and a distinctive, visually recognizable shape. The marker has an x-ray density equivalent to at least about 0.1 g/cm2 of BaSO4. It produces an x-ray image with high contrast and a shape that is readily recognizable and differentiated from the images produced by other items and structures commonly seen in x-rays of post-operative patients. Owing to the distinctive, high contrast image produced by the marker, the sponge is reliably and unambiguously detected. This is so even in situations where the sponge is inadvertently left in the surgical wound. Discomfort, trauma, and possibly fatal consequences that might otherwise occur are virtually eliminated. The surgical procedure is carried out with decreased likelihood of a sponge being retained inadvertently.