Abstract: A training system and method includes a subject phantom (102) capable of being visualized on a display (120). A spatial tracking system (104) is configured to track an interventional instrument (108) in subject phantom space. A simulation system (110) is configured to generate a simulated abnormality in the phantom space and to simulate interactions with the simulated abnormality to provide feedback and evaluation information to a user for training the user in an associated procedure related to the abnormality.

Abstract: An ablation planning system includes a user interface (104) configured to permit selection of inputs for planning an ablation procedure. The user interface is further configured to incorporate selection of ablation probes and one or more combinations of ablation powers, durations or parameters applicable to selected probes in the inputs to size the ablation volumes. The user interface includes a display for rendering internal images of a patient, the display permitting visualizations of the ablation volumes for different entry points on the internal images. An optimization engine (106) is coupled to the user interface to receive the inputs and is configured to output an optimized therapy plan which includes spatial ablation locations and temporal information for ablation so that collateral damage is reduced, coverage area is maximized and critical structures are avoided in a planned target volume.

Abstract: A system for ablation planning and treatment includes a delineation module (124) configured to distinguish tissue types in an image, the tissue types including at least a core tissue and a margin zone encapsulating the core tissue. A treatment planning module (140) is configured to apply weightings in a cost function to prioritize ablation coverage of the tissue types including the core tissue and the margin zone to determine ablation characteristics that achieve an ablation composite in accordance with user preferences. A graphical user interface (122) is rendered on a display to indicate the core tissue, the margin zone, the ablation composite and permit module user selection of one or more treatment methods.

Abstract: A system and method for ablation include ablating (508) a target volume using an ablation probe and collecting (510) temperature information around the target volume. A shape of an ablation volume is determined (512) based upon the temperature information. The shape is displayed (520) on a display relative to an image of the target volume.

Abstract: A system and method for ablation planning includes defining (502) shapes and sizes for one or more ablation volumes based on probability of treatment, and determining (510) a target volume to be treated. A procedure plan is provided (516) by determining a number and location of planned ablations within the target volume using the one or more ablation volumes. A joint probability distribution (520) is determined for at least two planned ablations in the target volume. A final configuration is visualized (530) to determine if plan objectives are met based on a probability of treatment for the target volume.

Abstract: A system for ablation planning and treatment includes a delineation module (124) configured to distinguish tissue types in an image, the tissue types including at least a core tissue and a margin zone encapsulating the core tissue. A treatment planning module (140) is configured to apply weightings in a cost function to prioritize ablation coverage of the tissue types including the core tissue and the margin zone to determine ablation characteristics that achieve an ablation composite in accordance with user preferences. A graphical user interface (122) is rendered on a display to indicate the core tissue, the margin zone, the ablation composite and permit module user selection of one or more treatment methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assisting apparatus for assisting in performing brachytherapy. The position of an introduction element (17) like a catheter is tracked particularly by using electromagnetic tracking, while a group of seeds is introduced into a living object (2). This provides a rough knowledge about the position of the seeds within the object. An ultrasound image showing the group is generated depending on the tracked position of the introduction element and, thus, depending on the rough knowledge about the position of the seeds, in order to optimize the ultrasound visualization with respect to showing the introduced seeds. Based on this optimized ultrasound visualization the position of a seed of the group is determined, thereby allowing for an improved determination of seed positions and correspondingly for an improved brachytherapy performed based on the determined positions.

Abstract: A therapy planning and image guidance and navigation for an interventional procedure are combined in one system. The system includes: a radio frequency ablation therapy planning component (1) capable of creating an initial treatment plan, adjusting the treatment plan to take into account data received during a procedure and transferring a treatment plan to a navigation component, a navigation system component (2) to guide an ablation probe (6) and a feedback sub-system (3) for determining actual ablation probe positions/orientations and actual ablation size/shape via imaging (4) and/or tracking (5) systems, and enabling exchange of information between the planning component and the navigation component.

Abstract: A system and method for ablation planning includes defining (502) shapes and sizes for one or more ablation volumes based on probability of treatment, and determining (510) a target volume to be treated. A procedure plan is provided (516) by determining a number and location of planned ablations within the target volume using the one or more ablation volumes. A joint probability distribution (520) is determined for at least two planned ablations in the target volume. A final configuration is visualized (530) to determine if plan objectives are met based on a probability of treatment for the target volume.

Abstract: A system and method for ablation include ablating (508) a target volume using an ablation probe and collecting (510) temperature information around the target volume. A shape of an ablation volume is determined (512) based upon the temperature information. The shape is displayed (520) on a display relative to an image of the target volume.

Abstract: In planning an ablation procedure, a planned target volume (PTV) is imported, which is typically selected by a doctor but may be computer-identified. An ablation solution comprising a plurality of ablation volumes is generated or selected using a lookup table. Ablations sharing a common axis along a line of insertion are grouped into blocks. Alternatively, the PTV is enveloped in a sphere, and a pre-computed ablation solution (e.g., a 6- or 14-sphere solution) is identified to cover the PTV sphere. Optionally, a mathematical algorithm is executed to increase an axis through the ablation spheres to generate ellipsoidal ablation volumes that envelop the PTV.

Abstract: A training system and method includes a subject phantom (102) capable of being visualized on a display (120). A spatial tracking system (104) is configured to track an interventional instrument (108) in subject phantom space. A simulation system (110) is configured to generate a simulated abnormality in the phantom space and to simulate interactions with the simulated abnormality to provide feedback and evaluation information to a user for training the user in an associated procedure related to the abnormality.

Abstract: A therapy planning and image guidance and navigation for an interventional procedure are combined in one system. The system includes: a radio frequency ablation therapy planning component (1) capable of creating an initial treatment plan, adjusting the treatment plan to take into account data received during a procedure and transferring a treatment plan to a navigation component, a navigation system component (2) to guide an ablation probe (6) and a feedback sub-system (3) for determining actual ablation probe positions/orientations and actual ablation size/shape via imaging (4) and/or tracking (5) systems, and enabling exchange of information between the planning component and the navigation component.

Abstract: An ultrasound ablation system can include an imaging device (50) for capturing first imaging of a region of interest, a processor (75) for receiving a selection of a planned target volume using the first imaging, and an ultrasound transducer (170) for performing first ultrasound ablation on the planned target volume. The processor can select ultrasound ablation shapes from a library of ultrasound ablation shapes. The ultrasound transducer can apply energy to the planned target volume based at least in part on the selected ultrasound ablation shapes. The imaging device can capture second imaging of the region of interest after application of the first ultrasound ablation. The processor can select other ultrasound ablation shapes from the library of ultrasound ablation shapes based at least in part on the second imaging.

Abstract: In planning an ablation procedure, a planned target volume (PTV) is imported, which is typically selected by a doctor but may be computer-identified. An ablation solution comprising a plurality of ablation volumes is generated or selected using a lookup table. Ablations sharing a common axis along a line of insertion are grouped into blocks. Alternatively, the PTV is enveloped in a sphere, and a pre-computed ablation solution (e.g., a 6- or 14-sphere solution) is identified to cover the PTV sphere. Optionally, a mathematical algorithm is executed to increase an axis through the ablation spheres to generate ellipsoidal ablation volumes that envelop the PTV.

Abstract: A ventricular epicardium registration method (60) involves three phases. The first phase (P62) is an identification of one or more anatomical features invisible within ultrasound images (41) of a ventricular epicardium of a heart (10). The second phase (P61) is a representation of the anatomical feature(s) visible within X-ray images (31) of the ventricular epicardium of the heart. The third phase (P63) is a registration of the ultrasound images (41) and the X-ray images (31) of the ventricular epicardium of the heart based on the representation of the anatomical feature(s) invisible in the ultrasound images (41) and on the identification of the anatomical feature(s) visible within the X-ray images (31). Examples of the anatomical feature(s) include, but are not limited to, a portion or an entirety of an epicardial surface (11, 12) and a coronary sinus vein (13).

Abstract: A system and method of processing a digital video signal for display on a display device, includes decoding an encoded digital video signal to produce a decoded digital video signal having a video source format; extracting coding information from the encoded digital video signal; executing a video quality improvement algorithm on the decoded digital video signal having the video source format using the extracted coding information, to produce a processed decoded digital video signal having the video source format; and converting the processed decoded digital video signal from the video source format to a video display format suitable for display on the display device. The system and method enhance the quality and/or reduce video artifacts in a video signal after it is decoded and prior to display on a display device.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing complexity in a color sequential display system that utilizes motion compensation and color conversion. A color sequential display system (10) is provided that comprises: a motion estimation system (14) that operates on a Y component from a set of YUV components to generate a set of motion vectors (36); and a complexity reduction system (22) that receives the set of motion vectors and the set of YUV components and outputs motion compensated red, green, blue (RGB) data (38), wherein the complexity reduction system includes: a color space conversion system (18) that converts from a YUV color space to an RGB color space based on a set of conversion equations (32); and a motion compensated color sequencing system (16) that selects a subset of the YUV components to motion compensate based on the set of conversion equations.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a video image display system that includes a motion estimation circuit (112), a front-end motion compensation circuit (110), and a video signal conversion circuit (134, 136). The motion estimation circuit generates motion vectors as a function of an incoming video signal, the front-end motion compensation circuit receives and processes the incoming video signal as a function of the motion vectors for general video display, and the video signal conversion circuit receives the processed video signal from the front-end motion compensation circuit and generates a display signal for a specific video display as a function of both the processed video signal and the motion vectors. In one implementation, a scaler (120) is implemented to scale the video signal for a particular display type, with components of the motion compensation being implemented for use with the scaler.

Abstract: Gamma correcting procedures suitable for single-panel LCD/LCoS projectors are provided. Initially, linearly derived gamma values are used to produce gray scale color images (such as RED, GREEN, and BLUE). The brightness-voltage characteristics of the projector are determined by measurement and calculation. New gamma correction values are calculated and used to produce new gray scale color images, which are measured to determine their brightness-data responses. Errors with respect to a desired (power-law) response are used to calculate improved gamma correction values. The process of using newly calculated gamma correction values to produce gray scale color images, measuring the gray scale color images to find their brightness-data response, and using errors to obtain new gamma correction values repeats until the brightness-data characteristics of the display matches the desired response and until the display's grayscale tracking meets the desired performance levels.