Abstract: An imaging system and method is disclosed for intraoperative surgical margin assessment in between various tissues and cell groupings having differing physiologic processes. The system uses an array of LED's to pump a target anatomy with a short excitation pulse and measures the lifetime of fluorescence to generate contrast. A relative fluorescence lifetime map is generated corresponding to the measured lifetime to identify boundaries within varying cell groupings and tissues.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing multi-frequency harmonic acoustography for target identification and border detection are described, where a focused confocal transducer having a piezoelectric element and a hydrophone positioned centrally in the piezoelectric element is used. The transducer emits ultrasonic waves toward a target of interest at first and second frequencies. The two waves interfere at a focal plane within the target to generate a third acoustic wave. The target absorbs energy and emits its own unique vibration at the difference frequency (?f) of the two waves as well as its harmonics. The unique vibration is recorded with a hydrophone, and mechanical properties of the target are ascertained through detection and analysis of the third acoustic wave using a mathematical model implemented by a signal processing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining cancer margins indicating the location and breadth of treatment necessary for the elimination of cancerous tissue during focal laser therapy. The present invention also provides systems and devices for focal laser therapy, and methods for using the same. The present invention does not rely on MRI thermometry, improving accuracy of treatment while also reducing treatment time and cost.

Abstract: A modular, scalable, layerable balloon actuator or actuator array. The miniaturized actuator array can be mounted on the hand controls of a surgical robotic system, and pressure or force input is applied to the surgeon's fingers. The input to the fingers is proportional to the applied force or pressure that is sensed on a separate sensor array, which is mounted on the surfaces of the object to be physically manipulated. The force is translated to pressure using a control system, which includes electronic and pneumatic components. The Novel enhanced haptic feedback system enables the detection of force and tactile information on tissues and sutures with high spatial and temporal resolution. This technology shortens the learning curve for MIS training, expands the application of MIS techniques in surgery, and enhances telementoring and teiesurgery applications. The actuator is modular scalable, Iayerable, compact, configurable, flexible, and conformable.

Abstract: An introducer for use with an ultrasonic imaging system. The introducer comprises a tubular member having a connecting end, a positioning end, and a central lumen, the connecting end including a coupling for attaching the introducer to an ultrasonic imaging system, and the positioning end comprising a plug or other structure that facilitates positioning of the introducer inside a urethra at a fixed anatomical landmark.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning system and methods of using the same. In one preferred form, an ultrasound scanning system comprises an acoustic imaging catheter comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a motion control system and an imaging computer system for imaging a patient's genitourinary system. In another preferred form, an ultrasound scanning system is used for imaging a patient's prostate gland.