Magnetic Field Sensor (e.g., Magnetometer, Squid) Patents (Class 600/409)
  • Patent number: 8644917
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the mechanism of cardiac arrhythmia in a patient is disclosed. The method basically entails measuring the impedance of cardiac tissue in a portion of the patient's heart using a catheter during an episode of supraventricular tachycardia to produce an iso-impedance map of that cardiac tissue on a video display and analyzing the pattern of the iso-impedance map to differentiate focal arrhythmia caused by a circumscribed region of focal firing and reentrant arrhythmia caused by a macroreentrant circuit. The method can also be used to identify regions of coherent rapidly conducting tissue e.g., Bachman's bundle or the inferoposterior pathway insertion points, to identify focal “mother rotors” throughout the left atrium that may participate in the generation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation and to identify areas of CAFE (complex atrial/fractionated electrograms) that truly reflect these mother rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
    Inventor: Allan M. Greenspan
  • Publication number: 20140031668
    Abstract: A motion-sensing mechanism is provided that facilitates numerous aspects of the medical industry. In one aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism is used to track instruments and personnel in a field of view relative to a patient such that the instrument or personnel may be displayed on a heads-up display showing a model of the patient's anatomy. In another aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism makes a reference image of a patient, visitor, or staff such that when the subject of the reference images passes another (or the same) motion-sensing mechanism, the identity of the subject is determined or recognized. In still other aspects, the motion-sensing mechanism monitors motion of a portion of a patient's anatomy and compares the same to an expected motion for diagnostic evaluation of pain generators, physical therapy effectiveness, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: DISRUPTIVE NAVIGATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mobasser, Eric Potts, Dean Karahalios
  • Publication number: 20140031642
    Abstract: A system for detecting clinically-relevant features of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The system comprises an external magnetic field generator adapted to be affixed to a patient for generating at predetermined time intervals a magnetic field with respect to the subject. The magnetic field has a predetermined polarity and flux density, thereby establishing a patient coordinate system based upon the magnetic field. The system includes a capsule adapted to be swallowed by a subject. The system further includes at least one radiation source emitting X-ray or gamma radiation and at least one radiation detector. The radiation detector is configured to detect in a first energy window collimated X-ray fluorescence radiation from the X-ray contrast agent composition excited by the emitted radiation, and to detect a second energy window Compton-backscattered radiation from the X-ray contrast agent and the wall of the GI tract produced in response to the emitted radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CHECK-CAP LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Kimchy, Anton Plotkin, Ronen Lifshitz, Oleg Obodovsky
  • Publication number: 20140024919
    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 energising the tuned circuit then receiving a signal back from it. This signal is then analysed 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Bill Metzenthen
  • Publication number: 20140024920
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that can be used to track and navigate an instrument relative to a patient. The system can include an electromagnetic tracking system to track an electromagnetic stimulation probe, such as a transcranial magnetic stimulation probe. The system can, according to various embodiments, provide a tracking device on the probe, track the coil of the probe, provide a field relative to the probe, and determine the position of the patient based upon the field produced by the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvan PAITEL, Steven L. Hartmann, Lilac Muller
  • Patent number: 8632466
    Abstract: A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving optical signals from a source. A conversion processor electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to the device interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Vincent Potenzone
  • Publication number: 20140018662
    Abstract: A method includes generating a magnetic field in a predefined volume. A reference model is defined, which models the magnetic field at multiple points in the volume using spherical harmonics. The magnetic field is measured by a field detector, which is coupled to an intra-body probe inserted into an organ of a living body located in the volume. A cost function is defined by comparing the measured magnetic field with the reference magnetic field model within the volume. The cost function is minimized by a computation over dipole terms in a derivative over the cost function so as to find a position and orientation that matches the measured magnetic field. The found position and orientation is outputted as the position and orientation of the probe in the organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Avram Dan Montag
  • Publication number: 20140018663
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: removing a biopsy sample from the tissue of interest; placing a magnetic marker at the biopsy site; performing a pathology analysis of the biopsy sample; and if the pathology analysis indicates that the tissue of interest should be removed, locating the tissue for surgery using a magnetic detection probe. In one embodiment, the marker comprises magnetic nanoparticles in a bioabsorbable matrix. A system for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the system includes a magnetic marker and magnetic detection probe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Endomagnetics Ltd.
    Inventors: Quentin John Harmer, Eric Mayes, Quentin Andrew Pankhurst, Andrew Shawcross
  • Patent number: 8630695
    Abstract: The invention is aimed at improving valve pinpointing and reading devices by proposing to activate a magnetic detection source allowing measurements regularly-distributed in a circle around an axis at predetermined measurement positions. An exemplary locator comprises a casing (26) provided with a mechanism for detecting and analyzing the magnetic field of the magnetic dipole of the valve. It comprises:—a magnetic detection source (36) able to detect and measure the magnetic field of the magnetic center of the valve at predetermined measurement positions distributed in a circle around an axis (X-X?), linked to—a microprocessor (32) for analyzing the measurements and for generating detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sophysa
    Inventors: Philippe Negre, Christophe Boyer, Sylvain Morel, Christophe Moureaux
  • Patent number: 8626265
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for stimulating the trigeminal nerve of a patient in order to reduce the heart rate of the patient for recording image information from the heart of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, optical and/or chemical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus including at least one such device and a unit for registering the heart rate of the patient, which unit interacts with the device. Furthermore, at least one embodiment moreover relates to a method for reducing the heart rate of a patient in order to record image information from the heart of the patient, in which method the trigeminal nerve of the patient is stimulated by at least one such device in order to lower the heart rate of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eckhard Hempel, Stefan Popescu, Nicolae Rusca
  • Publication number: 20140005518
    Abstract: A magnetoencephalogram (MEG) system is provided for use with a head. The MEG system includes a shell, and three three-axis gradiometers and a computing portion. Each three-axis gradiometer detects a magnetic field vector from a magnetic dipole in the head and generates a respective detected signal based on the respective magnetic field vector. Each three-axis gradiometer is disposed at a respective position of the shell. The computing portion determines a location of the magnetic dipole based on the first detected signal, the second detected signal and the third detected signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: The John Hopkins University
    Inventors: Harvey W. Ko, Ibolja Cernak, Michael P. McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20140005517
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for use in tracking a medical device. The sensor assembly comprises a magnetoresistance sensor capable of providing position and orientation information. In certain implementations, the magnetoresistance position and orientation sensor is originally configured for connection to a substrate using one type of interconnect approach but is modified to be connected using a different interconnect approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kaustubh Ravindra Nagarkar, William Hullinger Huber, Daniel Eduardo Groszmann
  • Publication number: 20140000630
    Abstract: Systems and methods detect electrical activity in the human brain in the form of the generated magnetic fields and map the magnetic field strength to the surface of the cerebral cortex. By mapping the measured magnetic fields to the sulcal-defined gyrus of the cerebral cortex rather than to its three-dimensional volume, the data complexity and the resulting image are dramatically reduced. The device allows an inventory of brain function, including, but not limited to, vision, sound, sensory, and cognition, with the sensors placed over the corresponding region or regions of interest of the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20130338450
    Abstract: A failure detection and warning system for monitoring a medical device wherein the system includes means structured to passively or actively detect faults occurring in the medical device being monitored, and wherein the fault includes an unprogrammed and/or undesired shut off of the medical device being monitored or an unprogrammed and/or undesired shut-off of the output of the medical device being monitored by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: FLINT HILLS SCIENTIFIC, LLC
    Inventors: Ivan OSORIO, Mark G. FREI, Naresh C. BHAVARAJU
  • Publication number: 20130338481
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a device and method for examining and using an electrical field in a magnetic gradient field, containing magnetic particles in an examination area of an object under examination, including introducing magnetic particles into at least part of the examination area of the object under examination; generating an electrical field at least in part of the examination area; generating a magnetic field having a spatial magnetic field strength profile with a first sub-zone with a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone with a higher magnetic field strength in the examination area; varying a spatial position of the two sub-zones in the examination area such that a magnetization of the particles changes locally; detecting signals which depend on the magnetization in the examination area influenced by this variation; evaluating the signals to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination area; and determining a conductivi
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: BERNHARD GLEICH
  • Publication number: 20130338480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting and monitoring the placement of a cannula tip within a peripheral vein of a human body where the cannula includes a sensor located at predetermined location and mounted on the cannula for sensing the biological material of the body to guide the insertion of the cannula tip into the vein and alerts to the withdrawal of the cannula tip from the vein in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Energy Management Athletics, LLC
    Inventor: Lenn Hann
  • Publication number: 20130324833
    Abstract: A medical method and system include a medical imaging system (105) configured to generate images of an interventional procedure. An overlay generator (113) is configured to generate an overlay image on the images of the interventional procedure. An interventional device tracking system (108, 125) is configured to track a three-dimensional position, orientation and shape of the interventional device during the procedure, wherein the overlay image is dynamically updated in response to deformations caused to an organ of interest by the interventional device during the procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Maya Ella Barley, Adrien Emmanuel Desjardins, Raymond Chan, Gert Wim 'Thooft
  • Publication number: 20130324832
    Abstract: A magnetic imaging systems produces magnetic magnitude images using magnetic sensors capable of determining only the absolute value of a detected magnetic field and provide no information regarding the positive or negative sign of the detected magnetic image. A 2D dipole location is determines the 2D location of a dipole within a magnetic magnitude image by finding the minimum of the derivative of the absolute value of the magnetic field. This 2D dipole location is then used to determine the 3D position and momentum of a current dipole responsible for the observed magnetic magnitude image. The current dipole is used to generate a magnetic image that incorporate positive and negative sign information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Chenyu Wu, Jing Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130317338
    Abstract: A medical device system includes a needle having a tip including a permanent magnet, and a magnet sensing device including a plurality of sensors configured to detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The magnet sensing device is operable to localize a position of the permanent magnet relative to the magnet sensing device and to indicate a path of the needle on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130317337
    Abstract: A system identifies double-layer dipoles in a magnetic image by defining two-dimensional patches of distributed point charges that simulate the double-layer dipoles. The geometric center of a two-dimensional patch is used as the location of an equivalent dipole moment of the double-layer dipole. The momentum of the equivalent dipole moment is determined by submitting the magnetic image to a dipole construction system that identifies the location and momentum based on the submitted magnetic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Chenyu Wu, Jing Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130317340
    Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Erich Wolf, II
  • Publication number: 20130317339
    Abstract: An endobronchial probe includes a deflector having a bore extending therethrough at an angle to its long axis for passage of a tool. The probe includes a location sensor and an ultrasound imager. A push-pull anchoring system comprises a plurality of guides and wires that can extend beyond the guides and retract within the guides. When extended the wires diverge from the long axis sufficiently to engage a bronchus. The probe includes a balloon disposed on the distal segment contralateral to bore that when inflated urges the mouth of the bore into contact with the bronchial wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (ISRAEL), Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Reuben Waldstreicher, William Sanford Krimsky, Yitzhack Schwartz, Avi Shalgi, Meir Bar-Tal, Matityahu Amit, Gal Hayam, Refael Itah, Robert D. Ainsworth
  • Publication number: 20130310658
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the health and activity of an individual is disclosed. The system includes a mobile communication device and a body attachment, such as an armband. The body attachment has one or more of an accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, and/or magnetometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan W. Ricks, Dustin Bybee, Caleb Manscill
  • Patent number: 8588892
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the orientation of a surgical tool with respect to a bone of a patient, and a device for positioning a sensor are disclosed. The bone has at least three predetermined reference locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Avenir Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Novomir Hladio, Armen Garo Bakirtzian, Uriah Lodewyk Antoine Van Amerom
  • Publication number: 20130303878
    Abstract: A tracking system for estimating the position and orientation of an object inside a patient comprising electromagnets that generate magnetic fields used to navigate an object, including rotating and translating the object, are used to track the position of the object. Position tracking of the object is concurrent with navigating the object; or interleaved with navigating the object. Using the same electromagnets for navigation and tracking ensure coordinate system registration between the navigation system and the position tracking system. A tracking sensor attached to the object comprises at least a single coil generating signals in response to time varying tracking magnetic field generated by the electromagnets. Iterative algorithm is used to estimate position and orientation from sensor's signal. Linearly time varying current in the tracking electromagnets is produced by applying calculated voltage waveform to the electromagnet coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ENAV MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Erez Nevo, Abraham Roth
  • Patent number: 8583208
    Abstract: Magnetism generated in the cervical or waist part of a subject is measured without the neck or waist of the subject being bent forward. A sensor cylinder is arranged to have a four-sided cylindrical shape. One side at the distal end of the sensor cylinder is moderately curved. This allows the side at the distal end of the sensor cylinder to come into direct contact with the cervical or waist part of the subject when the neck or waist remains not belt forward, whereby a faint magnetism generated in the spinal cords or nerves of the subject can favorably be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: University Corporation, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, National University Corporation, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Adachi, Shigenori Kawabata, Shoji Tomizawa
  • Publication number: 20130289383
    Abstract: The present invention can provide a method of determining the communication of substances between a first region and a second region of a patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Edward R. Flynn, Victor Gerald Grafe
  • Patent number: 8570027
    Abstract: A method of magnetic imaging at long detection ranges. In one embodiment the method comprises introducing a magnetic sample having magnetic particles into a detection field; detecting weak magnetic field signals of the magnetic particles; forming an image from the detected signals; and determining the location and quantity amount of the magnetic particles. The method further comprises introducing a magnetic sample to a human or other organism's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Shoujun Xu, Li Yao
  • Publication number: 20130281821
    Abstract: A surgical navigation system employs an endoscope (30) and an imaging unit (80). The endoscope (30) include an electromagnetic tracker (40) within a working channel of endoscope (30) for generating electromagnetic sensing signals indicative of one or more poses of the endoscope (30) within an anatomical region, and an endoscopic camera (50) within an imaging channel of the endoscope (30) for generating endoscopic images of the anatomical region. The imaging unit (80) executes an intraoperative calibration of the electromagnetic tracker (40) and the endoscopic camera (50) as a function of an image registration between the preoperative scan image of a calibration site within the anatomical region and one or more endoscopic images of the calibration site within the anatomical region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Xin Liu, Kongkuo Lu, Sheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20130274587
    Abstract: A sensor garment for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes a garment formed of textile material, and a sensor module inseparably coupled to the textile material of the garment. The sensor module includes a single-purpose sensor configured to sense a single characteristic, and a radio antenna configured to transmit data generated by the single-purpose sensor. The sensor module includes no external port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: adidas AG
    Inventors: Aurel COZA, Christian DIBENEDETTO, Ian Michael MUNSON
  • Publication number: 20130274588
    Abstract: Systems and related methods for measuring pelvic organ prolapse are disclosed. A plurality of positioning devices, such as RFID tags, ultrasound reflectors or magnetic field sensors, which may be active or passive, and which are preferably disposable, are set at predetermined positions within the patient and their relative positions recorded with one or more corresponding external receiving devices fixed to the patient while the patient is in a relaxed state. The patient is then instructed to perform an action (such as a valsalva maneuver) that causes the positioning devices to move and their movement relative to their initial recorded positions is measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Khashayar Shakiba
  • Publication number: 20130267824
    Abstract: Tools for accessing tissue are described for use with a locatable guide of a navigation system. In preferred embodiments, said tools are attachable to a distal tip of a locatable guide, such that the location of the tool, preferably in six degrees of freedom, is known while the tool is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jay Johnson, Tom Borillo, Paige Hastings, David J. McKinley
  • Patent number: 8553956
    Abstract: A current dipole is determined by solving the inverse problem multiple times in consecutive stages. At each stage, a new high resolution image is generated from a magnetic field map from the immediately previous stage, and at each stage more constraints are extracted from the current high resolution image than were available in the immediately previous stage. After the constraints are extracted from a current high resolution image, the current high resolution is updated to incorporate constraints from the immediately previous stage. The updated high resolution image, and the currently extracted constraints are used to resolve the inverse problem, and the Biot-Savart law is used to calculated the current dipole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Chenyu Wu, Jing Xiao
  • Patent number: 8554300
    Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for detecting electromagnetic fields, in particular, fields occurring in magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. An implantable medical device (IMD), contained in a hermetically sealed housing, includes a control unit, a programming coil, and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit, together with the programming coil, is designed to allow communication between an external programming device and the IMD by utilizing alternating electromagnetic fields, and further comprising a detection unit for MRT interference fields, characterized in that the detection unit is designed in such a way that voltage profiles induced in the programming coil and originating from a pulsed alternating electromagnetic field of the MRT (gradient field) are detected, and a corresponding MRT detection signal is transmitted from the detection unit to the control unit, if communication with a programming device is not detected at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Biotronik CRM Patent AG
    Inventors: Thomas Doerr, Ingo Weiss
  • Patent number: 8548560
    Abstract: A data rate controlling feedback loop evaluates an actual instantaneous available quality of service of a communication link for transmitting data and controls the data rate based on an evaluation result, Feedback control may both be local to a device for acquiring examination data, such as a magnetic resonance imaging coil, or over the communication link by reducing the data rate at least momentarily to fit the communication link's performance over time, enabling a graceful degradation of an image quality at lower data rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Paul Saes, Filips Van Liere, Marinus Johannes Adrianus Maria Van Helvoort
  • Publication number: 20130253304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The proposed apparatus comprises selection means for generating a magnetic selection field (50) and drive means for generating a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view so that the magnetization of the magnetic material changes locally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Claas Bontus, Bernhard Gleich
  • Publication number: 20130253303
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Caleb B. Bell, III, Alexey Bazarov
  • Publication number: 20130245421
    Abstract: Devices having the capability to both locate and retrieve objects are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices having a probe comprising an ultrasound detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving objects from a medium. The present disclosure further relates to devices having a probe comprising an electromagnetic detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving metallic objects from a medium. Devices of the present disclosure are specifically adapted for use as medical devices for locating and retrieving a foreign body in a subject in need.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Charles Hiram Andrus, Patrick Christopher Andrus, Virginia E. Foster, Peddada Krishi
  • Publication number: 20130245422
    Abstract: A method for analysis of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of a patient includes the steps of applying to the patient a sensory stimulus sequence which is typically auditory; carrying out an EEG to generate waveform signals to record changes in the electromagnetic fields generated by the patient's neural activity; using software provided in a processor to process the waveform signals in order to locate waveform peaks, identify the event-related potential (ERP) components obtained in the waveform and to obtain quantitative measures of those components; and using the software to generate and communicate scores indicative of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Ryan D'arcy, Donald F. Weaver, Sujoy Ghosh Hajra, Careesa Liu, Lauren Sculthorpe-Petley
  • Publication number: 20130245423
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: adidas AG
    Inventors: P. Alexander Derchak, Larry Czapla, Catherine Anne Rogan
  • Patent number: 8532735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for examination and use of an electrical field in a magnetic gradient field, containing magnetic particles in an examination area of an object under examination. The invention also relates to a method of determining the, especially three-dimensional, conductivity distribution in an examination area of an object under examination using a device according to the invention, a method for drug or active ingredient release, especially in locally targeted manner, in an examination area of an object under examination likewise using a device according to the invention, as well as use of a device according to the invention for electro-stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Bernhard Gleich
  • Patent number: 8527029
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods enabling the improved noninvasive measurement of electric currents flowing in the body of a human being or animal or in a biological sample by way of a modular array of primary source mirrors and a magnetometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Moment Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yoshio Okada
  • Publication number: 20130225972
    Abstract: A medical device and/or a method are used by a rescuer who is caring for a patient. The depth of CPR chest compressions is determined, by detecting magnetic fields. An interference is sensed, which is not associated with the CPR chest compressions, but which is superimposed on the detected magnetic fields. Appropriate countermeasures may be taken, if the sensed interference is larger than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Isabelle L. Banville, Robert Peter Marx, JR., David Thomas Brown, Richard C. Nova
  • Publication number: 20130225943
    Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130225942
    Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: VERAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130217999
    Abstract: A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion thereof into a patient. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, such as a permanent magnet, then determining a possible first position thereof. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: C. R. BARD, INC.
    Inventor: C. R. Bard, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130217997
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bryan Byrd, Praveen Dala-Krishna, David A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20130217998
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring a position of a joint. An inertial monitoring unit is configured to be coupled to a portion of a patient, such as a thigh. Another inertial monitoring unit is configured to be attached to another portion of the patient, such as a shank, that is connected to the other portion by a joint, such as a knee. The inertial monitoring units detect motion of their respective portions of the patient and transmit data indicative of this motion. These transmissions may be received by a computer and used to determine an orientation of the joint. The inertial monitoring units may also be coupled to vibration detection units and/or ultrasound modules that provide additional data regarding a condition of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: JointVue, LLC
    Inventor: JointVue, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130204114
    Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing multi-core beamforming algorithms. In one aspect, a method of implementing a beamformer technique includes using a spatial filter that contains lead-fields of two simultaneous dipole sources rather than a linear combination of the two to directly compute and obtain optimal source orientations and weights between two highly-correlated sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ming-Xiong Huang, Roland R. Lee, Mithun Diwakar, Omer Tal, Thomas T. Liu
  • Publication number: 20130204100
    Abstract: A system including a plurality of wireless sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of a subject is provided. The wireless sensors can be attachable to or implantable in the subject and form a network. The sensors can include a sensing component configured to detect a signal corresponding to at least one condition of the subject. The sensors further can include a communication component configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal to at least another of the plurality of wireless sensors, and wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from at least one of the remaining sensors in the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Wireless Live D/B/A Peerbridge Health
    Inventor: Wireless Live D/B/A Peerbridge Health