Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and a method. The system may include a first device including a treatment head configured to emit a radiation beam. The system may include a second device comprising a body. The body may include one or more openings at a bottom of the recess that allow passage of the radiation beam substantially free of the interference by the body.

Abstract: Patient headphones (50) for use in a medical scanning modality, comprising a frame member (52), two ear cups (54) that, in an operational state of the patient headphones (50), are arranged to be in contact with one of the patient's ears, and a sensor system (60), the sensor system (60) including optical emitters (64) that are configured for directing electromagnetic radiation to a portion of the patient's skin, and optical sensors (68) that are configured for receiving the electromagnetic radiation being returned from the portion of the patient's skin, and for providing an output signal that corresponds to the received electromagnetic radiation, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one physiological parameter of the patient and serves as a basis for determining the at least one physiological parameter of the patient; —a patient headphones system (48) for use in a medical scanning modality (10), comprising an embodiment of such patient headphones (50) and a data acquisition and analysis unit (76

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical instrument (100) comprising a processor (134) and a memory (138) containing machine executable instructions (140). Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to: receive (200) a first magnetic resonance image data set (146) descriptive of a first region of interest (122) of a subject (118) and receive (202) at least one second magnetic resonance image data set (152, 152?) descriptive of a second region of interest (124) of the subject. The first region of interest at least partially comprises the second region of interest. Execution of the machine executable instructions further cause the processor to receive (204) an analysis region (126) within both the first region of interest and within the second region of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a position and orientation of first and second rigid bodies in relation to each other. The apparatus includes a light source mounted to the first rigid body, an image sensor mounted to either the first or second rigid body and positioned in a field of light, a shadow mask mounted to either the first or second rigid body and arranged in the field of light, and a computation unit configured to calculate at least one angle by evaluating a shadow image which passes the shadow mask and is detected by the image sensor. The apparatus may include a mechanical constraint mounted to the first and second rigid bodies that defines a fixed distance between the first and second rigid bodies, is stationary in relation to one of the first or second rigid body, and is variably inclinable in relation to the other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, apparatus includes imaging unit, generator, position specifier, direction specifier and angle setter. Imaging unit images object into which a device is inserted, from first and second direction. Generator generates first image data and second image data each corresponding to first and second direction. Position specifier specifies position of the device based on first and second image data. Direction specifier specifies moving direction of the device based on positions of the device specified by position specifier. Angle setter sets first angle corresponding to first direction and second angle corresponding to second direction in accordance with moving direction of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention thus define a system and methods for moving a patient into a medical treatment/imaging apparatus. By appropriate use of relatively narrow guides, a bed can be held securely both prior to movement onto the apparatus and while on the apparatus. By use of relatively wide guides, the bed is allowed a degree of lateral play to ensure a smooth transition on to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of performing a percutaneous multi-probe treatment includes: acquiring a scan image of an object to be treated with multi-probe percutaneous insertions; determining a first point in a region of interest (ROI) in the scan image; determining a second point at a surface of the object in the scan image; generating a reference trajectory by connecting the first point and the second point; arranging, around the first point, a number of third points corresponding to tips of probes to be inserted into the object; generating planned insertion trajectories for the probes based on the number of probes to be inserted and the reference trajectory; and causing a monitor to display superposed on the scan image, at least one of the planned insertion trajectories. The planned insertion trajectories extend in a geometric relationship to the reference trajectory and pass through the third points and through one or more second points.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for non-invasively identifying ablation locations in atrial tissue, can include: receiving three-dimensional imaging data representing atrial tissue of a left atrial flutter (LAFL) subject; generating a subject-specific model of the at least one of the atrial tissue from the three-dimensional imaging data; estimating tissue fiber orientations in the atrial tissue; assigning the estimated tissue fiber orientations to the subject-specific model of the atrial tissue; conducting simulations of LAFL using the subject-specific model to identify regions of slow conduction of a propagating wave within an atrial tissue region of the atrial tissue; a critical isthmus of a rotational wavefront within the atrial tissue region; or a region based on a minimum cut in a flow network; and identifying at least one ablation location in the atrial tissue region based on the identified regions of slow conduction, the critical isthmus, or the minimum cut.

Abstract: Provided herein are examples of metal chelating ligands that have high affinity for manganese. The resultant metal complexes can be used as MRI contrast agents, and can be functionalized with moieties that bind to or cause relaxivity change in the presence of biochemical targets.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for medical instrument navigation and targeting. In one aspect, a system includes a medical instrument having an elongate body and at least one sensor, a display, a processor, and a memory storing a model of a mapped portion of a luminal network and a position of a target with respect to the model. The processor may be configured to: determine, based on data from the at least one sensor, a position and orientation of a distal end of the medical instrument with respect to the model, and cause, on at least a portion of the display, a rendering of the model, the position of the target, and the position and orientation of the distal end of the medical instrument. The rendering may be based on a viewpoint directed at the target and different from a viewpoint of the medical instrument.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique to dynamically set an imaging parameter appropriate for observing a region of interest on an object to generate a high-quality echogram while maintaining the operability to change the position and orientation of a probe. A region-of-interest acquisition unit acquires region information that defines the region of interest. A position and orientation acquisition unit acquires position and orientation information representing the position and orientation of a probe. A parameter deciding unit obtains an imaging parameter based on the positional relationship between an imaging range decided based on the position and orientation information and the region of interest defined by the region information, and outputs the obtained imaging parameter to an imaging unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method of controlling real-time image-guided adaptive radiation treatment of at least a portion of a region of a patient. The computer-implemented method comprises obtaining a plurality of real-time image data corresponding to 2-dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images including at least a portion of the region, performing 2D motion field estimation on the plurality of image data, approximating a 3-dimensional (3D) motion field estimation, including applying a conversion model to the 2D motion field estimation, determining at least one real-time change of at least a portion of the region based on the approximated 3D motion field estimation, and controlling the treatment of at least a portion of the region using the determined at least one change.

Abstract: A tracking, and point-of-view-based imaging, device is configured for deriving a position of and a direction from, a location at a distal tip of an elongated instrument, for performing coordinate system transformation in accordance with the position and direction, and for forming, from the location and based on a result of the transformation, a local view that moves with the tip. The device can keep, with the movement, a field of view of the local view fixed but the local view otherwise in synchrony with the position and the direction. From real-time ultrasound imaging, the local view and a more overall view that includes the tip but which does not move with said tip can be displayed. The distal tip can be that of a catheter and can be outfitted with a micromanipulator for surgery aided interactively by the combination of dynamic local and overall imaging.

Abstract: A surgical image pickup system utilizes an adjustable lens set and a complex lens set to change the direction of the incident light emitted from the light source and the position of the surgical site on which the incident light projects. The eyepiece and the sensor have the same field of view and the same optical axis such that first image generated by the sensor and a second image generated by the eyepiece are the same. The sensor transmits the first image to the external display for display by wireless communication. By means of the foregoing configuration, the second image which doctor utilizes the eyepiece to see and the first image which the external display displays are the same, thereby facilitating the operation of surgery.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for integrating medical device data are disclosed. In an example embodiment, an integration engine receives infusion therapy progress data from an infusion pump and renal failure therapy progress data from a renal failure therapy machine. The integration engine determines a plurality of different types of infusion parameters, determines a plurality of different types of renal failure therapy parameters, and causes a combination user interface to display the plurality of infusion parameters, the plurality of renal failure therapy parameters, and mathematical operations for selection by an operator. The integration engine enables the operator to create derivative data by receiving a selection of an infusion parameter, a renal failure therapy parameter, and a mathematical operation. The integration engine then causes the combination user interface to display the derivative data in conjunction with the infusion therapy progress data and the renal failure therapy progress data.

Abstract: A method of registering a luminal network to a 3D model of the luminal network with real-time feedback is disclosed, including generating the 3D model of the luminal network based on images of the luminal network, generating an electromagnetic field about the luminal network, inserting a location sensor into the electromagnetic field, tracking the location of the sensor within the luminal network, comparing the tracked locations of the sensor with sensors located outside of the luminal network and the portions of the 3D model representative of open space, and presenting on a user interface an indication of which portions of the luminal network have been sufficiently traversed by the sensor to register that portion of the luminal network to the 3D model.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus has an MR scanner that includes a basic field magnet, which defines a patient receiving zone and that has at least one superconducting coil that generates a basic magnetic field in the MR scanner. The MR scanner has a power supply controlled by at least one control computer of the MR apparatus for the purpose of providing electrical power to the superconducting coil. The power supply is arranged on, and may be fixedly mounted to, the basic field magnet or integrated into the basic field magnet.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods obtain an image volume; obtain a description of a surface that includes a shape of the surface, a size of the surface, and a location of the surface in the image volume, sample the image volume on the surface, thereby producing sampled surface-image data; and generate a visualization of the sampled surface-image data.

Abstract: A markerless robot tracking system (10) employing a surgical RCM robot (20) including a primary revolute joint (22) rotatable about a primary rotational axis and a secondary revolute joint (22) rotatable about a secondary rotational axis. A plurality of unique landmark sets are integrated into the robot (20) with each unique landmark set including landmark(s) (30) in a fixed orientation relative to the primary rotational axis and further including additional landmark(s) (30) in a fixed orientation relative to the secondary rotational axis. The system (10) further an optical camera (41, 51) for visualizing a subset of the plurality of unique landmark sets within a camera coordinate system (43, 53), and a robot tracking controller (70) for estimating a robot pose of the surgical RCM robot (20) within the camera coordinate system (43, 53) derived from the visualization by the optical camera (41, 51) of the subset of landmark(s) within the camera coordinate system (43, 53).

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing trackerless image guided soft tissue surgery. For a patient in need of brain surgery, pre-operative preparation for a patient is performed by generating a three-dimensional textured point cloud (TPC) for the patient's scalp surface, and registering the first three-dimensional TPC to a magnetic resonance (MR) model of the brain. During the surgery, an intra-operative cortical surface registration to the MR model is performed for the MR-to-cortical surface alignment. Then shift measurement and compensation to the MR model is performed by: performing absolute deformation measurement of the brain based on the MR model with the cortical surface registration, and obtaining shift correction to the MR model using the absolute deformation measurements. The shift correction may be used for adjusting an image guidance system (IGS) in the brain surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image registration and an augmented reality system and an augmented reality method thereof which is suitable for solving the problem of spatial localization of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in arthroscopic surgery. The system comprises a three-dimensional scanning model building device, a stereoscopic image photographing device, a projection device and an arithmetic unit. The three-dimensional scanning model was constructed by preoperative or intraoperative imaging of the patient, and the surface three-dimensional model constructed by the stereoscopic image photographing device was spatially aligned to remove the surface (skin layer) of the three-dimensional image to display the TMJ image. Through the calibration of the stereoscopic image photographing device and the projection device, accurate, three-dimensional TMJ image location information is projected onto the patient's body to achieve the purpose.

Abstract: An image control system has a table, a head frame, an imaging system, a rotation system, and a control system. The head frame includes at least one pin which immobilizes a select patient anatomy with respect to the table while the imaging system collects image data through a CT scan process. The CT scan process produces an image of the patient anatomy, with the image including an artifact associated with the at least one pin. The artifact masks an area of interest in the image. The control system determines an angle of rotation which will move the artifact out of the area of interest and rotates at least one of the table, the head frame, and the imaging system by the angle of rotation. A subsequent image produced by the CT scan process includes an image of the patient anatomy with the artifact moved out of the area of interest.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for extracting several physiological parameters such as cardiac cycle parameters with one single measurement over a time period and for monitoring mechanical and electrical cardiac activity. The invention finds its use in providing continuous monitoring of heart mechanical and electrical activities over time. Such signal may be transmitted to clinics of family doctors to keep track of the subject's health.

Abstract: To make it possible to improve user convenience, provided is a control device including: a control unit configured to control a position and an attitude of a microscope unit by driving an arm unit that supports the microscope unit on the basis of a captured image of an operating site photographed by the microscope unit during an operation so that a position and attitude condition set before the operation is satisfied. The position and attitude condition is a condition that prescribes a position and an attitude of the microscope unit with respect to the operating site to obtain a desired captured image corresponding to the position and attitude condition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for calibrating a medical system. The method may include one or more of the following operations. Projection data of a phantom comprising a plurality of markers may be acquired from an imaging device, at a plurality of angles of a source of the imaging device. A plurality of projection matrices of a first coordinate system relating to the phantom and a transformation matrix between the first coordinate system and a second coordinate system relating to the imaging device may be determined based on the projection data of the phantom and coordinates of the plurality of markers in the first coordinate system. A plurality of projection matrices of the second coordinate system may be determined based on the plurality of projection matrices of the first coordinate system and the transformation matrix.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to forming a lesion in a patient's neurological tissue without requiring general anesthesia. The lesion can be either temporary or permanent. In either case, the lesion can be created by a steerable probe that includes a steerable guide, a laser device, and at least one electrode. The steerable guide steers the probe to a target location in the subject's neurological tissue. When the probe reaches the target location, the laser can create the lesion. The at least one electrode can detect a progressive vanishing of neural activity from the portion of the neurological tissue due to the lesion.

Abstract: Example embodiments of system and method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for planning, real-time monitoring, control, and post-treatment assessment of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) mechanical fractionation of biological material are disclosed. An adapted form of HIFU, referred to as “boiling histotripsy” (BH), can be used to cause mechanical fractionation of biological material. In contrast to conventional HIFU, which cause pure thermal ablation, BH can generate therapeutic destruction of biological tissue with a degree of control and precision that allows the process to be accurately measured and monitored in real-time as well as the outcome of the treatment can be evaluated using a variety of MRI techniques. Real-time monitoring also allow for real-time control of BH.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining result data based upon medical measurement data of an examination object. Within the method, a high-dimensional first parameter space is formed, in which measurement values of the various measurements are represented with the aid of value tuples. The measurement values of the various measurements are assigned to a value tuple based on their spatial arrangement in the examination object and/or on their temporal arrangement relative to one another. In the first parameter space, the value tuples are analyzed, using at least one mapping function to at least one further parameter space including a lower dimension than the first parameter space, in order to obtain result data. Furthermore, the result data is output, preferably visualized. In addition, a corresponding device for determining result data is described.

Abstract: A system for insertion of a surgical tool along a trajectory to a target region in a patient's tissues, under the guidance of ultrasound imaging. The system includes a hand-held robot to whose base the probe of an ultrasound system is rigidly connected. The activated platform of the hand held robot carries a surgical tool guide. The alignment of the tool guide defines the trajectory which the tool takes within the subject's body. The position of the target region seen on the ultrasound display, can be recorded, and the robot coordinate frame of reference registered thereto. The system aligns the pose of the robot such that the surgical tool is aimed directly at the target region, independently of motion of the ultrasound probe and its associated robot. An inertial measurement unit can be incorporated to provide back-up positional information if the image of the lesion is lost.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a device for controlling rotation of a radiotherapy equipment, for controlling rotation of at least one rotational load of the radiotherapy equipment about a rotation axis. The device and the radiotherapy equipment form a full-closed-loop structure.

Abstract: Radiation treatment planning and administration can include a Monte Carlo computer simulation tool to simulate photo-generated electrons in tissue. In the simulation, electrons that have left tissue voxels and entered air voxels can be evaluated to identify electrons that are circling along a spiraling trajectory in the air voxels. After at least one full spiraling circumference or other specified distance has been traversed using a detailed electron transport model, a simpler linear ballistic motion model can be instituted. This speeds simulation while accurately accounting for spiraling electrons that re-enter tissue voxels.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a computer-implemented method for free breathing three dimensional diffusion imaging, the method comprising initiating, via a k-space component processor, diffusion/T2 preparation, comprising generating diffusion contrast; and adjusting one or more of amplitude, duration, and polarity to set a first order moment; applying, via an image data processor, a stack of stars k-space ordering, comprising acquiring a radial/spiral view for all members of a plurality of partitions in a partition-encoding direction; increasing an azimuthal angle until a complete set of radial/spiral views are sampled; and applying diffusion gradients along each of three axis simultaneously; and calculating, via the image data processor, an apparent diffusion coefficient map.

Abstract: A system for monitoring anesthetic agents fill level in a vaporizer reservoir includes a camera configured to capture an image containing a sight glass on the vapor reservoir, just like, a processor, and an agent level module. The agent level module is executable to locate a sight glass portion within the image, an agent level edge within the sight glass portion, and minimum and maximum reference points within the image. A fill percentage is calculated based on a position of the agent level edge relative to the minimum and maximum reference points, and the remaining agent information is calculated based on the fill percentage and the known volume of the vaporizer reservoir.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the distance and/or depth to a target bone for surgery using a robotic surgical system. The surgical robot system may be configured to depict the distance from a guide tube of the robot to a target bone of a patient as a vector. The vector may represent a view of the guide tube when the guide tube's central axis is coincident with a line of intersection of two viewplanes of a 2D image of the target bone, for example, one viewplane being sagittal and one viewplane being axial.

Abstract: A method for generating a radiation dose map of a dosimeter indicating a spatial distribution of radiation dose imparted to the dosimeter. The corrected radiation dose map may be generated with the computer system by applying temporal correction factor and spatial correction factors to a measured radiation dose map, the corrected radiation dose map having pixel values associated with the measured radiation dose having been corrected for temporal effects caused by changes in the measure of radiation dose imparted to the dosimeter between the first time point and the second time point, and for spatial effects caused by the sensitivity of the dosimeter to radiation measurements as a function of the spatial dimension.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a synthetic (virtual) orthopedic treatment device (e.g. a virtual external fixator representing a physical fixator attachable to a patient anatomic structure) is displayed concurrently in two views (e.g. anterior-posterior and lateral) along corresponding digital medical images (e.g. X-rays), and rotation/translation user input received along one of the images is used to concurrently control both displays of the orthopedic treatment device to reflect the rotation/translation user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), including reconstructing and analyzing images, while preserving phase information that is traditionally discarded in such applications, are provided. For instance, background phase variations are eliminated, which enables complex-valued data analysis without the usual noise bias. As a result, the systems and methods described here provide an image reconstruction that enables true signal averaging, which increases signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) and allows higher contrast in diffusion model reconstructions without a magnitude bias.

Abstract: An ear shape analysis method implemented by a computer includes generating a first ear shape data set by applying a first principal component weight vector to an ear shape model reflecting statistical tendencies of three-dimensional shapes of ears; and identifying from the generated first ear shape data set an estimated three-dimensional shape of a target ear corresponding to a target ear image represented by image data.

Abstract: A virtual tracking system for a virtual medical device. The virtual medical device may include a tangible proximal portion that at least temporarily has a magnetic element attached thereto. The system includes a tracking circuit configured to track movement of the virtual medical device and a display. The tracking circuit may include at least one reception component configured to detect a magnetic field of the magnetic element and to generate magnetic field strength data. The tracking circuit may also include a processor that iteratively computes position data of a virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device according to the magnetic field strength data so as to simulate insertion of the virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device into a body of a patient. The display may be configured to depict an image of the computed position data of the virtual distal portion of the virtual medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a real-time surgery method and apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic augmented view of a patient from a static or dynamic viewpoint of the surgeon, which employs real-time three-dimensional surface reconstruction for preoperative and intraoperative image registration. Stereoscopic cameras provide real-time images of the scene including the patient. A stereoscopic video display is used by the surgeon, who sees a graphical representation of the preoperative or intraoperative images blended with the video images in a stereoscopic manner through a see-through display.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s).

Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing a series of images of a subject includes acquiring medical image data from the subject with a medical imaging system and reconstructing a series of images of the subject from the acquired medical image data set. The reconstructing includes enforcing general adherence to a non-patient-specific signal model that describes a dependency of image intensity values on at least one variable that is associated with a physical or physiological property by constraining reconstruction of individual images in the series of images using the non-patient-specific model. The reconstructing also includes preserving information in the series of images that deviate from the non-patient-specific model by controlling a requirement of consistency with the non-patient-specific model.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a real-time surgery method and apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic augmented view of a patient from a static or dynamic viewpoint of the surgeon, which employs real-time three-dimensional surface reconstruction for preoperative and intraoperative image registration. Stereoscopic cameras provide real-time images of the scene including the patient. A stereoscopic video display is used by the surgeon, who sees a graphical representation of the preoperative or intraoperative images blended with the video images in a stereoscopic manner through a see-through display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique for calculating a position of a surgical device relative to a patient region imaged by an imaging device is described. One of the surgical device and the imaging device has a predetermined first positional relationship to a marking, and a first camera having a field of view that includes the marking has a predetermined second positional relationship to the other device. The positional relationships may be stored as calibration data. A method realization of the technique comprises the steps of receiving, from the imaging device, intra-operatively taken first image data representative of the imaged patient region, receiving, from the first camera, intra-operatively taken second image data representative of the marking, and intra-operatively calculating, based on the first and second image data and the calibration data, the position of at least a part of the surgical device relative to the imaged patient region.

Abstract: Provided is an in vivo movement tracking apparatus configured to track a portion of interest that moves in vivo, in which accuracy and robustness of tracking are improved. The apparatus is configured to determine an estimated position of ah organ in a biological image based on the past movement of the organ and search for contour points corresponding to a plurality of control points, respectively, representing a contour shape of the organ in a region corresponding to the estimated position, to thereby determine an estimated contour of the organ based on the contour points. The in vivo movement tracking apparatus is configured to determine a position of a portion of interest, which moves in association with the organ, based on the estimated contour with reference to previously acquired sample data regarding a positional relationship between a contour of the organ and the portion of interest.

Abstract: MRI interference with a concurrently operated system may be reduced or corrected by subtracting the MRI interference from signals measured using the concurrently operated system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a split magnet system having a pair of MRI magnet housings separated by gap. A pair of main MRI magnets are disposed within respective MRI magnet housings. A plurality of buttress assemblies are attached to the MRI magnet housings. Some or all of the buttress assemblies are provided with removable connections to the MRI magnet housings. This allows for partial disassembly of the MRI system for improved transport and maneuverability for relocating the MRI system. The MRI system can include a gantry in the gap for supporting a radiation therapy system. Also, the removably buttress assemblies can be used for housing conduits, such as electrical and fluid conduits, between the pair of MRI magnet housings.

Abstract: There is provided with an image processing apparatus. A determination unit determines color information of an object present in an object image from a virtual viewpoint. The color information of the object is determined by combining color information of the object in a captured image obtained by one or more image capturing apparatus selected based on position and orientation information of the virtual viewpoint, position and orientation information of the image capturing apparatuses, and position information of the object, by using a weight corresponding to an image capturing direction of the one or more image capturing apparatus and a position of the object in a field of view of the one or more image capturing apparatus.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: According to one implementation an assembly is provided that facilitates a coupling of one or more light diffusing optical fibers to one or more light emitting diodes. According to one implementation the assembly includes a light emitting diode positioned inside a cavity of a frame that is equipped with means to directly or indirectly electrically couple the anode and cathode of the light emitting diode to a printed circuit board. A proximal end portion of the light diffusing optical fiber is supported inside a through opening of a lid positioned over a front side of the frame. The light diffusing optical fiber includes a core that is surround by a cladding. According to some implementations the proximal end of the light diffusing optical fiber is butt-coupled to the light emitting diode with there being no gap between the proximal end of the fiber and the light emitting side of the light emitting diode.