With Tomographic Imaging Obtained From Electromagnetic Wave Patents (Class 600/425)
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Patent number: 9084888Abstract: A method of determining a model of a marker includes obtaining projection images, each of the projection images having an image of a marker that indicates a shape of the marker, determining binary images of the marker for respective ones of the projection images, and constructing a three-dimensional model of the marker using the binary images, the three-dimensional model comprising a set of voxels in a three-dimensional space that collectively indicates a three-dimensional shape of the marker, wherein the act of constructing the three-dimensional model is performed using a processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Per Rugaard Poulsen, Walther Fledelius, Paul Keall, Elisabeth Weiss, Jun Lu, Emily Brackbill, Geoffrey Hugo
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Patent number: 9078674Abstract: A surgical instrument is described which comprises an alignment guide having a first part including a distal end and a second part having a proximal end. The first part is attached to the second part by a pivot mechanism so that the first part can be tilted relative to the second part. A brace is attached toward the proximal end of the alignment guide for attaching the instrument to a limb of a patient. A component is attached toward the distal end of the alignment guide. The pivot mechanism is configured so that tilting the first part does not substantially change the separation between the component and the brace.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: DEPUY (IRELAND)Inventors: Maja Kecman, Lisa Stroux, Alberto Verteramo
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Patent number: 9066737Abstract: A method for moving an instrument arm of a laparoscopy robot into a predeterminable position relative to a trocar placed in a patient is proposed. A spatial marker that can be localized from outside of the patient is applied to the trocar. The spatial position of the trocar is detected based on the spatial marker. The intended position of the instrument arm is established from the spatial position and the relative position. The actual position of the instrument arm is detected. The instrument arm is moved into the intended position based on the actual position, the intended position and an error minimization method.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Ronny Bärwinkel, Oliver Hornung, Karl-Heinz Maier
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Patent number: 9064143Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of analyzing the motion of a biological object, particularly the motion of cultured organisms or cell cultures. The system and method of the invention may be used to determine the effect of a physical stimulus or a test agent on the motion of cell cultures. The system and method is of particular use in assessing the effect a chemical may have on the contractile motion of cardiomyocyte cell cultures.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE UK LIMITEDInventor: Nicholas Thomas
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Patent number: 9055881Abstract: Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope position relative to the target is performed partially or entirely by image-based tracking by comparing features in real-time video image (52) produced by imaging arrangement with features in the reference image (51). The feature comparison may be performed visually by a user, or may be automated to offer more specific corrective suggestions to the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Super Dimension Ltd.Inventors: Pinhas Gilboa, Danny Blecher, Benny Greenberg
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Patent number: 9053541Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a computer system operable to determine a registration mapping between a first medical image and a second medical image, the computer system comprising: a storage device for storing data representing the first medical image and the second medical image; and a processor unit operable to execute machine readable instructions to: (a) identify a plurality of elements in the first medical image; (b) determine a spatial mapping from each element in the first medical image to a corresponding element in the second medical image to provide a plurality of spatial mappings subject to a consistency constraint; and (c) determine a registration mapping between the first medical image and the second medical image based on the plurality of spatial mappings from the respective elements of the first medical image to the corresponding elements of the second medical image.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Jim Piper, Sean Murphy, Ian Poole, Jian Song
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Patent number: 9044190Abstract: A system and method for generating CT-type three dimensional imaging information from a conventional C-arm fluoroscope system. This enables the adaptation of widely used C-arm installations to provide CT-type information. The system uses a three dimensional target disposing in a fixed position relative to the subject, and obtains a sequence of video images of a region of interest of a subject while the C-arm is moved manually or by a scanning motor. Images from the video sequence are analyzed to determine the pose of the C-arm relative to the subject by analysis of the image patterns of the target. Images are selected from the video sequence according to predetermined criteria. A set of two-dimensional image data with associated positional data is obtained, which is used to reconstruct a three dimensional volumetric set of imaging data of the region of interest of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: MAZOR ROBOTICS LTD.Inventors: Joseph Rubner, Eli Zehavi, Leonid Kleyman, Moshe Shoham
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Publication number: 20150147273Abstract: A method for determining whether compound 0118 is a candidate treatment for a patient includes processing, via a processor, image data of tissue of interest of a patient including a cancer to determine whether a radiolabeled analog of compound 0118 is present in the tissue of interest represented in the image data and generating a signal indicating that compound 0118 is a candidate treatment for the patient in response to the determining that the radiolabeled analog of compound 0118 is present in a predetermined amount in the tissue of interest represented in the image data, wherein the presence of the radiolabeled analog of compound 0118 in the tissue of interest indicates presence of a sub-type of cancer having a galectin-1 molecular target, which is a sub-type of treatable by compound 0118.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Tilman Lappchen, Holger Gruell, Marc Stefan Robillard, Johan Lub
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Publication number: 20150148658Abstract: This invention relates to methods for ascertaining at least one of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in a subject, by processing of one or more medical images of the liver, using a computing machine, to quantify nodularity of the surface of the liver and calculate a liver surface nodularity score.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Andrew Smith
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Patent number: 9042963Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging within depth layers of a tissue include illuminating light rays at different changing wavelengths (frequencies), collimating illuminated light rays using a collimator, and splitting light rays using a beam splitter, such that some of the light rays are directed towards a reference mirror and some of the rays are directed towards the tissue. The systems and methods further include reflecting light rays from the reference mirror towards the imager, filtering out non-collimated light rays reflected off the tissue by using a telecentric optical system, and reflecting collimated light rays reflected off the tissue towards the imager, thus creating an image of an interference pattern based on collimated light rays reflected off the tissue and off the reference mirror. The method may further include creating full 2D images from the interference pattern for each depth layer of the tissue using Fast Fourier transform.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.Inventor: Gavriel J. Iddan
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Patent number: 9042625Abstract: A region growing algorithm for controlling leakage is presented including a processor configured to select a starting point for segmentation of data, initiate a propagation process by designating adjacent voxels around the starting point, determine whether any new voxels are segmented, count and analyze the segmented new voxels to determine leakage levels, and identify and record segmented new voxels from a previous iteration when the leakage levels exceed a predetermined threshold. The processor is further configured to perform labeling of the segmented new voxels of the previous iteration, select the segmented new voxels from the previous iteration when the leakage levels fall below the predetermined threshold, and create a voxel list based on acceptable segmented voxels found in the previous iteration.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Dorian Averbuch, Yuri Kreinin
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Publication number: 20150141812Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
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Publication number: 20150141814Abstract: An apparatus includes an image analysis unit arranged to extract, from the medical image, brightness intensities of a first body lumen region of the medical image and brightness intensities of a second body lumen region of the medical image; and a measuring unit arranged to calculate a first body lumen value and a second body lumen value, each of the first body lumen value and a second body lumen value being calculated as a predetermined linear combination of the brightness intensities of the corresponding first body lumen region and second body lumen region, and to compare the first body lumen value with the second body lumen value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Duhgoon LEE, Toshihiro RIFU
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Publication number: 20150141813Abstract: A system for patient imaging is provided. The system includes an imaging system and a parameter generator to determine parameters of at least a first phase of an injection procedure. The imaging system includes a scanner that has at least one x-ray tube. The parameter generator is programmed to determine at least one of the parameters on the basis of a voltage to be applied to the at least one x-ray tube during an imaging procedure. A method of controlling an injector system is also provided, and the method includes determining injection parameters, at least one of which is determined on the basis of a voltage to be applied to an x-ray tube during the imaging procedure, as well as controlling the injector system at least in part on the basis of the determined injection parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: John F. Kalafut, Corey A. Kemper
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Patent number: 9033576Abstract: A system and method for nodule boundary visualization superimposed on a scan image, including generating phantom image measurements of at least one synthetic calibration object in relation to a body to calibrate a scanner; acquiring a first image of a nodule on the calibrated scanner; computing and marking a boundary on the image; displaying the first image with the boundary superimposed over the first image; presenting the initial boundary to a user for modification where the user can add one or more modification points to the image to create a modified boundary that is encompassed by the one or more modification points; once the user has marked the one or more modification points on the image, computing an updated boundary that adapts to include the new points.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventors: David F. Yankelevitz, Anthony P. Reeves, Claudia Ingrid Henschke
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Patent number: 9037216Abstract: A methods for imaging tissue using diffuse optical tomography with digital detection includes directing at the tissue a plurality of amplitude modulated optical signals from a plurality of optical signal sources illuminating the tissue at a plurality of locations; detecting a resulting plurality of attenuated optical signals exiting the tissue to obtain a plurality of analog signals containing diffuse optical tomographic information; converting the analog signals into digital signals; recovering the tomographic information from the digital signals using a digital signal processor-based detection module that performs digital detection, wherein the detection module includes a master digital signal processing subsystem and at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem that processes at least a portion of the digital signals and the master digital signal processing subsystem controls the at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem; and transmitting the recovered tomographic information in digiType: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORKInventors: Andreas H. Hielscher, Yang Li, Andres Bur, Molly Flexman, James Masciotti, Christopher J. Fong
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Patent number: 9037215Abstract: Methods and apparatus assist in planning routes through hollow, branching organs in patients to optimize subsequent endoscopic procedures. Information is provided about the organ and a follow-on endoscopic procedure associated with the organ. The most appropriate navigable route or routes to a target region of interest (ROI) within the organ are then identified given anatomical, endoscopic-device, or procedure-specific constraints derived from the information provided. The method may include the step of modifying the viewing direction at each site along a route to give physically meaningful navigation directions or to reflect the requirements of a follow-on live endoscopic procedure. An existing route may further be extended, if necessary, to an ROI beyond the organ. The information provided may include anatomical constraints that define locations or organs to avoid; anatomical constraints that confine the route within specific geometric locations; or a metric for selecting the most appropriate route.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: William E. Higgins, Jason D. Gibbs
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Patent number: 9036140Abstract: An optical probe system having a probe with an optical guide (G) having a distal end. The optical guide (G) is mounted inside a housing (H) so that the distal end is displaceable with respect to the housing (H). A set of actuators (A), e.g. electromagnetic drive coils, can displace the distal end by application of a drive signal (Vx, Vy). A control unit (CU) generates the drive signal (Vx, Vy) so as to provide a scanning frequency which varies according to an amplitude of the drive signal (Vx, Vy). With such probe system it is possible to scan a field of view with a scanning frequency that varies with the scanning radius. Taking into account the maximum allowable drive current, it is possible to increase scanning speed compared to scanning at the mechanical resonance frequency of the optical system, since small radii can be scanned at a high scanning frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Nenad Mihajlovic, Jeroen Jan Lambertus Horikx, Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff, Cornelius Antonius Hezemans, Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks
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Patent number: 9036882Abstract: Overview images that represent the overview of a structure (e.g., the large intestine) are generated based on volume data, and displayed on a screen. Points within the overview images and points corresponding thereto in the volume data are set as target points. A target volume that includes the target points and line of sight vectors within the volume data having the target points as endpoints and a movable viewpoint as a starting point are set within the volume data. The directions of the line of sight vectors are changed by moving the viewpoint, and the target volumes are projected onto projection planes perpendicular to the directions of the line of sight vectors to generate detailed images that represent details of the structure in the vicinity of the target points. The detailed images are displayed on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Jun Masumoto, Masaki Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20150132222Abstract: This invention provides compounds and compositions useful as imaging tracers for positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI). Compounds in accordance with embodiments of the invention will generally comprise three structural elements: i) a triphenylphosphonium moiety; ii) a chelating element; and iii) a hydrophobic element. The tracer compounds are preferably radiolabeled with 64Cu or 18F. Also provided are methods for synthesizing the compounds, methods for derivatizing the compounds, and derivatives thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: Peter S. Conti, Shuanglong Liu, Zibo Li
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Publication number: 20150133776Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical imaging system for imaging vasculature of a patient is provided. The imaging system includes a console that has one or more processors with a medical imaging system interface running thereon, an acquisition card in communication with the one or more processors and in communication with a patient interface module (PIM), and an intravascular imaging component in communication with the PIM and disposed on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. The medical imaging system interface provides a plurality of settings groups for selection by a user, each of the settings groups having pre-acquisition parameters and post-acquisition parameters that are optimal for imaging a desired viewing target within the vasculature. Associated methods and computer-readable media are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20150133775Abstract: The probe includes a probe body that includes an internal empty space and is configured to be inserted into a coelom; an energy source module that is disposed in the probe body, and configured to emit an energy beam; first and second view windows that are provided at an end portion of the probe body, have different fields of view, and are configured to transmit the emitted energy beam; and a path changing unit that is disposed in the probe body, and configured to change a traveling path of the emitted energy beam to travel to one of the first view window and the second view window.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Woon-bae KIM, Woo-young JANG, Min-seog CHOI
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Patent number: 9031632Abstract: A method for detecting a virus in a patient based on imaging data includes scanning a region of interest of the patient with an imaging device and generating imaging data indicative of the region of interest, identifying at least one marker in the image data that corresponds to the virus based on the identified at least one marker and a set of predetermined imageable markers that correspond to the virus, classifying the virus as a particular strain of the virus based on a set of classification rules, and generating a signal indicative of the particular strain. The method optionally includes generating a signal indicative of the classification and electronically conveying the signal to at least one entity.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Mark E. Olszewski, Matthew J. Walker
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Publication number: 20150126856Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an imaging catheter has a rotatable fiber and a rotatable drive shaft. The drive assembly includes a fiber optic rotating junction and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the fiber optic rotating junction and a processor configured to obtain the detected rotational position and stop the motor only when the fiber optic rotating junction is in a predetermined rotational position. In some embodiments, the motor includes a hollow shaft through which at least a portion of the fiber optic rotating junction extends.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Brian Y. Tachibana, Charles W. McNall, Michael Zung, Peter Howard Smith, Brian Chiu, Douglas Joseph Scott Bourne, Priyanshu Gupta
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Publication number: 20150126858Abstract: Fiber scanning optical probes and medical imaging apparatuses including the same are provided. The fiber scanning optical probe includes an optical fiber; an actuator attached onto the optical fiber and configured to drive the optical fiber at a driving resonance frequency; a mass provided at a side of the optical fiber and configured to control the driving resonance frequency; and a frequency separator provided on a portion of the optical fiber between the actuator and the mass, the frequency separator being configured to separate the driving resonance frequency into separate resonance frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicants: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Min-seog CHOI, Ki-Hun JEONG, Hyeon-Cheol PARK, Seun-wan LEE
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Publication number: 20150126857Abstract: Disclosed are an optical probe and a medical imaging apparatus which includes the optical probe. The optical probe includes an optical scanner, which includes first and second fluids which have different refractive indexes and are not mixed with each other, and a probe body that is insertable into a coelom, and in which the optical scanner is provided in the probe body. Light which is emitted from the optical scanner is irradiated onto an object via a light output device. An output angle of the light emitted from the optical scanner varies based on a corresponding change in an interface between the first and second fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-seog CHOI, Woon-bae KIM, Seung-wan LEE, Eun-sung LEE, Jong-hyeon CHANG, Hyun CHOI
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Patent number: 9022933Abstract: A computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon and representing a set of instructions that when executed by a computer causes the computer to calculate a mapping function that provides a location of each sub-volume of an imaging volume as a function of time from ultrasound data and determine a respective acquisition window for each sub-volume of the imaging volume from the mapping function. The instructions also cause the computer to reconstruct an image of the imaging volume substantially free of motion artifacts from imaging data acquired from the imaging volume.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiang Hsieh, Michael John Barber, Brian J. Kost, William R. Clarke, Michael A. Juhl, Anne Lindsay Hall
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Publication number: 20150119468Abstract: Methods are provided herein for treating an individual having a disease, disorder or condition affecting the lungs, wherein said disease, disorder, or condition of the lung is an acute lung injury. In specific embodiments, the acute lung injury is chemical induced acute lung injury (CIALI). In some embodiments, the methods are provided for treating or protecting a subject from chemical induced acute lung injury that include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a phosphatase located on chromosome 10 (PTEN) inhibitor such as N(9,10-dioxo-9,10-di-hydrophenanthren-2-yl)pivalamide (SF1670). In some embodiments, the method products a subject from CAILI or reduces CAILI that results from a subsequent exposure to a chemical that induces chemical induced acute lung injury.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: University of Pittsburgh–Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventor: George Douglas Leikauf
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Publication number: 20150119705Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating risk associated with a condition of the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes obtaining physiology measurements from a first instrument and a second instrument positioned within the vessel of the patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel from a first position to a second position and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; outputting the physiology measurements and an image of the vessel on a display, the output image including visualizations based on the obtained physiology measurements; and evaluating whether to perform to surgical procedure based on the physiology measurements and the image of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Andrew Tochterman, David Anderson, Fergus Merritt
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Publication number: 20150119665Abstract: Optical data is obtained from a pair of breasts, employing a simultaneous bilateral referencing protocol, and is subsequently analyzed employing a self-referencing data analysis method. Optical measurements can be performed on both breasts simultaneously under various protocols, including resting-state measures and evoked responses. Sensing hardware and data collection protocols are economical and can be implemented without patient discomfort. The natural variance inherently associated with optical measures of the breast is reduced by: imposition of substantially symmetric boundary conditions; collection of simultaneous bilateral dynamic measures; referencing measurement data of one breast to measurement data from another.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORKInventors: Randall L. Barbour, Rabah M. Al Abdi
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Publication number: 20150119706Abstract: Biodegradable computed tomography (CT) contrast agents comprising a polyiodinated aryl contrast agent that is crosslinked by an organic disulfide are described herein. The contrast agents can be used to image a tissue region by administering an effective amount of the biodegradable CT contrast agent to a subject, allowing a sufficient amount of time for the biodegradable CT contrast agent to enter the tissue region, and performing x-ray computed tomography imaging of the tissue region of the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Zheng-Rong Lu, Erlei Jin, Xiaohui Wu
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Publication number: 20150119703Abstract: Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Mitchell, Shiv Shanker Verma, Collin Schaeffer
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Publication number: 20150119704Abstract: An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Nathaniel Roth, Yoel Zilberstein, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Benny Rousso
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Publication number: 20150119707Abstract: An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: LightLab Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Petroff
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Patent number: 9017260Abstract: A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignees: Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Takeo Kanade, David Schwartzman, Hua Zhong
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Patent number: 9020576Abstract: A biological measurement apparatus of this invention includes (i) a micro piezoelectric element for vibrating a nerve cell of a subject without coming in contact with the nerve cell, (ii) an electromagnetic wave antenna for receiving an electromagnetic wave generated by the nerve cell vibrated by the micro piezoelectric element, and (iii) a computer for measuring an electric charge of the nerve cell based on the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave antenna. Further, this biological measurement apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave antenna for emitting an electromagnetic wave to a nerve cell. This configuration provides an apparatus capable of measuring an electrical activity of a nerve cell in a living organism in real time and three-dimensionally at a spatial resolution of a nerve cell size. Moreover, this configuration provides an apparatus capable of individually giving electrical stimulations to any desired cells in the subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Okayama PrefectureInventor: Yukinori Nagatani
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Publication number: 20150112191Abstract: A method includes obtaining a boundary condition estimate. The boundary condition estimate includes at least an estimated outlet resistance of a vessel with a stenosis. The method further includes correcting the boundary condition estimate based on a severity of the stenosis, thereby creating a corrected boundary condition. The method further includes determining an FFR index based on the corrected boundary condition. The method further includes displaying the FFR index. A computing system includes a computer readable storage medium with instructions that iteratively determine at least an FFR index based on a severity of a stenosis of a vessel. The computing system further includes a computer processor that processes the instructions and generates the FFR index based on the severity of the stenosis of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Guy GILBOA, Yechiel LAMASH, Liran GOSHEN
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Patent number: 9014453Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring a plurality of image frames of a blood vessel of a subject, acquisition of the image frames commencing prior to injection of a contrast agent into the blood vessel. A first image frame is identified as being the image frame in which an angiographic sequence commenced by calculating a vesselness descriptor for each one of the image frames, by determining an extent to which pixels within the image frame are likely to correspond to the blood vessel, and by determining that, in the first image frame, there was an increase in the vesselness descriptor relative to at least one image frame acquired prior to the first image frame. An output is generated at least partially in response to identifying the first image frame. Other applications are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Sync-Rx, Ltd.Inventors: Alexander Steinberg, Ran Cohen, Sagiv Philipp, David Tolkowsky, Eldad Klaiman
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Patent number: 9013555Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an ultrahigh sensitive optical microangiography (OMAG) system that provides high sensitivity to slow flow information, such as that found in blood flow in capillaries, while also providing a relatively low data acquisition time. The system performs a plurality of fast scans (i.e., B-scans) on a fast scan axis, where each fast scan includes a plurality of A-scans. At the same time, the system performs a slow scan (i.e., C-scan), on a slow scan axis, where the slow scan includes the plurality of fast scans. A detector receives the spectral interference signal from the sample to produce a three dimensional (3D) data set. An imaging algorithm is then applied to the 3D data set in the slow scan axis to produce at least one image of the sample. In some embodiments, the imaging algorithm may separate flow information from structural information of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Oregon Health & Science UniversityInventor: Ruikang Wang
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Patent number: 9014424Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for tracking image sections which represent indicator body parts of a body in a process sequence of images, wherein changes in the position of the indicator body parts are used as an indicator for changes in the position of a treatment body part of the body which is to be treated using a treatment beam, said method comprising the following steps: providing advance image data which describe an advance sequence of images representing a result of an advance analysis of the body; providing process image data which describe the process sequence of images, wherein the process sequence of images represents a result of a process analysis of the body which is performed after the advance analysis; determining, on the basis of the advance image data, sub-images which undergo similar changes in position in the advance sequence; extracting, on the basis of the process image data and the determined sub-images, image sections from the images of the process sequence which have an imaType: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Brainlab AGInventors: Kajetan Berlinger, Stephan Brumme
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Publication number: 20150105651Abstract: A method for improving health may include the steps of receiving patient input from a first patient regarding at least one parameter, scanning the first patient for a biomarker using an internal imaging machine, receiving a health plan for the first patient, accessing a database and searching the database for other patients having patient input similar to the first patient, predicting changes in the biomarker based on a patient having input similar to the first patient, and presenting the first patient with the predicted results. Follow-up monitoring may include the steps of receiving internal imaging data as a baseline for a patient undergoing a health plan to improve one or more biomarkers, measuring the patient for one or more biomarkers, estimating the patient's progress by comparing the measurement taken with the baseline internal imaging data, and presenting the patient with the estimated progress.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Chang-Jiang Zheng
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Publication number: 20150105656Abstract: A torsional support apparatus is disclosed for craniocaudal rotation of test animals to enable multiple-view imaging. The animal is supported in a U-shaped loop of optically transparent material and the loop is moved to apply torsion to the animal to rotate it about its craniocaudal axis. Methods of imaging also are disclosed that use the torsional support technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Bruker Biospin CorporationInventors: Gilbert Feke, Benjamin F. Geldhof, Warren M. Leevy, Mark E. Bridges, William E. McLaughlin, Rao Papineni
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Patent number: 9008274Abstract: An imaging system includes an identification module, a determination module, and a display module. The identification module is configured to identify one or more first scanning parameters and one or more first display parameters corresponding to a first image, and to identify one or more second scanning parameters corresponding to scanning information acquired during a second scan. The determination module is configured to determine, based on the one or more first scanning parameters and the one or more second scanning parameters, one or more second display parameters so that the scanning information acquired during the second scan may be used to provide a second image appearing more similar to the first image. The display module is configured to use the one or more second display parameters to provide the second image configured to be displayed to a viewer.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Grant Morey Stevens, Roy A. Nilsen, Brian William Thomsen
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Patent number: 9007696Abstract: In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Lightlab Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Petersen, Stephen M. McCartin, Joseph M. Schmitt, Joel M. Friedman
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Patent number: 9005144Abstract: An ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector insertable into a patient. The end effector includes a tissue-retaining device. The tissue-retaining device includes a first tissue-retaining member having an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer and includes a second tissue-retaining member. The first and second tissue-retaining members are operatively connected together to retain patient tissue between the first and second tissue-retaining members and to release patient tissue so retained. In one example, the second tissue-retaining member has an ultrasound reflector. In the same or a different example, the ultrasound medical-treatment transducer is an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj Makin, Robert Dunki-Jacobs, Richard C. Pellegrino
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Publication number: 20150099968Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing a zoom operation based on a single motion input. A user interface can be adapted to display an image, detect a single motion input and contemporaneously control a zoom operation on the image. Zoom operations can include a zoom magnitude, direction, and distance. Single motion inputs can include, for example, a swipe of a finger on a touchscreen or a click and drag operation performed on a mouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventor: Joseph A. Jamello
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Patent number: 9002427Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of respiratory chamber volume and associated parameters including respiratory rate, respiratory rhythm, tidal volume, dielectric variability and respiratory congestion. In particular, a non-invasive apparatus and method for determining dynamic and structural physiologic data from a living subject including a change in the spatial configuration of a respiratory chamber, a lung or a lobe of a lung to determine overall respiratory health comprising an ultra wide-band radar system having at least one transmitting and receiving antenna for applying ultra wide-band radio signals to a target area of the subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: LifeWave Biomedical, Inc.Inventors: Joe Paul Tupin, Jr., Joe Paul Tupin, Kenneth Arlan Murray, Jr., John David Tupin
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Publication number: 20150094571Abstract: An imaging system is provided including a gantry, a detector unit mounted to the gantry, at least one processing unit, and a controller. The at least one processing unit is configured to obtain object information corresponding to an object, and to automatically determine at least one first portion of the object and at least one second portion of the object. The controller is configured to control a rotational movement of the detector unit. The detector unit is rotatable at a sweep rate over a range of view of the object to be imaged, and the controller is configured to rotate the detector unit at an uneven sweep rate. The uneven sweep rate varies during the rotation from the, wherein a larger amount of scanning information is obtained for the at least one first portion than for the at least one second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Tzachi Rafaeli, Gil Kovalski, Yariv Grobshtein, Riyad Mahameed, Yaron Hefetz, Einat Binyamin, Yulim Zingerman, Nurit Rivka Wartski
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Publication number: 20150094574Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motion of detectors having moving detector heads are provided. One system includes a gantry and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry, wherein the plurality of detector units are individually movable including translational movement and rotational movement. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the plurality of detector units to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data, wherein the movement includes both the translational movement and the rotational movement coordinated to position the plurality of detector units adjacent to a subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
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Publication number: 20150094572Abstract: The modulator array includes a first optical modulator, which changes a shape a wavefront of an incident light into first wavefronts to modulate the incident light which passes through the first optical modulator; and a second optical modulator that changes a shape at least one of the first wavefronts into second wavefronts to modulate the light output from the first optical modulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae-duck JANG, Jae-guyn LIM, Woo-young JANG