Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planar imaging with detectors having moving heads are provided. One system includes a gantry having an opening therethrough, a patient table movable through the opening of the gantry along an examination axis, and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry and aligned in a row transverse to the examination axis. The plurality of detector units are spaced apart from each other, wherein the spacing forms gaps between adjacent detector units. The plurality of detector units are configured to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the patient table and the plurality of detector units to acquire two-dimensional (2D) SPECT data, wherein the plurality of detector units remain in a fixed relative orientation with respect to each other when acquiring the 2D SPECT data and move together to acquire the 2D SPECT data.

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: The present invention provides curcumin-derived near infrared (NIR) imaging probes. Upon interacting with amyloid ? aggregates, these probes undergo a range of changes, qualifying them as “smart” probes. The inventors have demonstrated that probes of the invention have the capacity to monitor the progression of Alzheimer's disease in an in vivo animal model. In addition, the present invention encompasses probes useful as PET imaging agents, MRI imaging agents and multimodal imaging agents, as well as related methods of detecting and imaging amyloid ? aggregates and plaques.

Abstract: A CT imaging system (12) generates structural data of a first FOV which is reconstructed by a CT reconstruction processor (52) into a CT image representation. A nuclear imaging system acquires functional data from a second FOV which is smaller than the first FOV. A first PET reconstruction processor (60) reconstructs the functional data into a PET image representation. A fusion processor (64) combines the PET image representation with a map extracted from the CT image representation to generate an extended FOV image representation. A spill-over correction unit (66) and a backscatter correction unit (68) derive spill-over correction data and backscatter correction data from the extended FOV image representation. A reconstruction processor (70) generates a spill-over and backscatter corrected functional image representation based on the spill-over correction data, the backscatter correction data, and the functional data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. For one preferred embodiment, an IGRT apparatus is provided comprising a gantry frame including a ring member, the ring member being rotatable around a substantially horizontal, longitudinally extending central axis, the ring member having first and second horizontally opposing ends. The IGRT apparatus further comprises a radiation treatment head coupled to the ring member by an arm member, the arm member being connected to the ring member at an arm member base. Preferably, the IGRT apparatus is further characterized in that the arm member extends outwardly from the first end of the ring member in a direction away from the second end and is supported only by the arm member base, and the radiation treatment head is dynamically movable in at least a longitudinal direction toward and away from the first end of the ring member.

Abstract: A polyacrylamide tissue phantom embedded with multi-formulated thermochromic liquid crystals for use in the evaluation of RF ablation therapies is provided. The tissue phantom approximates the properties of biological tissue, and therefore provides a suitable substitute for use in testing the effects of RF and other energy-emitting devices on biological tissue. Also provided is a system for using the tissue phantom in the evaluation of RF therapies.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).

Abstract: A method includes obtaining contrast enhanced perfusion imaging data of at least two vessel regions, one downstream from the other, and at least one tissue of interest, which receives blood from the circulatory system, of a scanned subject. The method further includes determining a blood flow time difference between contrast material peaks of the at least two vessel regions based on the image data. The method further includes determining an absolute perfusion of the tissue of interest based on the image data. The method further includes computing a standardized perfusion value based on the absolute perfusion and the time difference. The method further includes displaying the standardized perfusion value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating prospective treatments for progressive brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and the progressive effects of aging involve the use of an imaging device communicatively coupled to a computing device. The imaging device may takes a plurality of brain imaging measurements from each of a plurality of human subjects who are divided into a treated group and an untreated group based on various subject data including whether the subjects carry certain alleles of genes known to increase the risk of developing the brain disorder at issue. The computing device receives the brain imaging measurements from the imaging device and applies an advanced processing method that permits enhanced computational efficiency when calculating rates of change for the two groups and determining whether any calculated difference between the rates is statistically significant.

Abstract: An optimized press-fit between a resected bone and an articular implant may, for instance, reduce undesirable qualities, including excess micromotion, stress transmission, and/or strain. By taking into account heterogeneous bone properties, the parameters of a bone resection can be determined as to optimize the press-fit between a resected bone and an articular implant. An optimized press-fit is obtained by determining ideal engagement characteristics corresponding to the fit between the fixation features of an articular implant and a bone. Then, taking into account a bone's heterogeneous properties, the parameters of a bone resection that would substantially achieve the determined ideal engagement characteristics are determined.

Abstract: A system and method provides for determining patient eligibility for receiving an implantable upper airway stimulation system. Images and sensed data are obtained regarding an upper airway of a patient. Based on the obtained image and sensed data, an obstruction vector is determined according to a location, a pattern, and a degree of obstruction along the upper airway. A patient candidate filter is applied against a patient health profile. Patient eligibility is determined based on the obstruction vector and application of the patient candidate filter.

Abstract: A system and method for transducer placement in soft-field tomography are provided. One system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning at a surface of an object in a non-soft-field tomography configuration. The system also includes an interface and a processor communicating with the plurality of transducers via the interface. The processor is configured to perform soft-field sensing using soft-field data acquired by the plurality of transducers.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method are provided. The probe for an imaging apparatus includes a manually manipulable proximal portion; a straight distal portion with a distal tip for locating at a site to define an observational field; and a curved portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The imaging method includes the steps of locating a distal tip of an imaging probe at a site to define an observational field; irradiating the observational field from the distal tip; and collecting a return signal at the distal tip; wherein the probe comprises a manually manipulable proximal portion. The apparatus and method provided herein are useful for various applications including but not limited to endomicroscopy and other microsurgical procedures performed under optical stereoscopic magnified visualization, such as neurosurgery, ENT/facial surgery and spinal surgery.

Abstract: A method of estimating the shape of an individual ear includes determining at least part of the shape of the individual ear, the shape being determined over a first extent and constituting a determined shape; taking a predefined template shape determined by statistical analysis of a plurality of previously measured ear shapes according to a statistical model, the template shape having a second extent; and generating an estimated shape corresponding to an estimated representation of the shape of the individual ear over the intersection of the first extent and second extent by modifying the template shape to substantially match the determined shape over the first extent or over the second extent within a predefined tolerance. Also, a method of optimising an ITE shell, BTE or CRT housing, or BTE sound tube to a given population group utilising the same template methodology.

Abstract: A measuring device for a magnetic resonance device is provided. The measuring device has a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes at least one acoustic sensor element for detecting heart sounds of a patient. The sensor unit also includes a resonating body unit. The resonating body unit has a hollow space for filtering interfering signals emitted by the magnetic resonance device from the heart sounds of the patient.

Abstract: A method and device is described for correcting PET images for the attenuation of effects of the tissues and periodic movements of the patient. The device provides gamma-rays for image registration along with the CT scan. The gamma-rays are detected by the same detectors that form the emission PET scan. The device for generating the gamma-rays is a rod that contains an array of detectors, and a radioactive source that emits two rays in coincidence with each other. One of these rays is a gamma ray, and the other can be a beta ray, an alpha ray, or a low energy x-ray. The position of the rod, which is moveable within the ring of the PET scanner, is monitored so that its position can be coordinated with the signals generated from the ring detectors.

Abstract: A computer-based method for diagnosing a region of interest within an anatomical structure having the steps of receiving a 3D volumetric representation of the anatomical structure, and identifying at least one volume of interest and volume of normal of the anatomical structure. A first feature set can be generated based on a density, a gradient and a curvature of the volume of interest, and the first feature set can be compared to a second feature set to diagnose the region of interest to at least one a plurality of pathology types.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for using those devices and systems are disclosed to facilitate mapping and navigation during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. These devices, systems and methods include implantable magnetic devices and sensing devices that facilitate locating the implantable magnetic devices such that a surgeon can accurately locate and place devices at particular points of interest during a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.

Abstract: A photoacoustic wave induced in a subject to be examined by illumination of the subject to be examined with light is detected. A first photoacoustic image corresponding to a frequency component less than or equal to a predetermined frequency and a second photoacoustic image corresponding to a frequency component higher than a predetermined frequency are generated based on a detection signal of the detected photoacoustic wave. The first photoacoustic image and the second photoacoustic image are combined together by placing, on a pixel in the first photoacoustic image the pixel value of which is less than or equal to a threshold, a pixel in the second photoacoustic image corresponding to the pixel in the first photoacoustic image.

Abstract: A method of displaying image data for a tissue of an organ includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) projection dataset using a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging system, performing a segmentation of the 3D projection dataset that includes a plurality of voxels, performing a perfusion viability cluster analysis to identify myocardium voxels, grouping the myocardium voxels into viable clusters and non-viable clusters based on a density and a location of the myocardium voxels, and generating an image of the myocardium and a coronary tree using the viable clusters and the non-viable clusters. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

Abstract: A radiation therapy device controller identifies a pixel on a straight line connecting a ray source and a sensor array, and calculates a luminance update amount candidate value for each identified pixel based on a ratio of a change amount for the pixel on the straight line indicating the living body to a sum of change amounts from a luminance value of a pixel corresponding to a correlated computed tomography image correlated with a computed tomography image of an update target of a luminance value of the identified pixel. Also, the control device calculates a luminance update amount of each identified pixel using the luminance update amount candidate value of each identified pixel calculated for a plurality of rotation angles, and updates the luminance value of each corresponding pixel of the computed tomography image of the update target using the luminance update amount of each identified pixel.

Abstract: A method of determining the histological grade of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) including: acquiring a Computed Tomography (CT) image of a person including an HCC tumor; delineating the HCC tumor; and assigning a histological grade to the HCC tumor, wherein assigning the histological grade to the HCC tumor includes: applying a plurality of filters to the HCC tumor, wherein each of the filters produces a corresponding response image and, for each of the filters, a convolution operation is performed on the filter and the CT image to produce the response image corresponding to that filter; computing an average response of the HCC tumor in each of the response images and recording each of the average responses as an Independent Subspace Analysis (ISA) feature; and determining the histological grade of the HCC tumor based on the ISA features by using a classifier.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for processing an optical coherence tomographic image. The method of processing an optical coherence tomographic image includes obtaining an optical coherence tomographic image by irradiating light to an object; generating a color space map based on the obtained optical coherence tomographic image; normalizing data of the obtained optical coherence tomographic image; realigning the normalized data of the optical coherence tomographic image; performing a tone mapping on the realigned data of the optical coherence tomographic image; and generating a color image by mapping the data of the optical coherence tomographic image on which the tone mapping is performed, by using the generated color space map.

Abstract: A method, including capturing, from an imaging system, a three-dimensional (3D) image of a body cavity, and using the captured 3D image to construct a simulated surface of the body cavity. A probe having a location sensor is inserted into the body cavity, and in response to multiple location measurements received from the location sensor, multiple positions are mapped within respective regions of the body cavity so as to generate respective mapped regions of the simulated surface. Based on the simulated surface and the respective mapped regions, one or more unmapped regions of the simulated surface are delineated, and the simulated surface of the body cavity is configured to indicate the delineated unmapped regions.

Abstract: In part, aspects of the invention relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for intensity and/or pattern line noise reduction in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system that uses an electromagnetic radiation source and interferometric principles. In one embodiment, the noise is intensity noise or line pattern noise and the source is a laser such as a swept laser. One or more attenuators responsive to one or more control signals can be used in conjunction with an analog or digital feedback network in one embodiment.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes using an optical coherence tomography system to acquire a plurality of frames of a sample where each frame includes optical information about the composition of the sample through a section of the sample. The method further includes averaging over two or more of the frames to provide an image of the section of the sample where successive frames of the two or more frames are acquired with a time lapse of 0.05-0.7 seconds. Embodiments of the method may have unique advantages for endoscopic subcellular imaging. For example, they can enable subcellular imaging with low-NA optics (e.g., NA=0.25 or less) while providing morphological imaging of the underlying tissue up to 0.6 mm without focal tracking.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of the anatomy of a patient such as, for example, the prostate. The invention includes a plurality of lumens therein and a balloon portion or other fixating portion. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a lumen for introducing a contrast agent visible to an imaging modality external to the anatomy of the patient. Image space data of the catheter within the anatomy of the patient may be obtained using the imaging modality. The catheter also includes at least a lumen for inserting a registration device for obtaining patient space data regarding the anatomy of the patient. Other lumens and/or other elements visible to the imaging modality may be used. The image space data may be registered to the patient space data for use during an image guided procedure to the anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for performing a surgical procedure using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the composition of a kidney stone from a medical image. A feature extractor is configured to provide a plurality of features from the medical image. The plurality of features includes either a pair of an attenuation values including a first attenuation value from a first location in or on the kidney stone and a second attenuation value from a second location in or on the kidney stone or a function of the first and second attenuation values. The second location is spatially distinct from the first location. A classifier is configured to select one of a plurality of classes for the kidney stone from the plurality of features. Each class represents a specific constituent material.

Abstract: An iteration method for computing a distribution of one or more properties within an object comprises defining a first mesh of the object, applying an excitation to the object, computing a response of the object to the applied excitation, obtaining a reference response of the object corresponding to the applied excitation, computing a distribution of one or more properties of the object, and updating at least a subset of the nodes of the first mesh to form an updated mesh of the object. The distribution of one or more properties of the object is computed using the computed response, the reference response, and the first mesh. The first mesh includes a plurality of nodes and elements. A connectivity relationship of the subset of the nodes in the updated mesh remains the same as in the first mesh.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a first radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a first radiographic image captured in the scout image capturing process, a second radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a plurality of second radiographic images captured in the stereographic image capturing process, a first display controller for displaying the first radiographic image on a display unit, and a second display controller for displaying the second radiographic images on the display unit and, in case that the biopsy region is selected in the displayed first radiographic image, displaying, in the second radiographic images, respective guide lines passing through positions in the second radiographic images which correspond to the position of the biopsy region selected in the first radiographic image and extending parallel to or substantially parallel to a prescribed direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the position of an object, such as tracking the position of one or more catheters in a patient's heart cavity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Miniaturized, five and six degrees-of-freedom magnetic sensors, responsive to pulsed DC magnetic fields waveforms generated by multiple transmitter options, provide an improved and cost-effective means of guiding medical instruments to targets inside the human body. The end result is achieved by integrating DC tracking, 3D reconstructions of pre-acquired patient scans and imaging software into a system enabling a physician to internally guide an instrument with real-time 3D vision for diagnostic and interventional purposes. The integration allows physicians to navigate within the human body by following 3D sensor tip locations superimposed on anatomical images reconstructed into 3D volumetric computer models. Sensor data can also be integrated with real-time imaging modalities, such as endoscopes, for intrabody navigation of instruments with instantaneous feedback through critical anatomy to locate and remove tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus (130) and a method for adjusting, in perfusion imaging system, a periodic contrast agent injection rate signal (IS) for an injector (135) as function of an image sampling rate determined by the rotational speed of an X-ray source (107)-detector (109) assembly of an X-ray imager (100). Frequency, periodicity and pulse width of the contrast agent injection rate signal (IS) is adjusted to mitigate temporal signal aliasing in a sample of a time attenuation contrast (TAC) signal.

Abstract: According to some embodiments a housing for the OCT comprises: (a) a tubular body with an inner diameter of less than 5 mm (for example less than 2 mm, and in some embodiments not greater than 1.5 mm), a first end, a second end; and a window formed in the tubular body closer to the second end than to the first end, displaced from the second end, and framed by a portion of the tubular body, wherein the window has a width w. According to some embodiments, 0.05 mm<w<8 mm.

Abstract: An image correction method includes detecting signals emitted from a tracer introduced into a target; intermittently extracting some of the detected signals according to a code string in which different codes are arranged; generating an image of the target using the extracted signals; and correcting the generated image based on at least one characteristic of the generated image.

Abstract: Scanner Systems with table stabilizers for stabilizing patient support structures during a surgery include a stabilizer block that can cooperate with the gantry to structurally support a head end portion of the table to prevent undesired movement of the table under an end load.

Abstract: The measuring unit computes at least one of an area and a perimetrical length of a polygon, based on three or more measuring points including an indeterminate point of which a position is changed by a move instruction input through an operation unit, wherein the measuring points are designated on the image by an instruction of a user input through the operation unit. The controller updates the position of the indeterminate point, when the move instruction is input through the operation unit after display the computational result, controls the measuring unit to recompute at least one of the area and the perimetrical length of the polygon based on the measuring points including the updated indeterminate point, and controls the display unit to display at least one of the recomputed area and the recomputed perimetrical length of the polygon, as recomputational result after updated the indeterminate point.

Abstract: A probe is configured to be detachably attached to a rotary junction unit of the imaging apparatus for diagnosis, and is inserted into a body lumen. The probe includes a plurality of transmitting and receiving units that obtain tomographic images by transmitting and receiving signals inside the body lumen and a drive shaft that receives a rotary-drive force from the rotary junction unit and rotates the plurality of transmitting and receiving units. Then, the plurality of transmitting and receiving units are respectively disposed along axial directions by adjusting angles with respect to directions orthogonal to the axial directions so that the signals are transmitted in directions identical to the directions orthogonal to the axial directions of the rotation among directions to a distal side of the probe and a proximal side of the probe.

Abstract: A system and method for performing quantitative lesion analysis in molecular breast imaging (MBI) using the opposing images of a slightly compressed breast that are obtained from the dual-head gamma camera. The method uses the shape of the pixel intensity profiles through each tumor to determine tumor diameter. Also, the method uses a thickness of the compressed breast and the attenuation of gamma rays in soft tissue to determine the depth of the tumor from the collimator face of the detector head. Further still, the method uses the measured tumor diameter and measurements of counts in the tumor and background breast region to determine relative radiotracer uptake or tumor-to-background ratio (T/B ratio).

Abstract: Methods and devices for optimizing classification tree evaluation for online and real-time characterization of tissue by using GPUs are disclosed that give a significant improvement in run time compared to data decomposition. The methods and devices use a parallel algorithm designed for single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) architectures commonly found in GPUs. Various optimizations and their effects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Valve treatment simulation is performed from patient specific imaging data for therapy planning. A model of the valve may be generated from the patient specific data automatically or with very minimal user indication of anatomy locations relative to an image. Any characteristics for the valve not extracted from images of the patient may be added to create a volumetric model. Added characteristics include chordae, such as chordae length and leaflet fiber direction. The characteristics may be adjusted based on user feedback and/or comparison with images of the patient. The effect of therapy on closure of the valve may be simulated from the model. For instance, mitral clip intervention is simulated on the patient-specific model. Valves are deformed according to the clip location. Valve closure is then simulated to predict effect of the therapy in terms of mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for morpho-functional investigations includes a plurality of measuring elements (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) of the scintillation type, positioned around a receiving area (3) for performing relative three-dimensional investigations on different parts of a patient (P) positioned in the receiving area, the first ring (5) having an internal diameter (d) less than the internal diameter (D) of the second ring (6).

Abstract: A method of providing medical imaging guidance information for use in operating a medical imaging apparatus detects motion of an examinee placed on a support table positioned for imaging by a medical imaging device. The method compares a level of the detected motion with a predetermined threshold value and adaptively selects and provides guidance information enabling reducing impairment of image quality due to examinee physical motion, in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods employing ocular surface interferometry (OSI) employing polarization and subtraction for imaging, processing, and/or displaying an ocular tear film are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods can be employed for measuring tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, which includes lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). An imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing background signal(s) in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image that can be analyzed to measure tear film layer thickness (TFLT).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting abnormal coronary blood flow by “quantifying” emissions of radiopharmaceuticals after stressing the heart under “same state” conditions for detection of inflammatory vascular (IVD) disease and differentiation of (a) ischemic heart disease due reduced lumen responsiveness to demand for more coronary blood flow and (b) vulnerable inflammatory plaque disease with reduced lumen responsiveness. The present invention also provides a method for detection of myocyte viability by using the “quantitative” method to differentiate “normal” functioning cardiac tissue from non-viable “infarcted” cardiac tissue, from “stunned/hibernating” myocytes. The present invention further provides a method for detection of IVD by detecting enhanced thymic activity associated with IVD.