Combined With Therapeutic Or Diagnostic Device Patents (Class 600/427)
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Patent number: 10045704Abstract: A surgical method aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ProPep, LLCInventors: Randy Fagin, Jon Schiff, Jann Bonfils-Rasmussen
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Patent number: 10028789Abstract: A method of compensating for motion of objects during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes determining a pose of an anatomy of a patient; determining a pose of a surgical tool of a surgical device; defining a relationship between the pose of the anatomy and a position, an orientation, a velocity, and/or an acceleration of the surgical tool; associating the pose of the anatomy, the pose of the surgical tool, and the relationship; and updating the association in response to a motion of the anatomy and/or a motion of the surgical tool without interrupting operation of the surgical device during the surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.Inventors: Arthur Quaid, Hyosig Kang, Dennis Moses
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Patent number: 10022065Abstract: System for registering a coordinate system associated with a pre-acquired model of an object with a reference coordinate system. The system includes a portable unit which includes a display, a tracking system for tracking the portable unit and a processor. The processor is coupled with the portable unit and with the tracking system. The processor determines the position and orientation of the portable unit. The processor further determines the position of at least one marker located on the object according to at least one of, a tracked pointer and respective position related information. The processor further displays registration related information on the display. At least one of the registration related information and the display location of the registration related information are related to the position and orientation of the portable unit. The position of the at least one marker, in the coordinate system associated with the pre-acquired model, is predetermined.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Rani Ben-Yishai, Lior Barak
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Patent number: 10015470Abstract: Disclosed is a robot for a repositioning procedure. The robot for a repositioning procedure according to the present invention, comprises: a photographing unit for photographing a plurality of bone images at different angles for each fracture region of a patient and normal region corresponding to the fracture region; an image processing unit for generating a three-dimensional interpolation image for each fracture region and normal region using the plurality of photographed bone images; and a display unit for displaying both the generated three-dimensional interpolation image for the fracture region and the generated three-dimensional interpolation image for the normal region.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATIONInventor: Il-hyung Park
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Patent number: 10002438Abstract: An example method of rapid image registration includes recovering an affine transform of a quasi-periodic object based on peak locations of Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in a captured image. The example method also includes filtering a region of the captured image to match a filtered version of a reference image including the quasi periodic object. The example method also includes recovering translation parameters to reduce image differences between the reference image and the captured image for a subset of the image locations of the filtered image and outputting an approximate transform including translation.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Stephen Pollard, Robert Ulichney, Matthew D Gaubatz
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Patent number: 9995588Abstract: Methods and arrangements for identifying at least one anomaly in a path taken by a plurality of objects. A plurality of trajectories are input, wherein each trajectory comprises a data set indicative of a path taken by a plurality of objects from a starting point to an ending point, wherein the starting point and ending point are substantially similar for each trajectory. A plurality of sub-trajectories within the input trajectories are identified. There are identified, within the plurality of sub-trajectories, a set of sub-trajectories that are anomalous when compared to other sub-trajectories within the plurality of sub-trajectories, wherein the anomalous sub-trajectories deviate from a predetermined standard. A maximal anomalous sub-trajectory is identified from among the identified set of anomalous sub-trajectories. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Prithu Banerjee, Biplav Srivastava, Srikanth Govindaraj Tamilselvam
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Patent number: 9974525Abstract: A system and method for enhanced navigation for use during a surgical procedure including planning a navigation path to a target using a first data set of computed tomography images previously acquired; navigating a marker placement device to the target using the navigation path; placing a plurality of markers in tissue proximate the target; acquiring a second data set of computed tomography images including the plurality of markers; planning a second navigation path to a second target using the second data set of computed tomography images; navigating a medical instrument to a second target; capturing fluoroscopic data of tissue proximate the target; and registering the fluoroscopic data to the second data set of computed tomography images based on marker position and orientation within the real-time fluoroscopic data and the second data set of computed tomography images.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Oren P. Weingarten, Dorian Averbuch
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Patent number: 9968256Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of a body of a subject including acquiring a plurality of images of the portion, and displaying one of the images. In response to receiving an input that is indicative of a given location within the image, an indication of a region within the portion is generated on the image. In response to receiving a further input, a dimension of the region that is indicated within the image is modified. In response thereto, at least one tool that is suitable for being placed at the region is identified, and/or a dimension of at least one tool that is suitable for being placed at the region is identified. An output is generated is response to the identification. Other applications are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SYNC-RX LTD.Inventors: David Tolkowsky, Gavriel Iddan, Ran Cohen
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Patent number: 9962129Abstract: An operating method assists a diagnosing practitioner with describing the location of a target structure in a tomosynthesis image data record of a compressed breast of a patient. The target structure is localized by a first spatial information item. The method includes: a) ascertaining a first shape information item describing at least one first, compressed breast shape in the tomosynthesis image data record, b) determining a second shape information item describing the breast in a non-compressed breast shape, from the first shape information item, c) mapping the position of the target structure from the compressed breast shape and to the non-compressed breast shape using at least the second shape information item for ascertaining a second spatial information item relating to the non-compressed breast shape, and d) transforming the second spatial information item into a pictogram information item facilitating an abstracted pictorial representation and/or describing the latter.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Anna Jerebko, Michael Kelm
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Patent number: 9931071Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Alan N. Schwartz
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Patent number: 9884200Abstract: A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: NEURONETICS, INC.Inventors: Ravi Pillutla, Vincent A. Juliana, Mark E. Riehl
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Patent number: 9877697Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media relate to generate an integrated image based on one or more applicators inserted into a target of a patient. The method may include receiving ultrasound image data and planning image data of the target. The ultrasound image data including a pre-operative and post-operative image data and the planning image data may include post-operative image data (e.g., CT and/or MRI image data). The method may include processing the ultrasound image data and the planning image data to determine a location of each channel and/or needle. The method may include generating an integrated image including the ultrasound image data and the planning image data based on the location of each channel and/or needle of the applicator. The methods, systems, and computer readable media according to embodiments can improve target (e.g., prostate) delineation, enable accurate dose planning and delivery, and potentially enhance HDR treatment outcome.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Emory UniversityInventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Tian Liu, Peter J. Rossi
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Patent number: 9867998Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration apparatus for calibrating a system for introducing an influencing element like a radiation source into an object, particularly for calibrating a brachytherapy system. First and second images show a longish introduction device (12) like a catheter and a tracking device (16) like an electromagnetically trackable guidewire inserted into the introduction device as far as possible, and the introduction device and a calibration element (46) having the same dimensions as the influencing element and being inserted into the introduction device as far as possible. A spatial relation between the tracking device and the calibration element is determined based on the images for calibrating the system. Knowing this spatial relation allows accurately determining an influencing plan like a brachytherapy treatment plan and accurately positioning the influencing element in accordance with the influencing plan, which in turn allows for a more accurate influencing of the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignees: Koninkljke Philips N.V., Sunnybrook Research InstituteInventors: Shyam Bharat, Jochen Kruecker, Ananth Ravi, Ehsan Dehghan Marvast
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Patent number: 9829587Abstract: A radiographing system includes a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses and a control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a memory, a processor, a shifting unit, a determining unit, and a disabling unit. The shifting unit shifts the radiation imaging apparatus into the radiographing enabled state in which radiation is detected and a radiographic image is generated. The determining unit determine whether to disable shifting the radiation imaging apparatus into the radiographing enabled state based on control for radiographing using a different radiation imaging apparatus currently in the radiographing enabled state. The disabling unit disables shifting the radiation imaging apparatus into the radiographing enabled state based on a determination result.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadahiko Iijima, Hirokazu Ohguri, Shinji Yamanaka
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Patent number: 9826956Abstract: This document describes a system for determining positioning of an intubation tube in a patient. The system can include a first acoustic sensor configured to be disposed to listen to one of a lung and a stomach of the patient and to provide a first signal. The system includes a signal processing unit, coupled to the first acoustic sensor, configured to analyze spectral components of the first signal and determine whether a frequency of the spectral components of the first signal are characteristic of sounds induced by ventilation via the intubation tube of airflow to the lung or the stomach of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: ZOLL Medical CorporationInventors: Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich Herken, Annemarie Silver
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Patent number: 9821174Abstract: An implant planning system aids delivery of radiation to tumor sites of a patient. The system allows a user to test various combinations of virtual implants, each associated with a corresponding physical implant (e.g., a carrier with an embedded radioactive seed), and to view the dosage area of the virtual implants so that adjustments to the virtual implants may be made until a prescribed dose of radiation to a treatment area is achieved. A treatment plan developed based on the virtual implants may then be used in surgical implantation of the corresponding physical implants. For example, the implant configuration of the treatment plan may be projected onto a treatment surface of a patient, such as in a surgical room, so that physical implants may be placed according to the projected image of the virtual implants.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: GAMMATILE LLCInventors: Evan K. Fram, David Brachman
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Patent number: 9820800Abstract: A multi-pole synchronous pulmonary artery radiofrequency ablation catheter may comprise a control handle, a catheter body and an annular ring. One end of the catheter body may be flexible, and the flexible end of the catheter body may be connected to the annular ring. The other end of the catheter body may be connected to the control handle. A shape memory wire may be arranged in the annular ring. One end of the shape memory wire may extend to an end of the annular ring and the other end of the shape memory wire may pass through a root of the annular ring and be fixed on the flexible end of the catheter body. The annular ring may be provided with an electrode group. The device possesses advantages of simple operation, short operation time and controllable precise ablation. The device can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary denervation.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: PULNOVO MEDICAL (WUXI) CO., LTD.Inventor: Shaoliang Chen
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Patent number: 9808175Abstract: A technique for reliably measuring brain atrophy based on image data, such as data collected as part of an MRI scan of a subject's brain. Rather than measure anatomical features of the brain in one of the scan planes as output by an MRI system, the image data is reformatted to generate a slice that may be transverse to those scan planes. The transverse slice is generated by determining a location of anatomical landmarks and reformatting the image data to represent a slice through these anatomical landmarks. The Anterior and Posterior Commissures are useful landmarks and ventricle area is a useful characteristic to measure from the slice. The rate of change of this measured characteristic can be tracked to determine disease progression and may be useful for diagnosis or evaluation of treatments, and the technique may be applied during clinical trials.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: PAREXEL International CorporationInventor: James F. Paskavitz
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Patent number: 9775581Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining inhomogeneity in a portion of animal tissue, which provides for the arrangement beforehand of a 3-dimensional density map of said portion of tissue; the map is obtained by means of computed tomography and therefore is formed by a plurality of voxels (VX); for each voxel (VX) of the map, respectively considered as the central voxel (VXC), the following steps are carried out:—determining a space (CC) surrounding the central voxel (VXC) and containing a group of peripheral voxels (VXP),—for each peripheral voxel (VXP) of the group, calculating a value proportional to the ratio or the difference between the density of the peripheral voxel (VXP) and the density of the central voxel (VXC), thus obtaining a plurality of values,—calculating the maximum value and/or the minimum value and/or the average value and/or a statistical partitioning value of these values, thus obtaining a local indicator of inhomogeneity in the animal tissue in correspondence to the ceType: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: FONDAZIONE IRCCS CA' GRANDA OSPEDALE MAGGIORE POLICLINICOInventors: Luciano Gattinoni, Paolo Cadringher, Massimo Cressoni
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Patent number: 9775681Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a surgical device, configured to be manipulated by a user to perform a procedure on a patient, and a computer system. The computer system is programmed to implement control parameters for controlling the surgical device to provide at least one of haptic guidance to the user and a limit on user manipulation of the surgical device, based on a relationship between an anatomy of the patient and at least one of a position, an orientation, a velocity, and an acceleration of a portion of the surgical device, and to adjust the control parameters in response to movement of the anatomy during the procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.Inventors: Arthur Quaid, Hyosig Kang, Dennis Moses, Rony Abovitz, Scott Illsley
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Patent number: 9743905Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media relate to generate an integrated image based on one or more applicators inserted into a target of a patient. The method may include receiving ultrasound image data and planning image data of the target. The ultrasound image data including a pre-operative and post-operative image data and the planning image data may include post-operative image data (e.g., CT and/or MRI image data). The method may include processing the ultrasound image data and the planning image data to determine a location of each channel and/or needle. The method may include generating an integrated image including the ultrasound image data and the planning image data based on the location of each channel and/or needle of the applicator. The methods, systems, and computer readable media according to embodiments can improve target (e.g., prostate) delineation, enable accurate dose planning and delivery, and potentially enhance HDR treatment outcome.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Emory UniversityInventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Tian Liu, Peter J. Rossi
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Patent number: 9736402Abstract: An imaging system comprises a light field camera (3) for recording a hyperspectral light field (CLF). The system also comprises a light projector (4) for projecting a light field in visible light (PLF). The camera and the projector share a common optical axis. The projector projects a light field (PLF) based on the hyperspectral light field (CLF) captured by the light field camera.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Frederik Jan De Bruijn, Remco Theodorus Johannes Muijs, Jorrit Ernst De Vries, Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Drazenko Babic
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Patent number: 9724150Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: ENDOCARE, INC.Inventors: Shenghao Bao, Jay J. Eum
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Patent number: 9721191Abstract: A method for image recognition of an instrument includes: obtaining an input image containing a to-be-recognized instrument; selecting from the input image a region-of-interest containing the to-be-recognized instrument; determining in a high-to-low order of priority values of instrument categories, whether the to-be-recognized instrument contained in the region-of-interest belongs to one of the instrument categories according to the region-of-interest and a respective one of plural groups of sample images; and increasing the priority value of the one of the instrument categories when it is determined that the to-be-recognized instrument belongs to the one of the instrument categories.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITYInventors: Kai-Tai Song, Kateryna Zinchenko
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Patent number: 9687681Abstract: A therapy system comprises a therapy module to direct a therapeutic action to a target along successive trajectories in a target zone that includes the target. A thermometry module is provided to measure temperature in a measurement field and to compute a thermal dose. The measurement field at least partially covers the target zone. A control module controls the therapy module to switch the therapeutic action to a next successive trajectory on the basis of the measured temperature or thermal dose. The successive trajectories are located inside of or outside of one another within the target zone. The therapeutic action comprises application of a focused ultrasound beam to the target. Temperature measurement is done on the basis of magnetic resonance signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Max Oskar Kohler, Shunmugavelu Sokka
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Patent number: 9662084Abstract: An apparatus and method for computed tomography (CT) imaging to obtain an image from gated projection data, such as electrocardiographic gated projection data used in cardiac CT. The image reconstruction is performed using an iterative reconstruction method to minimize a cost function including a data-fidelity term (e.g., a system-matrix term) and a regularization term. The system-matrix term includes a weighted inner-product of the system-matrix equation, wherein the weighting matrix includes weighting values to correct the unequal data redundancy of the gated projection data.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Qiulin Tang, Satoru Nakanishi
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Patent number: 9639666Abstract: A system and method for planning a pathway through an anatomical luminal network of a patient including a computing device having at least one processor; a display device in communication with the computing device; and a user interface configured for display on the display device and configured to guide a user through a pathway planning procedure. The user interface includes a patient selection window configured to receive a user input to select a patient having CT image data on which to perform pathway planning; a target selection window configured to receive a user input to select at least one target from the CT image data; and an airway finder window configured to generate at least one pathway from the at least one target to an entry point of the anatomical luminal network in response to a user input.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Matt W Baker
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Patent number: 9623262Abstract: A system, method and computer program product to determine radiation dose from radionuclides used to treat a patient in need thereof. The present invention allows users to visualize and understand the impact of radionuclide choice, distribution of activity in the cell, distribution of activity among the cells, cell dimensions, cell separation distance, cluster size, and radiobiological response parameters on the capacity to kill populations of cells. All of these parameters can play a substantial role in determining the surviving fraction of cells. Accordingly, this system, method and computer program product can assist in designing treatment plans for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals suited to individual needs.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEYInventors: Behrooz Vaziri, Han Wu, Roger W. Howell, John M. Akudugu, Venkata S. Neti
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Patent number: 9616247Abstract: The present application is directed to the idea of using sampling techniques to propagate segmentation uncertainty in order to evaluate variability in radiation planning. A radiotherapy planning apparatus (10) creates diagnostic image data of a region of interest of a subject. Image data from other sources can also be used. The image data is segmented (44) and combined with previously imaged model data. Target measures such as dose volume histograms are produced for each of the segmentations of the image data. These measures are later combined into a statistical quantification of the target measure (FIG. 3). This information is presented (52) to the user to give the user possible outcomes of the radiotherapy plan, and, e.g., confidence levels in those outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Torbjoern Vik, Julien Senegas
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Patent number: 9615886Abstract: A robot guiding system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of a blood vessel tree within an anatomical region, and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for generating an endoscopic path within the anatomical region, wherein the endoscopic path is derived from a matching of a graphical representation of the intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of the blood vessel tree to a graphical representation of a pre-operative three-dimensional image (44) of the blood vessel tree. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in accordance with the endoscopic path.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Aleksandra Popovic
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Patent number: 9607373Abstract: A method includes accessing image data representing tissue and identifying one or more features of the tissue indicated by the image data. A model is selected for the tissue based on the one or more identified features. The image data is segmented and, using the model, one or more anatomical landmarks of the tissue indicated by the segmented image data are identified.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Mark Joseph Buisseret, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Megan Patrice Rumery, Aashiish Agnihotri, Brian W. McKinnon
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Patent number: 9600922Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an extracting unit extracts mutually the same region of interest from each of a plurality of pieces of three-dimensional image data corresponding to mutually-different time phases. Further, a position determining unit determines, on the basis of feature points included in the pieces of three-dimensional image data, a position used for superimposing together the regions of interest extracted by the extracting unit from the pieces of three-dimensional image data, in substantially the same position of a subject. After that, a display controlling unit changes a display format of each of the regions of interest extracted by the extracting unit from the pieces of three-dimensional image data so as to be mutually different and causes a superimposed image to be displayed by superimposing the regions of interest together in the position determined by the position determining unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Shinsuke Tsukagoshi, Takashi Tsutsumi, Yasuko Fujisawa, Manabu Teshigawara, Akira Adachi
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Patent number: 9554880Abstract: A reference member for determining a position of an implant analog can comprise a trapezoidal body including a first side and a substantially parallel second side. The first side can define a first dimension and the second side can define a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Zfx GmbHInventor: Andreas Geier
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Patent number: 9521988Abstract: A method for tracking vessels in image data includes receiving a plurality of image frames and annotating a target vessel in the plurality of image frames. A plurality of tracking targets associated with the target vessel is selected based on a first image frame included in the plurality of image frames. For each respective image frame, a set of tracking points are determined according to a tracking algorithm which includes: selecting a plurality of landmark hypothesis points for each tracking target in the respective frame based on a comparison with a previous image frame, constructing a directed acyclic graph from the plurality of landmark hypothesis points, and solving the directed acyclic graph to yield a plurality of optimal landmarks for the respective image frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Dong Zhang, Shanhui Sun, Ziyan Wu, Bor-Jeng Chen, Andreas Meyer, Terrence Chen
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Patent number: 9504484Abstract: Thermal monitoring of tissue during a thermal therapy may include identifying an imaging plane bisection axis lying along at least one of a longitudinal axis of a thermal therapy instrument and a vector through a region of interest. The method may include identifying multiple thermal monitoring planes used in monitoring thermal therapy of the volume, where each thermal monitoring plane intersects the region of interest, where a first thermal monitoring plane intersects a second thermal monitoring plane at the imaging plane bisection axis, and the first thermal monitoring plane is offset from the second thermal monitoring plane by an angle of intersection. The method may include and performing thermal monitoring of the thermal therapy by obtaining magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained from the first monitoring plane and the second monitoring plane, and calculating, based on the images, temperature data of the volume.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: MONTERIS MEDICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Andrews, Mark Grant, Brooke Ren, Richard Tyc
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Patent number: 9498647Abstract: A system is provided for subject movement compensation during a medical procedure. The system uses passive radiofrequency identification tags associated with a subject, and at least one active RFID reader is positioned to interrogate the position of at least three such passive radiofrequency identification tags so as to triangulate the geometric position of a subject body tissue. The reader generates an output signal corresponding to a distance between said reader and a tag. A microprocessor calculates a displacement of a tag relative to the reader from said output signal to yield a value corresponding to subject movement. A medical device operates in synchronicity with the calculation corresponding to subject movement to compensate for subject movement during a treatment process in essentially real time. A process for subject movement compensation during a medical procedure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Inventors: Allen B. Kantrowitz, In K. Mun
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Patent number: 9498175Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason
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Patent number: 9480441Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. The imaging system provides patient region-of-interest scanning using a step-staggered detector unit arrangement. A region-of-interest may be a brain. This system can be a Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging system to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image information. The imaging system may comprise CZT detector modules.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan Sachs, Yaron Hefetz
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Patent number: 9478048Abstract: Described herein are technologies for facilitating three-dimensional imaging based on prior image data. In accordance with one aspect, deformable registration is performed to align three-dimensional (3D) image data to a sparse set of two-dimensional (2D) projection image data of at least one structure of interest. An iterative reconstruction scheme may then be performed to minimize a difference between the aligned 3D image data and the 2D image data.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Royalty, Sebastian Schafter
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Patent number: 9460510Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating synchronized image navigation. In accordance with one aspect, at least first and second medical images are received. A non-linear mapping between the first and second medical images is generated. A selection of a given location in the first medical image is received in response to a user's navigational operation. Without deforming the second medical image, a target location in the second medical image is determined by using the non-linear mapping. The target location corresponds to the given location in the first medical image. An optimized deformation-free view of the second medical image is generated based at least in part on the target location.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Gerardo Hermosillo Valadez, Marcos Salganicoff, Matthias Wolf, Xiang Sean Zhou, Yiqiang Zhan
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Patent number: 9364685Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying the location at least one treatment channel from a group of a plurality of treatment channels as wells as a system for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body. According to the invention the identifying method being characterized by the steps of A selecting at least one of said plurality of treatment channels; B reconstructing the actual location of said selected treatment channel relative to said animal body; and C comparing said reconstructed location said pre-planned plurality of locations. Furthermore the system according to the invention is characterized in that identifying means are present for identifying the location of at least one treatment channel from said group of said plurality of inserted treatment channels and comparing said identified location with one or more of said pre-planned locations present in said treatment plan.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: NUCLETRON OPERATIONS B.V.Inventor: Johann Kindlein
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Patent number: 9364164Abstract: Non-invasive device for locating a structure (N2), such as a nerve, in a region of a body having an external surface (Se), the device comprising: a focused ultrasonic transducer (1), advantageously of the HIFU type, designed to produce an ultrasound beam (Fu) through the external surface (Se) in the region, the beam (Fu) having a focal point that can be positioned on the structure (N2); monitoring means (3) for detecting a response of the structure when this is subjected to a stimulation; and stimulation means (1; 4) for stimulating the structure (N2), which delivers a response detected by the monitoring means (3), the stimulation means comprising the ultrasonic transducer (1) capable of delivering an ultrasound beam (Fu) to said structure (N2), so as to disturb it, characterized in that the device includes: an imager (2, 21, 22) mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (1) so that the imager follows the focal point of the transducer so as to display, on an image, the position of the focal point of tType: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Theraclion SASInventor: Francois Lacoste
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Patent number: 9364659Abstract: Disclosed is a smart lead comprising a large number of micro-electrodes and macro-electrodes. The macro-electrodes are perforated, and contain several through-holes which are used to electrically join them with associated electrode-wires. The radial gaps that separate the macro-electrodes are filled with macro-electrode strips that carry a three-dimensional array of micro-electrodes. The nest of macro-electrodes with electrode-wires and micro-electrode strips are injection molded to form the smart lead. The signals sensed by micro-electrodes are used to locate the target neurons right at the first insertion of the smart lead, thereby greatly reducing the surgical time. A closed loop control software in automates location of the target neuron sites and limit the currents to stimulate only the target neurons, thereby reducing side-effects and increasing battery life.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Inventor: Dantam K. Rao
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Patent number: 9358404Abstract: A method and a dose planning module for planning a treatment session of a patient by means of a radiation therapy system includes a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point. The method includes obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit, the target volume being modeled as a three-dimensional voxel representation; selecting an isodose level for the planned treatment; determining shots to be delivered during the treatment, each shot being modeled by a spatial dose volume distribution of radiation represented by a three-dimensional voxel representation, the shape of the spatial distribution depending on the specific collimator setting and the selected isodose level; and selecting shots in a decreasing volume order for the dose planning.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: ELEKTA AB (PUBL)Inventors: Karl Danielsson, Håkan Nordström, Björn Somell, Pär Lidberg
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Patent number: 9332942Abstract: Apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining information regarding at least one portion of a biological structure. For example, using a first arrangement, it is possible to generate a first electro-magnetic radiation to be forwarded to the portion and receive, from the portion, a second fluorescent radiation associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation Further, using a second arrangement, it is possible to obtain information associated with the second fluorescent radiation, and generate at least one image of the portion as a function of the second fluorescent radiation. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first arrangement can be inserted into at least one lumen, and the image of the portion may be associated with the at least one lumen.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATIONInventors: Farouc A. Jaffer, Vasilis Ntziachristos
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Patent number: 9330458Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to estimating scatter. In one embodiment, one example method for estimating scatter associated with a target object may include generating a set of original projections associated with the target object, generating a set of reference scatter data associated with the target object at one or more selected projection angles, generating a first set of estimated scatter data associated with the target object also at the one or more selected projection angles, adjusting first values for one or more kernel parameters of one or more kernels that reduce a difference between the set of reference scatter data and the first set of estimated scatter data, interpolating the adjusted first values for remaining projections out of the set of original projections to generate second values for the one or more kernel parameters, and generating a second set of estimated scatter data associated with the target object.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Josh Star-Lack, Mingshan Sun
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Patent number: 9320570Abstract: A system for performing an interventional medical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a treatment device having a treatment portion, a localization system, and a means for defining a boundary about the treatment portion relative to location data point. The system may further be configured to provide a response when a portion of the treatment device enter or leaves a defined boundary, region, or range. Methods for performing interventional medical procedures that, among other things, reduce or prevent collateral damage to non-target regions are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventor: Eric S. Olson
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Patent number: 9314926Abstract: Embodiments of an instrument manipulator are disclosed. An instrument manipulator can include a track; a translational carriage coupled to ride along the track; a shoulder yaw joint coupled to the translational carriage; a shoulder pitch joint coupled to the shoulder yaw joint, the shoulder pith joint including an arm, a wrist mount coupled to the arm, struts coupled between the wrist mount and the shoulder yaw joint, and a shoulder pitch mechanism coupled to the arm; a yaw-pitch-roll wrist coupled to the wrist mount, the yaw-pitch-roll wrist including a yaw joint and a differentially driven pitch-roll joint; and an instrument mount coupled to the wrist. The various joints and carriages can be driven by motors.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David W. Bailey, Simon P. DiMaio, Tao Zhao, Lawton N. Verner, Alan E. Loh, Jonathan Sorger, Bruce Michael Schena
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Patent number: 9289181Abstract: Disclosed is a patient support apparatus having a patient support couch, a moveable support plate for supporting a patient, a surgical head fastening unit for fastening a head of the patient in an examination position and/or in an operation position. The patient support apparatus includes a marker unit for marking a maximum occupancy area for the surgical head fastening unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Hanns Eder, Patrick Gross, Martin Ringholz
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Patent number: 9283404Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for targeting diseased tissue with a radiation beam. One system includes an imaging element configured to generate a first observation of an object, the first observation generated at a first time, the object associated with a volume of interest (VOI), the VOI comprising a volume within a body of a patient. The system further includes one or more processors configured to determine a first positioning of the VOI based at least in part on the first observation of the object determine a second time for the imaging element based at least in part on a positioning parameter associated with the first positioning of the VOI, and generate a second observation of the object at the second time.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Headwater Partners II LLCInventors: Gregory Raleigh, Jose Tellado, Alireza Raissinia