Abstract: Methods and systems for generating computed tomographic (CT) images from image data acquired during different biological cycles are provided. A computer is programmed to receive a plurality of scan data acquired during a gated acquisition window of each of a plurality of biological cycles, blend the scan data acquired during a first of the plurality of biological cycles with the scan data acquired during a second of the plurality of biological cycles, and construct a final image from the blended data.

Abstract: A time series data analyzer includes a segment condition input section, an analysis condition input section, and an optimum condition deriving section for analyzing all segments based on the segment conditions and analysis conditions inputted in the respective input sections, under all analysis conditions by a maximum entropy method and a nonlinear least squares method. The time series data analyzer derives the optimum segment length and the optimum lag value in correspondence to selected results, and an analysis execution section executes analysis by the maximum entropy method by setting the optimum analysis conditions derived as described above. The trending of the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is used as an indicator of the state of the subject based on the findings that the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is an exponential spectrum and the gradient changes depending on the state of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking cardiac targets are disclosed. The cardiac targets may be tracked dynamically. The process may include registering a cardiac target at different phases of a cardiac cycle. Movement of the cardiac target can be determined by correlating respiratory motion and cardiac pumping motion. Radiation treatment can then be delivered to the cardiac target taking into account the movement of the cardiac target.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with gated optical coherence tomography (OCT) are described. One example method includes generating an image control signal to control an OCT apparatus to acquire an image of an embryonic heart at a specified point in time during a cardiac cycle of the embryonic heart. The method may also include controlling the OCT apparatus to acquire the image based on the image control signal. In different examples, the image may be acquired in vivo or from an excised heart that is paced. The OCT apparatus and the embryonic heart may be housed in an environmental chamber having a set of controllable environmental factors. Therefore, the method may include detecting and controlling the set of controllable environmental factors.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for determining the overall motion of an organ of interest relative to a viewer or imager. Motion data is acquired for the organ of interest and/or for one or more proximate organs using sensor-based and/or image data-based techniques. The sensor-based techniques may include electrical and non-electrical techniques. The image data-based techniques may include both pre-acquisition and acquisition image data. The motion data for the organ of interest and proximate organs may be used to determine one or more quiescent periods corresponding to intervals of minimal motion for the organ of interest and the proximate organs, which may be used to determine one or more gating points that may be used retrospectively, as well as one or more motion compensation factors that may be used to reduce motion-related artifacts during processing and reconstruction of the acquired image data.

Abstract: A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconstructing a 3D presentation of a hollow organ based on two-dimensional catheter images, comprising: detecting at least two fluoroscopy images at two different angles of the hollow organ; determining a start position of the catheter from the fluoroscopy images in a three-dimensional model of the hollow organ or a catheter guide; determining a probable withdrawal path of the catheter based on the three-dimensional model; withdrawing the catheter while recording the catheter images and assigning a withdrawal length to each catheter image; determining the deviation of the position of the catheter from a central path running through the middle of the hollow organ and the orientation of the catheter for each catheter image based on the withdrawal path and the withdrawal length; and reconstructing the 3D presentation from the two-dimensional catheter images as well as the deviation of the position of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for developing software as a layered, segmented system having diverse functionalities, based on a software architecture and an aerial vehicle utilizing the software architecture are provided. The software architecture for the aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an electrical segment, a propulsion segment, a flight management segment, a navigation segment, a data link segment, and perhaps a payload segment. Each segment includes a number of software modules and objects, and each segment interfaces with or controls one or more devices. The software architecture also includes a number of layers, including an executive layer for managing execution rates of the segments, a vehicle controller layer for coordinating activities across segments, and various layers providing utilities, common services, and computing support including operating system support. Rules of engagement guiding interaction between software entities within the software architecture are specified.

Abstract: A system employs non-uniform and nonlinear patient monitoring signals in automatically adaptively varying image resolution, image scanning frequency and acquisition speed and gates and synchronizes the image scanning and acquisition of an imaging system. A system acquires medical images of patient anatomy using a trigger generator. The trigger generator generates a trigger signal comprising a non-periodic sequence of pulses in a first signal portion within individual heart beat cycles. The first signal portion is periodically repeated for multiple sequential individual heart beat cycles. An image acquisition device acquires multiple images of a patient anatomical portion in response to corresponding multiple individual pulses of the non-periodic sequence of pulses. A display processor presents acquired images on a display for review by a user.

Abstract: In a method and an x-ray diagnostic device for generation of an image of a body region of a living subject that executes a movement due to respiration, respiration signals of the subject are acquired and x-ray projections of the subject are acquired from different projection directions. The intensity of the x-ray radiation emanating from an x-ray source in the acquisition of the x-ray projections is modulated such that the intensity assumes a desired value, or a value decreased relative to the value, dependent on the value of the amplitude of the respiration signal and/or the respiration position of the subject.

Abstract: A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a result of an activity being performed by the patient and a first target result to be achieved by the activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a time and a target result to be achieved by an activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a position of a portion of the patient and a first target position for the portion.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging on the basis of a gradient echo sequence by excitation of nuclear spins and measurement of radio-frequency signals indicating the excited nuclear spins, a) the pulse frequency of the person to be examined is determined, b) the magnetization of the spins is prepared by means of an RF pulse block, c) a number of steps of the spin excitation as well as measurement of an RF response signal are implemented, with the measurement data along a trajectory established by projection gradients being acquired along a first slice established by a slice-selection gradient, d) items b) through c) are repeated multiple times for the first slice, with each repetition of the steps b) through c) ensuing within a time interval that is fixed in duration, and the interval is temporally displaced relative to the determined pulse frequency for at least one portion of the repetitions, and e) items b) through d) are repeated for various slices.

Abstract: A system and method of processing images of a region of interest of a patient is provided. The method comprises acquiring a reference image of the region of interest of the patient; during a pullback of an intravascular sensor in the region of interest, triggering simultaneously the steps of: acquiring a data collected by the sensor characteristic of the region of interest; and acquiring a succession of images of the region of interest associated with the location of the intravascular sensor when acquiring the data, respectively. The method further includes registering the succession of images; associating the location of the intravascular sensor relative to the step of acquiring the data collected by the intravascular sensor; and displaying and positioning the data collected by the intravascular sensor on the reference image in correspondence to the location of the intravascular sensor at the respective step of acquiring the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a dynamic radiographic image with enhanced resolution, in which an electrocardiogram of a subject is obtained, and five time phases are allocated to each cardiac beat period (1 second). The initial X-ray irradiation is performed at 1st time phase of 1st beat to obtain a radiographic image. Thereafter, X-ray irradiations are performed sequentially at 2nd time phase of 2nd beat, at 3rd time phase of 3rd beat, at 4th time phase of 4th beat, and at 5th time phase of 5th beat to obtain respective radiographic images. The five radiographic images obtained are combined at the time interval of 0.2 seconds to be displayed as a motion image. The time interval between the irradiations of the X-ray is 1.2 seconds, so that image signals corresponding to 1st to 5th time phases may be obtained with high resolution.

Abstract: Various systems and methods utilizing composite nanoparticles or other specialized nanoparticles in the context of electromagnetic tomography are described. A method for electromagnetic imaging includes imaging a biological tissue via an electromagnetic tomography system, recording electrical activity of the biological tissue via a biomedical electrical recording system, and correlating dielectric properties of the biological tissue with an electrical signal recorded by the biomedical electrical recording system.

Abstract: A medical imaging system adaptively acquires anatomical images. The system includes a synchronization processor for providing a heart rate related synchronization signal derived from a patient cardiac function blood flow related parameter. The synchronization signal enables adaptive variation in timing of acquisition within successive heart cycles of each individual image frame of multiple sequential image frames. An image acquisition device initiates acquisition of anatomical images of a portion of patient anatomy in response to the synchronization signal. A display processor presents images, acquired by the acquisition device and synchronized with the synchronization signal, to a user on a reproduction device. The image acquisition device adaptively selects image pixel resolution of individual image frames of the multiple sequential image frames in response to data identifying a heart cycle segment so that successively acquired image frames have different image pixel resolution within a single heart cycle.

Abstract: A computed tomography scanner (10) acquires prospectively gated cardiac projection data. A scan controller (42) causes the scanner (10) to acquire projection data at the predicted location of a target cardiac phase in a cardiac cycle of the patient. An error determiner (44) determines an error between the target phase and the phase at which the projection data was actually acquired. Depending on the error, the patient is rescanned in a subsequent cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method of estimating stroke volume of the heart is described. In this method, the volume of the heart is estimated from electrical impedance data of the chest, at two different phases of the cardiac cycle. The stroke volume is estimated from the difference between the volumes estimated at the two phases.

Abstract: System for registering a first coordinate system with a second coordinate system, the system including a first medical positioning system for detecting a first position and orientation of the body of a patient, a second medical positioning system for detecting a second position and orientation of the body, and a registering module coupled with a medical intervention device and with the second medical positioning system, the first medical positioning system being associated with and coupled with an imager, the imager acquiring an image of the body, the registering module registering the first coordinate system with the second coordinate system, according to the first position and orientation and the second position and orientation.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of an image transformation process includes acquiring a four-dimensional (4D) image data set, sorting the 4D image data set into separate field-of-view bins using a temporal gating system generating a plurality of deformation vectors using the sorted 4D image data set, and using the plurality of deformation vectors to generate a transformation effectiveness value that is representative of the effectiveness of the image transformation process. The method further includes acquiring a respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum of the respiratory signal, calculating a power spectrum for each of the plurality of deformation vectors, and comparing the power spectrum of the respiratory signal to the power spectrum of the plurality of deformation vectors to generate the transformation effectiveness value.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system has a computer with a memory and display connected to a surgical instrument or pointer and position tracking system, so that the location and orientation of the pointer are tracked in real time and conveyed to the computer. The computer memory is loaded with data from an MRI, CT, or other volumetric scan of a patient, and this data is utilized to dynamically display 3-dimensional perspective images in real time of the patient's anatomy from the viewpoint of the pointer. The images are segmented and displayed in color to highlight selected anatomical features and to allow the viewer to see beyond obscuring surfaces and structures. The displayed image tracks the movement of the instrument during surgical procedures. The instrument may include an imaging device such as an endoscope or ultrasound transducer, and the system displays also the image for this device from the same viewpoint, and enables the two images to be fused so that a combined image is displayed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for achieving improved quality of monitoring and diagnosis for heart functions. Specifically, a method is disclosed for continuous temperature measurement and thermal characterization of patient heart tissue based on non-invasive thermal mapping technology. The method includes multi-dimensional cardiac tissue temperature scanning and tissue thermal pattern analysis with high precision, which can greatly improve the efficiency and lower the medical procedure risk for identifying myocardial ischemia (MI) disorders, predicting the MI occurrence, and mapping MI characteristics and impacting MI medical treatment, such as drug delivery and long term cardiac care. A system is also disclosed for use with the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for visualizing movements of an object, preferably the movements of blood vessels during the cardiac cycle. The method includes scanning the object by at least a two dimensional ultrasonic image scanning apparatus at discrete acquisition times to acquire a data set by using surface reconstruction and/or volume rendering techniques. Next, the three-dimensional data set is partitioned into a plurality of volume units, wherein each volume unit has a unit surface. The method further includes calculating the change of volume of each volume unit over the acquisition times to obtain level information of each corresponding unit surface over time, and displaying the three-dimensional data set with its level information over time.

Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for compensating for respiratory motion of individuals during nuclear imaging. In some embodiments, the methods include obtaining data representing a reference respiratory state for the individual and obtaining data that represents a plurality of respiratory states that correspond to at least a portion of a cycle of respiration of the individual; comparing each of the plurality of respiratory states to a subset of the reference state data to obtain a motion estimate of each of the plurality of respiratory states; compensating for respiratory motion in each of the plurality of respiratory states based on the motion estimates to obtain motion-compensated respiratory state data; and constructing an image using the motion-compensated respiratory state data.

Abstract: A method includes a periodic motion data input step S208 of receiving input of periodic motion data indicating changes of the periodic motion with time in an object to be examined who is a target of image data collection, a step S214 of estimating fluctuations in the time resolution of the image data with time based on the periodic motion data, designating an image collection range in the object, and adjusting the collection position of the image data such that the image data is collected in the image collection range at a suitable time of image data collection, the estimated time resolution being set in a predetermined suitable range, and an image data collection position control step S216 of relatively moving at least a part of the image data collection range and the collection position of the image data such that the part of the range and the position are superimposed on each other within a time when the image data of the image data collection range has a time resolution within the desired range based on t

Abstract: An image guided navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of a patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the instrument in a region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representative of the instrument onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the instrument. The display displays the image with the superimposed instrument. The images and a registration process may be synchronized to a physiological event. The controller may also provide and automatically identify an optimized site to navigate the instrument to.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a medical imaging system for acquisition of image data of the heart using a medical imaging procedure during an intervention on the heart, while the heart is stimulated by a pacing signal from an external heart pacemaker, the acquisition and/or reconstruction of the image data being controlled, in particular triggered, by the pacing signal.

Abstract: A portable device for observing a typological characteristic of the body. For example, the device can be used to observe at least one characteristic of the appearance of the skin or the hair. The device can generate at least two images of the zone under examination. The images differ from each other as to a feature other than magnification and the intensity of the light source.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.

Abstract: A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.

Abstract: A system and method for triggering an external device in response to an electrocardiogram signal. In one embodiment the method includes determining a peak in the electrocardiogram signal, determining if the electrocardiogram signal is rising or falling at the peak in the signal and triggering a device in response to the rising or falling peak. In one embodiment of the invention an external trigger signal is produced only a rising peak is detected. In one embodiment, the system includes a microprocessor, a peak detector and a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit outputs a trigger signal to an external device when signaled by the peak detector and not inhibited by a signal from the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method for collecting three-dimensional data of an object from a series of projection images recorded by a biplane C-arm system is provided. A cardiac activity is recorded. The cardiac frequency and a start cardiac phase are determined for calculating parameters of the C-arm planes. The C-arm planes are set with the parameters and data is acquired in the start cardiac phase. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a forward motion over an angular area and record data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. Data is acquired in the start cardiac phase after termination of the forward motion. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a backward motion over an angular area and records data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. The captured data are reconstructed after termination of the backward motion upon completed acquisition.

Abstract: A transmitting/receiving circuit drives an ultrasonic probe in accordance with a trigger signal based on an electrocardiographic waveform under the control of a control device so as to scan a plurality of regions, and obtains scan data for each region. During the scanning, the circuit causes the probe to scan the respective regions so that scan data in which time phases of the electrocardiographic waveform substantially coincide are obtained in the vicinities of the boundary between at least two adjacent regions among the regions. That is, in adjacent regions, the circuit causes the probe to scan the respective regions in the main or sub-scanning directions set to be reverse to each other. Further, an image processor generates ultrasonic image data of the range in which the regions are joined, on the basis of the scan data obtained by starting scanning at the same time phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a dynamic radiographic image with enhanced resolution, in which an electrocardiogram of a subject is obtained, and five time phases are allocated to each cardiac beat period (1 second). The initial X-ray irradiation is performed at 1st time phase of 1st beat to obtain a radiographic image. Thereafter, X-ray irradiations are performed sequentially at 2nd time phase of 2nd beat, at 3rd time phase of 3rd beat, at 4th time phase of 4th beat, and at 5th time phase of 5th beat to obtain respective radiographic images. The five radiographic images obtained are combined at the time interval of 0.2 seconds to be displayed as a motion image. The time interval between the irradiations of the X-ray is 1.2 seconds, so that image signals corresponding to 1st to 5th time phases may be obtained with high resolution.

Abstract: A cardiac gated acquisition of MR data during a breath-hold employs a hybrid PR pulse sequence to acquire projection views from which image frames may be reconstructed at a plurality of cardiac phases during each heartbeat. Composite images are reconstructed at each cardiac phase using interleaved projection views acquired during all the heartbeats. The composite images are used to reconstruct the highly undersampled image frames at the same cardiac phase using a highly constrained backprojection method.

Abstract: A system and method of medical imaging using a variable speed patient positioning table are provided. The patient positioning table is configured to operate at a plurality of table speeds during acquisition of data from a selected region, such as the thorax region baying predefined cardiac and non-cardiac regions. In a non-cardiac region, the table is controlled to move at one speed and when the cardiac region is detected, the table is controlled to move at another speed, preferably faster than in the cardiac region to speed data acquisition and eliminate motion artifacts.

Abstract: A computerized system 40 for locating a device. System 40 includes a sensor module 20 and a CPU 42. A radioactive source 38, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. Module 20 includes a radiation detector 22 capable of receiving a signal from source 38 attached to the device. Module 20 produces an output signal 34. CPU 42 receives output signal(s) 34 and translates output 34 into directional information relating to a position of source 38.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for measuring the motion of an organ in three dimensions. As provided by the technique, the motion of the organ along each dimension may be determined by a suitable methodology. Where sensor-based motion measurements are suitable, one or more sensors may be placed on a patient to measure internal motion of the organ of interest along one or more perpendicular axes. Where image-based techniques are suitable, the motion of the internal organ along a perpendicular axis may determined using pre-acquisition image data or acquisition image data when suitable. Concurrent motion vectors for all three dimensions may be obtained from the motion data acquired for the perpendicular axes by the disparate methodologies. The concurrent motion vectors may be combined to describe the three-dimensional motion of the organ over time.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus includes a gantry 100 including an X-ray tube 101 which generates X-rays and an X-ray detector 103 which detects X-rays transmitted through a subject to be examined, a reconstruction device 114 which generates tomogram data on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a breath detector 203 which detects a respiration waveform representing a temporal change in respiration index value associated with the subject, a regular respiration waveform generating unit 207 which generates a respiration waveform with a regular respiration cycle which originates from the detected respiration waveform, and a gantry mount display 201 which displays the generated regular respiration waveform.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a fiducial marker and three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument with detachable probe/thumb wheel probe to the biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a dynamic radiographic image with enhanced resolution, in which an electrocardiogram of a subject is obtained, and five time phases are allocated to each cardiac beat period (1 second). The initial X-ray irradiation is performed at 1st time phase of 1st beat to obtain a radiographic image. Thereafter, X-ray irradiations are performed sequentially at 2nd time phase of 2nd beat, at 3rd time phase of 3rd beat, at 4th time phase of 4th beat, and at 5th time phase of 5th beat to obtain respective radiographic images. The five radiographic images obtained are combined at the time interval of 0.2 seconds to be displayed as a motion image. The time interval between the irradiations of the X-ray is 1.2 seconds, so that image signals corresponding to 1st to 5th time phases may be obtained with high resolution.

Abstract: A method is for producing CT images of at least one second organ cyclically excited to move by a first organ moving on its own, or examination area with rest phases and activity phases of a patient. The second organ or the examination area is scanned, preferably spirally. A three-dimensional image of the absorption coefficient is determined with the aid of a multiplicity of cutting planes on the basis of the data obtained by scanning in the rest phase of the second organ or examination area, and the movement information required to determine the rest phase is collected from the first organ.

Abstract: In the course of an imaging method that is particularly suitable for creating an image data record of the heart and/or the blood vessels of a patient, a series of recording pulses, tuned to the cardiac rhythm, are derived from an ECG signal of the cardiac rhythm of the patient. The imaging is driven in a pulsed fashion from the series of recording pulses. In this case, an initial instant and a final instant of a future recording pulse are determined by taking account of at least one variability parameter characterizing the irregularity of the cardiac rhythm.

Abstract: A technique is provided for the temporal interpolation of a projection data set acquired of a dynamic object, such as a heart. The projection data set is acquired using a slowly rotating gantry and a distributed X-ray source. The projection data may be interpolated at each view position to a selected instant of time, such as relative to a cardiac phase. The resulting interpolated projection data characterize the projection data at each view location at any instant in time. The set of interpolated projection data may then be reconstructed to generate images and/or volume with improved temporal resolution.

Abstract: In a method, sensor and system for producing time-limited images of a moving organ of a human or animal body, an imaging apparatus acquires image data and, using a sensor situated outside the body, a signal is registered that represents the movement of the organ that is to be imaged. The image data acquisition is coordinated with this signal. A fiber optic sensor is used as the sensor.

Abstract: A method for tracking a device used in an imaging system is provided. The method includes using a trigger for initiating a determination of multiple device locations. The scan parameters are then adjusted using the multiple device locations. Finally, a dynamically corrected image is acquired, where the adjusted scan parameters provide an offset for at least one scan parameter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for monitoring an imaging or radiotherapy unit (1) for treating members of the human body subject to displacements related to movements of the diaphragm. The invention is characterized in that said monitoring device is designed to enable, in a prior preparation phase, to store two values, called rest value and triggering value, respectively representing, for each patient, of his suspended ventilatory level and an inhalation or exhalation ventilatory level, triggering acquisition of images or irradiation, then, during the real monitoring of the unit (1), in commanding an image or irradiation acquisition, once the correspondence between the measured value of the suspended ventilatory level and the stored rest value has been established, and only when the correspondence between the measured respiratory value of the patient and the stored triggering value has been subsequently established.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-phase cardiac CT imaging includes an adaptive, selective reconstruction process that, when possible, implements an image or non-phase location driven reconstruction process to reconstruct cardiac CT images. If the hardware parameters support an image location driven reconstruction for the particular imaging session then the image location driven reconstruction is implemented. However, if image location driven reconstruction is not supported, a default phase location driven reconstruction is employed. Image location driven reconstruction improves system throughput and improves image quality as more cardiac phase locations can routinely be generated to better “freeze” the motion of the heart of a patient.

Abstract: A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a result of an activity being performed by the patient and a first target result to be achieved by the activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a time and a target result to be achieved by an activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a position of a portion of the patient and a first target position for the portion.