Abstract: A medical handling device comprises an instrument holder for holding an observation instrument that is equipped with an image capturing unit for capturing an image section of an object plane. The handling device further comprises a robotic handling unit that supports the instrument holder and a control device that comprises a handling control unit for controlling the robotic handling unit and an instrument control unit for controlling the observation instrument. An input device is coupled to the control device for selecting an image section to be reproduced. The control device is adapted to detect a present orientation of the observation instrument and to control the robotic handling unit, while taking into account the present orientation of the observation instrument, in response to user inputs at the input device. The observation instrument is movable with respect to a pivot point in the object plane at a defined object distance along a curved path.

Abstract: A system including a diagnostic-quality CT scanner for imaging a patient, the diagnostic-quality CT scanner having an imaging isocenter and a radiation therapy device positioned adjacent the diagnostic-quality CT scanner, the radiation therapy device including a gantry carrying a radiation therapy beam source and having a radiation therapy isocenter separate from the imaging isocenter of the diagnostic-quality CT scanner. The system including a couch configured to position the patient for imaging and for radiation therapy by translating the patient between the diagnostic quality CT scanner and the radiation therapy device.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to a probe, system, and method for generating a predictive model for moving the probe. The probe can include a movable element that move according to the suggestion of the predictive model. The system can include the probe, a user device, an administrator processor, and a server. The predictive model calculates an image score based on the quality, then the processor can move the movable element based on the score.

Abstract: Intraluminal ultrasound devices, systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an intravascular ultrasound device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first ultrasound transducer array configured to obtain ultrasound imaging data of the body lumen; and a second ultrasound transducer array configured to apply an ultrasound therapy within the body lumen. Both the first and second ultrasound transducer arrays are disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and circumferentially positioned around the longitudinal axis of the flexible elongate member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasound image-guided percutaneous, cardiac valve implantation and repair comprise, in combination, a plurality of devices including but not limited to an ultrasound-image guided catheter, a pericardial sheath, a cardiac-valve delivery system and an ascending aortic filter. An image-guided catheter is utilized to introduce via an introducer needle and a guide wire a pericardium portal for permitting entry from the chest wall to inside the pericardial space between the pericardial outer lining and inner lining. The pericardium portal permits the use of ultrasound vision to locate a site proximate the left ventricular apex, for introduction of a sheath via a .myocardium needle into the left ventricular space at an angle and avoiding any coronaries or vessels. A first delivery system permits placement of at least one aortic filter which collects any emboli, particulate matter, plaque and prevents such matter travelling via the ascending aorta to the brain, causing a stroke.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for applying ultrasound pulses into tissue or a medium in which the peak negative pressure (P?) of one or more negative half cycle(s) of the ultrasound pulses exceed(s) an intrinsic threshold of the tissue or medium, to directly form a dense bubble cloud in the tissue or medium without shock-scattering. In one embodiment, a microtripsy method of Histotripsy therapy comprises delivering an ultrasound pulse from an ultrasound therapy transducer into tissue, the ultrasound pulse having at least a portion of a peak negative pressure half-cycle that exceeds an intrinsic threshold in the tissue to produce a bubble cloud of at least one bubble in the tissue, and generating a lesion in the tissue with the bubble cloud. The intrinsic threshold can vary depending on the type of tissue to be treated. In some embodiments, the intrinsic threshold in tissue can range from 15-30 MPa.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for therapeutic ultrasonic treatment of a tissue region that contains a flowing liquid has at least one ultrasonic source and a control unit for activating the ultrasonic source in order to radiate ultrasonic pulses according to a pulse parameter set into the tissue region. The therapeutic apparatus has a measuring system configured to determine a flow velocity of the liquid and a focus control system configured to move a focus region of the ultrasonic pulse relative to the tissue region over a longitudinal portion. A movement direction of the focus region therein corresponds to a flow direction of the liquid and a movement velocity of the focus region corresponds to the flow velocity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical stapler instrument. The surgical stapler instrument comprises a handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. A bottom jaw is detachably coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly. The bottom jaw having a staple cartridge surface, configured to eject one or more staples. Further, a top jaw is detachably coupled to the bottom jaw toward the distal end of the handle assembly. The top jaw comprises a staple pocket disposed over an anvil surface of the top jaw and configured to bend the ejected one or more staples and deliver into targeted tissues. An effective friction coefficient (?e) of the staple pocket of the top jaw is lower than the staple cartridge surface of the bottom jaw to achieve optimized stapling.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, and an end effector. The acoustic waveguide extends along the shaft and is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotable toward the ultrasonic blade. The end effector defines a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade in the first longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to sever tissue with the ultrasonic blade in the second longitudinal region.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems, devices, and methods for displaying medical images based on a location of a camera. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving image data of a patient's body, identifying an organ in the image data, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of at least a portion of the patient's body based on the image data, registering the 3D model with the patient's body, determining a location of a camera inside the patient's body, identifying a 2D slice image from the image data based on the determined location of the camera inside the patient's body, and displaying the 2D slice image.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasonic catheter assembly. More specifically, the catheter assembly includes a catheter and one or more piezoelectric or echogenic components. The catheter has a side wall that extends from a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the lumen is configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured with the side wall of the catheter and/or embedded at least partially within the side wall of the catheter. As such, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter, e.g. when activated by a stimulator assembly.

Abstract: A catheter for facilitating re-entry of a re-entry wire into a true lumen or into any desired region of a blood vessel may have an elongate shaft with a first lumen. A distal port and a first proximal port are fluidly coupled with the first lumen. A wire re-entry port is adjacent the distal end of the elongate shaft. The wire re-entry port has a re-entry axis. An ultrasound transducer on the catheter is configured to produce an image the blood vessel, and has a central axis that allows visualization of the re-entry wire as it exits the re-entry port and re-enters the true lumen. This allows the operator to ensure that the re-entry wire re-enters the true lumen in a desired location and does not damage the vessel.

Abstract: A device and a method, which is individual to a patient, treat malignant diseases by using selectively acting tumor-destructive mechanical pulses (TMI). The tumor-destructive pulse shapes are determined using physical cell properties, which are individual to each patient. The device is controlled in such that lethal pulse fields are applied in the tumor area.

Abstract: Embodiments of a robotic medical system comprise a steerable instrument that includes a bendable body and a connector assembly configured to detachably connect the bendable body to an actuation unit. A controller is configured to control the actuation unit. The connector assembly comprises a connection receptor coupled to the actuation unit and a connecting shaft coupled to the bendable body. The connecting shaft includes a plurality of driving rods that are attached in a one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of driving wires and that detachably attach to the connection receptor. In a connected state where the bendable body is connected to the actuation unit via the connector assembly, the controller causes the actuation unit to transmit an actuating force from an actuator to a driving rod, and the driving rod actuates or moves a driving wire in a same direction as the actuating force applied by the actuator.

Abstract: Techniques for performing therapy using an internal anatomy therapy delivery system are described herein. The internal anatomy therapy delivery system calculates a treatment location from sensor data received from an internal anatomy therapy delivery device, determines an appropriate therapy, and moves the internal anatomy therapy delivery device to a location on the anatomical surface corresponding to the therapy. Once at the location, the internal anatomy therapy delivery device determines treatment parameters based on local measurements, delivers the treatment, and makes additional measurements to determine whether the treatment was successful.

Abstract: A framework for image-based probe positioning is disclosed herein. The framework receives a current image from a probe. The current image is acquired by the probe within a structure of interest. The framework predicts a position of the probe and generates a recommendation of a next maneuver to be performed using the probe by applying the current image to a trained classifier. The framework then outputs the predicted position and the recommendation of the next maneuver.

Abstract: Manipulators and cartridges for robotic-assisted vascular access are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a cartridge including a guidewire, a needle, and a catheter that are coaxially disposed with respect to each other; and a plurality of guides coupled to the guidewire, the needle, and the catheter; a manipulation device including a plurality of actuators each configured to couple to a different guide member of the plurality of guides, the plurality of actuators being configured to linearly advance and retract the plurality of guides to move the needle, the guidewire, and the catheter; and a control unit operatively coupled to the manipulation device, the control unit configured to control the plurality of actuators to selectively move the needle, the guidewire, and the catheter to gain access via the catheter to a target vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring of vital signs of a living organism comprises at least two electrode pins for receiving an electrical activity of the living organism and an optical sensor for sensing a pulse of the living organism, wherein the monitoring device has a compact form and the at least two electrode pins and the optical sensor are integrated in the monitoring device.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus generates and displays an ultrasound image corresponding to reflected ultrasound reflected inside a subject. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a hardware processor that generates a B-mode image based on a reception signal corresponding to the reflected ultrasound, analyzes the B-mode image and determines an operation status of a treatment instrument used for treatment, and based on a result of the determination, displays a first display image including a current B-mode image and a second display image including a B-mode image obtained when the treatment instrument is in a non-operating state in such a manner that the first display image and second display image are aligned.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for neuromodulation that include applying energy (e.g., ultrasound energy) into an internal tissue to cause tissue displacement and identifying that the tissue displacement has occurred. In one embodiment, the presence of tissue displacement is associated with a desired therapeutic or physiological outcome, such as a change in a molecule of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating vascular thrombosis with ultrasound, includes a therapeutic ultrasonic transducer, suitable for generating focused ultrasonic waves that propagate along an emission axis; an imaging ultrasonic transducer associated with the therapeutic transducer; a means for moving the focal spot of the therapeutic ultrasonic transducer along the emission axis with respect to the imaging transducer; a motorized mechanical system for translating the transducers along at least a first axis parallel to the emission axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first; and an electronic control system for driving the motorized mechanical system and the means for moving the focal spot of the therapeutic transducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera control within surgical robotic systems are provided. One system includes a computing device, multiple robot assemblies, and a surgeon console. Each robot assembly among the multiple robot assemblies includes a robotic arm. A robotic arm of a first robot assembly is coupled to an image capture device. Robotic arms of at least a subset of robot assemblies, different from the first robot assembly, are coupled to surgical instruments. The surgeon console includes multiple handles, each communicatively coupled to a robot assembly coupled to a surgical instrument. The surgeon console is configured to transmit to the computing device one or more packets that include data related to a movement of at least one handle. The computing device configured to calculate a new position of the image capture device and transmit instructions to the first robot assembly to move the image capture device to the new position.

Abstract: A method for tissue characterization by ultrasound wave attenuation measurements is provided that comprises: a) transmitting at least an ultrasound pulse in a target body; b) receiving ultrasound pulses reflected by the target body and transforming the reflected ultrasound pulses into RF reception signals; c) extracting an envelope of the received RF signals; d) carrying out a logarithmic compression of the extracted envelope and e) computing a propagation depth dependent attenuation coefficient of the tissues crossed by the ultrasound pulse in the target body as the slope of the line fitting the logarithmic compressed envelope data along the penetration depth of the ultrasound pulse in the target body. The disclosure relates also to an ultrasound system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe positioning system (100) comprises a positioning unit (102) for holding an ultrasound probe unit (104) and for moving the ultrasound probe unit and positioning it at a target position and a positioning control unit (106) configured to provide target positioning data indicative of a target position that establishes a mechanical contact of the ultrasound probe unit with an external object (110) and to control the mechanical positioning unit in moving and positioning the ultrasound probe at the target position. The positioning unit comprises a force actuation unit (108) configured to adapt a pressing force amount of a mechanical pressing force exerted on the object in response to a variation of a counterforce amount so as to maintain a predetermined net pressing force amount exerted by the mechanical pressing force against the counterforce.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter unit includes: a sheath that forms a cylindrical shape and is having a proximal end and a distal end; an ultrasonic transmitter configured to be inserted into the sheath; and a cover member that covers a part of the ultrasonic transmitter and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The ultrasonic transmitter includes: a first area surrounded by the sheath; a second area protruding from the distal end of the sheath; and a distal-end treatment portion provided in a distal end of the second area. The cover member covers the second area of the ultrasonic transmitter, and exposes the distal-end treatment portion of the ultrasonic transmitter to an outside, and is made of fluorine-based resin.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, deep-learning techniques are employed to find anomalies corresponding to bleed events. By way of example, a deep convolutional neural network or combination of such networks may be trained to determine the location of a bleed event, such as an internal bleed event, based on ultrasound data acquired at one or more locations on a patient anatomy. Such a technique may be useful in non-clinical settings.

Abstract: An ultrasound system including: a scanner module including a housing including a first fastener element, an ultrasound transducer, a rotational actuator, and an electronics module; and a positioner module including a second fastener element; operable between a first mode, wherein the first and second fastener elements cooperatively couple the scanner module to the positioner module, and a second mode, wherein the scanner module and positioner modules are separate. An ultrasound system including: a housing including a handle region and a membrane; an ultrasound transducer; a reservoir; a rotational actuator; and an electronics module.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the operation of a surgical instrument using machine learning in a surgical suite is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of gathering data during surgical procedures, wherein the surgical procedures include the use of a surgical instrument, analyzing the gathered data to determine an appropriate operational adjustment of the surgical instrument, and adjusting the operation of the surgical instrument to improve the operation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer having an ultrasonic vibrator; a distal end portion body disposed continuously with a proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer; an erecting base housing portion that is disposed in the distal end portion body and has an opening which opens toward one side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the distal end portion body; a treatment tool lead-out port that communicates with the inside of the erecting base housing portion, an erecting base that is disposed in the inside of the erecting base housing portion and changes a lead out direction of a treatment tool led out from the treatment tool lead-out port; and a cleaning communication hole that is formed in a wall surface on a side opposite to a side where the opening of the erecting base housing portion is disposed and communicates with an outside.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging and therapy device includes an array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, and an ultrasound imaging device situated inside an innermost transducer of the plurality of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, wherein it further comprises a mechanical linkage allowing a tilting movement of the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers with respect to the ultrasound imaging device and in that the ultrasound imaging device protrudes in an axial direction from the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers; whereby the ultrasound imaging device can be kept stationary and in direct or indirect contact with a patient's skin while the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers is tilted so as to move a focal point of ultrasound waves generated by the concentric annular ultrasound transducers within an imaging region of the ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: An interventional therapy system may include at least one catheter configured for insertion within an object of interest (OOI); and at least one controller which configured to: obtain a reference image dataset including a plurality of image slices which form a three-dimensional image of the OOI; define restricted areas (RAs) within the reference image dataset; determine location constraints for the at least one catheter in accordance with at least one of planned catheter intersection points, a peripheral boundary of the OOI and the RAs defined in the reference dataset; determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the distal end of the at least one catheter; and/or determine a planned trajectory for the at least one catheter in accordance with the determined at least one position and orientation for the at least one catheter and the location constraints.

Abstract: A method for planning a scan path for intraoperative radiation therapy may comprise acquiring a plurality of images of a region of interest through an auxiliary scanning component, establishing a 3D model of the region of interest based on the plurality of images of the region of interest, determining a radiation therapy volume based on the 3D model of the region of interest, and planning a scan path for a radiation therapy component to scan the radiation therapy volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for acquiring motion information. A frequency domain transformation is performed on a detection signal of a vibration propagating in a medium to obtain a frequency domain signal, then a signal that is outside of a defined vibration velocity range is removed from the frequency domain signal, that is, only a vibration signal is retained, and then a position-time diagram is obtained along a defined vibration propagation direction. It is not necessary to perform motion estimation on propagation of the vibration by a complicated calculation, and it is only necessary to determine the presence or absence of the vibration by processing in the frequency domain, and then the position-time diagram is obtained, which is a highly efficient method for acquiring motion information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of steam pop in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and an energization parameter delivered to the ablation probe. The exerted force and energization parameter can be utilized to provide an estimation of the probability of steam pop. In one embodiment, the force and energization metrics can be used as feedback to establish a desired contact force and energization level combination to prevent steam popping.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining zero vergence ultrasound waves for providing sonodynamic therapy with ultrasound waves that do not converge and do not diverge. The method includes coupling a sonodynamic therapy device with an array of flat piezoelectric transducers to a skin surface. A controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal at a frequency, modulate the drive signal, and drive the transducer with the modulated drive signal at the frequency to produce a zero vergence ultrasound wave to produce an average acoustic intensity sufficient to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

Abstract: A high-low intensity focused ultrasound treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of ultrasound sources, and a controller to control a center frequency and intensity of focused ultrasound outputted from the ultrasound sources, wherein each of the ultrasound sources includes a first ultrasound transducer to output low-intensity focused ultrasound to detect a lesion, and a second ultrasound transducer to output high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate or remove the detected lesion. The low-intensity focused ultrasound outputted from the first transducer may be used to detect a lesion in a patient's brain by applying a stimulus to the brain, and at the same time, investigating a response, and the high-intensity focused ultrasound outputted from the second transducer may be used to ablate or remove the detected lesion by applying a thermal or mechanical stimulus to the lesion.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein a learning program that causes a computer to execute a process including: generating a shadow image including a shadow according to a state of ultrasound reflection in an ultrasound image; generating a combined image by combining the ultrasound image and the shadow image; inputting, into a first decoder and a second decoder, an output acquired from an encoder in response to inputting the combined image into the encoder; and executing training of the encoder, the first decoder, and the second decoder, based on: reconfigured error between an output image of a coupling function and the combined image, the coupling function being configured to combine a first image output from the first decoder with a second image output from the second decoder, and an error function between an area in the first image and the shadow in the shadow image.

Abstract: A compact, integrated acoustic localization and communications array includes an air-backed transmit element having a first end on which an end cap is disposed, and a second end configured to be mounted to a mounting surface. A volumetric acoustic array including a plurality of receiver elements that is electrically integrated to the transmit element. The localization and communications array is configured to transmit, via the transmit element, and receive, via the plurality of the receiver elements, an acoustic signal having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 50 kHz. Each of the plurality of receiver elements are spaced apart from the end cap at least a distance. The distance is greater than ¼ of a wavelength associated with the frequency transmitted and received by the localization and communications array, and is not equal to an odd multiple of ¼ of the wavelength.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle at the distal end. Further, the needle assembly includes a flexible printed circuit board mounted on the exterior surface of the needle from the proximal end to the distal end. As such, the flexible printed circuit board electrically connects the transducer to a power source.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and techniques are provided for modular ultrasonic transducers and frame. An ultrasonic transducer array may include a modular ultrasonic transducer array frame. The modular ultrasonic transducer array frame may include mechanisms for the attachment of ultrasonic transducer modules to the ultrasonic transducer array frame. The ultrasonic transducer array may include ultrasonic transducer modules which may include arrays of ultrasonic transducer elements within the ultrasonic transducer modules. Two of the ultrasonic transducer modules may include arrays of ultrasonic transducer elements where the ultrasonic transducer elements are different between the two ultrasonic transducer modules.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, a contact layer, a matching layer between the two-dimensional array and the contact layer, where the matching layer has a non-uniform thickness, and an array controller configured to control activation of ultrasonic transducers during an imaging operation for imaging a plurality of pixels within the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers. During the imaging operation, the array controller is configured to activate different subsets of ultrasonic transducers associated with different regions of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers at different transmission frequencies, where the different frequencies are determined such that a thickness of the matching layer at a region is substantially equal to a quarter wavelength of the first transmission frequency for the region.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for thermal monitoring of tissue with an ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring, via an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound image, selecting at least one region of interest in the ultrasound image, extracting features from the at least one region of interest, classifying a thermal state of tissue in the at least one region of interest based on the features, and outputting, via a display device, the thermal state of the tissue. In this way, ultrasound imaging may be used for real-time thermal monitoring of tissue during an ablation procedure, thereby improving the accuracy and efficacy of the ablation procedure.

Abstract: This invention pertains a system and methods for ablation treatment of tissues. The invention aims to aid healthcare professionals in completely treating all the target tissues by fusing computer generated information highlighting which tissues have been treated and which not to images of the tissues. The systems and methods integrate seamlessly with current image-guided procedures and do not require tracking systems to gather the position of the ablation device, as the positon and orientation of the device are identified from images. The invention aims also to improve estimates of the ablation volumes associated to an ablation device by identifying from images the true geometry of devices that might deform during the deployment in tissues; the invention aims to improve estimates of the ablation volumes by using information about the ablation process and about the status of tissues which can be collected from the control system of the ablation device.

Abstract: An intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient. The flexible elongate member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The device also includes an ultrasound imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound imaging assembly is configured to obtain imaging data of the body lumen. The ultrasound imaging assembly includes a transducer array including a substrate, a silicon oxide layer disposed over the substrate, and a plurality of rows of micromachined ultrasound transducer elements disposed on the silicon oxide layer. Two of the plurality of rows of micromachined ultrasound transducer elements are spaced apart by a trench formed by etching through a screen formed in the silicon oxide layer. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter device for treating a patient is provided. The ultrasound transmitter device includes an imaging probe; an imaging array; and a therapeutic ultrasound device, wherein the imaging probe is configured to guide the therapeutic ultrasound device to the patients treatment site by use of ultrasound imaging with the imaging array, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound device is configured to produce a controlled intensity of ultrasound energy for treating the patients treatment site, and wherein the imaging probe and the therapeutic ultrasound device are configured to work in conjunction with one another to apply therapeutic ultrasound to tissue or bone graft sites in the patient.

Abstract: A method for characterizing an anisotropic soft medium (C) including fibers and having an outer surface (1), by observing in different propagation directions, the propagation of a divergent shear wave from a central area (10) in the anisotropic soft medium. A propagation parameter of the shear wave is inferred therefrom in each of the propagation directions, and then a direction of the fibers of the anisotropic soft medium, a rheological elasticity parameter are determined in a direction perpendicular to the fibers and a rheological elasticity parameter in the direction of the fibers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is provided which can obtain an accurate synthesized image, even if a specimen has a surface with a large curvature. An ultrasonic imaging system may include a probe and processing circuitry. The probe may perform scan of first and second ultrasonic waves different from each other. The processing circuitry may generate a first ultrasonic image based on the first ultrasonic wave and generate a second ultrasonic image based on the second ultrasonic wave. The processing circuitry may calculate a spatial relationship based on two first ultrasonic images at two positions and two second ultrasonic images at the two positions. The processing circuitry may synthesize one of the first and second ultrasonic images at one of the two positions with the one of the first and second ultrasonic images at the other position based on the calculated relationship.

Abstract: In one aspect, devices for image guided laparoscopic surgery are disclosed. Such devices can comprise a shaft, a surgical component, a handle, and one or more sensors. The shaft comprises a proximal end and a terminal end that opposes the proximal end. The surgical component is disposed at the terminal end of the shaft, and the handle extends from the proximal end of the shaft. The handle comprises one or more actuating components configured to actuate the surgical component. The one or more sensors are disposed on or over the handle, and are configured to detect and/or track movement of the handle and/or actuation of one or more of the actuating components.

Abstract: Various approaches for enhancing treatment of target tissue using a source of focused ultrasound while limiting damage to non-target tissue include selecting a frequency of ultrasound waves transmitted from the source of focused ultrasound for generating a focus in the target tissue; providing microbubbles having the first size distribution such that at least 50% of the microbubbles have a radius smaller than a critical radius corresponding to a resonance frequency matching the selected frequency of ultrasound waves; and applying the ultrasound waves at the selected frequency to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: A method of imaging a vessel with a catheter includes positioning an imaging tip in a reinforced terminal section of an outer sheath of the catheter, inserting the catheter into a vessel, and performing near infrared spectroscopy of the vessel by retracting the imaging tip to a retracted position proximally spaced from the reinforced terminal section of the outer sheath, transmitting near infrared light from the imaging tip to the vessel wall via the outer sheath, and collecting near infrared light from the vessel wall at the imaging tip via the outer sheath. Transmitting and collecting may be performed after retracting the cable and while the imaging tip is rotated and translated proximally from the retracted position along the outer sheath. Ultrasound energy may be transmitted to the vessel from a transducer on the imaging tip and received from the vessel at the transducer.