Abstract: A system for tracking an instrument with ultrasound includes a probe (122) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy and a transducer (130) associated with the probe and configured to move with the probe during use. A medical instrument (102) includes a sensor (120) configured to respond to the ultrasonic energy received from the probe. A control module (124) is stored in memory and configured to interpret the ultrasonic energy received from the probe and the sensor to determine a three dimensional location of the medical instrument and to inject a signal to the probe from the transducer to highlight a position of the sensor in an image.

Abstract: A patient data capture and processing system comprises: a programmable, platform medical device comprising at least one patient sensor interface; a processor coupled to said sensor interface and to a communications interface; programmable memory, coupled to said processor. The memory is programmable via the communications interface to define a plurality of different patient sensing functions to implement, in software, a plurality of different medical devices. A patient medical device controller comprises a further communications interface coupled to the communications connection; a processor; memory, coupled to said processor, storing signal processing code to retrieve the medical device data from one or more of the programmable platform medical devices via the communications connection, to filter clinically significant events from said retrieved medical device data to detect clinically significant events, and to output the filtered data for one or both of storage and review by a physician.

Abstract: Some embodiments include acquisition of color Doppler data, detection of one or more transitions of the color Doppler data, each of the one or more transitions being between a first area representing flow velocity in a first direction and a second area representing flow velocity not in the first direction, and application of a first set of aliasing corrections to the color Doppler data to generate second color Doppler data. For each of the one or more transitions, a first energy function is calculated based on the one or more pairs of color Doppler values in the second color Doppler data, and a first total energy function associated with the first set of aliasing corrections is determined based on the calculated first energy functions. Next, a second total energy function associated with a second set of aliasing corrections is determined based on calculated second energy functions.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of ultrasound pulses at different frequencies to track the dispersion properties of intracranial tissues which may have been altered due to traumatic or other neurological brain injury. Dispersive ultrasound does not provide imaging, but it can provide data of significant diagnostic value by using decision support systems that can be trained as a medical diagnostic system for traumatic brain injuries applications to detect specific patterns of dispersion that are associated with specific intracranial injuries.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method comprises the steps of: transmitting a prescanning ultrasonic beam toward a subject and measuring an ultrasonic echo from a bone structure inside a cranium in advance; determining a transfer function of an ultrasonic wave in the cranium based on the measured said ultrasonic echo; transmitting an imaging ultrasonic beam toward the subject; generating a cancelling ultrasonic beam having an opposite phase as an ultrasonic echo reflected by the inner surface of the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam, based on said transfer function; receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject while cancelling said ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium by transmitting the cancelling ultrasonic beam in accordance with the ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam; and generating an ultrasound image of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for remodeling prediction using ultrasound are provided. The method includes obtaining ultrasound information relating to a heart and determining a likelihood of myocardial remodeling of the heart based on the ultrasound information.

Abstract: A method for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment includes acquiring a blood pressure (BP) signal having a first oscillatory pattern from a first individual, acquiring a blood flow velocity (BFV) signal having a second oscillatory pattern from the first individual, decomposing the BP signal into a first group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decomposing the BFV signal into a second group of IMFs, determining dominant oscillatory frequencies in the first group of IMFs, automatically selecting a first characteristic IMF from the first group of IMFs that has its associated dominant oscillatory frequency in a predetermined frequency range, automatically selecting a second characteristic IMF from the second group of IMFs, calculating a time sequence of instantaneous phase difference between the first characteristic IMF and the second characteristic IMF, computing an average of the instantaneous phase difference in the time sequence, and identifying a pathological condition in the first individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for non-invasive monitoring of brain density variations. At least two ultrasonic pulses having different frequencies are provided into the brain for transmission therethrough. The reflected ultrasonic pulses are then sensed and the sensed signal data are then processed for determining at least two phase differences between the phases of the at least two reflected ultrasonic pulses and the phases of the at least two provided ultrasonic pulses. A phase of at least a beat frequency is determined in dependence upon the at least two phase differences. Data indicative of a brain density variation are determined based on the at least two phase differences and the at least a beat frequency.

Abstract: A new method is introduced able to track the motion of a thin object, e.g. a wall, from a series of digital field data (e.g. images) in order to analyze field information corresponding to the moving position of the object. The method is based on the extraction of M-mode images where the wall can be identified and the wall properties can be extracted and analyzed. The digital implementation of the method into electronic equipments improves the quality of the information that can be extracted from field data and the potential diagnostic capability when applied to echographic medical imaging.

Abstract: Unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal transmitters may leave the transmitter in any of various states at the end of one pulse. Undesired acoustic energy may be generated to change states prior to beginning another transmit sequence or pulse. For example, phase inversion for tissue harmonic imaging is performed where two sequential pulses are transmitted with different phases. The first waveform starts at a low state and ends at the low state of a unipolar transmitter. The next waveform starts at the high state. Transmit apodization or spectrum control techniques may require a pattern of waveform starting states different than a current state. Acoustic disruption due to a change of state of the transmitter between transmissions for imaging is minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automated assessment of regional myocardial function using wall motion analysis methods that analyze various features/parameters of patient information (image data and non-image data) obtained from medical records of a patient. For example, a method for providing automatic diagnostic support for cardiac imaging generally comprises obtaining image data of a heart of a patient, obtaining features from the image data of the heart, which are related to motion of the myocardium of the heart, and automatically assessing regional myocardial function of one or more regions of a myocardial wall using the obtained features.

Abstract: An anatomic structure is detected based on a medical diagnostic imaging data set. The anatomic structure comprises at least two different types of tissue. At least one anatomic landmark is identified within the data set, the data set is overlaid with a contour template, and a search region of the data set surrounding the contour template is scanned to identify transition points associated with a predefined characteristic of the anatomic structure.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be implanted, and how the surgical incisions should be made.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method, system and related equipment particularly adapted to diagnose disorders of the blood circulation serving the head and neck, and especially the brain. A preferred use of the system is early, rapid, accurate, diagnosis of stroke, especially whether the stroke is due to blockage of a blood vessel or leakage from the blood vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is placed on the head of a patient, and is used to generate an ultrasound pulse which propagates through the skull and brain of the patient, and is reflected off of the skull and soft tissue lying in a path perpendicular to the ultrasound probe. A portion of a generated Echo EG signal is then selected, and the Echo EG signal is integrated over the selected portion to generate an echo pulsograph (EPG) signal. Using an ECG signal as a reference, the EPG signal is used to provide information regarding the physiological state of the tissue at a depth from the ultrasound probe corresponding to the selected portion of the Echo EG signal.

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned de superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is placed on the head of a patient, and is used to generate an ultrasound pulse which propagates through the skull and brain of the patient, and is reflected off of the skull and soft tissue lying in a path perpendicular to the ultrasound probe. The reflected signals are received by the ultrasound probe, and then processed in a known manner to generate an echo encephalogram (Echo EG) signal, which is plotted as a function of amplitude vs. distance. A portion of the Echo EG signal is then selected, and the Echo EG signal is integrated over the selected portion to generate an echo pulsograph (EPG) signal. An electrocardiograph (ECG) signal for the patient is also generated in a known manner. Using the ECG signal as a reference, the EPG signal is used to provide information regarding the physiological state of the tissue at a depth from the ultrasound probe corresponding to the selected portion of the Echo EG signal.

Abstract: Changes in intracranial pressure can be measured dynamically and non-invasively by monitoring one or more cerebrospinal fluid pulsatile components. Pulsatile components such as systolic and diastolic blood pressures are partially transferred to the cerebrospinal fluid by way of blood vessels contained in the surrounding brain tissue and membrane. As intracranial pressure varies these cerebrospinal fluid pulsatile components also vary. Thus, intracranial pressure can be dynamically measured. Furthermore, use of acoustics allows the measurement to be completely non-invasive. In the preferred embodiment, phase comparison of a reflected acoustic signal to a reference signal using a constant frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop ultrasonic device allows the pulsatile components to be monitored. Calibrating the device by inducing a known change in intracranial pressure allows conversion to changes in intracranial pressure.

Abstract: A device for inserting a thin measurement probe into brain tissue, the device including a skull screw, a guide hose, and a compressive screw connection. The skull screw defines a longitudinal borehole through which the guide hose and a measurement probe extend. The compressive screw connection radially seals, by compression, the measurement probe and the guide hose relative to the skull screw. The guide hose serves as a protective sleeve enclosing the measurement probe and connecting the skull screw to a probe hookup. The guide hose includes further and separate lumina to receive further measurement probes and associated probe hookups, and the guide hose supports the probe hookups.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for assessing blood flow in blood vessels, for assessing vascular health, for conducting clinical trials, for screening therapeutic interventions for adverse effects, and for assessing the effects of risk factors, therapies and substances, including therapeutic substances, on blood vessels, especially cerebral blood vessels, all achieved by measuring various parameters of blood flow in one or more vessels and analyzing the results in a defined matter. The relevant parameters of blood flow include mean flow velocity, systolic acceleration, and pulsatility index. By measuring and analyzing these parameters, one can ascertain the vascular health of a particular vessel, multiple vessels and an individual. Such measurements can also determine whether a substance has an effect, either deleterious or advantageous, on vascular health. In one of many embodiments, the present invention further provides an expert system for achieving the above.

Abstract: A system calibrates a user's brain region (e.g., the primary visual cortex or V1 region) to actual sensory information (e.g., the visual field), and enables imagined sensory information (e.g.; dynamic mental imagery) to be interpreted as computer input. The system includes a configuration engine and an input device control engine. The configuration engine includes a test pattern; a functional information gatherer for presenting the test pattern to a user; a brain-scanning device interface for obtaining functional information from a region in the user's brain that provides a physiological response to the test pattern and that receives feedback corresponding to imagined sensory information; and a mapping engine for using the functional information to map the user's brain region to the test pattern.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is placed on the head of a patient, and is used to generate an ultrasound pulse which propagates through the skull and brain of the patient, and is reflected off of the skull and soft tissue lying in a path perpendicular to the ultrasound probe. The reflected signals are received by the ultrasound probe, and then processed in a known manner to generate an echo encephalogram (Echo EG) signal, which is plotted as a function of amplitude vs. distance. A portion of the Echo EG signal is then selected, and the Echo EG signal is integrated over the selected portion to generate an echo pulsograph (EPG) signal. An electrocardiograph (ECG) signal for the patient is also generated in a known manner. Using the ECG signal as a reference, the EPG signal is used to provide information regarding the physiological state of the tissue at a depth from the ultrasound probe corresponding to the selected portion of the Echo EG signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that permit the accurate measurement and continuous monitoring of the intracranial pressure of humans and vertebrates that eliminates the requirement of direct contact with the patient's head, obviates problems previously encountered with the “soft” interface between transducers and the patient, and minimizes patient discomfort during the measurement process. The apparatus includes a pair of diametrically opposed acoustic transducers controlled and monitored through a switching device by a constant frequency pulsed phase-locked loop signal generator/analyzer. The transducers provided signal data that permits a discrimination of cranial vault width using appropriate signal processing devices. Digital logic devices or microprocessor based devices permit the identification of changes in cranial vault width from which intracranial pressure changes are determined.

Abstract: Upon detection of systole by a detector (21), a master controller (20) adjusts a transmit level control (36) to cause a transducer array (2) to transmit ultrasound waves with a high acoustic output approaching the mechanical index FDA limit with sufficient dwell time between HAO frames to limit the temporal average below the FDA limit. The dwell time may be occupied by lower acoustic output frames (LAO) which are generated using the transmit level control (36).

Abstract: Continued bleeding into a pocket or hematoma in the cranium could exert pressure on the brain which would move it relative to the cranium to force the brain stem into the medulla oblongata to arrest breathing. Such brain micromovement is detected by projecting bursts of ultrasound into one or both of the temple areas of the cranium or into the medulla oblongata, and the readout of echoes received from different depths is displayed on a screen. The readout of the echoes indicates continued microshifts of the brain relative to the cranium. To differentiate microshifts of the brain relative to the cranium caused by continued intracranial bleeding as distinguished from pulsations of the brain relative to the cranium caused by supply of blood to the brain from the heart and return of blood from the brain to the heart, the timing of the bursts of ultrasound into the cranium is synchronized with the pulse indicated by a heart pulse monitor.

Abstract: The Doppler angle is adjusted to a value close to the optimum Doppler angle DAopt, typically amounting to 60.degree., between the direction of an echographic excitation and the axis of a blood vessel in an echographic image, based on prior designation of an initial point in the vessel. The method includes a first measurement of the Doppler angle DA1 in a first, predetermined excitation direction, comparison of DA1 with Daopt, formation of .DELTA..theta.=.vertline.DAopt-DA1.vertline., and correction of the direction of the echographic excitation by the value .DELTA..theta. in order to shift it to a second direction.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method, system and related equipment particularly adapted to diagnose disorders of the blood circulation serving the head and neck, and especially the brain. A preferred use of the system is early, rapid, accurate, diagnosis of stroke, especially whether the stroke is due to blockage of a blood vessel or leakage from the blood vessel.