Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Alexander J. Burke
  • Patent number: 8175076
    Abstract: A system provides synchronization between different medical signal (e.g., EKG and ICEG signal) acquisition and processing devices. A system synchronizes multiple different patient medical parameter processing devices, using a master clock generator. The master clock generator is adaptively programmable to provide synchronization clocks having frequencies compatible with multiple different medical devices for acquiring patient medical parameter data and for synchronization of processing of medical parameter data concurrently acquired from a single particular patient. The master clock generator is programmed by dividing a clock signal to provide a desired clock frequency in response to received frequency selection command data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryon Pelzek, Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8170312
    Abstract: A cardiac wall motion compensation system quantitatively compares images acquired at different phases of cardiac and respiratory movement and excludes motion contributed by respiratory movement. A system compensates for respiratory motion induced tissue displacement in cardiac wall motion determination. The system includes an imaging device for acquiring multiple sequential cardiac images of a patient and a data processor. The data processor processes data representing first and second images selected from the multiple sequential cardiac images, to determine heart wall respiratory motion representative displacement from a ventricle wall positional difference indicated between the first and second images, in response to a respiratory motion representative signal and a heart electrophysiological signal. The data processor subtracts heart wall respiratory motion representative displacement from a heart wall displacement measurement to provide a respiration compensated heart wall displacement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinghua Chen, Shailaja Merugu
  • Patent number: 8165660
    Abstract: A system for planning a percutaneous procedure provides a patient 3-dimensional image data set within which an instrument trajectory is defined, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so an optical axis of a movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance or whether a planned path can be targeted so that a C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto a radiation detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the path is replanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Pfister, Norbert Strobel
  • Patent number: 8165371
    Abstract: A system enhances MR imaging contrast between vessels containing dynamically flowing blood and static tissue using an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system, in response to a heart rate synchronization signal, acquires an anatomical preparation data set representing a spatially non-localized preparation 3D volume in response to a first magnetization preparation pulse sequence. The MR imaging system acquires a spatially localized anatomical imaging data set representing a second imaging volume. The MR imaging system subtracts slice specific MR imaging data of the spatially localized anatomical imaging data set from spatially and temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data of the anatomical preparation data set to derive blood flow indicative imaging data. The temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data comprises data acquired at a substantially corresponding cycle point within a heart beat cycle determined in response to said heart rate synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Bi, Peter Schmitt, Renate Jerecic, Peter Weale, Sven Zuehlsdorff
  • Patent number: 8165360
    Abstract: A system and method enhance the visibility of medical devices shown in internal images. A medical device may be inserted into a patient. Internal images of the patient may then be acquired via various medical imaging techniques. However, the medical device may only be partially visible in the images, if at all. For instance, the images may be acquired with minimal radiation exposure to the patient and/or the medical device may be thin or made of translucent material. Model data may be associated with the geometry or other characteristics of the medical device. The model data may be adapted, such as rotated, resized, bent, or otherwise modified, to form a “best fit” with the medical device as actually shown in the internal images. The adapted model data may be superimposed onto a display of the medical device as shown in the internal images to enhance visibility of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 8160199
    Abstract: A method and system provides medical image processing and 3-dimensional image construction of an examination subject. A user is enabled to selectively orient an x-ray imaging system having a variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis relative to an examination subject support for holding an examination subject. A non-planar image data acquisition path is set for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction. Acquisition of image data of the examination subject is initiated by the x-ray imaging system at a plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path. A 3-dimensional image is constructed from the acquired image data such that any metal artifacts introduced by radio-opaque objects within the examination subject are minimized. The 3-dimensional image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Rauch
  • Patent number: 8157848
    Abstract: A system provides early prediction of heart tissue malfunction and electrophysiological pathology by determining anatomical tissue impedance characteristics for use in medical patient monitoring and treatment decision making. At least one repository of data indicates multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges for corresponding multiple impedance measurements taken at multiple particular different sites of at least one anatomical organ. An impedance measurement processor automatically determines whether multiple measured impedance values taken at multiple particular different sites of an anatomical organ using an invasive catheter are within corresponding multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges derived from the at least one repository. An output processor automatically communicates data comprising at least one message to a destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Detlef W. Koertge, Dennis Steibel, Jr., Harold James Wade
  • Patent number: 8150127
    Abstract: A system automatically synchronizes display of adjacent different medical image sequences of an anatomical portion derived for use in Angiography or another medical procedure. The system includes an imaging system for acquiring first and second sets of data at different stages of a treatment procedure representing corresponding first and second image sequences individually comprising multiple temporally sequential individual images of vessels of a portion of patient anatomy. The sequential individual images encompass introduction of a contrast agent into patient vessels. A display presents the first and second image sequences in substantially adjacent display areas to facilitate user comparison. A contrast agent detector automatically analyzes the first and second image sequences to identify a first image frame in both the first image sequence and the second image sequence indicating presence of a contrast agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Baumgart
  • Patent number: 8150709
    Abstract: An integrated point of care medication administration system comprises a point of care medication administration system including an interface for communicating with the at least one repository and information sources and including a processor. The processor uses the information and the interface in automatically acquiring for a particular patient, data representing particular patient parameters and laboratory test results associated with a particular individual medication in response to user initiation of an order for the particular individual medication to be administered to the particular patient. A display device presents at least one display image indicating acquired particular patient parameters and laboratory test results of the particular patient and identifying a particular patient parameter or laboratory test result needing to be acquired prior to administration of the particular individual medication to the particular patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Miller, Alan M. Portnoy, Deborah A. Saeger
  • Patent number: 8150125
    Abstract: A system for visualizing vascular fluid flow concentration includes at least one repository including a plurality of stored angiography scenes, an angiography scene comprises a plurality of individual images of a vascular structure successively acquired over a time period. A user interface control device enables a user to determine, (a) a duration and (b) a start time relative to a start time of the time period, of a window of interest within the time period. A control processor is electrically coupled to the user interface control device and the at least one repository. Control processor automatically assigns a unique visual indicator representing contrast flow of fluid through vessels to individual images within the user determined duration of the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Baumgart, Gary S. Martucci
  • Patent number: 8151204
    Abstract: A document management and thumbnail image viewing system enables a user to display separate pages in individual different documents as well as to expand an image to view more detail in a single document, move pages across documents, and insert/delete pages or documents. A document management and viewing system includes a user interface for providing data representing a single composite display image including multiple reduced size images of individual pages of a first document and multiple reduced size images of individual pages of a different second document. The single composite display image includes at least one indicator identifying a transition between pages of the first and second documents and enables a user to select and move a page from the first document to the second document. A document processor updates stored data representing the first and second documents in response to a command entered using the single composite display image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Lusen, Frank W. Racis, Kay L. Davis, Margaret Eden, Jeffrey T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8145506
    Abstract: A patient problem data system stores data representing a plurality of different patient problems for use in providing healthcare to a patient. An acquisition processor acquires data representing a patient problem for storage in a repository. A repository, electrically coupled to the acquisition processor, includes data representing a plurality of different patient problems; an individual patient problem has a patient problem name and is characterized by patient problem attributes; an individual patient problem has a plurality of attribute properties determining how a patient problem attribute is represented. Patient problem attributes include a focus term indicating a topic of a patient problem, a patient problem likelihood term indicating an assessment of likelihood of the associated corresponding patient problem, and a client term indicating at least one target person for care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Emmons Haskell, Susan Annette Matney, Carmela Anne Couderc, Mary Ellen Dlugos, Rebecca Rae DaDamio
  • Patent number: 8143889
    Abstract: The disclosure provides echo planar imaging (EPI) based single-shot imaging techniques for acquiring spin-EPI (SEPI) and stimulated-EPI after a single RF excitation. In certain embodiments, the SEPI and STEPI acquired in a singleshot are used to compute a T1 map in realtime, which can be used for realtime monitoring of concentrations of paramagnetic-ion based contrast agent in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. In certain embodiments, B1 field inhomogeneity correction is provided for the STEPI. In certain embodiments, a gradient-EPI (GEPI) is also acquired after the single RF excitation providing singleshot SEPI, GEPI and STEPI acquisition. In certain embodiments, the phase difference between the SEPI and GEPI is used to compute temperature-dependent chemical shift in a subject in realtime. The temperature-dependent chemical shift can be used to monitor temperature changes in the subject in realtime, for example, during a heat treatment to control the dosage of heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eun-Kee Jeong, Kim Seongeun Choi, Xianfeng Shi
  • Patent number: 8145293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Harold James Wade, Jinghua Chen
  • Patent number: 8144957
    Abstract: An anatomical feature boundary identification system for use in processing medical images including X-ray images having a substantial noise content, employs at least one repository. The at least one repository stores data representing multiple different candidate template boundary shapes for individual particular anatomical features of multiple different types of anatomical features. A computation processor coupled to the at least one repository, determines a converged boundary shape of a particular anatomical feature by iteratively substantially minimizing a first difference between, data representing a weighted combination of multiple different candidate template boundary shapes of a particular anatomical feature and data representing a boundary shape of the particular anatomical feature derived from image data of the particular anatomical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Qu, Yuanyuan Jia
  • Patent number: 8143891
    Abstract: A system uses a three-dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence for fat suppression with reduced total acquisition time suitable for acquiring image data under breath-hold conditions using a reversed asymmetry during data acquisition on an opposed phase echo. A system reduces RF pulse repetition time in an MR imaging pulse sequence in an MR imaging device. The system includes an RF pulse generator for generating an RF excitation pulse sequence having a pulse repetition interval. A read-out gradient magnetic field generator generates an asymmetric read-out gradient magnetic field having a readout gradient mid-point occurring prior to an RF echo pulse peak. The RF echo pulse peak is received in response to a generated RF excitation pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Agus Priatna, Stephan Kannengieβer
  • Patent number: 8138759
    Abstract: An MR magnetic field inhomogeneity compensation system acquires multiple MR data sets representing luminance intensity values of individual image elements comprising corresponding multiple different image versions of at least a portion of a first imaging slice of patient anatomy including fat and water components. The compensation system employs the multiple MR data sets in solving corresponding multiple simultaneous nonlinear equations to calculate local frequency offset associated with magnetic field inhomogeneity at the individual image element location, for an individual image element of the image elements. The local frequency offset comprises a difference between proton spin frequency at the location and a nominal proton spin frequency. The compensation system derives data representing an electrical signal to be applied to magnetic field generation coils to substantially compensate for determined offset frequencies at the plurality of individual locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Greiser, Renate Jerecic, Peter Kellman, Saurabh Shah, Peter Weale, Sven Zuehlsdorff
  • Patent number: 8139225
    Abstract: A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving a plurality of optical signals from a source. A conversion processor is electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor and converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to said device interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Vincent Potenzone
  • Patent number: 8140684
    Abstract: A system enables clinicians to use naturally spoken voice commands from a small, wearable, wireless badge (or other portable device) to trigger events including, application session transfer, wireless communications (such as voice calls) and control of electronic devices. A system for managing user operation sessions on multiple servers includes an interface for receiving, from a first workstation, a request to initiate a current session of operation of a particular executable application on a first server and user identification information from a particular user. A session processor, in response to the received particular user identification information, identifies an active session of operation of the particular user on a second server previously initiated via a second workstation and re-attaches connection of the previously initiated active session of operation to the first workstation as the current session in response to a user voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gardiner, Domonic Snyder, Christopher Gardner, William Boggs, James Giancarlo
  • Patent number: 8121860
    Abstract: An expected outcome data system stores data representing a plurality of different expected outcomes of patient care and treatment for use in providing healthcare to a patient. An acquisition processor acquires data representing an expected outcome of treatment associated with a medical problem for storage in a repository. A repository, electrically coupled to the acquisition processor, includes data representing a plurality of different expected outcomes; an individual expected outcome has an expected outcome name and is characterized by expected outcome attributes; an individual expected outcome has a plurality of attribute properties determining how an expected outcome attribute is represented. Expected outcome attributes include a focus term indicating a topic of an expected outcome, an expected outcome likelihood term indicating an assessment of likelihood of the associated corresponding expected outcome, and a client term indicating at least one target person for care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Emmons Haskell, Rebecca Rae DaDamio, Carmela Anne Couderc, Susan Annette Matney, Mary Ellen Dlugos