Abstract: A method and apparatus of storing and accessing data from a database is disclosed. The method and apparatus applies particularly to database systems used for cardiovascular information systems but may also be used in other database systems. The method and apparatus for storing and accessing data utilizes a markup language tag data structure to provide for simplified and expedited searching over conventional databases.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine that generates a color representation of moving structure, such as cardiac wall tissue within a region of interest, and is displayed on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying at least one color characteristic related to a set of signal values of the structure, such as velocity or strain rate. The related feature of the set of signal values is mapped to the color characteristic by an apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to backscattered ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of signal values representing a spatial set of values of the moving structure. A host processor embodies a tracking function and a time integration function to generate tracked movement parameter profiles and displacement parameter values over a time period corresponding to sampled anatomical locations within the region of interest. The displacement parameter values are then mapped to color characteristic signals.

Abstract: A transesophageal probe with variable stiffness has a probe head connected to a distal end of an endoscope. A flexible tube is secured to the endoscope. Finally, a semi-rigid rod is slidably disposed within the flexible tube. Advancing or retracting the semi-rigid rod within the flexible tube allows the operator to vary the stiffness of the transesophageal probe.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus particularly suitable for nuclear magnetic imaging has a transmitter coil generating a plurality a first rf pulse and a second rf pulse having a repetition time therebetween. A first gradient coil is used to generate a first gradient waveform substantially centered within the repetition time. A second gradient is used to generate a second gradient waveform substantially centered within the repetition time. A receiver coil receives a resonance signal substantially centered within the repetition time. A controller is coupled to the receiver coil and forms an image in response to said resonance signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for and a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables. Such a method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, correlating alarm states of the physiological wellness variables with alarm states of physiological measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.

Abstract: In a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a method for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is presented. The method includes the steps of determining an operator identification of an operator at a display workstation, searching, based on the operator identification, for operator preferences including at least one partially preprocessed raw image data preprocessing function preference, and, retrieving the operator preferences. Once the operator preferences are retrieved, the method applies the operator preferences including the preprocessing function preference to partially preprocessed raw image data. An image display workstation for a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is also presented. The image display workstation includes a processing circuit, a PACS network interface coupled to the processing circuit, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine is disclosed that generates a color representation of moving structure, such as a cardiac wall tissue within a region of interest, and is displayed on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying at least one color characteristic related to a movement parameter of the structure, such as mean velocity or mean strain rate. The related feature of the movement parameter is mapped to the color characteristic by an apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to backscattered ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of parameter signals representing a spatial set of values of the movement parameter within the structure. A host processor embodies a tracking function and a peak-detection function to generate a set of tracked movement parameter profiles and a set of peak values of the movement parameter over a time period corresponding to anatomical locations within the region of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray system 100 uses a display (114) to display pictures (124) generated in response to an X-ray first range of energy levels and an X-ray second range of energy levels different from the first range of energy levels. Pictures resulting from a substantially single range of X-ray energy levels also are displayed. A source (102) of X-rays transmits X-rays at the first range of energy levels through an object (106) to create in an image sensor (108) a first image and transmits X-rays at the second range of energy levels through an object to create a second image in the image sensor. A processor (110) calculates a first decomposed image from the first and second images according to a first decomposition algorithm, calculates a second decomposed image from the first and second images according to a second decomposition algorithm and calculates a contrast adjusted image in response to the first and second decomposed images.

Abstract: An imaging table leveling system for use with a medical imaging device is provided which levels an imaging table with respect to true level. The imaging table leveling system levels an imaging table before the imaging table is floated, or while the imaging table is floating. The system includes an imaging table, an inclinometer, a processor, and actuators. The inclinometer continuously measures table angle data. When activated, the processor receives the table angle data from the inclinometer. The processor then compares the table angle data to a stored level constant. The stored level constant is a measurement of true level. The processor then commands the actuators to move the imaging table until the table angle data matches the stored level constant. The table angle data is also used to correct differences in actuator rates during tilt or roll motions.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter generates ultrasound signals at an adjustable pulse repetition rate. A Doppler unit generates Doppler signals from ultrasound backscattered signals and stores them in a memory. A logic unit performs an algorithm which automatically adjusts the polarity and position of the velocity scale of a display and automatically adjusts the pule repetition rate of the transmitter based on analysis of the signals.

Abstract: An x-ray system is provided utilizing an x-ray source and a detector to create x-ray data in a region of interest. The x-ray data comprises anatomic data, from the anatomy of a patient, and non-anatomic data, from a structure foreign to the patient. The anatomic and non-anatomic data may have non-overlapping grayscale distribution. A reject level is identified along the grayscale distribution. A processor module selects a minimum value for a transfer function based on the reject level and automatically calculates the transfer function to convert the x-ray data to display values. An x-ray image is then displayed based on the display values.

Abstract: A fault tolerant database including one or more work stations (50-52) providing transaction data to be added to a database, including a primary network (100), a primary storage system (80) and a secondary storage system (90). A primary server (10) is coupled to the primary network (100) and receives the transaction data which is stored in the primary storage system. At time intervals, the primary server (10) transfers the transaction data from the primary storage system for storage in the secondary storage system. The primary server (10) defines a port for establishing connections to the work stations through the primary network (100). A secondary server (20) is coupled to the primary network (100) and receives transaction data from the primary server which is stored in the secondary storage system (90). The secondary server (20) also defines a port for establishing connections to the one or more work stations (50-52) through the primary network (100) in the event of a failure of the primary server (10).

Abstract: A method for controlling ground plane voltages by locally, at one or more discrete points on the working ground reference, sensing a voltage difference between a working ground reference and an isolated ground reference, generating a voltage compensation signal based on the voltage difference, and driving the working ground reference with the voltage compensation signal to reduce the voltage difference.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator for discharging an electrical charge into a patient includes a device for storing mechanical energy, a generator, a capacitor, a charging circuit, a patient interface, an input device, and a control unit. The generator converts mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device into electrical energy. The charging circuit transfers the electrical energy to the capacitor, wherein the electrical energy is stored in the capacitor. The patient interface provides an electrical path for discharging the electrical energy stored in the capacitor into the patient. The input device is configured to generate a discharge signal. The control unit controls the discharge of the electrical energy into the patient in response to the discharge signal. The mechanical-to-electrical energy converter assembly can also be used to power other medical devices that conventionally run on batteries or AC power line sources.

Abstract: An imaging tube (16) and an apparatus (60) and a method for pre-balancing the imaging tube (16) for use in an imaging system (10) are provided. The imaging tube mass and center of mass are determined. Desired values for the imaging tube mass and imaging tube center of mass are also determined. A mass correction value and a center of mass correction value are calculated in response to the imaging tube mass, the imaging tube center of mass, and the desired values. The imaging tube mass and the imaging tube center of mass are adjusted in response to the mass correction value and the center of mass correction value respectively.

Abstract: A multiplane transesophageal probe (20) includes a transducer (28) and a handle (30). The handle incorporates a control (40) mounting switches (51-58). The switches and control panel are covered with foil (43). A seal (70) couples the control panel and foil to the handle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing zones with different contrast agent concentrations in a contrast agent infused target. An aspect of the method is subjecting the target to an ultrasound flash capable of producing first and second target zones, the first target zone having a higher concentration of contrast agent than the second target zone. Another aspect of the method is forming an ultrasound image of the target, wherein the first and second target zones in the ultrasound image have different ultrasonic responses. An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a front-end controller (FEC) for use in a medical imaging system wherein the FEC controls a transducer to selectively radiate, in a single frame, a first beam position at a first energy and a second beam position at a second energy.

Abstract: An image management system has an image database configured to store a plurality of image data files and a workstation coupled to the image database. The workstation includes a memory to store configuration data, a display, and a data processing device. The data processing device is configured to retrieve a selected image data file from the image database generate a scaling factor based on the configuration data, and generate a display signal based on the selected image data file and the scaling factor. The display is configured to receive the display signal and to generate indicia representative of the display signal.

Abstract: A method is provided to simultaneously acquire two ultrasound images. A first set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a first frame rate utilizing a first mode of operation. The echoes from the first set of ultrasound pulses are received. A second set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a second frame rate utilizing a second mode of operation. The first and second frame rates are different. The first set of ultrasound pulses defines an entire image, while the second set of ultrasound pulses defines a partial image. The echoes from the second set of ultrasound pulses are received, and the echoes from the first and second sets of ultrasound pulses are displayed as a single image.