Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method is provided and includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices that store instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to perform operations including obtaining a first image which is obtained by capturing based on a first shooting parameter, generating, by image processing on the first image, a second image corresponding to a second shooting parameter which is different from the first shooting parameter and using at least the generated second image as a training image for a model that is used in noise estimation processing for an input image.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for triggering auto-pullback, including for devices or systems using blood clearing, are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Techniques provided herein also improve processing and imaging efficiency while achieving images that are more precise.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) while detecting one or more lumen edges, one or more stent struts, and/or one or more artifacts are provided. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Preferably, the OCT devices, systems methods and storage mediums include or involve a method, such as, but not limited to, for removing the detected one or more artifacts from the image(s).

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for triggering auto-pullback, including for devices or systems using blood clearing, are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Techniques provided herein also improve processing and imaging efficiency while achieving images that are more precise.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor that executes instructions stored in the memory to receive an input image based on image data, execute noise reduction processing on the image data, and output noise-reduced output data based on a result of the noise reduction processing, wherein the noise reduction processing calculates a value using reference pixels based on a first frequency range, and subtracts a value using pixels based on a second frequency range.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentric alignment of cylindrical components includes an object having at least one outside cylindrical surface and at least one alignment target; an inner aligning component having at least one outside cylindrical surface having an axis and at least one inside cylindrical bore having an axis parallel with the axis of the outside cylindrical surface; an outer aligning component having at least one outside cylindrical surface having an axis and at least one inside cylindrical bore having an axis parallel with the axis of the outside cylindrical surface, wherein the at least one cylindrical surface of the object is adapted to fit rotatably into the at least one inside cylindrical bore of the inner aligning component, and the at least one outside cylindrical surface of the inner aligning component is adapted to fit rotatably into the at least one inside.

Abstract: A continuum robot having at least two independently manipulateable bendable section for advancing the robot through a passage, without contacting fragile elements within the passage, wherein the robot incorporates control algorithms that enable the continuum robot to operate and advance into the passage, as well as the systems and procedures associated with the continuum robot and said functionality.

Abstract: A steerable catheter driven by a robotic controller comprises: a catheter body having a tool channel extending from a proximal to a distal end; and a positioning mechanism configured to be coupled with an imaging device and to be slidably inserted into and/or withdrawn from the catheter body through the tool channel. The positioning mechanism and/or the catheter body include an anti-twist feature configured to interlock the catheter body to the imaging device at the distal end of the catheter body so as to prevent rotation of the imaging device within the tool channel. Anti-twist features include bumps or recesses formed in the tool channel inner surface to be interlocked with one or more features formed on the positioning mechanism outer surface. Position and/or orientation of the imaging device remain substantially unchanged with respect to the tool channel when the catheter body is steered by an actuating force.

Abstract: A sterile bag for covering medical equipment comprises: a barrier section, a flexible body section, and an attaching section. The flexible body section has a tubular shape extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and an outer surface, an inner surface, and an open end. The barrier section is coupled to the proximal end, and the attaching section is formed at the distal end of the flexible body section. The barrier section is a rigid or semirigid component which attaches the sterile bag to a sterile component or to an unsterile component of the medical equipment in a pleaded or folded state. The flexible body section is configured to be deployed over the unsterile component so as to enclose within the inner surface thereof the unsterile component. The unsterile component is connectable to the sterile component through the central opening of the barrier section.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums for detecting and guiding optical connection(s) using one or more imaging modalities are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums may include or involve a method, such as, but not limited to, for guiding and/or determining status of engagement and/or disengagement of one or more optical connections. A device, system, method, or storage medium may detect, monitor, and/or guide a probe/catheter to minimize, reduce, and/or avoid engagement and disengagement failures and to have a robust means of determining status of probe/catheter engagement to an apparatus or system.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods, and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for calculating lumen distance(s), including based on real-time A-line signal(s), are provided herein. Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Fast A-line lumen segmentation methods, which can be applied real-time to a whole arterial pullback, and devices, systems, and storage mediums for use with same, are provided herein.

Abstract: A device to image registration method includes obtaining image data of a device, the device including a plurality of fiducials arranged as a fiducial frame on the device; detecting fiducial objects within the image data; cropping the image data to generate cropped image data; applying a feature enhancement to the cropped image data to enhance the fiducial objects; generating a candidate list of candidate objects based on the feature enhancement, and determining a common plane based on at least three points in the candidate list; determining a representative point for each candidate object; determining outlier candidate objects based on the common plane; determining resultant objects by extracting the outlier candidate objects from the candidate list; and registering the resultant objects to the device by matching the representative points of the resultant objects with a model of the fiducial frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for correction of a direction to which a tool channel or a camera moves or is bent in a case where a displayed image is rotated. The apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor that executes instructions stored in the memory to receive a directional command of a capturing direction of a camera, move the capturing direction of the camera according to the received directional command, detect a rotation amount of a captured image displayed on a monitor, wherein the captured image is captured by the camera, and correct, based on the detected rotation amount, directional information corresponding to a particular directional command or directional coordinate for moving the camera, wherein the directional information is used for moving the capturing direction of the camera.

Abstract: A fiber optics rotary joint (FORJ) connects a system console to a probe having a rotatable core, and transfers rotational motion to the probe core. The FORJ comprises a stationary optical fiber in optical communication with a rotatable optical fiber, a motor having a hollow shaft, and a fiber connector attached to a distal end of the hollow shaft. The motor is configured to rotate the rotatable optical fiber relative to the stationary optical fiber. The rotatable fiber is attached to the proximal end of the hallow shaft and connected to the fiber connector. The distal end of the stationary optical fiber is directly opposed to and aligned with the proximal end of the rotatable optical fiber such that optical axes of the stationary and rotatable optical fibers are substantially collinear with the rotational axis of the motor. The fiber connector transfers optical power and torque to the probe core.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing medical procedure (e.g., needle guidance, ablation, biopsy, etc.) planning and/or performance, and/or for performing visualization and manipulation of registration result(s), are provided. Examples of applications for such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, lesions and tumors, and such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums may be used for radiotherapy applications (e.g., to determine whether to place seed(s) for radiotherapy).

Abstract: An endoscope imaging system comprises a robotic controlled steerable catheter and an imaging device removably arranged in a tool channel of the catheter. One or more sensors or markers are configured to map a positional relation of the catheter with respect to an orientation of the imaging device. A controller drives the steerable catheter to manipulate the distal end thereof, while the imaging device acquires an image of a subject or sample. While the imaging device acquires the image, a processor calculates a change in positional relation of the catheter with respect to the orientation of the imaging device based on information provided by the one or more sensors or markers. An output unit provides an indication for remapping the orientation of the steerable catheter with respect to the orientation of the imaging device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for stent detection and apposition are disclosed. Embodiments obtain a plurality of images of intravascular image data of a vessel wall and an endovascular device, generate a signal that represents the plurality of images, identify one or more images that correspond to the endovascular device based on the signal that represents the plurality of images, generate a representation of a three-dimensional (3D) shape of the endovascular device based on the one or more images, determine an apposition value of the endovascular device relative to the vessel wall using a representation of a 3D shape of a lumen segment that corresponds to the endovascular device, the apposition value based on a volume difference between the 3D shape of the lumen segment and the 3D shape of the endovascular device, and present information indicating the apposition value.

Abstract: A method for reproducing a lumen curve to a given tolerance in at least one image in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Examples of applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, cardio applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, catheters. The method may include obtaining a set of original points of the curve that correspond to measurements from an optical imaging device. Filtering the set of original points using at least one criteria to obtain a subset of original points. The method may also include determining if the subset of original points is less than a predetermined threshold and adjusting the at least one criteria to increase an amount of original points included in the subset of original points when it is determined that the subset of original points is less than the predetermined threshold.