Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and analyzing heart mechanical activity at a region of interest of a patient's heart are provided. The method comprises acquiring a time sequence of 2-dimensional X-ray images of a region of interest over at least part of a cardiac cycle; detecting coronary vessels in the X-ray images; tracking the coronary vessels through the sequence of images to identify movements of the coronary vessels; and analyzing the movements of the coronary vessels to quantify at least one parameter characterizing heart wall motion in the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for determining by an x-ray projection a position of a target radiopaque marker disposed on a catheter in a subject's body, comprising assigning a landmark in the body as a reference point compensated for periodic movements of the body, determining an auxiliary location relative to the reference point using at least one additional radiopaque marker disposed on the catheter and based on the auxiliary location determining the position of the target radiopaque marker with respect to the reference point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing a device in a body area of a patient, by: tracking the device over a 3-dimensional model of the body area; activating the device at different locations in the body area; measuring the response signal or parameter caused by the activation; storing the locations as well as the response signals; choosing an optimal location for the device base in the stored response signals and navigating the device to the optimal location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating a therapeutic device to a location in a moving organ. A feature is identified in one reference image, such as a calcified spot. Then the target location for the device is determined. If the feature and the target location are not shown on the same frame, registration is performed, and the geometric relation between the feature and the target location is determined. On the positioning stage, the feature is identified in a positioning image, then the target location is indicated on the image. The user then manipulates the device, also visible on the positioning image to the target location. If the feature is not identified automatically in the positioning image, the target location is assumed at the current location, and the feature is marked, which assists the user in identifying the real location of the feature, and manipulating the device to the target location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and analyzing heart mechanical activity at a region of interest of a patient's heart are provided. The method comprises acquiring a time sequence of 2-dimensional X-ray images of a region of interest over at least part of a cardiac cycle; detecting coronary vessels in the X-ray images; tracking the coronary vessels through the sequence of images to identify movements of the coronary vessels; and analyzing the movements of the coronary vessels to quantify at least one parameter characterizing heart wall motion in the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for determining by an x-ray projection a position of a target radiopaque marker disposed on a catheter in a subject's body, comprising assigning a landmark in the body as a reference point compensated for periodic movements of the body, determining an auxiliary location relative to the reference point using at least one additional radiopaque marker disposed on the catheter and based on the auxiliary location determining the position of the target radiopaque marker with respect to the reference point.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a device at a desired location in a tubular organ such as an artery. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ is obtained, and the desired location is marked in the reconstruction. The device is inserted into the organ and an image is obtained of the device and organ. The reconstruction with the marked location is projected onto a plane from the perspective of the image and the projection and image are superimposed. If the device is not at the desired location, the device is repositioned in the organ and an additional image of the device is obtained. The reconstruction is then projected onto a plane from the perspective of the additional image and the additional image and the projection are superimposed. This process is repeated, as required, until the device is in the desired location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for three-dimensional reconstruction of a tubular organ (for example, coronary artery) using a plurality of two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying a cyclic motion within a series of images depicting a moving object subject to composite motion containing a cyclic component and a non-cyclic component of lower frequency than the cyclic component. Composite motion is computed as well as the non-cyclic component as the integral of motion over a motion cycle.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fusing images, views and data acquired prior to a medical operation by a medical imaging device with images, views and data acquired by another medical imaging device during the operation. The acquired and fused data includes identification and classification of plaque deposited along blood vessels.

Abstract: A method for processing an image of coronary arteries given by an intensity function I(x,y). A function z(x,y) is obtained describing the heart surface. The image is then processed to produce an image having an intensity function I?(x,y) where I? is obtained in a calculation involving the function z. The method may be used to enhance the stereoscopic effect of a stereo pair of images of coronary arteries.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.