Abstract: A method for automatically segmenting a volume-of-interest representative of a subject's breast from a three-dimensional magnetic resonance image is provided. The three-dimensional image may include a plurality of spatially contiguous two-dimensional images. The image is converted to a monogenic signal, which is analyzed to determine locations in the image that correspond to maximal phase congruency in the monogenic signal. The orientation of each of these locations is determined and used along with the locations to estimate a boundary surface of the volume-of-interest. The estimated surface may be used to segment the image directly, or to generate a surface model, such as a statistical shape model, that is used to segment the image. This provided method is robust to segmenting the subject's breast, even at the chest-wall boundary in images with lower contrast-to-noise ratio between breast tissue and tissues in and around the chest wall.

Abstract: The present application provides a multilayer lateral mode coupling method for phased array construction and transducer devices built accordingly. This disclosure describes and demonstrates that the electrical impedance of a phased array can be substantially reduced and readily controlled to be close to the source impedance. The fabrication process is relatively simple and inexpensive. In addition, the elements are robust for use in 1.5, 2, 3 or other dimensional configurations, over an extended period of operation, without structural failure, and providing a high power output required for imaging and/or medical therapy applications.

Abstract: A photodetector/imaging device comprises a layer of photoconductive material converting incident electromagnetic radiation into electrical charges, the layer of photoconductive material being capable of avalanche multiplication when an electric field of sufficient magnitude is applied thereacross; a readout layer detecting the electrical charge; and at least one interface layer between the layer of photoconductive material and the readout layer, the interface layer coupling electrical charge to or from the layer of photoconductive material and being configured to inhibit uncontrolled rises in current in the photoconductive material during avalanche multiplication.

Abstract: A system and method for intracorporeal elastography include an intra-luminal vibratory member configured to be positioned within a lumen of an imaging subject and configured to impart mechanical energy into tissue of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, an external piezoelectric energy source is included and coupled to the vibratory member and configured to cause the vibratory member to longitudinally vibrate, thereby generating shear waves for use with magnetic resonance elastography.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: A method of detecting cellular damage within a subject comprises transmitting low frequency ultrasound (20 MHz or below) into a selected site within the subject wherein the selected site has been exposed to a stress capable of causing cellular death at the selected site. At least a portion of ultrasound backscattered from the ultrasound transmitted into the selected site is received. The received backscattered ultrasound is compared to a control backscatter measurement. An increase or a decrease in intensity or spectral slope of the received backscattered ultrasound when compared to the control backscatter measurement indicates cellular death or damage at the selected site within the subject.

Abstract: Forward-looking ultrasound transducers are positioned at the tip of a transseptal catheter to facilitate transseptal puncture and interventions within the left atrium, pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Catheter devices and systems are guided by forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging for penetrating from one location within a mammalian patient's body to another location, and/or performing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. A penetrator, diagnostic, or interventional device (eg. probe, biopsy apparatus, electrode, needle) is positioned at the catheter tip and is advanceable from the catheter to a target location outside of the lumen in which the catheter is positioned. The imaging probe uses forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography that allows one to locate both the target and the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device to record and visualize drawing and writing movements during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of brain activity. The system includes a touch-sensitive tablet, an elevated mounting platform, a stylus, and a controller box, as well as the necessary cabling and software. All equipment residing inside the magnet room is non-ferromagnetic and does not interfere with scanner operation and does not affect fMRI data quality. Individuals lying inside the scanner interact with device in a natural, intuitive way, similar to writing with pen and paper. Drawing motions captured by the tablet are displayed through a pair of fMRI-compatible goggles or by using a projector and screen. Other visual stimuli can be concurrently presented with the drawing motions for the purpose of assessing specific aspects of human behavior. The system allows for a plurality of experiments to be performed, all while brain activity is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A system for acquiring an ultrasound signal comprises a signal processing unit adapted for acquiring a received ultrasound signal from an ultrasound transducer having a plurality of elements. The system is adapted to receive ultrasound signals having a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz) with a transducer having a field of view of at least 5.0 millimeters (mm) at a frame rate of at least 20 frames per second (fps). The signal processing can further produce an ultrasound image from the acquired ultrasound signal. The transducer can be a linear array transducer, a phased array transducer, a two-dimensional (2-D) array transducer, or a curved array transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering and controlling thermal therapy to a volume of diseased tissue. Specifically, the invention includes using thermal imaging and other inputs to determine an acoustic (ultrasonic) treatment regime employing interstitial ultrasound applicators to deliver a required therapeutic temperature or thermal dose to the affected region in a body or organ. Various aspects of the treatment that can be controlled include individual transducer element operating power and frequency, as well as the rate of cooling and rotation of the entire applicator.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening a subject for hepatocellular carcinoma by determining the level of glypican-3 (GPC3) in a body fluid sample from the subject. A further method is provided for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma by detecting GPC3 in a liver tissue sample. Also provided are antibodies which bind specifically to GPC3.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises a stack having a first face, an opposed second face and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stack comprises a plurality of layers, each layer having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface, wherein the plurality of layers of the stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is connected to the piezoelectric layer and defines an opening extending a second predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the stack. A plurality of first kerf slots are defined therein the stack, each first kerf slot extending a predetermined depth therein the stack and a first predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A method of controlling or treating an angiogenic dependent condition in a mammal, preferably in a human by administering an anti angiogenic molecule such as an angiogenesis growth factor antagonist, and a chemotherapeutic agent in amounts and frequencies effective, in combination, to produce a regression or arrest of said condition while minimizing or preventing significant toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. Also a kit for controlling or treating an angiogenic dependent condition in a mammal, preferably in a human, comprising an anti-angiogenic molecule, such as an angiogenesis growth factor antagonist, and a chemotherapeutic agent in amounts effective, in combination, to produce a regression or arrest of said condition while minimizing or preventing significant toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering and controlling thermal therapy to a volume of diseased tissue. Specifically, the invention includes using thermal imaging and other inputs to determine an acoustic (ultrasonic) treatment regime employing interstitial ultrasound applicators to deliver a required therapeutic temperature or thermal dose to the affected region in a body or organ. Various aspects of the treatment that can be controlled include individual transducer element operating power and frequency, as well as the rate of cooling and rotation of the entire applicator.

Abstract: A server device, and related systems and methods for managing dialysis patient information. The patient information includes information relating to stages of data collection including baseline characteristics, eligibility for treatment modalities, and outcomes. A remote terminal is configured for displaying in the remote terminal a first user interface for receiving the patient information for the subject patient. The server is configured to receive from the remote terminal the patient information for the subject patient and store said patient information in a patient record in the memory, and determine, based on medical logic rules, whether the patient information is consistent with the patient record in order to proceed to a next stage of data collection, and if so permitting displaying in the remote terminal a second user interface for receiving patient information relating to the next stage of data collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital x-ray radiographic imaging system. The system is based on a photoconductive detector and an electro-optic light modulator, where the photoconductive detector layer absorbs x-rays that have passed through an object to form an exposure of the object. The absorbed x-rays create a static optical image, which is stored in the electro-optic light modulator, allowing the capture of the optical image to continue over longer time. The optical image is digitized using a scanning system and an external light source. The image is then processed and stored by a computer. After the optical image is recorded, an erasing mechanism is used to reset the system before a new exposure is made.

Abstract: A catheter for magnetic resonance (MR) guided procedures comprising: a catheter body having a lumen for accommodating an intravascular device; a magnetic coupling component in the catheter body, the magnetic coupling component being designed to magnetically couple with a conductive length on the intravascular device, the magnetic coupling resulting in a signal; the catheter having a connection to deliver the signal to a processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell preparations comprising cells of the T cell lineage, methods for preparing same, and uses of the cell preparations.

Abstract: A method for determining the position and/or orientation of a catheter or other interventional access device or surgical probe using phase patterns in a magnetic resonance (MR) signal. In the method of the invention, global two-dimensional correlations are used to identify the phase pattern around individual microcoils, which is unique for each microcoil's position and orientation. In one embodiment the position and orientation of a catheter tip can be reliably tracked using low resolution MR scans clinically useful for real-time interventional MRI applications.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is related to a system for providing radiotherapy to a treatment region. The system includes a radiation source and a sound source. The radiation source is positioned to irradiate the treatment region. The sound source is positioned to provide ultrasound to the treatment region so that the treatment region is subject to coincidental treatment by irradiation and ultrasound.