Abstract: The present discussion relates to structures and devices to facilitate application of an ultrasound therapy beam to a target anatomic region in a replicable manner. In certain aspects, adjustable positioning structures are described that allow a general probe positioning structure to be configured for a specific patient in a manner that allows the device to be used repeatedly to target the anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings. In other aspects, a probe positioning structure is fabricated that is specific to a respective patient anatomy, such that use of the probe positioning structure provides repeatable targeting of the target anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings.

Abstract: A method for imaging may include directing a PET scanner to perform scans of a subject injected with a tracer during a first time period. The method may also include generating PET images by reconstructing the PET data that are generated by the PET scanner based on the scans of the subject. The method may also include determining a first portion of a blood input function of the tracer in the subject based on the PET images. The method may also include determining an integral of a second portion of the blood input function based on a kinetic model, the PET data, and the first portion of the blood input function. The method may also include determining kinetic parameters of the kinetic model based on the PET data, the first portion of the blood input function, and the integral of the second portion of the blood input function.

Abstract: An optical shape sensing system includes an attachment mechanism (130) being configured to secure an optical shape sensing fiber to an instrument, the optical shape sensing fiber being connected to the instrument and configured to identify a position and orientation of the instrument. An optical shape sensing module (115) is configured to receive feedback from the optical shape sensing fiber and register the position of the instrument relative to an operating environment. A position response module (144) is configured to provide feedback to an operator based on position or orientation of the instrument to guide usage of the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting on a guide member for insertion into an anatomical cavity, the apparatus comprising a body defining a cavity for receiving a guide member therethrough, a drive arrangement for moving the body along a guide member disposed through the body, a probe secured to the body for, in use, obtaining a measurement from, taking a sample of, applying a substance to, or applying a therapy to, an environment of the body, and a measurement arrangement for measuring a position relative to the guide member disposed through the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling delivery of a therapeutic compound to a brain of a subject using FUS-BBBD are disclosed. The method includes treating the brain of the subject with focused ultrasound in combination with microbubbles for blood-brain barrier disruption (FUS-BBBD), administering the therapeutic agent to the subject; and obtaining a map of a concentration of the therapeutic agent delivered to the brain of the subject using passive cavitation imaging (PCI). The delivery of focused sound may be modulated to match the map of the concentration of the therapeutic agent delivered to the brain of the subject to a desired spatial distribution of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) to induce spinal cord or spinal nerves treatment, suitable for implantation in the spinal canal and comprises an elongate support member (22, 32) and an array of several treatment transducers (20) distributed along the elongate support member. The several treatment transducers (20) comprise radial transducers emitting an ultrasound treatment beam oriented radially, wherein the treatment transducers (20) have a resonant frequency comprised between 0.5 and 4 MHz. The device has articulating portions so that the implantable device can adapt its shape to a curved elongation path. Also disclosed is an apparatus including the implantable ultrasound generating treating device and methods comprising inserting the implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) inside the spinal canal of the spine of the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus, system, and method for a medical diagnostic and imaging forceps for determining the pathology of tissue in vivo during surgery, endoscopy, laparoscopy, or other medical procedure, the forceps comprising a platform for analyzing tissue pathology inside the body by way of sensors including without limitation conductivity, optical, tracking, and x-ray sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods of facilitating the viewing of interventional instruments (e.g., needles, catheters, guidewires, vascular filters, biopsy probes) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable, handheld or cart-based ultrasound imaging machine is connected to an external laser light source that transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument via one or more optical fibers. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The ultrasound imaging machine creates an image by combining data from the received photoacoustic signals with ultrasound echo data to show both tissue in a region of interest and the tip of the interventional instrument.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a movement state of a heart is provided and includes: obtaining a plurality of consecutive heart ultrasound images corresponding to a heart and accordingly estimating a plurality of left ventricular volumes corresponding to the heart ultrasound images; finding a plurality of specific extremums in the left ventricular volumes and accordingly estimating a plurality of time differences among the specific extremums; estimating a statistical characteristic value of the time differences based on the time differences; and determining that an abnormal movement state of the heart occurs in response to determining that at least one of the time differences deviates from the statistical characteristic value up to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recording diagnostic measurement data of a head of an examination object in head imaging via a magnetic resonance device. The method comprises performing an overview scan of the head of the examination object, wherein overview measurement data is acquired in the overview scan and performing various diagnostic scans of the head of the examination object based on the acquired overview measurement data, wherein diagnostic measurement data is acquired in the various diagnostic scans.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems for automatically adjusting settings according to an position and/or orientation of one or more interfaces. The ultrasound imaging systems can include a probe configured to send and receive ultrasound signals for performing a medical exam, a medical procedure, or both; and a processor configured to: select a diagnostics mode or a procedural mode based on an operating orientation of the ultrasound imaging system or a portion thereof, and adjust one or more settings of the imaging system according to the selected diagnostics mode or the selected procedural mode.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe 11 includes a housing 12 having a transducer array accommodation portion 14 and a battery storage portion 13B, a transducer array accommodated in the transducer array accommodation portion 14, and a battery 21 stored in the battery storage portion 13B. The housing 12 has an attachable and detachable battery cover 17 that covers the battery storage portion 13B, a nameplate 22 is disposed on an inside or an outside of the battery storage portion 13B with respect to the battery cover 17 in a visible manner, and a waterproof structure for restraining water from entering the nameplate 22 is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is visible by both a three dimensional (3D) scanner system of a medical navigation system and a camera of the medical navigation system. The apparatus involves a rigid member and a plurality of markers attached to the rigid member. Each of the plurality of markers includes a reflective surface portion visible by the camera and a distinct identifiable portion visible by the 3D scanner system. The apparatus further involves a connector mechanism to connect the apparatus to a reference location. The apparatus is in a field of view of the 3D scanner system and the camera within a timeframe of the 3D scan.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a housing; a transducer array housed in the housing; a transmission/reception unit which is housed in the housing, transmits ultrasonic wave from the transducer array, and generates a sound ray signal on the basis of a reception signal acquired by the transducer array; an image information data generation unit which is housed in the housing, and generates image information data on the basis of the sound ray signal generated by the transmission/reception unit; a wireless communication unit which is housed in the housing, and wirelessly transmits the image information data generated by the image information data generation unit; a light emission unit which is housed in the housing, and emits light to an outside of the housing; and a light emission control unit which is housed in the housing, and causes the light emission unit to emit light in synchronization with a transmission timing of the ultrasonic wave by the transmission/reception unit in a case of a manufacturing inspection.

Abstract: A method of generating a 4D model includes capturing imagery of a catheter and a vessel as the catheter is directed through the vessel to a location of interest, wherein the catheter is disposed on a guidewire, constructing a 3D time varying reference curve describing a trajectory of the guidewire, and constructing a time varying 3D model of the artery using the reference curve.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor device can be used to guide treatment of a diseased blood vessel in the body of a patient. In some examples, the intravascular sensor device includes a pressure sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The intravascular sensor device is used to measure a pressure within the diseased blood vessel and acquire an ultrasound image of the diseased blood vessel. The pressure may be measured during hyperemic blood flow that is caused by a pharmacologic vasodilator drug. The measured pressure can be used to calculate a fractional flow reserve value. The ultrasound image can be used to determine a physical dimension of the blood vessel, such as cross-sectional area. The fractional flow reserve value and physical dimensions of the blood vessel can be used to optimize patient treatment.

Abstract: Devices, systems, tools and methods are disclosed during diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions. A cervical plumb line device is disclosed which can be used to produce a measurement of the sagittal vertical axis associated with a target part of a patient's cervical spinal anatomy from two or more radiographic images. Also disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the angulation of a patient's spinal anatomy relative to a cervical plumb line which uses a plurality of bolsters. A device that can be used to assist in implantation of an interbody device during spinal fusion device is also disclosed. Systems which produce geometric data describing optimized spinal fusion geometric at a spine level selected to receive spinal fusion.

Abstract: A method for quantitative flow analysis of a fluid flowing in a conduit from a sequence of consecutive image frames of such a conduit, where such image frames are timely separated by a certain time interval, the method comprising: a) selecting a start image frame and an end image frame from the sequence either automatically or upon user input; b) determining a centerline of the conduit in the start image frame; c) determining a centerline of the conduit in the end image frame; d) selecting a common start point on the centerline of the start image frame and on the centerline of the end image frame either automatically or upon user input; e) selecting an end point on the centerline of the start image frame; f) selecting an end point on the centerline of the end image frame; g) calculating centerline distance between the start point and the end point of the start image frame; h) calculating centerline distance between the start point and the end point of the end image frame; and i) calculating a local flow ve

Abstract: A sensor, such as a photoplethysmography sensor, for non-invasively monitoring a characteristic of an organism, such as a vital body sign. The sensor has multiple light sources disposed on a substrate and an array of optical probing channels for conveying light from the light sources to a probed region. Each detector pixel of an array of detector pixels receives light from a respective optical detection channel after interaction with a subregion of the probed region and spatial filtering, and generates a corresponding pixel signal.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus is provided for use with a portable imaging apparatus and an image display. The guidance apparatus comprises a coupling mechanism which may include a slip ring portion structured for receiving the imaging apparatus therein. The coupling mechanism can be structured for: facilitating orienting the image display device to provide a direct line of sight of an area imaged by the imaging apparatus; adjusting to facilitate rotation of the image display device in at least one 360-degree plane of rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the imaging apparatus; allowing selection of an image display device position associated with a viewing angle of the image display device; and allowing the coupling mechanism, the image display device, and the imaging apparatus, in combination, to be held in a single hand of a user during performance of an imaging procedure.