Abstract: It is disclosed a system and method (12) for determining a property map (82) of an object, particularly a human being, based on at least a first image (84), particularly an magnetic resonance (MR) image, of the object. In the method (12), a structure of reference pairs is defined in a first step (96), wherein each reference pair (16-26) comprises at least two entries (62). The first entry represents a property value, particularly an attenuation value. The second entry (62) preferably represents a group of image points (67) belonging together, which is extracted particularly from MR images (28) and comprises an interesting image point corresponding to the property value. In another step (98) of the method (12) a plurality of training pairs (16-26) is provided. A structure of the training pairs (16-26) corresponds to the structure of reference pairs, and the entries of respective training pairs (16-26) are known.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound treatment clamp. The ultrasound treatment clamp comprises ultrasound therapy applicators and handles connected to the ultrasound therapy applicators. The handles are clamp-shaped. The two ultrasound therapy applicators with their central axes overlapping each other are mounted face to face on the two clamps of the clamp-shaped handles respectively. A parallel moving mechanism for keeping the two ultrasound therapy applicators in parallel when moving along with clamps is connected between the two clamps. The present invention has a compact structure, a convenient operation, a low treatment cost, a capability of quickly causing a coagulative necrosis of the diseased part. Furthermore, the present invention has an abroad use in treating many kinds of diseases.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound transmission gel adapted to induce a therapeutic effect and/or palliative effect in a patient. An ultrasound transmission gel may include a water-based gel having a conductivity adapted to facilitate ultrasound signal transfer, and an essential oil. An essential oil may be selected according to its ability to calm and/or relieve certain medical conditions. In some embodiments, an ultrasound transmission gel may be customized to suit a particular patient's medical needs.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Abstract: An esophageal mapping catheter enables a physician to map the location of the esophagus so as to avoid damaging the esophagus during radio frequency (RF) ablation procedures. Information from the esophageal mapping catheter is communicated to a patient information unit, communications unit and/or electroanatomic mapping system. The electroanatomic mapping system uses the information from the esophageal mapping catheter to develop a three-dimensional map of the esophagus and to monitor the temperature within the esophagus in order to prevent the creation of esophageal fistula.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from a subject, a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, wherein the puncture adaptor has moving part movable in relation to the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle, and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and configured to detect the position of the moving part. As the puncture needle is moved relative to the probe, the movable part is correspondingly moved relative to the probe, and movement of the movable part, and therefore also of the puncture needle, is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transmitting section for driving an ultrasonic probe to transmit an ultrasonic wave toward a measuring region of a subject, including an arterial vascular wall; a receiving section for receiving a reflected wave, produced by getting the ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject, at the probe, thereby generating a received signal; a displacement detecting section for calculating the magnitude of displacement of each measuring point in the measuring region on the wall by analyzing the received signal; a tissue-to-present determining section, which defines at least one boundary between tissues included in the measuring region on the wall and which selects one of at least two areas divided by the boundary defined; and a property value calculating section for calculating a property value of the subject based on the magnitude of displacement of each measuring point.

Abstract: A detector unit for arrangement in a field generating unit of a magnetic resonance device has an RF transmission/reception system for transmitting RF pulses into, or receiving magnetic resonance signals from, an examination volume of the field generation unit. The RF transmission/reception system surrounds a patient tunnel at a radial distance from a tunnel axis thereof, and is divided into two sub-systems located at a distance from each other along the direction of the tunnel axis, so as to form a substantially annular cavity or interstice therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-invasive method and apparatus to determine the structural integrity of an implanted BSCC by insonifying the implanted heart valve with a megahertz frequency to cause the structural components of the heart valve to vibrate at a kilohertz frequency range to cause the individual structural components of the heart valve being investigated to vibrate at their resonant frequency. From experimental testing, the Applicants have established resonant frequency ranges of certain structural components of the BSCC which indicate that at certain resonant frequency ranges the heart valve components are intact. At other resonant frequency ranges, certain components are in danger of breaking. At other frequency ranges, the components of the heart valve are fractured. Through the present invention, the condition of the BSCC can be determined in order to provide a clinical determination as to whether or not the implanted BSCC needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A sensor device, in particular a PET detector, for operation in the time-varying magnetic field of a magnetic resonance tomograph. In at least one embodiment, a sensor circuit is for generating a sensor signal, as well as an induction circuit in which a compensation signal is induced. These signals are combined with one another so as to compensate for noise signals in the sensor signal, which are induced in the sensor circuit by the time-varying magnetic field. The invention furthermore concerns a method of compensating for such noise signals.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.