Abstract: Methods and system for characterizing ligament properties using elastography are disclosed. An ultrasound system capable of performing shear wave elasticity imaging and/or supersonic shear imaging may retrieve one or more images from a proposed surgical site. The one or more images may be provided to a surgical planning system that identifies one or more properties of ligaments proximate to the surgical site. Musculoskeletal simulations may be performed using the identified properties to preoperatively identify a surgical plan. Preoperative identification of a surgical plan may enable a surgeon to select from more fine-tuning options for a joint replacement than conventional systems.

Abstract: A method is provided for intra-surgical use of a surgical patient health record in a teleoperated surgical system that includes a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument actuator, comprising: receiving user input commands to control movement of a robotic surgical instrument; tracking robotic surgical instrument actuator state in response to the user input commands; and transitioning robotic surgical instrument actuator state to a safety mode in response to the robotic surgical instrument transitioning to a prescribed actuator state.

Abstract: A system for treating a target tissue of a patient comprises a first robotic arm coupled to a treatment probe for treating the target tissue of the patient, and a second robotic arm coupled to an imaging probe for imaging the target tissue of the patient. The system further comprises one or more computing devices operably coupled with the first robotic arm and the second robotic arm, the one or more computing devices configured to execute instructions for controlling movement of one or more of the first robotic arm or the second robotic arm.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting the presence of a metallic surgical instrument. A metal detector for detecting insertion of a metallic surgical device into a hollow tube may include a switch, resonant circuit and a controller. The resonant circuit has a capacitor and a coil mounted to the hollow tube. The controller turn on the switch for a preselected time to temporarily provide a current to the resonant circuit and analyzes a resulting decaying voltage waveform originating from the resonant circuit when the switch is turned off in order to determine the presence and longitudinal depth of the metallic surgical device in the hollow tube.

Abstract: A medical device system is configured to guide implantation of a pacing electrode for left bundle branch pacing. The system includes a medical device having a processor configured to receive at least one cardiac electrical signal, determine a feature of the cardiac electrical signal, compare the feature to left bundle branch signal criteria, and determine a left bundle branch signal in response to the feature meeting the left bundle branch signal criteria. The system includes a display unit configured to generate a user feedback signal indicating advancement of a pacing electrode into a left portion of a ventricular septum in response to the processor determining the left bundle branch signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an elongate instrument during a medical procedure involving motion of the elongate instrument relative to a patient is provided. The method includes generating, by a control system, a first model of the elongate instrument, and generating, by the control system, a second model of the elongate instrument based on a reference pose of the elongate instrument. The method further includes comparing, by the control system, the first model with the second model and determining, by the control system, a state of a system configuration based on the comparison.

Abstract: A robotic surgical apparatus comprises a robot body, a lighting structure, e.g., a light ring, disposed on the robot body, an end effector connected to the robot body, and a robot navigation device connected to the robot body. The robotic surgical apparatus is a component of a robotic surgical system that includes a spatial-data acquisition device. The robotic surgical system assists a user to position the robotic surgical apparatus such that the robotic surgical apparatus may then assist the user to perform a surgical procedure. The lighting structure may be illuminated with a lighting configuration that provides a directional indication from the location of the robotic surgical apparatus toward the target location, and based on the directional indication, the user may move the robotic surgical apparatus along the direction to another location that is closer to the target location.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a bio-signal includes: a light source configured to emit light; an ultrasonic transducer configured to obtain a photoacoustic signal generated from an object; a photoacoustic coupler disposed in contact with the ultrasonic transducer and configured to direct the light transmitted from the light source to a scanner and to direct the photoacoustic signal generated from the object to the ultrasonic transducer; the scanner configured to reflect the light incident from the photoacoustic coupler to the object, and reflect the photoacoustic signal generated from the object to the photoacoustic coupler; a scanner controller configured to adjust a light incident position on the object by controlling the angle of the scanner; a light detector configured to obtain a light signal by detecting the light scattered or reflected from the object; and a processor configured to obtain bio-information based on the light signal and the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: Various approaches of focusing an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements to a target region include generating at least one acoustic reflector in the target region; transmitting ultrasound waves to the acoustic reflector; measuring reflections off the acoustic reflector; and based at least in part on the measured reflections, adjusting the parameter value associated with the transducer element(s).

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of detectable acoustic variations between two generated phases of a gas and a liquid to make a contrast medium. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes: a first display; a second display including a touch panel receiving a user input; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the one or more instructions to: obtain a first raw data and a first TGC information corresponding to the first raw data from a storage medium; obtain a first ultrasound image by applying the first TGC information to the first raw data; control the first display to display the first ultrasound image; control the second display to display the first TGC information and receive a user input for modifying the first TGC information to a second TGC information; update the first ultrasound image by applying the second TGC information to the first raw data; and control the first display to display the updated first ultrasound image.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of transducer to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously produce multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures, including brow lifts, fat reduction, sweat reduction, and treatment of the décolletage. Skin tightening, lifting and amelioration of wrinkles and stretch marks are provided.

Abstract: A flexible cover for an ultrasound probe is described, comprising a folded-over flexible sheath which is then rolled, incorporating in the roll a flexible band and designed to facilitate easy application of a sterile sheath over an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A diagnostic support suitable to be attached to a patient includes a band suitable to be wrapped around and tightened onto a portion of the patient corresponding to an area of interest of the patient and an air space incorporated in the band and suitable to expand so that, when the band is tightened onto the portion of the patient, the air space compresses and stiffens the portion of the patient.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system is provided comprising: a first robotic surgical instrument; an image capture; a user display; a user input command device coupled to receive user input commands to control movement of the first robotic surgical instrument; and a movement controller coupled to scale a rate of movement of the first robotic surgical instrument, based at least in part upon a surgical skill level at using the first robotic surgical instrument of the user providing the received user input commands, from a rate of movement indicated by the user input commands received at the user input command device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting the presence of a metallic surgical instrument. A metal detector for detecting insertion of a metallic surgical device into a hollow tube may include a switch, resonant circuit and a controller. The resonant circuit has a capacitor and a coil mounted to the hollow tube. The controller turn on the switch for a preselected time to temporarily provide a current to the resonant circuit and analyzes a resulting decaying voltage waveform originating from the resonant circuit when the switch is turned off in order to determine the presence and longitudinal depth of the metallic surgical device in the hollow tube.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical imaging apparatus includes a gantry, a carriage, a screen, a reflector, and a frame. The gantry has a bore formed therein. The bore is formed to accept a subject to be imaged by the medical imaging apparatus. The carriage moves through the bore. The screen is provided on the carriage. An image is projected on the screen by a projector from a rear. The rear is opposite to a side of which a top plate is inserted into the bore. The reflector reflects the image projected on the screen. The reflector includes prisms arranged in a same line. The frame supports the reflector. The frame is provided on the carriage.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes: a receiver configured to obtain a captured image resulting from image capture of exciting light that is shed on an observed object and is provided by way of the observed object, and of fluorescent light that is excited by the exciting light and is provided from the observed object; and an image processor configured to perform image processing on the captured image. A light receiving surface of the image sensor is provided with a color filter. The captured image includes plural pieces of first component information about colors corresponding to the spectral characteristics of the plurality of filter groups, respectively. The image processor is configured to generate second component information by combining at least two pieces of first component information, and perform color correction processing that corrects the plural pieces of first component information based on the second component information.

Abstract: MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neuronavigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Targeting systems and methods as described herein can generate personalized stimulation targets for the treatment of mental conditions. In many embodiments, direct stimulation of a personalized the stimulation target indirectly impacts a brain structure that is more difficult to reach via the stimulation modality. In various embodiments, the mental condition is major depressive disorder. In a number of embodiments, the mental condition is suicidal ideation.