Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods that provide reduction of multiline artifacts in Doppler imaging. Certain embodiments provide for various ensembles of transmit beams at different spatial locations and overlapping receive beams between the locations. Certain embodiments provide for calculating various auto-correlation estimates based on the received beams and then combining the auto-correlation estimates to create an image. In certain embodiments, combining the auto-correlation estimates comprises applying a linear interpolation filter that decreases the weight applied for receive beams that are spatially located further away from the transmit beam.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a scan head coupled by a cable to a portable battery-powered data processor and display unit. The scan head enclosure houses an array of ultrasonic transducers and the circuitry associated therewith, including pulse synchronizer circuitry used in the transmit mode for transmission of ultrasonic pulses and beam forming circuitry used in the receive mode to dynamically focus reflected ultrasonic signals returning from the region of interest being imaged.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is disclosed for improving the signal to noise ratio of a receiving system, and allowing demodulation processing of ultrasonic reflection signals at the transducer during the receive process. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe which transmits and receives ultrasound to and from a subject, a transmitting unit which supplies driving signals to the ultrasonic probe, and a receiving unit which processes signals to be output from the ultrasonic probe and calculates diagnostic information regarding the subject. The ultrasonic probe is equipped with a receiving transducer having sensitivity which changes according to the level of bias voltage to be applied. The receiving unit is equipped with a modulated bias amplification unit which applies signals of bias voltage with modulated amplitude to the receiving transducer.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a hand-held apparatus for treatment of conditions requiring ultra-sonic or vibratory treatment. The apparatus includes a transducer, an electronic tuning circuit and a power source for powering the apparatus. The transducer has a first section axially aligned with the second section. The second section has an outer wall of predetermined thickness surrounding an annular cavity that contains a piezoelectric stack. The electronic tuning circuit is in communication with the piezoelectric stack. The circuit is configured to tune the transducer to a target output frequency. The transducer, electronic tuning circuit and power source are at least partially contained within a common housing that is configured to be grasped by a human hand to administer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using 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 and system for magnetic resonance imaging comprises applying at least one radiofrequency magnetization transfer (MT) pulse to a coronary venous region of a subject positioned within a magnetic field, and acquiring magnetic resonance imaging data from the coronary venous region to produce an image of a coronary venous structure. This technique can be utilized as part of a 3D free-breathing, ECG-triggered gradient-echo Cartesian acquisition of the coronary region. One or more magnetization transfer (MT) preparation pulses are used to enhance the contrast between venous blood and myocardium. The MT preparation results in myocardial signal suppression without any significant signal loss in the arterial or venous blood so as to maintain venous blood signal-to-noise ratio while improving contrast between myocardium and veins. The image of a coronary venous structure can be acquired in connection with an interventional cardiovascular procedure, such as a cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: An acoustic array is helical or twisted about or around an azimuth axis. For example, one end of the array has an emitting face at 0 degrees, but the other end has an emitting face at 20 degrees. The elements in between gradually transition between the different rotations. Different apertures of the twisted array may be used to scan different generally radial diverging planes for three-dimensional imaging. The different amount of relative rotation associated with each aperture cause angular elevation spacing of the planes. For use in a catheter, a single row of elements may be used to scan electrically a volume.

Abstract: A system (10) includes electromagnetic indicator coils (30) included in surgical devices, examples of surgical devices (20) including guidewires; surgical instruments including dilators, stents, catheters, jejunostomy tubes, and endoscopes; and indicator clips (used for marking a location within patient). An innovative device indicator is attachable to any surgical instrument to convert it to an electromagnetically monitorable instrument. A monitoring unit (50) detects electromagnetic fields from the electromagnetic indicator coils and displays the location and configuration of the electromagnetic indicator coils on a display unit (80). The relative positions and overall configuration of multiple devices—such as guidewires, instruments, and location marker indicator clips—can all be simultaneously electromagnetically monitored with the use of radiology.

Abstract: A medical laser target marker includes a retro-reflector for receiving and reflecting light, at least one first medical tracking marker, and at least one second medical tracking marker. The at least one first medical tracking marker is arranged on the laser target marker and has a first functional configuration. The at least one second medical tracking marker is arranged on the laser target marker and has a second functional configuration different from the first functional configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a rotating tip catheter-imaging probe where electromagnetic energy is delivered to the distal end of a catheter and converted to mechanical energy using a light drive apparatus. The mechanical energy is then used to rotate a mirror that redirects light in fixed pattern on a sample. The rotating element of the light drive apparatus contains vanes, which rotate about an axis and positioned with bearings to minimize friction. A chamber encompasses the rotating element and is set to a vacuum pressure. The rotational speed of the catheter tip can be controlled by varying the optical power delivered to the vanes, the vacuum pressure in the chamber, or by a braking mechanism applied to the rotating element. The vanes may be shaped in a particular geometry to increase forces on the vanes from thermally driven gas flow.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic contrast imaging method in which signals specific to a contrast agent are extracted to form an image, imaging is performed with the following three well-balanced properties: frame rate, spatial resolution, and contrast-agent selectivity. A first chirp signal whose frequency increases with time and a second chirp signal obtained by inverting the first chirp signal about the time axis are used, and they are individually transmitted and received. A decoder having decode filters each adapted for a coded sequence, which is obtained when the chirp signal is decomposed into a pulse signal and a coded sequence, is provided. The decode filters are adapted for echo signals received in response to two chirp signals, respectively, and outputs of the two decode filters are input to a subtractor, whereby the difference therebetween is determined. Thus, contrast-agent selectivity is balanced with spatial resolution.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using ultra short echo times and spiral sampling in k-space are disclosed. A long inversion radio frequency (RF) pulse that inverts magnetization of long T2 components are applied to a sample that exhibits long transverse relaxation time (T2) components and short T2 components to minimize signals corresponding to the long T2 components. In addition, half RF excitation pulses are applied to the sample to select one or more echo times. Data corresponding to the selected one or more echo times are acquired using a spiral trajectory, and a first echo image is obtained based on the acquired data.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices including at least one mirror configured to scan at least two directions are provided. The portable OCT devices are configured to provide a portable interface to a sample that can be aligned to the sample without repositioning the sample. Related systems are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which moving images of rapidly moving tissues and organs can be preferably displayed in real time and the lower power consumption can be achieved. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe including plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves toward an object to be inspected according to drive signals and receiving ultrasonic echoes propagating from the object to output reception signals, an image generating unit for supplying the drive signals to the ultrasonic probe and processing the reception signals outputted from the ultrasonic probe to generate image signals representing ultrasonic images, and a display unit including a display of an impulse drive type for displaying the ultrasonic images based on the image signals generated by the image generating unit.

Abstract: A medical-device magnetic guiding position detecting system that can prevent a decrease in the strength of a position detecting magnetic field in an operating area of a medical device is provided. The medical-device magnetic guiding position detecting system includes a medical device that is disposed in the body of a subject and that includes at least one magnet and a circuit including an internal coil, a first magnetic field generating unit for generating a first magnetic field in the operating area of the medical device, position detecting means for detecting an induction magnetic field induced in the internal coil due to the first magnetic field, and at least one pair of opposing coils for generating a second magnetic field that acts on the at least one magnet. The opposing coils forming each of the at least one pair are independently driven.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is disclosed for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving echo signals. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe having transducers whose sensitivity can be controlled in accordance with bias voltage. Echo signals output from the ultrasonic probe are amplified so that an image can be constructed according to the amplified echo signals and displayed. A probe gain control device is used for controlling the bias voltage in accordance with the elapsed time from receiving the echo and matching the intensity of the echo signal output from the ultrasonic probe with the input range of a preamplifier. During a reception period while a strong echo signal is received from a superficial portion of body surface of an examinee, the reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe is controlled so that the echo signal level input to the preamplifier will not exceed the input range of the preamplifier.

Abstract: Minimally invasive systems and methods are described for measuring pulmonary circulation information from the pulmonary arteries. A transbronchial Doppler ultrasound catheter is advanced through the airways and in the vicinity of the pulmonary artery. Doppler ultrasound energy is sent through the airway wall and across the pulmonary artery to obtain velocity information of blood flowing through the artery. The velocity information is used to compute pulmonary circulation information including but not limited to flowrate.

Abstract: A portable system can be provided that works with a surgical navigation system. The portable system can control a localizer to assist in the tracking of a tracking device. The portable system can be provided to be substantially carried by a single user form one location to another. Further, various digital control components can be provided to assist in miniaturization, robustness, and the like.

Abstract: A medical image management system includes: a medical imaging device for imaging a patient to receive a medical treatment and creating a medical moving picture; and a recording unit for recording the medical moving picture imaged by the medical imaging device. The system further includes: a measurement unit for measuring biological information on a person who performs the medical treatment; and an indexing unit for adding an index to the medical moving picture recorded in the recording unit, according to the measurement result obtained by the measurement unit. By providing this system, it is possible to add an index to the medical moving picture recorded, according to the change of the biological information on the person who performs medical treatment on a patient.