Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for reducing tissue damage from ischemia by means of insonation through intact skin and/or bone, the insonation preferably promoting thrombolysis, reducing edema and promoting microcirculation, recanalization, increased collateraled interstitial flow and delivery of lytic agents to clots located in supplying arteries as well as nutrients or therapeutic agent to the ischemic tissue. A portion of an organ affected by ischemia or the entire organ is exposed to low frequency low power ultrasound generated by multiple transducers of variable power limits which at least partially surround an organ, preferably at least 90% of a skull surface, for instance. Studies indicate the approach maintains biological tissue function or viability in the setting of reduced perfusion by exposing the tissue or organ to ultrasound energy transmission.

Abstract: A gradiometer integrating pickup coils comprises pickup coils 11Xp, 11Xn magnetically connected to a SQUID through associated input coils 2, and pickup coils 11Yp, 11Yn magnetically connected to a SQUID through associated input coils 2, respectively. Two superconducting loops are connected in series to each of the SQUIDs, when viewed from Josephson junctions 5. The input coils 2 form superconducting closed loops together with the pickup coils 11Xp, 11Xn, 11Yp, 11Yn associated therewith. The SQUIDs are respectively connected to form an 8-figured shape as a whole such that currents flow in two superconducting loops of each SQUID in opposite directions to each other, with respect to the application of a uniform field, in order to reduce environmental magnetic field noise.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the recognition of pneumothorax using thorax MR exposures, an evaluation device segments the image of the rib cage, including its surroundings, and characterizes a zone detected between rib cage and lung, preferably in the exhaled condition, that has an MR signal elevated by a prescribed safety margin compared to the noise signal in air.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for assisting medical personnel in interpreting data collected by a multiple electrode catheter deployed within the body. The GUI generates and displays an image of the multiple electrode catheter. By manipulating appropriate controls, the medical personnel are able to change the orientation of the displayed image until it matches the orientation of the actual multiple electrode catheter as seen on a fluoroscope. Afterwards, the medical personnel can determine the relative position and orientation of the catheter by reference to the GUI generated image. To aid in interpreting data recovered by the catheter, the individual electrodes and splines are highlighted and labeled. Electrodes recovering particular types of physiological waveforms can be automatically identified and highlighted. Comments and anatomic landmarks can be inserted where desired to further assist in interpreting data.

Abstract: For the early detection of blindness-causing diabetic retinopathy, an apparatus for measuring the autofluorescence of the cornea of an eye, comprising means for tangentially illuminating the cornea, means for receiving the autofluorescent radiation generated in the cornea by this illumination, and means for processing the measured autofluorescent radiation, wherein the means for tangentially illuminating the cornea comprises at least one light source which radiates blue light and at least one filter which transmits at least a part of the blue light in a light path to the cornea, and the means for receiving the autofluorescent radiation generated in the cornea comprises at least one filter which transmits green light.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a coiled element adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the coiled element shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more permanent magnetic segments carried by the coiled element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting amyloid-containing deposits in a mammal without administering exogenous chemicals such as fluorophores or chromophores. The method includes subjecting tissue of a mammal, preferably tissue of a mammal suspected of having at least one form of amyloidosis to autofluorescence-initiation, preferably by subjecting the tissue to at least excitation incident radiation from a light source having a wavelength of light within the range of from about 360 to about 370 nm, and more preferably to illumination incident radiation from a light source having wavelengths in the visible spectrum, to produce an emitted light signal beam and a reflected light signal beam. The method also preferably includes detecting the presence of emitted light having a wavelength of from about 400 nm to about 460 nm.

Abstract: An MR imaging method wherein motion of an object to be imaged is examined during a preparation phase preceding the actual MR examination. The necessary sequences for the subsequent MR examination are modified during the examination to compensate for the motion based on motion parameters calculated during the preparation phase or motion parameters derived from the motion parameters calculated during the preparation phase based on a correlation between the motion parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in examining an object, such as skin, mucosa and cervical tissues for the purpose of detecting cancer and precancerous conditions therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a gun-shaped housing having a handle portion and a barrel portion. The front end of the barrel portion is open, and a glass cover is mounted therein. Red, green, blue, and white LED's are disposed within the handle portion of the housing and are electrically connected to a battery also disposed within the handle portion of the housing. A manually-operable switch for controlling actuation of each of the four LED's is accessible on the handle portion of the housing. An optical fiber is disposed inside the housing and is used to transmit light from the four LED's through a first polarizer disposed in the barrel portion of the housing and then through the glass cover to illuminate a desired object.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for analyzing the blood-brain barrier includes obtaining a Raman spectrum of a selected portion of the eye and monitoring the Raman spectrum to ascertain a change to the dynamics of the blood brain barrier. Also, non-invasive methods for determining the brain or blood level of an analyte of interest, such as glucose, drugs, alcohol, poisons, and the like, comprises: generating an excitation laser beam (e.g., at a wavelength of 600 to 900 nanometers); focusing the excitation laser beam into the anterior chamber of an eye of the subject so that aqueous humor, vitreous humor, or one or more conjunctiva vessels in the eye is illuminated; detecting (preferably confocally detecting) a Raman spectrum from the illuminated portion of the eye; and then determining the blood level or brain level (intracranial or cerebral spinal fluid level) of an analyte of interest for the subject from the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for probe localization in brain matter. A method is disclosed for determining the insertion point for an object at a desired location within tissue of varying types. The parameters of tissue are first measured at an entry point into the tissue from exterior thereof. The parameters of the tissue are then measured periodically along a line extending from the entry point and moving away therefrom. A determination is then made if at least one boundary between tissue types has occurred during the measurement process. The measurements along the line are then compared to a predetermined map of the tissue boundaries. Thereafter, a point on the map is then selected corresponding to the desired location within the tissue when the measured parameters indicate that the measurements are taking place in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography system and method is provided to image biological tissue. Short microwave pulses irradiate tissue to generate acoustic waves by thermoelastic expansion. The microwave-induced thermoacoustic waves are detected with an ultrasonic transducer or transducer array. Each time-domain signal from the ultrasonic transducer is converted to a one-dimensional image along the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer. Scanning the system perpendicularly to the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer generates multi-dimensional images in real time without computational image reconstruction.

Abstract: MR imaging is provided based on the ASL method providing an ASL image. In this imaging, MT effects are steadily canceled to reduce difference errors inherent in excluding stationary tissue from the image and sensitivity is given to only a signal from one-way blood flow. A first RF wave and a first magnetic gradient Gtag both for selective-exciting a tagging slab and a second RF wave and a second magnetic gradient Gcont both for selective-exciting a controlling slab are set, in which offset amounts of exciting central frequencies of both of the first and second RF waves to a central position of an imaging slab are equal to each other and offset positions Offsettag and Offsetcont of the tagging slab and the controlling slab to the imaging slab are different from each other. Both of the RF pulses are IR pulses.

Abstract: A method and system for examining biological materials using low-power cw excitation Raman spectroscopy. A low-power continuous wave (cw) pump laser beam and a low-power cw Stokes (or anti-Stokes) probe laser beam simultaneously illuminate a biological material and traverse the biological material in collinearity. The pump beam, whose frequency is varied, is used to induce Raman emission from the biological material. The intensity of the probe beam, whose frequency is kept constant, is monitored as it leaves the biological material. When the difference between the pump and probe excitation frequencies is equal to a Raman vibrational mode frequency of the biological material, the weak probe signal becomes amplified by one or more orders of magnitude (typically up to about 104-106) due to the Raman emission from the pump beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new imaging method/system for skeletal muscle function assessment. A gating system triggers imaging device such as magnetic resonance scanner to provide reproducible image data at specific force levels and/or joint angular positions. The present invention further provides applications of such method/system in muscle studies and diagnostics.

Abstract: A simulator for use in the training of surgeons is disclosed. The simulator utilizes information defining the position of a surgical tool or probe used by the surgeon trainee relative to a mannequin corresponding to a living mammalian subject such as a human or non-human mammal. The mannequin desirably includes model internal organs within it. The simulator further includes a surgical probe and means for providing position and orientation information defining the position and orientation of the surgical probe relative to the mannequin. A memory device stores image data defining an image representative of internal organs found within the living subject corresponding to the mannequin. The simulator desirably further includes means for providing a composite image including images of internal organs and a representation of the surgical probe based on said image data and said position and orientation data.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for detection of respiratory motion of a subject during acquisition of an magnetic resonance image that includes a lever having a proximal and a distal end, a counterweight on the proximal end of the lever, a fulcrum, a pickup coil attached to the distal end of the lever, and a MRI machine that has a radio frequency resonator, a gradient coil, and a magnetic field, wherein the lever, fulcrum, counterweight, and pickup coil are positioned so that the lever moves as the subject breathes, the pickup coil is also positioned so that it does not cause artifacts in the MRI image, and the device as a whole generates an electrical signal that can be used to detect and monitor the respiratory motion of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using diffuse optical tomography and a blood-borne dye in a stroke patient, or a patient suspected of having a stroke, to detect ischemic events or bleeds in the brain.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is disclosed for providing percutaneous images to assist in performing an accurate tissue biopsy and to locate nuclear medicine tracer uptake within a living being. The invention provides superimposed, simultaneous ultrasound and nuclear activity images to assist in performing accurate tissue biopsy for any procedure in which nuclear activity is used to localize possible pathological tissue. The apparatus includes a medical instrument having at least a pair of radionuclide detectors capable of detecting the depth of tracer uptake within a region of interest, which can include locating the sentinel lymph node in a breast cancer patient. The radionuclide detector is coupled to, and in operable association with, an ultrasound probe for percutaneous detection of anatomical structure about the area of maximum tracer uptake. The radionuclide detectors and the ultrasound probe are pivotally connected.