Abstract: High intensity focused ultrasound heating is provided by applying therapeutic ultrasonic waves using an array of transducers. Cavitation is detected by using some or all of the transducers in the array to detect ultrasonic waves emanating from or reflected from the patient's body or the interface. A feedback signal is generated based on such detection. If the feedback signal indicates the presence of cavitation, the therapeutic ultrasonic waves are terminated or altered. Obstacles to ultrasound transmission, such as bony structures or bubbles at the interface between the transducer array and the patient can be detected using the same transducers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for tracking the motion of fluid traveling through a vessel and determining its velocity spectrum from magnetic resonance data collected within a single cycle. The present invention provides a process of independently acquiring and processing MR data from a single cardiac cycle. By combining a SPAMM excitation with a two-dimensional selective excitation, suitable tags of fluid flowing through the vessel may be created. The combination of the excitations produces a sinusoidal variation of transverse magnetization along a column of the fluid. A succession of gradient echoes are then collected to provide information about the flow of fluid in the excited vessel. Each gradient echo undergoes a transformation to obtain a 1-D projection of the excited fluid across the vessel. The magnitudes of the projections are then used to construct a velocity spectrum of the fluid.

Abstract: Noninvasive instrumentation and procedures have been developed for estimating the apparent age of human and animal subjects based on the irradiation of skin tissue with near-infrared light. The method of age estimation provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability due to chronological factors and environmental exposure. Therefore, categorization of subjects on the basis of the estimated apparent age is suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes. Furthermore, age determination of subjects has particular benefit in assessment of therapies used to reduce the effects of ageing in tissue and measurement of tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention includes a technique for efficient multi-slice fast spin echo image acquisition with black blood contrast in cardiac imaging. The technique includes applying a non-selective inversion pulse, followed by a re-inversion pulse that is slice-selective over a region encompassing a plurality of slice selections. Execution of a series of RF excitation pulses with fast spin echo readout is timed such that signal from blood is near a null point before acquiring data for each spatial slice. For greater contrast consistency, the flip angles for the excitation pulses occurring before the null point can be reduced, and those occurring after the null point can be increased.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for shielding rf magnetic fields in MRI systems. An rf shield is embedded in a gradient coil structure including X-, Y- and Z-axis coils. The rf shield is positioned between an inner gradient coil which is inherently decoupled from the rf field, and the remaining coils which require rf shielding. The inner gradient coil may be a Z-axis coil wound as a solenoid, the field of which is generally orthogonal with respect to the rf magnetic field. The rf shield is thereby placed at an enhanced distance from the rf coil, providing greater efficiency and permitting energy levels to be reduced to obtain the desired rf magnetic field strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing medical examinations of tissue and a method of performing such examinations are described. The apparatus comprises a modified fiber-optic light source, wherein the modification allows for the creation of a diffuse light source. The diffuse light source produces omni-directional light in the green-blue-white spectrum, which can be used to photo-differentiate healthy from non-healthy tissues based on the absorptivity of the tissue under examination. The luminous element of the apparatus may be miniaturized, and take on shapes which may be usefully employed, including by insertion into a body cavity to be examined. The diffuse light source may be used in conjunction with a speculum, as well as with other endoscopic instrumentation, such as specula, anoscopes, and the like, for application in both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The method of performing examinations using the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A 3D projection reconstruction pulse sequence is employed to acquire CEMRA images. In one application of the invention an undersampled, high resolution abdominal CEMRA image is acquired in a single breathhold. In another application of the invention a series of undersampled image frames are acquired during a CEMRA dynamic study Each image is produced by combining peripheral k-space data from adjacent image frames with the central and peripheral k-space data of an acquired image frame.

Abstract: A Compton imager and method are provided for generating three-dimensional images. The Compton imager detects Compton scattering of simultaneously or nearly simultaneously emitted gamma rays produced by a radio-nuclide. A possible location of each radio-nuclide decay is defined by the intersection of Compton direction cones corresponding to the detected gamma rays. Three-dimensional images are generated by superposition of individual locations of separate radioactive decay locations.

Abstract: A method for generating colonography images for colorectal screening of a patient. The patient is administered an amount of radiopaque stool marker which will enable stool present in the patient's colon to be distinguished from soft tissue. The patient's colon is imaged after the stool marker has been administered to generate colonography images. Preparation of the colon is simulated by processing the colonography images to remove marked stool before the images are observed during a diagnosis session.

Abstract: A first current path forming electrode, a first measuring electrode, a second current path forming electrode and a second measuring electrode which serve to measure an impedance of a human body of a subject for a body fat ratio are formed on an electronic circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting percutaneous light beam guided biopsy, having means for rotating a laser device about first and second rotation axes, the laser device providing its laser beam along an axis intersecting an intersection point between the first and second rotation axes and at right angles thereto. Inclinometers are installed for providing signal values as a function of two- or three-dimensional orientation directions of the said laser device relative to direction of gravitation. Encoding means provide feedback of rotary position information of the laser device. Comparing means compare set calculated instrument insertion angle values, provided from an input device, with encoder feedback signals and inclinometer signals and inhibits rotation operation of the laser device upon reaching specific threshold values.