Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus and technique exploits spatial information inherent in a surface coil array to increase MR image acquisition speed, resolution and/or field of view. Magnetic resonance response signals are acquired simultaneously in the component coils of the array and, using an autocalibration procedure, are formed into two or more signals to fill a corresponding number of lines in the signal measurement data matrix. In a Fourier embodiment, lines of the k-space matrix required for image production are formed using a set of separate, preferably linear combinations of the component coil signals to substitute for spatial modulations normally produced by phase encoding gradients. One or a few additional gradients are applied to acquire autocalibration (ACS) signals extending elsewhere in the data space, and the measured signals are fitted to the ACS signals to develop weights or coefficients for filling additional lines of the matrix from each measurement set.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and methods for distinguishing inflamed tissue from cancerous tissue using autofluorescence.

Abstract: An image guided surgery system to enable a surgeon to move a surgical tool into a desired position relative to a body part is provided. The system works by accurately superimposing representations of the tool being used in the surgical field over images of the body part such that real-time tool position feedback is provided to the surgeon. The system uses a fluoroscopic x-ray device to generate two-dimensional body part images, a localizing device to determine the poses of surgical tools and the x-ray device, mathematical modeling of the imaging chain of the x-ray device, and a means for displaying the images of the body part superimposed with representations of the surgical tools. A related feature is the use of a digital flat-panel x-ray imager that employs a regular array of sensors to convert incident x-ray energy to a computer readable image, thereby permitting the fluoroscopic x-ray device to be used in any orientation without being affected by distortions due to local magnetic fields.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device generally having an elongate shaft with an asymmetric radiopaque marker disposed upon or within the distal end thereof. The radiopaque marker member enables the user to determine the orientation of the distal end of the device under fluoroscopic and similar imaging techniques. In certain embodiments the device is configured as a delivery catheter system having multiple delivery catheters, some or all of which may have radiopaque marker members disposed upon or within their distal ends. The delivery catheter system is configured in some embodiments to deliver an elongated diagnostic or therapeutic device to a desired location within a patient's heart.

Abstract: Light rays of a plurality of wavelengths which are modulated in intensity with a plurality of different frequencies are irradiated on a plurality of irradiation positions on the surface of a living body, and time-variable changes in living body transmitting light intensity levels corresponding to the respective wavelengths and the respective irradiation positions are measured at different positions on the surface of the living body. After completion of the measurement or during the measurement, changes in concentration values of absorbers in the living body are determined from the living body transmitting light intensity levels of the plurality of wavelengths detected at the respective detection points and a measuring point is set on a perpendicular extending through an intermediate point between the incident point and each detection point so as to image a function of the living body.

Abstract: A probe (20) for insertion into the body of a subject, the probe (20) having distal (22) and proximal ends, and including an electronic microcircuit (90), which stores information relating to calibration of the probe (20). Preferably, the microcircuit (90) stores a calibration code, which is encrypted. Alternatively or additionally, the microcircuit (90) stores a usage code, which controls availability of the probe (20) to a user thereof. Preferably, the probe (20) includes access control circuitry (90) that allows the usage code to be changed so as to reduce the availability of the probe (20), but not to increase the availability thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides several embodiments of methods of making magnetic resonance catheter coils which include employing a flexible electrically insulative base member, depositing an electrically conductive material on the base member in a predetermined pattern to create at least one pair of generally parallel electrically conductive coil elements which are electrically connected to each other. A catheter is provided over the coil assembly. In one embodiment, a second pair of generally parallel electrically conductive coil elements are provided in order to create a quadrature coil. In this latter embodiment, the electrically insulative base member may have the first pair of coil elements created on one surface thereof and a second pair on the other with the base member subsequently being deformed to create a tubular coil having one pair of coil elements on the outside and the other pair on the inside. In some embodiments, tuning and matching circuits and decoupling circuits may be provided.

Abstract: An diagnostic imaging apparatus for acquiring image information representing at least one region of an examination subject, generates image signals that correspond to the acquired image information and has a signal processor to which the image signals are fed. The signal processor subjects the image signals to spatial-frequency filtering with a controlled bandpass characteristic, in order to be able to display subjects situated in the passband of the bandpass characteristic more clearly with respect to their dimensions.

Abstract: A hand-held, small, lightweight instrument is disclosed that contains a light source capable of producing radiant energy in the spectral range between approximately 370 and approximately 410 nm, and an optical direction system for irradiating a target tissue by producing an illuminated spot thereon. A collection system is provided for receiving and directing fluorescent emissions in the frequency range between 450 and 700 nm returned from the target area to a detector. A processing system is used to determine the state of the tissue by using at least two and up to five spectral bands, preferably each being larger than 45 nm. Pairs of ratios of fluorescent intensities are compared to identify cancerous cells. An alphanumeric, false-color image and/or audio signal is immediately provided to inform a user of the state of the tissue.

Abstract: A method for determining the oxygen concentration of a sample using electron spin resonance enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: An imaging system enables cardiac functioning within a particular cardiac chamber to be imaged. The system acquires imaging data that includes intensity values for four-dimensional voxels within a region of interest (ROI). A seed voxel is identified, and neighbor voxels to the seed voxel are also identified. The intensity values for each neighbor voxel are compared to a threshold to determine whether the voxel corresponds to blood or muscle tissue. For each neighbor voxel corresponding to blood, its neighbor voxels are identified and compared to the threshold, and this process is repeated until a pre-established spatial boundary is encountered or the number of new neighbor voxels indicates that processing is migrating into an adjacent cardiac chamber. At that point, the set of identified blood voxels represents a blood volume for the desired cardiac chamber. Voxels adjacent to the interior and exterior surface boundaries of the blood volume are added to the set.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative evaluation of biomechanical properties of bone in a bony locale in a living body as manifested by one or more of the quantities: a set of anisotropic elastic constants, strength, or fracture risk is performed by measuring a bone mineral density and a trabecular grain at the bony locale. The measurements of bone mineral density and a trabecular grain are processed using a univariate nonlinear regression to obtain the set of anisotropic elastic constants. In an alternative embodiment, the strength of a bone in a bony locale is evaluated through the use of a three-dimensional strength surface.

Abstract: A interventional procedure is performed by advancing a probe into a patient and periodically acquiring magnetic resonance images depicting the probe and adjacent portions of the patient's body. The patient, or a part of the patient, is reoriented during the procedure to facilitate advancement of the probe as, for example, by changing the position or orientation of internal organs.

Abstract: A system and method for the acquisition of preferential arterial and venous images is disclosed. The invention includes setting a noise level in the phase image, that is proportional to the velocity encoding value, at a threshold level above the venous signal but below the arterial signal during a systolic portion of the cardiac cycle and acquiring a phase contrast MR image during the systolic portion that effectively acquires the arterial signal and suppresses the venous signal. During the diastolic portion of the same R—R interval, the velocity encoding value is then set to establish a noise threshold level in the phase image lower to a value below the venous signal but above the arterial signal to acquire the venous signal and suppress the arterial signal. In this manner, either an arterial only image or a venous only image can be displayed. Alternatively, the images can be combined to create a higher SNR arterial and venous image.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating arterial occlusions combining an intraluminally operable catheter having an occlusion-crossing working element, with an extraluminally operable locator for imaging the progress of the working element through the occlusion. Suction coupling means are described for removably anchoring the locator to a surface proximate the heart. A method for treating arterial occlusions is described in which the distal end of the catheter shaft exits a lumen of the locator, penetrates the arterial wall distal to the occlusion, crosses the occlusion retrograde and passes into a separately introduced standard intravascular catheter, whereupon the distal end of the shaft may be manipulated from the proximal end of the standard catheter. The proximal end of the shaft is then released from external attachments and drawn into the artery to perform treatment or guiding functions. Spatial interrelationships are observed real-time via the locator.

Abstract: During acquisition of one frame of MR data, the phase-encoding gradient oscillates between a maximum phase-encoding gradient and a minimum phase-encoding gradient. Each oscillation includes a zero phase-encoding gradient.

Abstract: A miniature spectrometer can be used in situ to diagnose tissue and organs by detecting tissue autofluorescence. The miniature spectrometer is disposed at the distal end of an interventional device.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself.

Abstract: An MRI method is provided for determining the arrival of selected contrast material at a target artery or other fluid-carrying vessel after injection of contrast material at a remote vascular site. By precisely knowing the arrival time, an additional MR angiography scan of the artery may be readily coordinated with the onset of artery enhancement. Initiation of this MR angiography scan may be immediate. Alternatively, determination of the arrival time of a test bolus of contrast to the imaging site can be used to calculate the transit time of a test bolus from the injection site to the imaging site. This information may then be used as an estimate of a subsequent MR angiography scan using a full bolus of contrast. The method for determining contrast arrival includes injecting the contrast material at an injection site, and simultaneously commencing acquisition of a succession of MR images of a section taken through the target vessel, proximate to the imaging site.

Abstract: Medial device comprising a housing, a magnetic detection probe, for detecting a plurality of magnetic fields, a biometric unit and a controller, connected to said magnetic detection probe, said biometric unit and said storage unit, wherein said controller receives magnetic field detection information from said magnetic detection probe, and wherein said controller operates said biometric unit in association with said magnetic field detection information.