Abstract: A method for processing MRI data in which a reference direction and a first voxel are selected. A first transverse orientation vector associated with the first voxel is determined. This first transverse orientation vector is normal to the reference direction. On the basis of the first transverse orientation vector, a second voxel is selected. A second transverse orientation vector associated with the second voxel is also selected. This second transverse orientation vector is likewise normal to the reference direction. The method also includes determining whether a relationship between the first and second transverse orientation vectors is consistent with a track normal to the reference direction and extending between the first and second voxels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating subcutaneous tissues using acoustic waves in the range of low acoustic pressure ultrasound waves is disclosed. The method includes injections of enhancing agents, wherein disruption of subcutaneous tissues and subcutaneous cavitational bioeffects are produced by ultrasound waves having a power that will not produce tissue cavitation in the absence of the enhancing agents. The apparatus and method of use is useful for treatment of subcutaneous abnormalities including cellulite, lipomas, and tumors.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for assessing a physiological state of a mammalian retina in vivo, the methods of this aspect of the invention each include the steps of (a) irradiating a portion of a mammalian retina, in vivo, with light having a wavelength in the range of from 600 nm to 1000 nm at an intensity sufficient to stimulate two-photon-induced fluorescence in the retina; and (b) assessing a physiological state of the retina by analyzing the fluorescence.

Abstract: A system and method for generating three dimensional CT-type information from a conventional C-arm fluoroscope imaging system. A small number of fluoroscope images are used, taken from angles whose pose is determined by means of a three-dimensional target attached to the region of interest, aided by the participation of the surgeon or an image processing routine to pinpoint known anatomical features in the region of interest of the patient. This procedure enables the reconstruction of virtual images in any desired plane, even in planes other than those accessible by the C-arm imaging process, such as the axial plane of a vertebra. Use of this system and method of marking of the feature to be treated in a small number of angularly dissimilar images, enables the generation of CT-type information which can be used to accurately align a robotically guided surgical tool with the anatomical feature.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system is described for assisting a surgeon in aligning a drill with the interlocking holes of an implanted intramedullary (IM) rod used for fixation of long bone fractures. With the IM rod inserted, a localizing device measures the pose of a tracked adapter attached to the rod's exposed end. Approximate AP and lateral fluoroscopic x-ray images are acquired of the end of the rod with the interlocking holes. Image processing algorithms determine the actual position of the rod and calculate an adjustment to the pose of the tracked adapter and IM rod. Using the adjusted pose information, the system displays, in three roughly orthogonal views, a representation of the drill trajectory relative to the images of the IM rod and relative to a graphic representation of the IM rod.

Abstract: These are biopsy cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the biopsy cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a detectable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a biopsy cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a detectable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a system for analyzing tissue perfusion using the concentration of indocyanine green and a method of measuring the perfusion rate using the system and, more particularly, to a system for measuring tissue perfusion by injecting indocyanine green into a living body, detecting variation in the concentration of indocyanine green with the passage of time, and analyzing the detected variation, and a method of measuring the perfusion rate using the system. The present invention provides a method of measuring perfusion in a living body, which enables accurate measurement for respective regions in a wide range from a perfusion rate decreased to less than 10% of normal perfusion to a perfusion rate increased to greater than normal perfusion using the above-described mechanism of ICG in a living body, which cannot be conducted using the conventional technology.

Abstract: A method for treating body tissue using acoustic energy includes identifying a target focal zone of tissue to be treated, delivering a first pulse of acoustic energy from a transducer to generate bubbles in a tissue region located distally, relative to the transducer, of a focal center of the target focal zone, and delivering a second pulse of acoustic energy from the transducer in the presence of the bubbles generated by the first pulse, the second pulse focused at the focal center to generate thermal ablation energy. In a further embodiment, a method of treating body tissue using ultrasound energy includes identifying a target focal zone to be treated and delivering a plurality of pulses of acoustic ablation energy to locations distributed symmetrically in or proximate a focal plane about the focal center of the target focal zone.

Abstract: A wireless marker for localizing a target of a patient comprises a casing and a magnetic transponder at least partially received in the casing. The magnetic transponder produces a wirelessly transmitted magnetic field in response to a wirelessly transmitted excitation energy. The magnetic transponder also has a magnetic centroid. The marker also comprises an imaging element carried by the casing and/or the magnetic transponder. The imaging element has a radiographic profile in a radiographic image such that the marker has a radiographic centroid at least approximately coincident with the magnetic centroid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.

Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly including a patient treatment couch, and a robotic arm coupled to the patient treatment couch. The robotic arm is configured to move the patient treatment couch along five rotational degrees of freedom and one substantially vertical, linear degree of freedom.

Abstract: An optical biological information measuring apparatus includes a measuring surface to be placed on the surface of a living body, a mark display section which displays a mark at a region to be measured on the surface of the living body, a light-emitting section which irradiates the living body with light of a predetermined wavelength and a light-receiving section which receives light irradiated onto the living body and returned from the living body, and measures information on the living body based on the received light. The optical biological information measuring apparatus is capable of measuring biological information with improved alignment accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass comprises a cannula with a preloaded localization wire. An actuator is provided to effect the relative movement of the cannula and localization wire such that a distal end of the localization wire is exposed to the tissue mass. A method for implanting a localization wire includes inserting a cannula with a preloaded localization wire into a tissue mass and relatively moving the cannula and localization wire to expose a portion of the localization wire to the tissue mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for intravascular ultrasonic imaging comprises a catheter having an ultrasonic transducer array fabricated at least in part from an electrostrictive material, wherein the electrostrictive material is non-polymeric.

Abstract: A device, in particular a therapy device, for the application of acoustic shock waves aimed at a region to be treated in a human or animal body and comprising a housing with a coupling surface for coupling the shock waves into the body to be treated, a shock wave generating device and a means suitable for focusing the shock waves, in which the shock wave generating device and the means suitable for focusing the shock waves are enclosed in a housing and designed such that they can be moved relative to the coupling surface.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for determining the overall motion of an organ of interest relative to a viewer or imager. Motion data is acquired for the organ of interest and/or for one or more proximate organs using sensor-based and/or image data-based techniques. The sensor-based techniques may include electrical and non-electrical techniques. The image data-based techniques may include both pre-acquisition and acquisition image data. The motion data for the organ of interest and proximate organs may be used to determine one or more quiescent periods corresponding to intervals of minimal motion for the organ of interest and the proximate organs. The one or more quiescent periods may be used to determine one or more gating points that may be used prospectively, i.e., during image acquisition. In addition, the one or more quiescent periods may be used to determine one or more motion compensation factors that may be used during processing and reconstruction of the acquired image data.

Abstract: Extended-coverage magnetic resonance imaging coils with optimized homogeneity in longitudinal sensitivity are described. One exemplary coil includes four elements, where two of the elements are opposed-solenoid imaging elements and two of the elements are single loop imaging elements.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating tissue velocity vectors and oriented strain from ultrasonic diagnostic imaging data. Reference points are defined from evaluation of image data derived from reflected ultrasonic beams in order to determine the direction of motion and the velocity vector of the reference points. The velocity of motion for corresponding reference points between two successive image frames is determined by applying a particle image velocimetry technique. Components of the tissue strain is then obtained from time integration of the strain-rate that is determined from the gradient of velocity estimated from the velocity data in two or more reference points.

Abstract: Ultrasound data are collected from a thermal source and a mass of tissue before initiating therapy to measure two parameters of the bio-heat transfer equation (BHTE). The parameters are the thermal diffusivity (K) of the tissue and the magnitude of the thermal source (Q). Once the parameters have been obtained, the BHTE can be calibrated to the specific mass of tissue and the specific thermal source. The calibrated BHTE can be used to generate a temperature dependence curve calibrated to the thermal source and tissue, and spatio-temporal temperature maps, to facilitate pre-therapy planning. During therapy, ultrasound data are collected to determine if Q changes during therapy, and if so, the BHTE is recalibrated using the new Q value, increasing an accuracy of the temperature estimations.

Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in medical procedures includes a flexible shaft with one or more audio transducers and a distal tip. An audio signal may be sent to one or more of the transducers and a reflected signal is received at one or more transducers. The reflected signal is used to detect the presence of an anatomical structure to assist in navigating the catheter to its destination. In another arrangement, the transducer can be used passively to detect physical characteristics of the heart such as sound, subsonic energy or temperature, that indicate relative proximity of a destination vessel.