Abstract: A method and apparatus of examining fetal hearts includes obtaining ultrasound data of a fetal heart to generate fetal heart images, displaying different marked sample images of a fetal heart and at respective cardiac phases, each marking a different feature of a fetal heart at a respective marked location, and sequentially presenting one of the different marked sample images to a user along with one of the fetal heart images that is a similar view. As each of the different marked sample images is sequentially presented, a user is prompted to mark the different feature in a respective fetal heart image based on its marked location to create a plurality of marked fetal heart images, and a geometric model of the heart is generated based on the marked fetal heart images, from which fetal echocardiography views can be extracted. The fetal echocardiography views of the fetal heart are displayed.

Abstract: An exemplary tissue detection and location identification apparatus can include, for example, a first electrically conductive layer at least partially (e.g., circumferentially) surrounding a lumen, an insulating layer at least partially (e.g., circumferentially) surrounding the first electrically conductive layer, and a second electrically conductive layer circumferentially surrounding the insulating layer, where the insulating layer can electrically isolate the first electrically conductive layer from the second electrically conductive layer. A further insulating layer can be included which can at least partially surrounding the second electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A tissue detection and location identification apparatus can include, a first electrically conductive layer surrounding a lumen, an insulating layer surrounding the first electrically conductive layer, and a second electrically conductive layer circumferentially surrounding the insulating layer, where the insulating layer can electrically isolate the first electrically conductive layer from the second electrically conductive layer. A further insulating layer can surround the second electrically conductive layer. The first electrically conductive layer, the insulating layer, and the second electrically conductive layer can form a structure which has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to the first side with respect to the lumen, where the first side can be longer than the second side thereby forming a sharp pointed end via the first side at a distal-most portion.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region.

Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate body, a central lumen extending within the elongate body from the proximal end to the distal end, a rotatable tip at the distal end of the elongate body, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip is configured to rotate relative to the elongate body. The OCT imaging sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. A distal end of the elongate body includes one or more markers configured to occlude the OCT imaging sensor as it rotates. A fixed jog in the elongate body proximal to the distal end of the catheter positions the distal end of the catheter at an angle relative to the region of the catheter proximal to the fixed jog and is aligned with the one or more markers on the elongate body.

Abstract: A transperineal biopsy guide configured for use with an access needle and a transrectal imaging probe. The transperineal biopsy guide may include a mount attachable to the transrectal imaging probe and an upper assembly. The upper assembly may extend from the mount and may include a vertical opening, at least one distal member, and an access needle support structure. The access needle support structure is aligned with the vertical opening and supports the access needle at a plurality of discrete vertical positions within the vertical opening relative to the transrectal imaging probe. The access needle support structure is displaceable relative to the at least one distal member. And the at least one distal member limits distal displacement of the access needle support structure relative to the at least one distal member.

Abstract: This method for imaging in real time the propagation of a mechanical wave in an acoustically propagative medium comprises steps of: a) emitting (1000) a mechanical wave in an acoustically propagative medium, using an acoustic source being placed in an emission region of the acoustically propagative medium, b) measuring (1002) voltage signal waveform values at a reception region, using an acoustic measurement unit; c) calculating (1004) acoustic field values in the acoustically propagative medium, between the emission region and the reception region, using a reconstruction algorithm implemented in a signal processing unit, and the signal waveform values measured during step b) d) generating an image, using an image generation device and using the calculated acoustic field values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating the surface contour of a bone model, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method comprises: step S101, on the basis of the real-time coordinates of the center of a positioning device acquired by a positioning tracking device, acquiring the real-time coordinate of the tip of a probe moving on the surface of a bone model; and step S102, performing three-dimensional reconstruction on all the real-time coordinates of the tip, so as to obtain a three-dimensional digital model of the surface contour of the bone model.

Abstract: A transperineal biopsy guide configured for use with an access needle and a transrectal imaging probe. The transperineal biopsy guide includes a mount attachable to the transrectal imaging probe and an upper assembly. The upper assembly extending from the mount and including a vertical opening, at least one distal member, and an access needle support structure. The at least one distal member laterally borders the vertical opening and includes a first distal member having a first distal-facing surface. The access needle support structure is aligned with the vertical opening and includes a first passage to receive and support the access needle and a first recess on a proximal-facing side of the access needle support structure. The first recess and the proximal end hub of the access needle including complementary surfaces that interface with each other such that rotation of the access needle within the first passage is inhibited.

Abstract: A method includes storing a cloud of points reached by a cutting tool during a first stage of modifying a bone with the cutting tool, generating a surface based on the cloud of points, generating a plan for a second stage of modifying the bone with the cutting tool based on a location or rotation of the surface, and using the plan to assist the cutting tool in executing the second stage of modifying the bone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating ultrasound imaging directed towards a bone region. An ultrasound imaging device generates a first steered frame and a second steered frame, wherein the first steered frame and the second steered frame are directed towards the bone region at different angles from one another and are superimposed with one another. Parameters of each of the first steered frame and the second steered frame are applied to a cost function that outputs an estimated propagation speed of ultrasound waves to the bone region for optimizing an appearance of the first steered frame and the second steered frame. The ultrasound imaging device is calibrated based on the estimated propagation speed.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an instrument for surgical intervention is provided. The instrument to be calibrated has a tip at a distal end thereof and a navigation array that is spaced from the distal end and is detectable in space. The navigation array has a fixed spatial and angular relationship with the tip. The method comprises the steps of: placing a calibrator on the tip of the instrument such that the tip is positioned within the calibrator at a known displacement from the centre of the calibrator, the calibrator having a circular shape and being detectable as a single point in space; detecting the position of the navigation array and the centre of the calibrator; and determining the position of the centre of the calibrator relative to the navigation array, thereby calibrating the position of the tip of the instrument relative to the navigation array. There is also provided a calibrator for use in such a method.

Abstract: A medical tracking system includes a percutaneous needle, a localization element and a navigation system is disclosed. The percutaneous needle has an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end portion, which is attached to a handle, and distal end portion that terminates at a distal tip. An inner surface of the elongate shaft defines a working channel that extends from a port at the proximal end portion to the distal tip. The localization element is incorporated into the elongate shaft distal from the handle and proximate the distal end portion. The navigation system is configured for tracking the localization element and to provide a real-time display of a position and orientation of the distal tip relative to an anatomy of a patient.

Abstract: An MLA-OCT imaging catheter (3), which comprises an inner tube (5), an outer tube (4) and a multi-core catheter connector (6), wherein the inner tube (5) comprises an optical fiber bundle (21) and a microlens array (7); a calibration method of the MLA-OCT imaging catheter; an MLA-OCT imaging system; and an imaging method thereof.

Abstract: Example access devices, treatment devices, and kits useful in performing treatment under magnetic resonance imaging and related methods are described. An example access device includes an elongate tubular member formed of an MRI compatible material and moveable between a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The elongate tubular member has a central lengthwise axis, a proximal end, a distal end, an axial length, and a main body that defines a circumferential wall, a lumen, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a main body opening. The main body opening is arranged in a spiral relative to the lengthwise axis and extends circumferentially along the circumferential wall. The main body opening extends along the entire axial length of the elongate tubular member from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention introduces a method and system for focusing ultrasonic energy through intervening skull tissue into a target site within a target brain tissue region under the skull, includes a transducer emitter array, a transducer receiver array, a processor receiving echo signals from the receiver to determine correction factors for the transducer elements to compensate for refraction occurring due to intervening tissue. The correction factors may include phase correction factors, and the phases of excitation signals provided to the transducer elements may be calibrated focusing based upon the phase correction factors to focus the ultrasonic energy to the tissue at the target site.

Abstract: A fluid injector system includes a control device operably associated with at least one drive component for use in actuating a plurality of fluid containers in fluid communication with a patient through an administration line. The control device includes at least one processor programmed or configured to enable programming of a diagnostic injection protocol comprising one or more phases according to which at least one of the first and the second fluid containers are selectively actuatable by the at least one drive component to enable injection of at least one of a first fluid and a second fluid into the patient. The control device is further programmed or configured to enable selection and commencement of at least partial preloading into the administration line of at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid in accordance with the one or more phases of the diagnostic injection protocol.

Abstract: A device for transperineal biopsy with a movable arm of a robot, comprising: an ultrasound probe being mounted around a first axis; a surgical instrument with a needle, which is movable along a first trajectory; and a moving device comprising at least a first pair of arms facing one another and arranged around a first longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe so as to move, preferably oscillate, around the axis along a second trajectory, in order to guide and support the needle at a free end of each guide arm; and a connection interface to connect the device to a movable arm of a robot and having an operating module, which comprises a plurality of actuators each to move a respective said ultrasound probe or said guide arms, and a separation module arranged on the operating module and configured to transmit the motion to the ultrasound probe or to the arms.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for identifying and displaying spatial relationships between a seed parcel and other parcels in a patient's brain. A method can include obtaining connectivity data characterizing, for each pair of parcels including a first parcel and a second parcel from a group of parcels, a connectivity metric measuring a relationship between the first and second parcels in the patient's brain, obtaining brain atlas data, identifying a seed parcel from the group of parcels, determining one or more other parcels in the group of parcels having a connectivity metric with the seed parcel that satisfies a threshold connectivity metric condition to provide at least one seed-connected parcel, and for the seed-connected parcel, providing the brain atlas data and an indication of a degree of the connectivity metric between the seed parcel and seed-connected parcel for display as an overlay on a visualization of the brain atlas data.