Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a sequence controller and a data processor. The sequence controller executes a pulse sequence using a combination of multiple types of labeling methods to acquire magnetic resonance signals. The data processor generates multiple types of labeled images based on the magnetic resonance signals.

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: A method for guiding a procedure is provided. A volumetric map of an interior portion of a body of a subject is presented, and, during the procedure, in response to movements of a sensor with respect to the portion, the presented volumetric map is updated, by changing a manner in which the presented volumetric map shows areas of the portion from which material was removed by the procedure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a time gain compensation (TGC) circuit. The TGC circuit includes an impedance network. A differential amplifier is coupled to the impedance network. The differential amplifier includes a first input port, a second input port, a first output port and a second output port. A first feedback resistor is coupled between the first input port and the first output port. A second feedback resistor is coupled between the second input port and the second output port. The impedance network provides a fixed impedance to the differential amplifier when a gain of the TGC circuit is changed from a maximum value to a minimum value.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device unit includes an ultrasonic device, and a flexible printed wiring board to be connected to the ultrasonic device, the flexible printed wiring board is provided with a device connection to which the ultrasonic device is connected, a first connector including external connection terminals to be connected to the ultrasonic device, a second connector including external connection terminals to be connected to the ultrasonic device, a first inflective part adapted to link the device connection and the first connector to each other, and a second inflective part adapted to link the device connection and the second connector to each other, and a distance between the device connection and the first connector in the first inflective part and a distance between the device connection and the first connector in the second inflective part are different from each other.

Abstract: A method, including recording parameters indicative of a quality of ablation performed at one or more sites in a region of a human heart, and receiving a set of electrophysiological signals indicative of a wave of electrical activation flowing through the region. The method further includes identifying locations within the region at which the wave is blocked from flowing and estimating confidence levels with respect to a blockage of the wave at the locations in response to the signals and the parameters. The method also includes displaying a map of the human heart including an indication of the confidence levels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device unit includes an ultrasonic device having a device-side terminal, a reinforcing plate having a support adapted to support the ultrasonic device, and a flexible printed wiring board to be connected to the ultrasonic device, the flexible printed wiring board is provided with a connection to be connected to the device-side terminal, and a bend continuous with the connection, extending away from the ultrasonic device, and having an end edge parallel to an extending direction, and the reinforcing plate is provided with a bending guide provided to a first side parallel to a first direction crossing the extending direction, having a circular arc curved surface convex away from the support, and opposed to the bend, and a guide surface disposed at an end in the first direction of the bending guide, and adapted to guide the end edge of the bend.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating diagnosis and treatment for internal tissues includes imaging (202) at least a portion of an internal organ of a subject using a first technology capable of differentiating tissue types, and targeting (205) and accessing biopsy sites using images of the first technology fused with images of a second technology capable of real-time image updates. Treatment of a biopsy site is planned (207) using the images of the first technology. Instruments for treating the biopsy site are guided (210) by fusing (208) the images of the first technology with the images of the second technology.

Abstract: A method and system for secure ultrasound treatment of living tissues using an ultrasound probe comprising a reflective cavity in acoustic communication with living tissues, a transducer to emit an ultrasound wave in the reflective cavity and a transducer to acquire a backscattered signal in the reflective cavity. The method comprises the steps of a) emitting a first ultrasound wave in the reflective cavity that generates a backscattered ultrasound wave in the reflective cavity, b) acquiring a backscattered signal in the reflective cavity, c) determining whether an insonification can be safely performed by computing a similarity value between the backscattered signal and a predefined reference signal, and d) if an insonification can be safely performed, treating the living tissues with a second ultrasound wave emitted in the reflective cavity. The second ultrasound wave is focused a target point of the living tissues and generates a pressure point resulting in cavitation at this target point.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining the 3D position and orientation of a radio-opaque medical object in a living body using single-plane fluoroscopy comprising: (a) capturing a stream of digitized 2D images from a single-plane fluoroscope; (b) detecting an image of the medical object in a subset of the digital 2D images; (c) applying to the digital 2D images calculations which preserve original pixel intensity values and permit statistical calculations thereon, using (i) multiple sequential determinations of a midline of the medical object image, (ii) a plurality of unfiltered raw-data cross-sectional intensity profiles perpendicular to each sequentially-determined midline, (iii) removal of outlier profiles from each plurality of profiles, and (iv) statistically combining each plurality of profiles to estimate image dimensions; (d) applying conical projection and radial elongation corrections to the image measurements; and (e) calculating the 3D position and orientation of the medical object from the corre

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of analyzing an ultrasound signal. The method comprises obtaining a time series of sequential data frames associated with an ultrasound signal reflected from and/or backscattered from a fixed location of a material under investigation, each data frame comprising a plurality of samples of the ultrasound signal, and subjecting to an analysis a sequence of one or more samples of the ultrasound signal, or a sequence of at least one parameter derived from one or more samples of the ultrasound signal, wherein a result of the analysis is related to one or properties or characteristics of the material. In one embodiment the method may be used for detecting, diagnosing, and/or assessing cancer and/or abnormalities in biological tissue.

Abstract: A method of predetermining the time profile of a contrast agent concentration at a vessel position is provided in the context of contrast agent-enhanced MRI of a region of interest only during the initial flooding-in phase of the contrast agent into the vessel situated in the region of interest. The method includes establishing a broadening of a contrast agent bolus profile according to the equation ?W=W2?W1 wherein W1 is a first width of the contrast agent bolus profile at a first vessel position and W2 is a second width of a contrast agent concentration profile at a second vessel position within the region of interest. The broadening is established by determining at least one flow parameter which is dependent on at least one blood flow property of the patient at a third vessel position thereof and which correlates with the broadening of the contrast agent profile.

Abstract: An automatic robotic apparatus for conducting a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a robotic arm having a movable member made as the multilink active actuator. The end portion of the multilink active actuator is provided with the connector to which the hollow head for a needle biopsy is attached. The operation of the U-shaped head is under full control of the robotic apparatus computer system. Results of pre-procedure studies of a site of interest and the progression of the surgical procedure are displayed on a monitor of the computer system.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound apparatus including a first display configured to display an ultrasound image; a control panel including a second display that is different from the first display and configured to display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image; and a controller configured to select at least one control item from among the plurality of control items based on a location of an input tool located on the second display, and to control the first display to display the selected at least one control item and an indicator representing the location of the input tool together with the ultrasound image.

Abstract: A non-invasive sensor unit adapted to be coupled to a patient includes a pair of light emitters spaced apart a known distance, and a pair light detectors. The light detectors detect light emitted from the emitters and scattered by a patient. The unit determines one or more cardiovascular characteristics of the patient from the scattered light, such as the patient's pulse wave velocity; a saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) level; a temperature; a respiration rate; a heart rate; and a blood pressure. The light emitters emit light that may have wavelengths between 600 and 1000 nanometers. The unit, in some embodiments, is integrated into a patch adapted to be secured to the skin of the patient. Readings from the unit may be transmitted to a separate device spaced from the unit, such as via Bluetooth, WiFi, or by other means.

Abstract: A system for providing video analysis and motion augmentation, particularly in the context of telemedicine applications is disclosed. In particular, the system may utilize cameras and other devices to detect macro and micro changes and movements of a being so as to assist in the detection of an anomaly associated with the being. After detecting the anomaly based on the detected macro and micro changes and movements, the system may transmit an alert identifying the anomaly and formulate a proposed request for interaction with the being. The request for interaction may be transmitted to the being, and information obtained in response to the request for interaction may be utilized by the system to assist in the determination of a diagnosis of a condition of the being. The process may be repeated as necessary until the diagnosis is confirmed and enough information associated with the being is obtained.

Abstract: A method for imaging an object by ultrasound elastography through continuous vibration of the ultrasound transducer is taught. An actuator directly in contact with the ultrasound transducer continuously vibrates the transducer in an axial direction, inducing shear waves in the tissue and allowing for real-time shear wave imaging. Axial motion of the transducer contaminates the shear wave images of the tissue, and must be suppressed. Therefore, several methods for correcting for shear wave artifact caused by the motion of the transducer are additionally taught.

Abstract: Radiotherapy apparatus comprises a source of radiation mounted on a chassis, the chassis being rotatable about a rotation axis and the source being adapted to emit a beam of radiation along a beam axis that intersects with the rotation axis; a patient support, moveable along a translation axis; a set of magnetic coils located on either side of the beam, for establishing a magnetic field at the point of intersection, spaced from that point along a first direction; the translation axis, the rotation axis, and the first direction being substantially parallel; and further comprising a multi-leaf collimator fixed in its orientation with respect to the source of radiation, the multi-leaf collimator comprising a plurality of elongate leaves disposed with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned with the first direction and movable in that direction between a withdrawn position in which the leaf lies outside the beam.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining a physiological activity signal in a subject using various movement sensors that each transmit a temporal movement signal, a physiological reference signal is determined from the various movement signals that best depicts a physiological movement of the subject, the movement sensor that generates the physiological reference signal is identified as a physiological reference sensor, at least one physiological addition signal is determined from the temporal movement signals that is similar to the physiological reference signal up to a limit, and the physiological reference signal and the at least one addition signal are added to form the physiological activity signal.