Abstract: A high frequency ultrasound analog beamformer comprises a linear array of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices formed on a single crystal piezoelectric substrate, such as a PMN-PT single crystal piezoelectric substrate. Each SAW device comprises ultrasound input and output electrode structures separated by a variable delay structure. The beamformer further comprises a delay controller operably connected to each variable delay structure to control the delay of each SAW device to dynamically focus signals received at each input electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating a treatment map based on a microbe profile, which include receiving a two-dimensional microbe profile of a skin surface of an individual, selecting one or more treatment agents from a database of treatment agents, generating the treatment map by mapping the selected one or more treatment agents to each of one or more corresponding locations on the two-dimensional microbe profile of the skin surface of the individual, and reporting the treatment map to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system for imaging a periodically moving object. An assigning unit (18) assigns ultrasound signals like A-lines to motion phases based on a provided phase signal, wherein an ultrasound images generation unit (19) generates several ultrasound images like gated M-mode images for the different motion phases based on the ultrasound signals assigned to the respective motion phase. The ultrasound images are temporally consecutively displayed on a display unit (21) for showing the periodic movement of the object (24). The resulting dynamic, movie-like image of the object allows a user like a physician to more reliably determine properties of the object like a thickness of a tissue wall, in particular, during an ablation procedure. The imaging system is therefore particularly useful for monitoring cardiac ablation procedures.

Abstract: A method tracks a tool with respect to a bone in computer-assisted surgery. A reference tracker with a MEMS unit is secured to the bone. The tracker outputs data relating to its orientation. A tool provided with a MEMS unit and secured to the bone is preset with an initial orientation. The tool outputs tracking data related to orientation of the tool once initialized. A trackable frame of reference relating the bone to the orientation of the tracker is created. The MEMS unit of the tool is initialized. A relation between the initial orientation of the tool and the orientation of the tracker at initialization of the MEMS unit of the tool is recorded. Orientational data of the tool relative to the frame of reference of the bone calculated using the relation is displayed. A computer-assisted surgery system for tracking a tool with respect to a bone after an initialization of a MEMS unit is also described.

Abstract: When planning magnetic resonance (MR) guided high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) therapy, HIFU transducer element parameters are optimized as a function of 3D MR data describing a size, shape, and position of a region of interest (ROI) (146) and any obstructions (144) between the HIFU transducer elements and the ROI (146). Transducer element phases and amplitudes are adjusted to maximize HIFU radiation delivery to the ROI (146) while minimizing delivery to the obstruction (144). Additionally or alternatively, transducer elements are selectively deactivated if the obstruction (144) is positioned between the ROI (146) and a given transducer element.

Abstract: A medical imaging probe (102) for contact with an imaging subject includes an indicium placement apparatus for, while the probe is in contact, selectively performing an instance of marking the subject so as to record a position of the probe. The device may further include a feedback module for determining whether an orientation, with respect to a the mark, that currently exists for a medical imaging probe of the device meets a criterion of proximity to a predetermined orientation. Responsive to the determination that the criterion is met, a quantitative evaluation may be made automatically and without need for user intervention, via live imaging via the probe, of a lesion that was, prior to the determination, specifically identified for the evaluation. Change, such as growth (116), in the lesion, like a brain lesion, may thereby be tracked over consistent sequential imaging acquisitions, such as through ultrasound.

Abstract: An ultrasound system including an ultrasound machine and an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound transducer, ultrasound circuitry, a six degree of freedom (6-DOF) sensor, and a probe housing. The probe housing encases the ultrasound transducer and the 6-DOF sensor. By embedding motion-sensing technology directly within the housing of the ultrasound transducer, the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe can be tracked in an automated manner in relation to an indicator mark on the ultrasound screen. This allows assisting technologies to mitigate human error that arises from misalignment of the transducer indicator.

Abstract: A cancer screening method includes changing a compression state of selected tissue; and obtaining a signal indicative of a response of an optical property of the selected tissue in response to the change in the compression state.

Abstract: A method of displaying an ultrasound image may improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis by enabling a user to recognize an accurate direction of a bloodstream. The method includes: obtaining first Doppler data that is generated by transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving an echo signal reflected from the object by using a probe; displaying a sound source marker at a first position on a screen; and generating and displaying a first color Doppler image from the first Doppler data in consideration of the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature distribution determining apparatus (21) for determining a temperature distribution within an object, to which energy is applied, by using an energy application element (2). A first temperature distribution is measured in a first region within a first temperature range and a model describing a model temperature distribution in the first region and in a second region depending on modifiable model parameters is provided. A second temperature distribution is estimated in the second region within a second temperature range, while the energy is applied to the object, by modifying the model parameters such that a deviation of the model temperature distribution from the first temperature distribution in the first region is minimized.

Abstract: Non-invasive systems and methods for determining fractional flow reserve. At least one method of determining fractional flow reserve within a luminal organ of the present disclosure comprising the steps of positioning a monitoring device external to a luminal organ and near a stenosis, the monitoring device capable of determining at least one characteristic of the stenosis, operating the monitoring device to determine the at least one characteristic of the stenosis, and determining fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis based upon the at least one characteristic determined by the monitoring device.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a fiducial marker. In one embodiment, a device includes, but is not limited to, one or more markers; and one or more connectors configured to link the one or more markers, wherein at least a portion of the device is detectable via medical imaging.

Abstract: A method for providing an image of a subject in a magnetic resonance imaging MRI system with parallel transmission (pTx) is provided. A localizer scan of the subject is provided. Body anatomy is determined from the localizer scan. The body anatomy is matched with at least one body model of a plurality of body models. B1+ and Bo maps are calculated from the body anatomy. The electric fields from the at least one body model and constraints are used to simultaneously determine a plurality of excitation pulses for a pTx. MRI is performed on the subject using the determined excitation pulses. Global SAR is monitored in real time to ensure all time-averaged constraints are satisfied simultaneously.

Abstract: A tissue manipulation system includes Programmable Markers configured to be implanted on opposite sides of one or more portions of tissue within a patient's body, Markers communicating with one another to enable a determination of their relative positions and External Device receiving and transmitting signals to Markers containing information as to Marker's positions. Device is configured to: capture an image of the tissue portions with Markers; manipulate the image of the tissue portions in a virtual environment or a simulated environment to a desired restored orientation; determine desired positions Markers will have when the tissue portions are in the desired restored orientation; program implanted Markers with the desired orientations.

Abstract: Multimodal optical and magnetic resonance imaging methods based on the use of persistent luminescence nanoparticles. Use of mesoporous persistent luminescence <<core-shell>> complexes for theranostic applications.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to apparatuses, arrangements, systems and methods for collecting information using one or more modalities. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes first and second scanning mirror arrangements having different scanning axes and respectively facing different directions. The first scanning mirror arrangement directs source light and image light in two paths, and the second scanning mirror arrangement directs image light from a target to the first scanning mirror arrangement. The first and second scanning mirror arrangements cooperatively scan source light from the first scanning mirror and via the second scanning mirror to target locations with at least two degrees of freedom, and direct image light from the target locations.

Abstract: Featured are methods, apparatus and devices for detecting a hematoma in tissue of a patient. In one aspect, such a method includes emitting near infrared light continuously into the tissue from a non-stationary near infrared light emitter and continuously monitoring the tissue using a non-stationary probe so as to continuously detect reflected light. The near infrared light is emitted at two distances from a brain of the patient, so the emitted light penetrates to two different depths. Such a method also includes applying a ratiometric analysis to the reflected light to distinguish a border between normal tissue and tissue exhibiting blood accumulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting or ablating corneal tissue of an eye provide for detection of electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye. A detector is provided and coupled to a computer controlling the cutting or ablating laser radiation so that a two- or three-dimensional image of radiation exiting the eye can be generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring perfusion using transmission laser speckle imaging are provided. The apparatus comprises a coherent light source and a detector configured to measure transmitted light associated with an unfocused image at one or more locations. The coherent light source and detector are positioned in a transmission geometry. The apparatus further comprises means for securing the coherent light source and the detector to the tissue sample in a fixed transmission geometry relative to the tissue sample. The apparatus may further comprise at least one processor to receive information from the detector and process detected variations in transmitted light intensity to determine a single metric of perfusion. The method may comprise the steps transilluminating a tissue sample with coherent light, recording spatial and/or temporal variations in the transmitted light signal, determining speckle contrast value(s), and computing a metric of perfusion.

Abstract: A method for treating the lower extremity varicose vein combined ultrasonic wave and microwave is provided. The method includes steps of firstly finding the diseased vein by the ultrasonic imaging equipment; and then directly effecting the microwave treatment catheter/needle on the diseased vein; by the concentric thermal coagulation release effect of the microwave to the tissue, instantly generating high temperature with the certain penetration range in a small range for tissue coagulation; and then gradually making the vascular fibrosis; finally making the completely atresia, thus achieving the therapeutic aim. The present invention uses the ultrasonic imaging microwave treatment technique to treat the lower extremity varicose vein disease.