Abstract: A hardness deriving device includes: an acquisition section configured to acquire plural ultrasound images obtained by ultrasound imaging a breast in a state in which the breast is pressed by a pressing member at a plurality of different pressures; and a deriving section configured to find an amount of change at corresponding points between the plural ultrasound images acquired by the acquisition section, and to derive information indicating a hardness of tissue of the breast based on the amount of change at the corresponding points.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; an imaging unit that transmits and receives an ultrasound beam to and from a subject using the ultrasound probe and converts a received signal output from the ultrasound probe into an image to generate an ultrasound image of the subject for each frame; a part determination unit that determines an imaging part of the subject using the ultrasound image generated by the imaging unit; a probe state determination unit that determines whether the ultrasound probe is in an aerial emission state or a contact state with the subject; and an apparatus control unit that controls the part determination unit such that part determination is not performed in a case in which the probe state determination unit determines that the ultrasound probe is in the aerial emission state and the part determination is performed in a case in which the probe state determination unit determines that the ultrasound probe has been changed from the aerial emission state to the c

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus includes a boundary detection unit, a measurement unit, and a display control unit. The boundary detection unit detects the boundary of a structure in a subject based on volume data generated from a reflected signal of ultrasound waves transmitted toward inside of the subject. The measurement unit measures the size of the structure based on the boundary detected by the boundary detection unit. The display control unit displays the cross section of the structure according to a definition that is set in the advance and related to the size of the structure measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitter, a receiver and a hardware processor. The transmitter outputs a drive signal for a C-mode image to an ultrasound probe. The receiver obtains a reception signal from the probe. The processor sets at least one mask in a frame of packet data of the reception signal; calculates a covariance matrix from a plurality of packet data included in the mask; calculates an eigenvector for the mask from the covariance matrix; calculates a first filter coefficient for the packet data by using the eigenvector and a gain matrix; performs interpolation on the first filter coefficient to calculate a second filter coefficient for packet data of each position in the frame; filters the packet data of the position by using the second filter coefficient; and generates C-mode image data from the filtered packet data.

Abstract: A near-field sensor method and device for obtaining cardiovascular information is disclosed. A transmission-line aperture arrangement configured to guide electromagnetic waves and emit near-field fringing energy, is placed near the skin. The transmission line is excited at a narrow-band Gigahertz frequency. The near-field fringing energy emitted by the sensor device penetrates at least partially into the skin and underlying blood vessels, and this energy is partially absorbed and partially phase shifted in a time varying manner according to the changes in physiology of the skin. The status of the sensor device is monitored over a plurality of time intervals, and changes in both the phase and the amplitude of the signals passing though the transmission line are used to determine the cardiovascular information such as heart rates. Various transmission-line configurations, and various reference transmission-line methods to reduce low-frequency noise, are also discussed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for visually representing the kinematics of a patient's joint in real-time. The method comprises the steps of receiving characteristics of a measured movement of the joint, computing at least one kinematic object vector using specific morphology of the Joint structures and the characteristics of the measured movement of the joint, displaying a 3D representation of the joint structures based on the specific morphology of the joint structures and on the characteristics of measured movement of the joint, linking the at least one kinematic object vector with the joint structures and dynamically displaying the at least one kinematic object vector superimposed on the 3D representation of the joint structures.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit acquires a breast image, and a first estimation unit calculates a first estimated value of a direct arrival dose in a direct X-ray region, which is included in the breast image and to which X-rays are directly emitted, based on the imaging conditions at the time of X-ray imaging. A second estimation unit calculates a second estimated value of the direct arrival dose based on the pixel value of the direct X-ray region included in the breast image. A determination unit determines a direct arrival dose, which is used for calculation of the mammary gland content rate, based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value. A calculation unit calculates a mammary gland content rate using the direct arrival dose determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect a shear wave propagating in an object. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate an index value that indicates viscosity within the object and that is not dependent on any physical model related to viscoelasticity, by analyzing the detected shear wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for tracking a movable target (3), in particular tissue (5), the apparatus (1) comprising at least one applicator (7) for marking the target (3) with at least one type of markers (11), and at least one tracking system (9) which is adapted for monitoring at least the at least one type of markers (11). In order to provide an apparatus and a method for tracking a movable target (3), in particular tissue (5) which improve the reliability of the target tracking and which reduce the risk of damaging a target, it is intended according to the invention that the at least one applicator (7) is adapted for generating a randomly distributed pattern (13) of markers (11) on the target (3).

Abstract: A system for automatic configuration detection includes a medical device (250) including a sensor (246). A pattern (236) is coded into a portion of the medical device. The pattern is configured to store pertinent information about the device. A reader device (234) is coupled to a connector and configured to read the pattern to convey the pertinent information to determine one of a status, identity or manner of use for the medical device including the sensor.

Abstract: Medical devices including optical connector cable assemblies are disclosed. An optical connector cable assembly may include an optical connector cable having a first optical fiber extending therefrom. The optical connector cable may include a distal connector configured to connect to a guidewire. The distal connector may include an inner housing and a guidewire locking mechanism. The distal connector may also include an actuator. Actuation of the actuator may move the inner housing from a first position to a second position. When the inner housing is in the first position the guidewire locking mechanism is configured to secure the guidewire and the guidewire is rotatable with respect to the optical connector cable. When the inner housing is in the second position the guidewire locking mechanism is in an open state for receiving or removing the guidewire.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for treating an occlusion within a patient's vasculature with ultrasonic energy comprises a catheter configured to be passed through the patient's vasculature such that a portion of the catheter is positioned at an intravascular treatment site. The system further comprises an ultrasound radiating member, an ultrasound signal generator configured to supply a drive signal to the ultrasound radiating member, an infusion pump configured to pump a therapeutic compound into the fluid delivery lumen so as to cause the therapeutic compound to be delivered to the treatment site and a controller configured to control the ultrasound signal generator and the infusion pump.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a repeat interventional procedure includes a registration device (116) and an image generation device (120) which map current targets in a reference image (104) for a first interventional procedure to at least one guidance image (112) acquired from a different imaging modality. Biopsy locations are recorded to the guidance images during the first interventional procedure and the biopsy locations are mapped to the reference image to provide a planning image for use in a subsequent interventional procedure on the patient. In a subsequent interventional procedure, the prior planning image (124) may be registered to a current reference image (126) and the prior biopsy locations and prior and current targets are mapped to a guidance image acquired from a different imaging modality. Biopsy locations are then mapped to the guidance image (115) and mapped back to the current reference image.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing a multispectral image of an object is described. The apparatus includes one or more means for transmitting a beam of laser light at a first wavelength and a beam of laser light at one or more additional wavelengths different from the first wavelength. There is a means for causing the beams of laser light to travel in a coaxial path and a moving mirror. The beams of light bounce off the mirror thereby producing a two dimensional projection pattern. This pattern travels from the mirror along a first path to an object and wherein some of the laser light penetrates the object and travels to an internal structure of the object. The reflection of the laser light returns to a photo detector along a path different from said first path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for registering images. The systems and methods perform operations comprising: receiving, at a first time point during a given radiation session, a first imaging slice comprising an object, the first imaging slice corresponding to a first plane; accessing, at the first time point during the given radiation session, a composite imaging slice corresponding to the first plane, the composite imaging slice being generated using a plurality of imaging slices obtained prior to the first time point; spatially registering the first imaging slice and the composite imaging slice; determining movement of the object using the spatially registered first imaging slice and the composite imaging slice; and generating an updated therapy protocol to control delivery of a therapy beam based on the determined movement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a catheter. The catheter can include an elongate shaft that extends along a longitudinal axis. The elongate shaft can include a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end. A magnetically permeable shaft strip can be disposed along a particular shaft length of the elongate shaft. The magnetically permeable shaft strip can longitudinally extend along the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a surgical device including a tracking system disposed along a length of an elongate flexible body of the surgical device.

Abstract: A pericardial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be delivered to the heart through the chest wall using an ultrasound image guided catheter. The ICD may comprise a patch and wire leads which may be secured by a clam shell-like pad at a distal end and comprise a pig-tail shaped securing tail at the other end so that the ICD is firmly attached to the pericardium of a human heart. The ICD may be attached where most needed and serve as either a pacemaker or a defibrillator. In one embodiment, the ICD may emit radio frequency warning signals of heart failure sensed when pacemaker or defibrillator usage is rendered necessary.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hyperspectral/multispectral system referred to as the OxyVu-1 system. The hyperspectral imaging technology performs spectral analysis at each point in a two-dimensional scanned area producing an image displaying information derived from the analysis. For the OxyVu-1 system, the spectral analytical methods determined in superficial tissues approximate values of oxygen saturation (HT-Sat), oxyhemoglobin levels (HT-Oxy), and deoxyhemoglobin levels (HT-Deoxy). The OxyVu-1 system displays the tissue oxygenation in a two-dimensional, color-coded image. The system contains a system console, a cart, system electronics, CPU, monitor, keyboard, pointing device and printer. The hyperspectral instrument head with support arm contains broadband illuminator, camera and spectral filter for collecting hyperspectral imaging cube. The single use OxyVu Check Pads and Targets are used to perform an instrument check prior to patient measurements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an individual-level transcranial brain atlas generation method, where invisible intracerebral atlas information may be projected onto a visible scalp surface, so that an operational space and an effective space that are originally separated are fused together. For the problem of applying a transcranial brain atlas to guidance of individual placement of a transcranial device, the present invention further provides an individual-characteristic-based transcranial brain atlas generation method and navigation system. An experimental result indicates that, the present invention can be used to effectively improve coverage accuracy of a near-infrared measurement optrode in a brain region of interest, and consistency between measurement locations on upper cortexes of different persons, thereby improving sensibility of detecting a task-induced brain activity by using a near-infrared technology.