Abstract: A method for operating a medical imaging system is provided. The method includes receiving an image data set of a region of interest in a first dimensional representation, reducing the dimensionality of the image data set to a second dimensional representation, selecting a feature of interest in the second dimensional representation, and generating an image of the selected feature in the first dimensional representation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in this publication for modeling different internal structures of a head, such as different parts of the brain, the method comprising the step of determining the location of the internal structures, such as the different cerebral parts, of at least one first head in a three-dimensional space by techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or computer-aided tomography. According to the invention, the external dimensions of at least one second head are determined, and the location data of the internal structures of the first head are scaled in a three-dimensional space to correlate with the external dimensions of the second head, whereby the location data of the internal structures of the second head also become modeled without the need for anatomical images of the second head.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention. The method may include inputting patient data and creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data. The model may include features. The model may simulate at least one proposed cardiac intervention by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. A template and/or patient specific instrument may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: A displacement of a lesion within a patient is determined for the purpose of administering radiation treatment by generating sets of surface elements from three-dimensional images of the lesion taken at different times. Weights are assigned to the surface elements, and based on weights and the proximity of corresponding elements in one set to elements in another set, a displacement is determined.

Abstract: The primary objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a portable and new diagnosis system for quickly and reliably examining tissue conditions. The method uses the most advance miniaturized micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) system for generating a rapid variable optical delay line capable of generating wideband terahertz pulses. The method detects and analyzes cancerous tissues by comparing a plurality of spectrum resolved images of suspected tissue without applying harmful agents into the tissue to facilitate interaction with illumination sources. The method employs non-evasive, real time terahertz imaging systems and techniques to diagnose tissue for detecting the presence of cancer. A map showing, which tissue is healthy and which is cancerous can aid in the accurate removal of cancerous tissue.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance methods include modeling magnetic resonance signals obtained from specimens at low and high q-values to obtain parameters associated with specimen structure and orientation. In evaluation of brain white matter specimens, diffusion within axons can be modeled based on hindered diffusion parallel to an axis of the axon and restricted diffusion perpendicular to the axis. Diffusion exterior to axons can be modeled as hindered diffusion with differing diffusivities parallel to and perpendicular to the axis. Based on extracted parameters and associated model functions, specimen properties such as intra and extra-axonal principal diffusivities and the corresponding principal directions can be estimated.

Abstract: A method of computer aided treatment planning is performed by generating and manipulating a three dimensional (3D) image of a region which includes at least one anatomical structure for which treatment, such as surgery, biopsy, tissue component analysis, prosthesis implantation, radiation, chemotherapy and the like, is contemplated. A virtual intervention, which simulates at least a portion of the contemplated treatment, is performed in the 3D image. The user can then determine the effect of the intervention and interactively modify the intervention for improved treatment results. Preferably, a warning is automatically provided if the intervention poses a risk of detrimental effect. The user can navigate through the contemplated region in the 3D image and assess the results. The treatment plans can be saved for comparison and post treatment evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system for determining the coefficient of elasticity of a target by detecting determining simultaneously two or more critical-angle reflections of an ultrasound wave from the target using an ultrasound transducer that includes a transmitter and two or more receivers and calculating the elasticity coefficients of the target.

Abstract: Rendering quality parameter values are automatically set or adjusted as a function of acquisition ultrasound parameter values. The rendering quality is automatically selected based on the acquisition quality, such as providing for a higher quality or quality rendering for slower acquisitions. More than two rendering states are provided for a respective, more than two different quality settings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.

Abstract: A system is provided for compressing one or both of the uterine arteries of a patient which is at least in part shaped to complement the shape of the exterior of the cervix, which allows the system to be self-positioning. One or more Doppler chips can be mounted or incorporated into the system which permit the practitioner to better identify the uterine artery and monitor blood flow therein. A tenaculum-like element can be further included which secures the system to the patient's cervix.

Abstract: A combined PET/MRI tomography unit has a PET unit with a unit part assigned to the examination space, and a first evaluation unit for evaluating the PET electric signals. The unit part has a gamma ray detector. The combined unit has an MRI unit and a second evaluation unit for evaluating MRI signals. The MRI unit has a high frequency antenna as well as a gradient coil system, the high frequency antenna device being arranged nearer to the examination space than the gradient coil system, as well as a high frequency shield arranged between the gradient coil system and the high frequency antenna device. The PET unit part is arranged between the high frequency shield and the high frequency antenna device. A shielding cover for the high frequency antenna device faces the high frequency antenna device. The shielding cover is opaque to high frequency radiation.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for image support of an operative procedure implemented with a medical instrument, a two-dimensional x-ray image of a volume region to be treated is generated and stored with a C-arm x-ray apparatus in at least one pivot position of the C-arm. With a position detection device, the position of an apparatus reference system and the position of a reference system in the image generation are at least indirectly detected. Between the reference system and an image coordinate system of the x-ray image, a transformation rule is determined using known, apparatus-specific mapping rules that are measured and stored in a preceding calibration. During the subsequent procedure, with the position detection device the position of an instrument reference system is detected in the reference system and the instrument is mixed into the stored two-dimensional x-ray image with accurate position by means of this transformation rule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of a subject during tonometric conditions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more pressure and ultrasound transducers placed over the radial artery of a human subject's wrist, the latter transmitting and receiving acoustic energy so as to permit the measurement of blood velocity during periods of variable compression of the artery. In another aspect of the invention, a wrist brace useful for measuring blood pressure using the aforementioned apparatus is disclosed. In yet another aspect of the invention, backscattered acoustic energy is used to identify the location of the blood vessel of interest, and optionally control the position of measurement or treatment equipment with respect thereto.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic equipment capable of reducing cost by reducing the number of transmission drive circuits for generating transmission pulse is disclosed. High voltage switches for determining an aperture by selecting eight pieces from among transducer elements to which transmission pulses are applied, and low voltage switches for selecting 16 pieces from among the transducer elements to receive ultrasonic echo are provided individually. Regarding the high voltage switches for transmission, four inputs are integrated into one, and a distribution circuit of 1:4 is constructed. Regarding the low voltage switches for reception, two outputs are integrated into one, and a multiplexer of 2:1 is constructed. Linear scanning is performed by only eight pulsers (transmission drive circuits). The high voltage switches for transmitting ultrasonic waves and the low voltage switches for receiving ultrasonic waves are separated from each other.

Abstract: The acquisition of multiple images at slightly different time shifts from the spin echo (or from TE=0 for gradient echo sequences), allows the separation of on-resonance spins from off-resonance spins by encoding this information in the received signal. The excitation pulse can be a standard broadband excitation that will excite all spins. The separation of on- and off-resonance spins is then performed on the received signal. The polar and equatorial lobes of a magnetic particle such as SPIO produce signals from excited water molecules near the particle which are frequency offset above and below the frequency of signals from water molecules unaffected by the particle.

Abstract: A system and method for providing decision support to a physician during a medical examination is disclosed. Data is received from a sensor representing a particular medical measurement. The received data includes image data. The received data and context data is analyzed with respect to one or more sets of training models. Probability values for the particular medical measurement and other measurements to be taken are derived based on the analysis and based on identified classes. The received image data is compared with training images. Distance values are determined between the received image data and the training images, and the training images are associated with the identified classes. Absolute value feature sensitivity scores are derived for the particular medical measurement and other measurements to be taken based on the analysis. The probability values, distance values and absolute value feature sensitivity scores are outputted to the user.

Abstract: For efficient detection or observation of a skin disease, especially skin cancer, methods for examining the skin of a subject and an associated device are specified. Accordingly a camera element is provided, by means of which an image of an area of skin is recorded. The image is fed to an image evaluation unit which uses electronic pattern recognition based on at least one prespecified selection rule to analyze the image for the occurrence of suspect skin marks with, on detection of a suspect skin mark, its location being determined and displayed.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided wherein measurement data (k space data) is extracted easily (and instantaneously) after imaging a plurality of times phases, and an image can be displayed in dynamic MRA measurement employing a contrast medium. Dynamic measurement is carried out, including extracting the time phase evaluation values (e.g. the origin data in k space) in respective time phases and then automatically extracting a data set including a time phase where the time phase evaluation value reaches a specified threshold value.

Abstract: In an optical coherence tomography system for the examination of human or animal tissue or organs, a catheter is insertable into the tissue or organ to introduce light into the tissue or organ and the reflection is transmitted to an evaluation unit, where the reflection and a reference light are evaluated interferometrically to determine a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the tissue or organ. At least one position sensor is at the tip of the catheter, and a position-determining system derives position data describing the current position of the position sensor in the coordinate system of the position-determining system. The position-determining system also captures position data regarding the spatial position of the cross-sectional views in the same coordinate system and the evaluation system derives a three-dimensional view from several of the cross-sectional views and the corresponding position data.