Abstract: A method of deriving one or more individual thoracic parameters of a subject. The method comprises instructing a subject to perform a thoracic volume manipulation, receiving a plurality of measurements of a plurality of EM signals from a thoracic intrabody area of lungs of the subject during the thoracic volume manipulation, deriving a plurality of thoracic volume values at a plurality of different intervals during the thoracic volume manipulation so that each the thoracic volume value correspond with another of a plurality of estimated thoracic volumes achieved during the thoracic volume manipulation, and calculating at least one individual thoracic parameter of the subject by combining between the plurality of measurements and the plurality of thoracic volume values.

Abstract: A method for visualization and/or administration of medication of and into the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a sphenocath and inserting a guidewire into the nostril of a patient to a target area proximate the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of the patient. The sphenocath is advanced over the guidewire and a catheter hub of the sphenocath is rotated relative to a sheath hub to conform to an anatomy of the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess, such that the distal end of the catheter tube is proximal to the target area. The sphenocath is then advanced relative to a sheath assembly so that the distal end of a sphenocath catheter tube extends from a sphenocath sheath tube distal end and bends along the guidewire. The guidewire is removed and contrast media, fluids, and/or medication is administered to the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine ganglion disposed within the sphenopalatine recess of the patient.

Abstract: A detector of an embodiment includes a plurality of photomultipliers, a signal line, and identifying circuitry. The photomultipliers each convert light converted from radiation into an electric signal and output the electric signal. The signal line has a first path and a second path through which the electric signal passes and that have different lengths for each of the photomultipliers. The identifying circuitry identifies the photomultiplier that outputs the electric signal by a time difference between the electric signal passing through the first path and the electric signal passing through the second path.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for selecting a region of interest for extracting physiological parameters from a video of a subject. In one embodiment the present method involves performing the following. First, time-series signals are received which have been generated by having processing image frames of a video of a subject captured using a single band video camera with a bandpass filter with a pass band in a wavelength range of 495-565 nm and/or 800-1000 nm. The regions of interest are areas where a plethysmographic signal can be detected by the camera. Each time-series signal is associated with a different region of interest. A signal strength is then calculated for each of the time-series signals. The region associated with the time-series signal having a highest signal strength is selected. The time-series signal associated with the selected region can be processed to extract a videoplethysmographic (VPG) signal containing physiological parameters.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods directed toward simulating heart sounds. The system can include an optical sensor configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of plethysmograph waveforms at a first frequency. The heart sound simulator can also include a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can be configured to generate a heart sound signal based on at least one of the plurality of plethysmograph waveforms.

Abstract: A device for endoluminal therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. In one example, conductors attach to the transducer and extend through a hollow drive shaft. In another example, a bias member conducts electric signals and stores energy. The device includes an operational state in which the motor rotates the drive shaft alternatingly between a first direction and an opposite second direction.

Abstract: A matrix array transducer probe has a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to adjustable delays for each element. A controllable switch matrix combines a plurality of differently delayed element signals to form a patch signal and produces a plurality of patch signals in this manner. The switch matrix determines the patch configuration in consideration of the number of channels of a system beamformer which completes the beamformation, and the element delays are set in consideration of the configuration of the elements to be used in each patch. Patch signal formation may be done in two stages, including a stage which includes a hard-wired signal combiner. The matrix array probe can be operated with differently sized system beamformers or the same transducer stack used in different probes configured for specific beamformer configurations.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic method and apparatus determines a transmission condition for generating shear waves at two or more positions of an object, for each of a plurality of elements of a transducer, and generates an ultrasound signal transmitted to the object through a full aperture of the transducer, according to the transmission condition.

Abstract: Diffuse fluorescence flow cytometers and methods of using them include a plurality of excitation sources and a plurality of detectors, all circumferentially arranged about a space for accommodating a limb of a subject. Tomographic reconstructions of cells within the limb are made by varying the intensity and direction of excitation and then analyzing the results.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes transmission circuitry, reception circuitry, and signal processing circuitry. The transmission circuitry causes an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of elements to transmit plane waves at a plurality of different deflection angles. The reception circuitry generates reception signal groups based on reflection waves that the individual elements included in the probe receive in response to the transmission of the plane waves.

Abstract: The inventive imaging method consists in generating a mechanical wave having shearing and compressional components in a viscoelastic medium and in determining the movement parameter of said viscoelastic medium at different points during the propagation of said mechanical wave. Said method comprises a correction stage when the movement parameter is processed for eliminating errors caused by the compressional component of the mechanical wave.

Abstract: A sensing assemblage for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing assemblage comprises a transducer and a waveguide. The transducer is coupled to the waveguide at a first location. A reflective surface can be coupled to the waveguide at a second location. The reflective surface is configured to reflect energy waves away from the reflective surface. An interface material that is transmissive to acoustic energy waves can be placed between the transducer and a waveguide to improve transfer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ultrasound data processing are provided. One method includes acquiring channel ultrasound data from a plurality of channel connected to a plurality of elements of an ultrasound probe and storing the channel ultrasound data from the plurality of channels. The method further includes generating ultrasound images based on processing of the acquired channel ultrasound data and displaying the ultrasound images. The method also includes performing additional processing on the stored channel ultrasound data while the ultrasound images are displayed and displaying updated ultrasound images generated by the additional processing.

Abstract: Values for ultrasound acquisition parameters are altered in a manifold space. The number of parameters to be set is reduced using a manifold. Virtual parameters different than the acquisition parameters are used to alter the greater number of acquisition parameters. In a further use, optimum image settings may be obtained in an automated system by measuring image quality for feeding back to virtual parameter adjustment.

Abstract: A method for measuring at least one property of biological tissue, including: positioning an ultrasonic transducer opposite the biological tissue to be measured; generating an ultrasonic signal within the biological tissue; acquiring at least one ultrasonic signal reflected by the biological tissue; determining at least one parameter of the biological tissue using the acquisition of the ultrasonic signal reflected by the biological tissue, the at least one parameter being representative of the biological tissue; comparing the at least one parameter of the biological tissue with at least one reference parameter of a target biological tissue so as to confirm the hypothesis of the presence of the target biological tissue opposite the ultrasonic transducer; and determining at least one property of the biological tissue on the basis of the result of the comparison. The method can be directly used in the field of humans or animals.

Abstract: A catheter tip-end rotation angle calculation apparatus includes a movement restriction unit, of a tube shape, that is configured to be penetrated from a first hole to a second hole of a catheter on tip end and opposite sides, and restricts movement of the catheter to an insertion direction by causing the catheter to pass through from the first hole to the second hole, first and second rotation angle measurement units that measure first and second rotation angles of the catheter at the first and second holes, a catheter insertion length measurement unit that measures a catheter insertion length, and a catheter tip-end rotation angle calculation unit that calculates a rotation angle of the catheter tip end by using an angle difference between the first and second rotation angles, the catheter insertion length, and a distance between the first and second holes.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: Shape-controllable catheters are provided that are versatile in application and that, in human-imaging applications, minimize or reduce patient discomfort. One such catheter is provided with at least one control wire that extends inside the catheter and a control mechanism for tensioning the control wire to produce in the catheter a humped shape or a cantilevered configuration. Hardness of the catheter may be varied along the length thereof to facilitate desired bending. For example, hardness may be reduced in bend areas. Hardness may be maintained or increased in other areas for performance reasons, for example to maintain planarity of an imaging array.

Abstract: A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an a medical imaging apparatus capable of easily detecting the location of specific tissue, for example, a lymph node, and a method of providing medical images. The medical image providing method includes: arranging and displaying n thumbnail images for n first photoacoustic images acquired by initially scanning an object, wherein n is a natural number; and enhancing a thumbnail image that is identical to a second photoacoustic image acquired by secondarily scanning the object, among the n thumbnail images.