Abstract: A system includes a transducer array configured to produce a signal indicative of a received echo wave, receive circuitry configured to amplify and digitize the signal, sub-systems configured to process the digitized signal to generate an image including electronic noise from the system, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to retrieve a pre-determined noise level of an analog front end of the receive circuitry, configure the sub-systems, wherein each of sub-systems includes multiple processing blocks, and the configuring determines which of the processing blocks are employed and which of the processing blocks are bypassed for a scan, and determine a noise level for each of the employed sub-systems based on a corresponding noise model. The sub-systems include a processor configured to adaptively vary at least one of a gain and a dynamic range of the image as a function of depth based on the noise levels.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe according to an embodiment includes: transducer elements, phase reversal processing circuitry, and delay processing circuitry. The transducer elements, each of which is configured to generate a first echo signal by receiving a reflected wave of a first ultrasound wave and to generate a second echo signal by receiving a reflected wave of a second ultrasound wave corresponding to an ultrasound wave obtained by reversing the phase of the first ultrasound wave. The phase reversal processing circuitry is configured to reverse the phase of the second echo signal. The delay processing circuitry is configured to delay the first echo signal and the phase-reversed second echo signal.

Abstract: A local knee coil is provided for a patient table of a magnetic resonance imaging device. The local knee coil includes a connecting device, a feet support element, and a coil unit. The coil unit includes coil elements. The connecting device is configured for connecting to a socket in the patient table. The connecting device includes at least one interface unit for multiple channels corresponding to the coil elements. The connecting device includes at least one guiding element to fit the connecting device into the socket that is displaced from the knee position on the patient table and functions as a receptacle for the connecting device to form a positive connection and interconnect the interface units during the fit. The feet support element is configured for the feet of a patient whose knee extends through the coil unit in the knee position, that is positioned on the top of the connecting device.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for navigation path tracing. In one aspect, a system displays a preoperative model of a luminal network is displayed. The system determines a position of an instrument within the luminal network relative to the preoperative model. Based on the position of the instrument relative to the preoperative model, the system determines whether to enter a path tracing mode. In path tracing mode the system displays visual indicia indicative of a path of the instrument with respect to the displayed preoperative model. The visual indicia may be used to visual the navigation path of the instrument and/or to extend the preoperative model.

Abstract: A Histotripsy therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the system includes a high voltage power supply, a pulse generator electrically coupled to at least one signal switching amplifier, at least one matching network electrically coupled to the signal switching amplifier(s), and an ultrasound transducer having at least one transducer element. The Histotripsy therapy system can further include an ultrasound Doppler imaging system. The Doppler imaging system and the Histotripsy therapy system can be synchronized to enable color Doppler acquisition of the fractionation of tissue during Histotripsy therapy. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Intravascular imaging catheters are provided that include a distal sheath portion having a lumen that is configured to optionally receive a guidewire or an imaging assembly. The distal sheath portion may be configured to have dimensions such that when a guidewire is inserted through the lumen and extends through a distal exit port, the distal sheath portion may be employed as a microcatheter. External tissue may be imaged at a location at or near the distal end of the catheter, enabling, for example, the controlled imaging of a total occlusion, and the positioning of the distal end (and guidewire) within a true lumen associated with a total occlusion. A structural stop may be provided at or near the distal end of the distal sheath portion to prohibit extension of the imaging assembly out of the distal exit port, while permitting the extension of the guidewire through the distal exit port.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for navigation path tracing. In one aspect, a system displays a preoperative model of a luminal network is displayed. The system determines a position of an instrument within the luminal network relative to the preoperative model. Based on the position of the instrument relative to the preoperative model, the system determines whether to enter a path tracing mode. In path tracing mode the system displays visual indicia indicative of a path of the instrument with respect to the displayed preoperative model. The visual indicia may be used to visual the navigation path of the instrument and/or to extend the preoperative model.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound data visualization apparatus for visualizing ultrasound data showing an object during an interventional procedure. A reference image (65) and a current image (68) of the object are simultaneously displayed, wherein the current image corresponds to a current time interval and the reference image corresponds to a reference time interval and wherein the current time interval and the reference time interval correspond to different phases of the interventional procedure. The current image can be shown therefore with, for instance, a relatively high temporal resolution for allowing a user to observe detailed object changes, which may be caused by the interventional procedure, while an overview over different phases of the interventional procedure can still be provided, because also the reference image is displayed and can be used by a user for comparing the current image with the reference image.

Abstract: A multispectral synchronized imaging system is provided. A multispectral light source of the system includes: blue, green and red LEDs, and one or more non-visible light sources, each being independently addressable and configured to emit, in a sequence: at least visible white light, and non-visible light in one or more given non-visible frequency ranges. The system further includes a camera and an optical filter arranged to filter light received at the camera, by: transmitting visible light from the LEDs; filter out non-visible light from the non-visible light sources; and otherwise transmit excited light emitted by a tissue sample excited by non-visible light. Images acquired by the camera are output to a display device. A control unit synchronizes acquisition of respective images at the camera for each of blue light, green light, visible white light, and excited light received at the camera, as reflected by the tissue sample.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (16) is disclosed for providing two-dimensional ultrasound images of a patient. The ultrasound imaging apparatus comprises an input interface (18) for receiving three-dimensional ultrasound data of a volume of the patient from an ultrasound acquisition unit as a continuous data stream and a motion detection unit (22) for determining a motion of an object in the three-dimensional ultrasound data and a direction of the motion in the three-dimensional ultrasound data. An image processing unit (20) determines a spatial rotation angle (46) of an image plane (32, 34) within the volume on the basis of the determined direction of the motion and determines two-dimensional ultrasound image data on the basis of the three-dimensional ultrasound data in the image plane within the volume. The two-dimensional image data is provided via an output interface to a display unit (26).

Abstract: A protective sleeve reduces electromagnetic energy propagation from the magnet bore of a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRD) to the surrounding environment and prevents electromagnetic energy in the surrounding environment from contaminating an MRI reading. The protective sleeve comprises a distal portion configured for insertion within the bore and a proximal portion attachable to the MRD aperture. The sleeve is configured for inserting a body part for insertion within the MRD's open magnet, with the imaged portion of the body part protruding from the distal end of sleeve into the MRD's volume of interest. The sleeve comprises, or is connected to, one or more sensors configured to detect movement, acceleration or dislocation of at least one portion or segment of the body part to be scanned.

Abstract: A permanent or temporary marker is embedded within a hydrogel plug used in a biopsy procedure to indicate the location of a suspicious lesion so that the marker may be found in a subsequent surgical procedure. A combination of at least one permanent and at least one temporary marker may be used. Inserts of differing sizes and shapes may also be placed into the hydrogel plugs during their manufacturing process and removed from the plugs after the plugs have cured so that air-filled cavities are left in the plug. These cavities are temporary but may be used to augment location of a permanent marker.

Abstract: A guidewire providing imaging and light for photoactivation of therapeutic agents. Using optical fibers with Bragg gratings, electromagnetic waves are coupled to photoacoustic materials thereby providing acoustic energy for imaging tissues. The reflected acoustic waves can be sensed with photoreflective materials coupled to different optical fibers. Additional optical fibers allow photoactivated therapeutics to be activated in proximity to the imaged tissues. The photoactivated therapeutics may be administered intravenously or with a drug-delivery catheter.

Abstract: Catheter apparatus comprises a coaxial cable having proximal and distal ends. The cable includes a hollow center conductor, an outer conductor and an electrically insulating layer between the conductors. An antenna is at the distal end of the cable, and a diplexer is connected to the cable, the diplexer including a transmit path for connecting the antenna to a transmitter which transmits first frequency signals and a receive path for connecting the antenna to a receiver which detects second frequency signals the diplexer isolating the signals on the two paths from one another. A transmission line connects the cable to the diplexer, the transmission line having a segment with a tubular inner conductor one end of which is connected to the center conductor and a second end of which is adapted for connection to a coolant source, the center and inner conductors forming a continuous coolant pathway.

Abstract: There is disclosed a patient table for NMR mammography comprising a test subject for and two openings with are intended for inserting a breast in each case, coils being present in the immediate vicinity thereof, characterised in that in the region of an opening, below the table, a band (3) is attached, which is guided medially inwardly from the outside of the table or of the test subject, here surrounds the breast cranially or caudally, and then runs from the medial side, bearing against the breast for caudal or cranial contact with the breast, the ends of the band (13) being guided laterally outwardly, where they run adjacent to one another.

Abstract: An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a medical device including a movable instrument (MI) which is activated only when its movement is within an optimal range of acceleration. More particularly the invention relates to a fetal heart rate monitor (FHRM) having a movable Doppler transducer which transceives ultrasound energy only when found within a certain optimal range of acceleration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a holder implemented to hold a probe; an object sensor for detecting physical changes around the holder; an electromagnetic wave sensor for detecting electromagnetic waves around the holder; and a controller for determining a port name for a probe held in the holder, based on sensing values from the object sensor and electromagnetic wave sensor.

Abstract: A medical system includes a shaft, multiple ultrasound transducers and a processor. The shaft is configured for insertion into an intra-body cavity of a patient. The multiple ultrasound transducers, which are distributed over splines that form a basket catheter at a distal end of the shaft, are configured to transmit ultrasonic signals in the intra-body cavity and to receive echo signals in response to the ultrasonic signals. The processor is configured to calculate a surface of the intra-body cavity by processing the echo signals using an ellipsoidal back-projection method, which reconstructs ultrasound-wave reflecting surfaces by performing at least one of applying back-projection summation over sub-sets of scattered echo signals distributed over respective sub-sets of constructed ellipsoids and applying a non-linear minimum operator over each of the sub-sets of distributed echo signals to generate a respective minimum value for each sub-set.