Abstract: A method for detecting a vital sign of a subject (102) comprises: receiving (302) a reflected radio frequency signal from the subject (102), the reflected signal being based on a transmitted signal, which is Doppler-shifted due to mechanical movements corresponding to the heart rate and/or the respiratory rate; dividing (304) a baseband signal into a sequence of sliding windows (200), each sliding window (200) representing a time interval; estimating (306) a vital sign parameter in at least one sliding window (200); determining (308) whether a vital sign parameter may be reliably estimated in at least one sliding window (200); on condition that the vital sign parameter may not be reliably estimated in a sliding window (200), determining (310) a vital sign parameter of the sliding window (200) based on vital sign parameters estimated in a plurality of windows representing time intervals close to the time interval of the window (200).

Abstract: A method for fusion of live ultrasound imagery with computed tomography (CT) scan images or magnetic resonance images, the method comprising steps of acquiring a series of CT scan images or magnetic resonance images, acquiring a series of ultrasound images, applying a manual registration process on a computing device to register each of the CT scan images or magnetic resonance images with corresponding ultrasound images, and displaying on a display associated with the computing device the live ultrasound imagery and corresponding CT scan images or magnetic resonance images.

Abstract: A method of providing an ultrasound elastography image that includes inducing a shear wave by transmitting a first ultrasound signal pushing an object to the object, transmitting a second ultrasound signal tracing the shear wave to the object to receive a response signal to the second ultrasound signal from the object; acquiring an elastography image of the object, based on the response signal, and providing the elastography image of the object and transmission position information of the first ultrasound signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for combining assessment of different factors of dyssynchrony into a comprehensive, non-invasive toolbox for treating patients with a CRT therapy device. The toolbox provides high spatial resolution, enabling assessment of regional function, as well as enabling derivation of global metrics to improve patient response and selection for CRT therapy. The method allows for quantitative assessment and estimation of mechanical contraction patterns, tissue viability, and venous anatomy from CT scans combined with electrical activation patterns from Body Surface Potential Mapping (BSPM). This multi-modal method is therefore capable of integrating electrical, mechanical, and structural information about cardiac structure and function in order to guide lead placement of CRT therapy devices. The method generates regional electro-mechanical properties overlaid with cardiac venous distribution and scar tissue.

Abstract: A piezoelectric system for ultrasonic thermotherapy and electrotherapy comprises a first piezoelectric element, a proof mass, a second piezoelectric element and an output unit. The proof mass is disposed between the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is powered by a power source to generate oscillation, which is transferred by the proof mass to the second piezoelectric element so as to cause the second piezoelectric element to move and generate power. The output unit comprises a connecting surface and a tip surface. The output unit is electronically connected with the second piezoelectric element, wherein the connecting surface is connected with the first piezoelectric element and the tip surface is formed in a tapered shape. The oscillation from the first piezoelectric element and the power generated by the second piezoelectric element are output through the tip surface.

Abstract: An ultrasound system (100) for imaging a volumetric region comprising a region of interest (12) comprising: a probe having an array of CMUT transducers (14) adapted to transmit ultrasound beams and receive returning echo signals over the volumetric region; a beamformer (64) coupled to the array and adapted to control ultrasound beam transmission and provide ultrasound image data of the volumetric region; a transducer controller (62) coupled to the beamformer and adapted to vary driving pulse characteristics of the CMUT transducers, a region of interest identifier (72) enabling an identification of a region of interest on the basis of the ultrasound image data; a beam path analyzer (70) responsive to the ROI identification and arranged to detect an attenuating tissue type in between the probe and the ROI based on a depth variation in attenuation of the received signal; wherein the transducer controller is further adapted to change, based on the attenuating tissue type detection, at least one parameter of the d

Abstract: Three-dimensional electrical source imaging of electrical activity in a biological system (e.g., brain or heart) may involve sensor array recording, at multiple locations, of signals (e.g. electrical or magnetic signals) of electrical activity. An initial estimate of an underlying source is obtained. Edge sparsity is imposed on the estimated electrical activity to eliminate background activity and create clear edges between an active source and background activity. The initial estimate is iteratively reweighted and a series of subsequent optimization problems launched to converge to a more accurate estimation of the underlying source. Images depicting a spatial distribution of a source are generated based on the iteratively reweighted edge sparsity, and the time-course of activity for estimated sources generated. Iterative reweighting penalizes locations with smaller source amplitude based on solutions obtained in previous iterations, and continues until a desirable solution is obtained with clear edges.

Abstract: In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam to a subject to generate reception data using ultrasonic wave transmission/reception elements arranged in one direction; the delay correction unit corrects a delay time of the reception data to align a phase of the reception data; the reception aperture range determination unit determines a reception aperture range of reception data, which is used when producing an ultrasound image from reception data after correction of the delay time, based on a signal value of the reception data after correction of the delay time in an arrangement direction of the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception elements; and the image producer produces an ultrasound image by performing phase matching addition of the reception data after correction of the delay time corresponding the reception aperture range and performing data processing.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) coil unit, comprising: —an MR coil body which houses at least one MR coil, the MR coil body having a front surface for facing a patient, a reverse surface opposite to the front surface, and at least one opening through the MR coil body which connects the front and reverse surfaces; —at least one MR marker located at least partly in said at least one opening in the MR coil body; and—at least one optical marker located above the reverse surface of the MR coil body.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes an improved MR imaging system for breast tissue. The MR imaging system includes a pair of antenna coil arrays that are movable with respect to a base plate on which the coil arrays are mounted. A fixed coil array may also be mounted in a medial location on the base plate. The MR imaging system provides an abdominal support structure and a head support structure to position a patient in a prone position over the movable and fixed coil arrays. An additional support pad may be provided on the upper surface of the medial coil to support the patient's chest. Each of the movable antenna coil arrays may be moved laterally along the base plate to adjust the space between the two arrays. Once adjusted, each of the movable antenna coil arrays may be secured in the adjusted position to immobilize the breast tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: A method for forming a contrast pulse sequence ultrasound image using a pulse width modulation scheme and an ultrasound system using the same are disclosed. The ultrasound system generates at least three kinds of mutually different pulses having a same amplitude, and sequentially transmits at least three kinds of transmission signals corresponding to the at least three kinds of mutually different pulses to an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer transmits at least three kinds of ultrasound signals to a target object by sequentially generating the at least three kinds of ultrasound signals based on the at least three kinds of transmission signals. The ultrasound transducer generates at least three kinds of reception signals by sequentially receiving at least three kinds of echo signals reflected from the target object. The ultrasound system forms a contrast pulse sequence ultrasound image by eliminating a linear component from the at least three kinds of reception signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a particle therapy apparatus for irradiating a target with a charged particle beam. In one implementation, the apparatus includes an isocentric gantry rotatable about an axis and configured to direct a particle beam towards an isocenter of gantry and according to a final beam direction, a magnetic resonance imaging system configured to generate a main magnetic field parallel to the final beam direction, and a passive magnetic shield surrounding the magnetic resonance imaging system, the passive magnetic shield and the magnetic resonance imaging system being synchronously rotatable with the gantry about the axis.

Abstract: A mammography installation includes a first compression device; a second compression device including an integrated X-ray detector; an X-ray emitter; a support device, arranged at the first compression device or at the second compression device, and including an integrated ultrasound transducer, the support device and the integrated ultrasound transducer being designed to be deformable so as to be adaptable to the breast of a patient, the integrated ultrasound transducer being arranged on an elastic substrate; and a breast locating region, provided between the support device and the first compression device or the second compression device that is situated opposite the first compression device or the second compression device at which the support device is arranged. The breast of the patient is positionable in the breast locating region. Further, the integrated ultrasound transducer is oriented in a direction of the breast locating region.

Abstract: A universal ultrasound device having an ultrasound includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of ultrasonic transducers integrated on the semiconductor die, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to operate a first mode associated with a first frequency range and a second mode associated with a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is at least partially non-overlapping with the second frequency range; and control circuitry configured to: control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the first frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the first mode; and control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the second frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the second mode.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a biasing element having opposite first and second end portions, an earbud attached to the biasing element first end portion, and a sensing element attached to the biasing element second end portion. The earbud has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the ear when the earbud is inserted into the ear. The biasing element decouples motion of the earbud from the sensing element. The sensing element includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region.

Abstract: Discussed herein is a parametric model for DTI MD histogram fitting, named the Generalized Voss-Dyke function, which is highly successful in segregating NPH cases from potential confounders without reliance on operator dependent region-of-interest analyses or inter-subject registration. The Generalized Voss-Dyke function is useful for managing the imaging of any tissue interfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and method comprising an ultrasound transmitter, for placement at a first location on the body of a subject, to emit an ultrasound pulse; an ultrasound receiver, for placement at a second location on the body, to detect an emitted ultrasound pulse; and a controller in communication with the transmitter and receiver. The controller causes an ultrasound pulse to be emitted by the transmitter; receives a measurement signal from the receiver; determines, based on the received measurement signal, a time of arrival at the receiver, T1 s of a first part of the emitted ultrasound pulse; determines, based on the received measurement signal, a time of arrival at the receiver, T2, of a second part of the ultrasound pulse; and calculates, using T1 and T2, a flow velocity of blood in a blood vessel between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A system and method for determining tissue changes. Shear waves are transmitted across the tissue in response to an ultrasonic signal input exterior to the tissue surface. Adaptive beam forming signal processing is applied to signal returns and arrivals to remove distortions by targeting velocity contrasts. Shear-wave dispersion, such as due to viscosity and mass changes in the tissue, are then estimated and compared to reference data to determine tissue health.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a substrate including a first portion, a second portion, and a rolled section positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The sensor assembly further includes a first magnetic field sensor coupled to the first portion. The first magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a second magnetic field sensor coupled to the second portion. The rolled section is shaped such that the second magnetic field sensor is oriented with respect to the first magnetic field sensor so that the second magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.