Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to improve picture quality of images by automatically adjusting image parameters, and a control method thereof are provided. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an image signal processor to perform envelope detection processing on ultrasound image data, and an image parameter processor to calculate a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) parameter from the envelope detection processed ultrasound image data, adjust the envelope detection processed ultrasound image data based on the TGC parameter, and calculate a Dynamic Range (DR) parameter from the envelope detection processed ultrasound image data adjusted based on the TGC parameter to apply the DR parameter to the envelope detection processed ultrasound image data.

Abstract: A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes measuring a first temperature of the patient with a temperature device without contacting the patient with the device, and measuring a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with the device. The method also includes determining a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises a transducer array for transmitting ultrasonic beams to a subject, a multiplexer for sequentially selecting one channel of reception signal in every N number of channels of reception signals out of a plurality of channels of reception signals outputted from the transducer array which has received receiving ultrasonic echoes from the subject, a plurality of reception signal processors for sequentially processing an N number of channels of reception signals selected by the multiplexer to produce reception data, a beam former for performing beam forming on reception data sequentially produced by the plurality of reception signal processors and having time difference to produce sound ray signals, and an image producing unit for producing an ultrasound image based on the sound ray signals produced by the beam former.

Abstract: Systems and methods for opening a tissue to a target value are disclosed herein. In an exemplary method, a region of the tissue is targeted for opening, a size range of microbubbles corresponding to the target value is determined, microbubbles of the size range are positioned in proximity to the targeted region, and an ultrasound beam is applied to the targeted region such that the tissue is opened with the assistance of the microbubbles to the target value.

Abstract: A method for tracking a position of a sensor includes generating a periodic magnetic field in a vicinity of the sensor, the field having a positive polarity phase and a negative polarity phase with respective constant positive and negative amplitudes. First and second field measurement signals are produced responsively to the magnetic field at the sensor during the positive and negative polarity phases, respectively. The position of the sensor is determined responsively to the first and second field measurement signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, software, and systems for assessing a burn injury.

Abstract: A handpiece defines a bore in which a proximal end of a catheter or other interventional instrument is received. An insulating support supports an interventional instrument which carries a transmission line winding in, but spaced from, the internal bore. A handpiece winding disposed along the bore interacts with the instrument transmission line winding to form an inductive coupling with the instrument transmission line winding. After the handpiece is slid axially to adjust the inductive coupling between the handpiece and windings, a locking mechanism functions in such a manner that the interventional instrument is inhibited from axial sliding motion relative to the handpiece while permitting rotation of the interventional instrument relative to the handpiece thus maintaining the inductive coupling while allowing optimal handling of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ultrasound system for detecting a posture of a user and providing an optimal ultrasound image for the posture of the user are disclosed. The ultrasound system includes a display unit including a sensing unit installed in one side of a monitor. The sensing unit detects a position of a user, a distance between the user and the monitor, a height of the user with respect to the monitor and a viewing angle of the user toward the monitor to thereby form and output sensing signals corresponding thereto. The ultrasound system further includes a processing unit coupled to the sensing unit. The processing unit forms the ultrasound image by using ultrasound data and performs optimal image processing for the posture of the user upon the ultrasound image based on the sensing signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device which analyzes cervical tissue using two simultaneous measurements, namely an electrical measurement and an optical measurement. The aforementioned device examines different areas of cervical tissue, taking electrical measurements from same in different frequency ranges and optical measurements in three different wavelengths. Once the measurements have been obtained, they are processed by a configurable device or microcontroller in accordance with mathematical formulae obtained from multiple measurements taken from healthy and cancerous tissues. Three possible responses can be obtained from the processing of the measurements: healthy tissue, cancerous tissue or the presence of human papilloma virus. The inventive device can be used as a self-detection device since it is equipped with an attachment for positioning same upon detection of proximity to the cervix in order to take a correct measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation of an injection fluid infused into a tissue during an imaging procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first source of energy to supply an X-ray or gamma ray imaging energy to tissue in the vicinity of a site and at least a first sensor to measure an energy signal resulting from the energy supplied to the tissue by the first imaging energy source, and circuitry configured to compare the energy signal detected by the first sensor to a baseline measurement and provide an alert that extravasation is occurring.

Abstract: A support plate with a horizontal flat standing surface carries two posts, and is rotated about a vertical axis. A stationary triangulation measuring head having a camera and a light line projector, projects light lines, which are perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, onto a person who stands upright on the standing surface of the plate. Encoded, photogrammetrically evaluatable marks are arranged on the plate around the standing surface and on the post. Images taken by the camera during rotation of the plate are transferred to a computer to determine a three-dimensional shape of the person or of part of the person. Marking-free fields are arranged on the support plate and on the post. The computer determines the parameters of the triangulation measuring head to performs a self-calibration of the detection process based on positions of the photogrammetric marks and shapes of light traces on the marking-free fields.

Abstract: A novel ultrasound device for needle procedures is disclosed that comprises a needle with an integrated ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be part of a drop-in, self contained beacon unit that fits within the needle shaft. The transducer may alternatively include electrical leads connectable to an electrical subsystem housed within an adapter that is connectable to a handle. Alternatively, the electrical subsystem may be housed within a handle connectable to the needle by a bayonet-mount configuration, a slide-and-click configuration, or a cartridge configuration. The electrical subsystem is preferably configured to control when the transducer emits an ultrasound pulse. The handle may include all or part of a vacuum means for applying negative pressure to tissue disposed near a tissue sample aperture.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint and assessing cartilage loss, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. The amount of cartilage tissue that has been lost, for example as a result of arthritis, can be estimated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable on a fluoroscope. This device may be used in conjunction with or independently of 3-D volumes created from CT scans and 3-D tip sensors.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic element group, a first to an Nth driving electrode lines, first and second terminals. The ultrasonic element group includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements forming “N” columns arranged along a second direction intersecting with a first direction with each of the “N” columns including a plurality of the ultrasonic elements arranged along the first direction, “N” being a natural number that is equal to or more than 2. The first to the Nth driving electrode lines are arranged along the first direction. An ith driving electrode line is connected to the ultrasonic elements constituting an ith column among the “N” columns, with “i” being a natural number equal to or less than “N”. The first terminal is connected to one end of the ith driving electrode line, and the second terminal is connected to the other end of the ith driving electrode line.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to determining an amount of a contrast agent in an image. For example, a computer-implemented method of image processing includes generating, from a first polychromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image obtained at a first energy and a second polychromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image obtained at a second energy, a simulated first monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image and a simulated second monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image. The simulated first monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image includes first regions of enhanced contrast and the simulated second monochromatic contrast-enhanced includes second regions of enhanced contrast. The method also includes isolating the first and second regions of enhanced contrast from other regions of the image, and determining an amount of the contrast agent within the first and second regions of enhanced contrast based at least on a derived partial signal attributable to the contrast agent.