Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a patient. The method includes acquiring a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals with an ultrasound transducer, each RF signal representing one or more return echoes from a scan line of a pulse-mode echo ultrasound scan. A position of the ultrasound transducer corresponding to each of the acquired RF signals is determined, and a plurality of contour lines generated from the plurality of RF signals. The method estimates a 3-D shape and position of an anatomical feature, such as a joint of patient based on the generated contour lines and corresponding ultrasound transducer positions. An apparatus, or computer includes a processor and a memory with instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system SY for determining a position of an RF transponder circuit RTC respective an ultrasound emitter unit UEU. The RF transponder circuit RTC emits RF signals that are modulated based on received ultrasound signals that are emitted or reflected by the ultrasound emitter unit UEU. The position of the RF transponder circuit RTC respective the ultrasound emitter unit UEU is determined based on a time difference ?T1 between the emission of an ultrasound signal by the ultrasound emitter unit UEU and the detection by the RF detector unit RFD of a corresponding modulation in the RF signal emitted or reflected by the RF transponder circuit (RTC).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an X-ray diagnostic apparatus which comprises an X-ray generation unit configured to irradiate an object with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit configured to detect X-rays applied by the X-ray generation unit and transmitted through the object; an image generation unit configured to generate an X-ray image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit; a recording unit configured to record pressure data acquired by using a pressure sensor provided on a guide wire; a measurement position setting unit configured to set a measurement position for a pressure by the pressure sensor using the X-ray image; and a display unit configured to display the X-ray image almost in real time and superimpose and display the measurement position set by the measurement position setting unit.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement along the aorta of a subject using MR imaging, a multislice cardio synchronized segmented ciné MR data acquisition sequence is optimized in order to enhance inflow representation in the slice images, in order to make the multislice MR data acquisition sequence viable for clinical uses, so as to acquire intensity-based MR data from two transverse slices spaced from each other along the descending aorta. The respective intensities of relevant pixels in at least two respective slice images are analyzed in order to identify the arrival of a pulse wave in the respective slices by the onset of flow enhancement in the slices, represented by intensity changes in the pixels. From the onset of flow enhancement in the respective slice images, PWV is calculated. An electronic signal representing the calculated PWV is then provided from a computer.

Abstract: A system including: a table assembly for supporting a subject in one or more examination positions; a table support assembly for supporting the table assembly, wherein the table support assembly includes: one or more moving mechanisms controlled to move the table assembly relative to a reference point along one or more axes, and to rotate the table assembly around the one or more axes; and a probe support assembly comprising: a grip for holding a probe; and an arrangement of a plurality of arms and joints controlled to movably support the probe that is held by the grip, wherein the probe support assembly is removably arranged at a predetermined position and orientation relative to the table support assembly to permit movement of the table support assembly and the probe support assembly for reproduction of a position and orientation of the probe relative to the subject supported by the table assembly.

Abstract: Temperature uncertainty maps are calculated based on a rolling window of temperature maps, which is updated as new temperature maps are generated. The rolling window mitigates the effect of transient motion during a thermal therapy procedure. A clinician or an automated control system can then update a portion of an anatomical boundary or the thermal therapy applicator center based on the temperature uncertainty map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guided endoscope navigation include a registration module (118) configured to, using a processor, register a first set of images (112) with a second set of images (114) of an endoscope (102). A selection module (120) is configured to receive selected areas of interest on the first set of images and transform the selected areas of interest to an endoscope coordinate frame. A guidance module (122) is configured to overlay guidance tools onto the second set of images to permit a user of the endoscope to navigate to the selected areas of interest.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a cutting-out unit, and a display controller. The storage unit is configured to store an image of fluorescence emitted from an observation target area of a living body in a recording medium as a fluorescence image of the observation target area, the image of fluorescence being captured with a first definition, the image of fluorescence being obtained by applying excitation light to the observation target area to which a fluorescent reagent is added in advance. The cutting-out unit is configured to cause a user to select at least a partial area of the fluorescence image and to cut out the selected area as a fluorescence image of a ROI area. The display controller is configured to cause a display unit to display the fluorescence image of a ROI area with a second definition that is lower than the first definition.

Abstract: A biological information measuring apparatus according to an embodiment includes a calculating unit and a measuring unit. The calculating unit is configured to calculate information related to a pulse wave of a subject, on the basis of luminance information of a picture signal of the subject. The measuring unit is configured to measure a fluctuation of blood pressure of the subject based on an increase or a decrease in the information related to the pulse wave, in accordance with a site of the subject from which the picture signal was obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for navigating an anatomical body part, a corresponding computer program, a non-transitory program storage medium storing such a program and a computer for executing the program, as well as a system for navigating the anatomical body part, the system comprising an electronic data storage device and the aforementioned computer, and to a system for conducting medical navigation.

Abstract: A system for indicating an area of interest on an image, including a source of image data, an image processing unit, a user interface, and a destination, which may be a display. The image data may be ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance tomography, computed tomography or surgical image data. The image processing unit may be configured to receive the image data from the source and combine it with a desired overlay pattern selected from a plurality of overlay patterns for indicating an area of interest on the image, which is then displayed on the display. The overlay pattern may include a key with coordinates or labels. Properties of the overlay pattern and the image data may be adjusted independently or automatically.

Abstract: A method for aligning spatially different subvolumes of ultrasonic data of a blood vessel comprising: acquiring temporally discrete signals of a blood vessel with elements of a two dimensional array of ultrasonic transducer elements from spatially different depths of scanning opposed by each transducer element, said array being located in a first position with respect to the blood vessel during the acquiring; Doppler processing the temporally discrete signals received from each transducer element to produce spectral Doppler data of the scanning depth opposed by each transducer element; producing a first three dimensional map of the spectral Doppler data in spatial relationship to the position of the array with respect to the blood vessel; acquiring temporally discrete signals of the blood vessel with elements of the two dimensional array of ultrasonic transducer elements from spatially different depths of scanning opposed by each transducer element, said array being located in a second position with respect t

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: a transducer unit arranged on a distal end side in an insertion direction to an inside of a subject and configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave; a bendable tube arranged on a proximal end side relative to the transducer unit, the bendable tube including a plurality of ring-shaped members that are joined with each other along the insertion direction and bendable in at least two directions; a flexible tube arranged to be continuous to the proximal end side of the bendable tube; and a flexible board inserted to an inside of the bendable tube and configured to electrically connect the transducer unit. The flexible board includes a helical portion that is formed in a helical shape following an inner surface of the bendable tube, and that is fixed to the inner surface of the bendable tube at a part.

Abstract: A photoacoustic measurement probe and a probe unit capable of preventing generation of artifacts in a photoacoustic measurement apparatus are obtained. In a photoacoustic measurement probe having a light emitting unit that emits measurement light toward a subject, an acoustic wave detection element that detects an acoustic wave emitted from a portion of the subject that has received the measurement light, and a housing which has a surface facing the subject at the time of use and in which the light emitting unit and the acoustic wave detection element are housed, at least one slit that is opened to the housing surface and that extends from the housing surface toward the inside of the housing is provided between the light emitting unit and the acoustic wave detection element.

Abstract: Systems and methods obtain functional connectivity data in the whole brain to detect and predict brain disorders. This whole brain data is regionalized and then manipulated to derive functional connectivity data sets that can be used to show measured functional connectivity changes. This whole brain data may also be analyzed to determine changes in functional activity in both increased and decreased neural network connectivity. By identifying and then quantifying the functional connectivity differences between healthy and diseased subjects, a classification for individual subjects can be made.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that is easily moved between locations protects an imaging element in motion and provides a first arm member and a proximate movable second arm member. A lighting-imaging element is movably positionable proximate an arm mechanism and also proximate a rear-side location of a wheeled platform relative to a traveling direction thereby preventing damage. The first and second arm are relatively surrounded with a sub-arm and lighting-imaging element, thereby preventing further unintended movement. Accordingly, an elongating (separation) of the first and second arm members are prevented.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomographic (OCT) system includes a sample arm, a reference arm and an OCT probe. The probe irradiates a bodily lumen and a fluid contained within the bodily lumen with light of a sample beam transmitted through a double-clad fiber (DCF). A first detector detects light of a reference beam and light reflected from the bodily lumen and propagated through the core of the DCF to generate OCT interference signals. Light backscattered by the bodily lumen and by the fluid contained in the bodily lumen is propagated through a cladding of the DCF and detected by a second detector to generate an intensity signal. A processor analyzes the intensity signal, and triggers a pullback of the probe and initiates recording of OCT images of the bodily lumen in response to the intensity the backscattered light reaching a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A medical device can be localized by providing at least three non-colinear localization elements (e.g., electrodes) thereon. Once placed in a non-ionizing localization field, three adjacent localization elements, at least one of which will typically be a spot electrode, may be selected, and the non-ionizing localization field may be used to measure their locations. A cylinder is defined to fit the measured locations of the selected localization elements. The cylinder is rotationally oriented using the measured location of a spot electrode. Location and rotational attitude information may be used to construct a three-dimensional representation of the medical device within the localization field. The electrodes may be provided on the medical device or on a sheath into which the medical device is inserted. The invention also provides systems and methods for identifying and calibrating deflection planes where the medical device and/or sheath are deflectable.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the controller writes and reads element data of one frame into and out from two or more buffer memories 21a, 21b, . . . 21i sequentially frame by frame and assigns the element data of one frame sequentially read out from the buffer memories to a plurality of arithmetic blocks of a signal processor, wherein the element data assigned is subjected to processing by each of a plurality of arithmetic cores in the plurality of arithmetic blocks to produce an image signal.

Abstract: A method of imaging nervous tissue, comprising acquiring functional imaging modality data from a functional imaging modality which images an intrabody volume of a patient having a body part, the patient having been injected with an imaging agent having a nervous tissue uptake by an autonomic nervous system (ANS); and locating the nervous tissue in the intrabody volume based on the functional imaging modality data.