Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for the use of optical coherence tomography for detection of cells.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: ultrasound probes; a storage unit that stores, for each ultrasound probe, attenuation that is a difference in signal intensity for each frequency between a predetermined common waveform and a waveform obtained by providing the ultrasound probes with a common transmission drive wave; a transmission drive wave generating unit that generates, for each ultrasound probe, a transmission drive wave obtained by adding the attenuation to the common transmission drive wave; and a reception signal correcting unit that performs a correction for each frequency, by adding the attenuation to a reception signal which is obtained by transmitting to the specimen the transmission echo having the predetermined common waveform and by converting the reception echo reflected from the specimen, the transmission echo being obtained by converting the transmission drive wave that is given by adding the attenuation to the common transmission drive wave.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a plurality of 3-dimensional ultrasound images by using a plurality of volume slices in an ultrasound system are disclosed. The ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire ultrasound data; a volume data forming unit configured to form volume data by using the ultrasound data; a user input unit for allowing a user to input a user instruction; and a processing unit configured to set a plurality of volume slice regions having different widths in the volume data in response to the user instruction and form a plurality of 3-dimensional ultrasound images by using volume slices defined by the volume slice regions.

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness using amplitude mode (A-mode) ultrasound technology are proposed. An echo peak generated at a fat-muscle boundary is distinguished from other echo peaks generated at muscle-bone boundaries or at muscle-muscle boundaries. The discrimination of echo peaks is based on echo time delay change when applying variable pressure to an ultrasound transducer. Statistical information of echo peak time delay change is estimated and is used for determine an echo peak generated at the fat-muscle boundary.

Abstract: A focused ultrasonic transducer navigation system attaches to a patient and includes a housing that contains an ultrasonic device. An alignment system moves the housing, and moves the ultrasonic device within the housing, so a focal point of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic device is aligned in x, y, and z planes with a target location in the patient. The alignment system realigns the focal point of the ultrasonic device with the same patient target location over multiple therapy sessions eliminating repeated use of an MRI system for repeatedly realigning the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for monitoring and/or performing a diagnosis. A first implantable device measures a property of a first tissue in a body and includes a housing. The housing includes a first processing circuitry for causing the first implantable device to measure the property of the first tissue. A second implantable device for measures a property of a second tissue in the body and includes a housing. The housing includes a second processing circuitry for causing the second implantable device to measure the property of the second tissue using at least one sensor. The second implantable device is communicatively coupled to the first implantable device and provides information about the measured property of the second tissue to at least one of the following: the first implantable device and at least one processing device disposed externally to the body.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about the position and/or orientation of a magnetic component relatively to a magnetometric detector, the magnetic component and the magnetometric detector being moveable independently from each other relatively to a static secondary magnetic field, the method comprising the steps of: measuring in the presence of the combination of both the magnetic field of the magnetic component and the static secondary magnetic field essentially simultaneously the strength and/or orientation of a magnetic field at at least a first position and a second position spatially associated with the magnetometric detector, the second position being distanced from the first position; and combining the results of the measurements to computationally eliminate the effect of the secondary magnetic field and derive the information about the position and/or orientation of the magnetic component.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and methods are described, including a repeatable ultrasound transducer probe having ultrasonic transducers and corresponding circuitry. The repeatable ultrasound transducer probe may be used individually or coupled with other instances of the repeatable ultrasound transducer probe to create a desired ultrasound device. The ultrasound devices may optionally be connected to various types of external devices to provide additional processing and image rendering functionality.

Abstract: A medical robotic system and method of operating such comprises taking intraoperative external image data of a patient anatomy, and using that image data to generate a modeling adjustment for a control system of the medical robotic system (e.g., updating anatomic model and/or refining instrument registration), and/or adjust a procedure control aspect (e.g., regulating substance or therapy delivery, improving targeting, and/or tracking performance).

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical site monitoring system and associated method of use employing vectorized 3D-tracking markers attached to a single vectorized fiducial reference and to a surgical site imaging sensor. A tracker obtains image information about both tracking markers and uses either the markings on or shapes of the tracking markers to determine from the image information the 3D locations and orientations of the imaging sensor and of the fiducial reference fixed to the surgical site. A scan taken of the surgical site prior to a surgical procedure with the fiducial reference attached allows live images of the surgery site to be sourced from the imaging sensor and to be overlaid in real time on a 3D model of the surgical site.

Abstract: In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to reduce the consumption of a battery while appropriately performing operation in the case where an AC power source is disconnected and power supply is switched to the battery. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: an AC adapter connection detecting section (13) that detects whether the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is electrically connected with the AC power source; and a display section (10), wherein, when the AC adapter connection detecting section (13) detects that the AC power source is disconnected, power supply is switched to power supply from the battery (11), and an operation screen for controlling an amount of the power supply in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the display section (10).

Abstract: A non-invasive screening technique for visualizing coronary arteries which overcomes the problems of visualizing the curved arteries by projecting the three dimensional volume of the arteries onto a two dimensional screen. Blood-filled areas such as the coronary arteries and veins, are highlighted to contrast with other nearby tissues using non-linear classification and segmentation techniques. Data is gathered as a sequence of 2D slices stored as a 3D volume. Software interpolates voxels intermediate to the slices. Wiener filtering or LMS spatial filtering can be implemented on each 2D scan to improve lateral resolution and reduce noise prior to the use of the scan data with the classification and segmentation algorithms. A traditional handheld ultrasound probe is employed to enable the technician to locate the area of interest, but a gyroscopic stabilizer is added to minimize unwanted variation on two axes of rotation.

Abstract: A joint of a patient is scanned using MRI apparatus, and images of the joint area are produced as a body part of the patient is moved into a particular position known to cause a problem in the joint. The patient may walk or run on a treadmill during the process, or the body part may be supported on a surface causing or allowing such movement.

Abstract: Various portable systems, devices and methods for imaging or visualizing blood vessels or other body tissue to facilitate accurate placement of a needle or other elongate instrument in blood vessels or other body tissue are described herein. In certain variations an imaging system for aiding needle insertion in a patient may include a mountable unit having an illumination source, an image sensor, and a display for displaying an image based on image information from the image sensor. The mountable unit may be configured for attachment to a hand of a user such that the user's hand on which the unit is mounted remains free to hold an object. The display may be positioned next to a needle insertion site during needle insertion by the user such that the needle insertion site and an image of the blood vessel and/or needle are simultaneously within the user's field of view.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter of physiological significance in the central nervous system (CNS) is provided. The method comprises (a) providing one or more images of the brain or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered; (b) determining, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the brain or CSF, thereby generating concentration data; (c) describing the time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the brain or CSF using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters; and (d) fitting, using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, wherein the best fit estimates a parameter of physiological significance in the CNS.

Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus includes a plurality of antennas, which are configured to be disposed at different, respective locations on a thorax of a living body so as to direct radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves from different, respective directions toward a heart in the body and to output RF signals responsively to the waves that are scattered from the heart. Processing circuitry is configured to process the RF signals over time so as to provide a multi-dimensional measurement of a movement of the heart.

Abstract: A position monitoring system comprises a single composite fiducial reference comprised of a fiducial key and a fiducial extension rigidly and removably attached to the fiducial key, a tracker for obtaining image information of the surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database. The computer has scan data of an area of a surgical patient with the fiducial reference fixed to the area by a multipodal surgical screw fixture. A uniquely identifiable first marker is attached to the fiducial key in a predetermined fixed relative position and orientation. The computer determines the relative position and orientation of the marker based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays the current position and orientation of the composite fiducial reference to the scan data during a surgical procedure. Further implements at the surgical site may bear further markers that may be tracked.

Abstract: A system for operating third party proprietary software on a medical monitoring device operating native proprietary software and a system for obtaining compatible third party proprietary software for operation on the monitoring device.