Patents Examined by Marvin M. Lateef
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Patent number: 6716168Abstract: A method and system for both enhancing drug uptake by application of therapeutic transmissions of acoustic energy and imaging a region for applied therapy with a same transducer and ultrasound system. An ultrasonic image of a field of view is generated while localized delivery of a drug is enhanced with ultrasound energy. Using the same transducer and ultrasound system reduces costs and increases system availability for a broader range of medical practitioners. For example, a single linear array of transducer elements is used for application of both imaging and therapeutic ultrasound. As another example, a transmitter is provided that transmits therapeutic transmissions having substantially equal positive and negative peaks at the face of the transducer and also is operable to transmit imaging acoustic energy. As yet another example, therapeutic pulses of acoustic energy are transmitted to have greater power for heating than imaging, but a mechanical index or pressure comparable to imaging transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Levin Nock, Ashutosh Chilkoti, Kathryn R. Nightingale, Gregg E. Trahey
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Patent number: 6709391Abstract: The control panel of an ultrasound system can be moved laterally from one side of the ultrasound system to the other, enabling an operator to more comfortably operate the ultrasound system while scanning a patient located to the side of the ultrasound system. The control panel locks in its central home position and can be moved linearly to either side of the home position. Detents serve to retain the control panel at different lateral locations. Preferably the control panel can swivel independently of its lateral articulation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Robert Mesaros, Yas Matsui, Jay Wilkins, William Hollman
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Patent number: 6704594Abstract: An imaging probe and method and an MRI system utilizing the same are presented. The probe comprises first and second magnetic field sources, and a receiver of NMR signals. The first magnetic field source creates a primary, substantially non-homogeneous, static magnetic field in a region of interest in a medium outside the probe. The second magnetic field source creates an external time-varying magnetic field, which when being applied to the region of the static magnetic field, is capable of exciting nuclei in an extended sub-region of this region and generating the NMR signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: TopSpin Medical (Israel) LimitedInventors: Aharon Blank, Gil Alexandrowicz, Erez Golan
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Patent number: 6699193Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for assessing blood flow in blood vessels, for assessing vascular health, for conducting clinical trials, for screening therapeutic interventions for adverse effects, and for assessing the effects of risk factors, therapies and substances, including therapeutic substances, on blood vessels, especially cerebral blood vessels, all achieved by measuring various parameters of blood flow in one or more vessels and analyzing the results in a defined manner. The relevant parameters of blood flow include mean flow velocity, systolic acceleration, and pulsatility index. By measuring and analyzing these parameters, one can ascertain the vascular health of a particular vessel, multiple vessels and an individual. Such measurements can also determine whether a substance has an effect, either deleterious or advantageous, on vascular health. The present invention further provides an expert system for achieving the above.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Crutchfield, John Davidson, Robert Mozayeni, Simon Fitall
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Patent number: 6699198Abstract: An ocular blood-flow meter includes an optical system for applying measuring light to a blood vessel of a subject eye, and for receiving light scattered by the blood vessel of the subject eye. A mechanism is provided for changing a direction in which the measuring light is applied and a direction in which the scattered light is received so as to enable a plurality of measurements in different directions. A controller performs the plurality of measurements in the different directions by using the optical system and the mechanism so as to obtain information concerning a blood flow. An output device provides a received-light signal obtained by the optical system or the information concerning the blood flow. An input device enables an operator to select a re-measurement operation in a desired direction from the different directions and to instruct the selected re-measurement operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuyuki Numajiri
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Patent number: 6701174Abstract: A computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software for generation of 3D (three dimensional) solid bone models from two or more 2D (two dimensional) X-ray images of a patient's bone. The computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software reconstructs the bone contours by starting with a 3D template bone and deforming the 3D template bone to substantially match the geometry of the patient's bone. A surgical planner and simulator module of the computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software generates a simulated surgery plan showing the animation of the bone distraction process, the type and the size of the fixator frame to be mounted on the patient's bone, the frame mounting plan, the osteotomy/coricotomy site location and the day-by-day length adjustment schedule for each fixator strut. All bone models and surgery plans are shown as 3D graphics on a computer screen to provide realistic, pre-surgery guidance to the surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: Norman Krause, Robert W. Mendicino, Kenji Shimada, Lee Weiss, Takeo Kanade
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Patent number: 6701181Abstract: First and second optical-redirectors mounted on a catheter couple radiation to a target along separate first and second paths. Either the first or second optical-redirectors, or both, can include a steering mechanism for selecting the first and/or second path.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: InfraReDx, Inc.Inventors: Jing Tang, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, S. Eric Ryan, Simon Furnish, Andres Zuluaga
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Patent number: 6697660Abstract: An improved method, termed “statistical synthetic aperture magnetometry” (SSAM) of transforming magnetoencephalographic (MEG) measurements into corresponding three-dimensional images of the electrophysiological activity within the brain. The computed images are static, representing the time-integrated brain activity over a selected period. By selecting the time periods and frequency bands of interest, the SSAM method selectively images brain activity relating to different types of brain pathology or to cognitive events. Unlike prior art methods, the SSAM method compensates for the growth of ionic signal source strength estimates with depth into the head, resulting, in part, from the declining sensitivity of the MEG sensors. This is achieved by computing and displaying functions of the ratio of source strength to its noise for each element comprising the image.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: CTF Systems, Inc.Inventor: Stephen E. Robinson
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Patent number: 6692450Abstract: A focused ultrasound ablation device includes an ultrasound emitting member having a plurality of individual ultrasound emitting elements arranged in an array. The ultrasound emitting elements are selectively, independently actuatable to emit ultrasound energy and focus the emitted ultrasound energy a predetermined distance from the ultrasound emitting member such that the ultrasound energy is focused within anatomical tissue adjacent which the ultrasound emitting member is positioned. The anatomical tissue is heated by the focused ultrasound energy to form a lesion in the tissue of desired size and/or surface configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventor: R. Glen Coleman
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Patent number: 6692438Abstract: A method and system for displaying a parametric image showing tissue perfusion includes an ultrasonic imaging system coupled to an ECG device. The ECG device triggers the imaging system to obtain contrast image data showing tissue perfusion at a respective predetermined time during each of a plurality of heartbeats. Parametric image data for discrete locations in the area of interest such as the myocardium is determined from the temporal contrast data acquired during reperfusion of the tissue in the area of interest. The parameters are mapped to a display value such as color to produce a parametric perfusion ultrasound image. Sequences of images may be produced which depict both perfusion characteristics and dynamic wall motion of the myocardium in a common image sequence.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NVInventors: Danny M. Skyba, Damien Dolimier, Jeffry E. Powers
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Patent number: 6689060Abstract: An image processing system according to an implementation of the invention includes a plurality of signal processing modules (210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226) inline in a data stream receiving signals. The signal processing modules include input multiplexers (234a-234i) adapted to control an order of or bypassing of processing by the signal processing modules. The signal processing modules may be implemented as hardware-based, nonlinear signal processing modules, such as log compress, decimation, compounding, blending, edge enhancement, automatic gain control, BHNS, lateral, or persistence filters.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, INCInventors: Robert N. Phelps, Hong Wang, Zoran B. Banjanin, Paul T. Kuhn
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Patent number: 6685646Abstract: A method to measure spatial fluid flow components and their velocity profiles in a number of locations in a cross-sectional area of a lumen or other body cavity by using ultrasound in which the cross-sectional area is interrogated by a plurality of ultrasonic beams; the estimation of the spatial flow components is obtained from a combination of estimations of axial, lateral and total flow; the estimation of one or more flow components is obtained through any combination of time-shift and decorrelation analysis of two or more beam-signals of the interrogating ultrasound transducer; and the estimation accuracy is further improved by the use of a reference decorrelation curve obtained from experiments or beam-theory or both.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Jomed Inc.Inventors: Eduardo Ignacio Cespedes, Charles Theodoor Lanceé, Antonius Franciscus Wilhemus Van Der Steen, Wenguang Li, Nicolaas Bom
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Patent number: 6685643Abstract: The invention relates to a method or a device for recording ultrasonic images of an object (1) in which ultrasonic waves are radiated onto the object (1) by an ultrasonic emitter, and ultrasonic waves reflected by the object (1) are received by an ultrasonic receiver. For recording individual image partial areas (6), the ultrasonic emitter or ultrasonic receiver (18) is displaced along the object (1) or is at least partially rotated with regard to the object (1). The corresponding movement (S) of the ultrasonic transmitter or of the ultrasonic receiver (4, 18) is progressively detected by a detector (9, 23) and is assigned to the individual image partial areas (6). As a result, it is possible to record the object (1) by manually moving the ultrasonic transducer (4), whereby an incremental detector serves as a detector (9, 23) for progressively detecting the movement (S).Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Tomtec Imaging Systems GmbHInventors: Johannes Waldinger, Dietmar Kaiser, Bernhard Mumm, Kiyoji Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6675037Abstract: The combination of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-guided subcutaneous core biopsy can be used as a robust approach for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. MRI provides the means to accurately position and monitor interventional procedures such as biopsy, removal of tissue or other transcanular procedures. MRI may also be used in this invention to position and monitor the progress of breast conserving therapies (BCT), such as laser photo-ablation, cryoablation and localized hyperthermia. The general practice of this invention is to provide a remotely controlled apparatus for MR-guided interventional procedures in the breast. The apparatus allows the practice of a method that provides flexibility in conditioning the breast, i.e. orientation and degree of compression, and in setting the trajectory of the intervention.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventor: Nikolaos V. Tsekos
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Patent number: 6673020Abstract: To accurately measure wave intensity as an evaluation value using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a measurement line is set in a tomogram and anterior and posterior walls of a blood vessel are tracked on the measurement line, so that a change waveform concerning a blood vessel diameter is prepared. A tracking gate S is set on the measurement line, so that a blood velocity change waveform is prepared based on echo data concerning a part within the tracking gate S, the change waveform indicating averaged blood velocity. Wave intensity is calculated based on the blood vessel diameter change waveform and the blood velocity change waveform. Prior to the calculation of wave intensity, the blood vessel diameter change waveform is calibrated based on the maximum and minimum blood pressure values into a blood pressure waveform. A beam for Doppler measurement may be set intersecting with the displacement measurement beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Aloka Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Okada, Akimitsu Harada
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Patent number: 6675033Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI guidewire that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter, and can allow the use of multiple interventional tools without removal of the guidewire from a subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Surgi-Vision, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Lardo, Xiaoming Yang, Ergin Atalar, Parag Karmarkar, Elliott R. McVeigh, Henry R. Halperin, Christine Enger McNamara, Paul A. Bottomley
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Patent number: 6671541Abstract: A cardiovascular imaging and functional analysis system and method is disclosed, wherein a dedicated fast, sensitive, compact and economical imaging gamma camera system that is especially suited for heart imaging and functional analysis is employed. The cardiovascular imaging and functional analysis system of the present invention can be used as a dedicated nuclear cardiology small field of view imaging camera. The disclosed cardiovascular imaging system and method has the advantages of being able to image physiology, while offering an inexpensive and portable hardware, unlike MRI, CT, and echocardiography systems. The cardiovascular imaging system of the invention employs a basic modular design suitable for cardiac imaging with one of several radionucleide tracers.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: NeoMed Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harry Bishop, Stanislaw Majewski, Marc M. Umeno
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Patent number: 6669339Abstract: A fundus camera having a simplified unit mechanism having a fixation light disposed at a suitable position for efficiently guiding a sight line, the fundus camera comprising an illumination optical system for illuminating a fundus of an eye to be examined with visible illumination light for photographing and with invisible illumination light for observation, a photographing optical system having a first photographic element, for photographing an image of the fundus with visible reflection light from the fundus, an observation optical system having a second photographic element for photographing the image of the fundus with invisible reflection light from the fundus, a wavelength-selecting mirror dividing light into invisible light, a part of visible light, and most of the visible light, a light-dividing member further dividing the optical path of the observation optical system, and a fixation target disposed on the optical path divided from the optical path of the observation optical system by the light-dividType: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsuguo Nanjyo
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Patent number: 6671536Abstract: A 3D projection reconstruction pulse sequence is employed to acquire CEMRA data as the subject is continuously moved through the field of view of the MRI system. The acquired k-space data is phase corrected to offset the table motion and the corrected data is used to reconstruct an image over a field of view that far exceeds the size of the MRI system field of view. In one embodiment the image is formed as a set of anatomic subregion images which are concatenated to form a single image and in another embodiment a series of images of each anatomic subregion are produced to depict the dynamic inflow of contrast agent.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventor: Charles A. Mistretta
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Patent number: 6671538Abstract: An interface system is provided for planning a surgical procedure for inserting an object into a patient along a surgical planning trajectory from an entry point on the patient to a target point within the patient. Using an imaging device, a first scan of the patient is performed to generate a first image volume data set of a first area of the patient. A first sectional image of the patient is displayed on a human-readable display device associated with the imaging device. The first sectional image is based on the first image volume data set. Using an operator interface device, a second planning image of the patient is defined by placing a plurality of graphical point symbols in the first sectional image of the patient displayed on the display device. The plurality of graphical point symbols define a second area of the patient to be subject of display as a second sectional image of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Gösta Jakob Ehnholm, Teuvo Vaara, Erkki Vahala