Abstract: An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer adapted to obtain a dynamic series of echo signals of a subject tissue at different deformation states, and an image processor for generating and displaying ultrasound images of the tissue. The processor is configured to generate dynamic images that correspond to the dynamic series of echo signals, identify a plurality of pixels within a region of interest (ROI) of a first of the generated images, evaluate local tissue mechanical behavior by tracking the displacement, deformation, and echo intensity of the identified plurality of pixels from the first image to subsequent images based on groups of pixels that correspond to each of the identified plurality of pixels, determine tissue functionality in the subject at the tracked pixel locations, and display the tissue functionality in dynamic images that corresponds to the tracked pixel locations.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound receive beamforming includes receiving a first plurality of sensing signals from target tissue, forming a first plurality of digital sensing signals, and data processing the digital sensing signals along a first plurality of data paths to form a first plurality of delayed and apodized digital sensing signals. Data path combining generates data combinations of the delayed and apodized digital sensing signals to include two or more of the delayed and apodized digital sensing signals that originate from different ones of the transducer elements. The data combinations are interpolation filtered using a plurality of interpolation filters to form a second plurality of delayed and apodized digital sensing signals, which are then summed to form an ultrasound receive beamformed signal. The interpolation filters can be interpolation filters in a single shared filter bank, with each interpolation filter providing a different fractional delay.

Abstract: Particle radiation therapy equipment arranged to apply a charged particle beam to a region of application in a predetermined direction, comprising a charged particle beam source arranged to direct a charged particle beam in the predetermined direction, further comprising magnetic field generation means for generating a magnetic field in an imaging volume which includes the region of application at the same time that the charged particle beam is applied, wherein the magnetic field generation means is arranged to provide access to the region of application for the charged particle beam, and to provide a homogeneous magnetic field in the region of application of the charged particle beam, said magnetic field being directed substantially in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an MRI or MRS scan that is optimized for a particular target structure. A prescan is conducted during a first session in which an image that is optimized for segmentation is acquired along with an alignment scout image or a 2D or 3D navigator signal. The segmentation process is employed to locate and define the target structure. During a second session the alignment scout image or navigator signal is reacquired and the information is used to determine the position transformation needed to align images from the two sessions. The position transformation information and the segmentation information are then employed to tailor a prescribed pulse sequence to examine the target structure.

Abstract: A method of puncturing an interatrial septum between a right atrium and a left atrium may include introducing a distal end of a catheter endoluminally into the right atrium. The method also may include introducing a distal end of a cannula into the right atrium. The cannula may include a proximal first segment and a distal second segment. The distal second segment may be deflectable away from a linear configuration relative to the proximal first segment. A needle tip may be provided at a distal end of the distal second segment. At least a portion of the cannula may be received within a lumen of the catheter. The method also may include deflecting the distal second segment in the right atrium to a deflected configuration by actuating a mechanism at a proximal end of the cannula to align the needle tip with a target point on the interatrial septum.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing a catheter is provided. Distance values are determined between a plurality of reference electrodes and a catheter electrode. At least two circles are identified based on the distance values. The catheter electrode is located at a position where the at least two circles substantially coincide or within a minimum distance between the at least two circles. A transformation is applied to the at least two circles to express the at least two circles in a global coordinate system. An image is displayed as a function of the catheter electrode position.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to fiduciary markers suitable for affixing to a patient that are detectable with respect an imaging modality such as MRI and methods of making the same. The markers include a paramagnetic material disposed therein that generates a distinguishable signal relative to a patient or other biological sample of interest during an imaging data collection session. Further, the markers demonstrate desirable signal to noise ratios across two or more MRI data collection procedures in one embodiment. The length of the markers is also adjustable by, for example, cutting or tearing a substrate upon which a substantially fluid-free region straddles a specified separation position on the substrate.

Abstract: A gain control method for B-mode ultrasonic imaging, a gain control module, and a B-mode ultrasonic imaging system are disclosed.

Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a collection unit that applies a uniform static magnetic field to a subject and also applies a radio-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject in accordance with a predetermined pulse sequence to collect a magnetic resonance signal from the subject, an imaging unit that images the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal collected by the collection unit, a detection unit that detects a respiratory level of the subject, an informing unit that informs the subject of whether the detected respiratory level falls within an allowable range, and a unit that controls the collection unit and the imaging unit in such a manner that the magnetic resonance signal for imaging is collected and the subject is imaged based on the thus collected magnetic resonance signal for imaging when the detected respiratory level falls within the allowable range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer according to the invention includes a flexible sheet, a rigid body portion including a lower electrode made of at least a thin-film conductive material on a surface of the flexible sheet, a dividing portion which divides the rigid body portion into segments, and a plurality of transducer elements including the divided rigid body portion, has at least one transducer cell composed of one of the segments, an insulating partition portion bonded to the segment, an air gap portion surrounded by the partition portion, an upper electrode opposed to the lower electrode extending to the partition portion to sandwich the air gap portion therebetween, and an upper insulating layer formed on the upper electrode, and includes an upper protection film which continuously covers a surface portion of the transducer elements and the dividing portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a certain volume of sample from a source of bodily fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample to the patient. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the source of bodily fluid via a connector that is configured to maintain uniform velocity across the connector and reduce the dead space volume.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a sample from a source of fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the fluid source via a connector that is configured to improve fluid flow and reduce blood clotting risk. These goals can be accomplished, for example, by employing coatings in or on a connector, positioning a resilient substance at or near the junction, by reducing dead space volume, by using resiliency to improve fit, by extending a portion of one connector to better mate with a portion of another connector, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, an image analysis software product, and a system for medical imaging analysis for estimating contrast agent extravasation in contrast agent based perfusion imaging such as MRI dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging, and in particular correction, compensation, or visualization of extravascular leakage of contrast agent in tumors. According to the invention, the effect of extravasation is directly manifested in the tail part of an observed, apparent residue function, R?(t), obtained directly by de-convoluting the expression C(t)=R?(t)Cp?(t) with the arterial input function (AIF). A leakage rate or extravasation constant is determined directly from the tail part of the determined apparent residue function.

Abstract: A device for registering in a medical navigation system a position and/or orientation of a patient's pelvis includes a pelvic registration frame. A plurality of positioning elements are arranged on the pelvic registration frame so as to define a plane, wherein the plurality of positioning elements are movable with respect to each other to enable placement of the positioning elements at defined pelvic points of the patient's pelvis. At least one position transmitter is arranged in an unambiguously defined position and/or orientation relative to the frame.

Abstract: A planning method and device for knee implants, wherein spatial data on the configuration of a patient's genicular anatomy, in particular of at least a part of the femur and/or the patella and/or the tibia, are captured in order to be inputted into a computer-assisted planning station; the movement of the parts of the genicular anatomy is recorded using a tracking and/or motion capturing method; the captured anatomical and movement data are made available to the computer-assisted planning station; a part of the patient's genicular anatomy is virtually replaced in the planning station by a sample implant and movements of the knee together with the sample implant are simulated; contact and impingement between the non-replaced parts of the genicular anatomy and the implant during the virtual movement is ascertained according to its magnitude; and wherein an adjustment of the positioning, shape or orientation of the implant or of a number of these parameters is determined until the contact and impingement become

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope has a transducer unit that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and performs transmission and reception of ultrasound on a top surface side, a cable that is for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal to and from the transducer unit and is connected to the side surface, a conductive shield case that has a lead-out port for leading out the cable, and a flexible extension portion extended from at least the top surface side of the lead-out port, and covers the side surface and the bottom surface, and a housing that holds a transducer unit 2 via the shield case, and has a cable insertion path in which the cable and the extension portion are inserted.

Abstract: Direct optical imaging of anatomical features and structures from within a biological organ in a dynamic environment (where the tissue being imaged is in motion due to cardiac rhythms, respiration, etc) presents certain image stability issues due (and/or related) to the motion of the target structure and may limit the ability of the user to visually interpret the image for the purposes of diagnostics and therapeutics. Systems and mechanisms for the purpose of actively stabilizing the image or for compiling and re-displaying the image information in a manner that is more suitable to interpretation by the user are disclosed.

Abstract: A method generates a three dimensional (3D) model of a tubular organ having an occluded segment. The occluded segment adjoins a proximal segment at a proximal end thereof, and a distal segment at a distal end thereof. The procedures included injecting a first dye injection into the tubular organ, the first dye approaching a first end of the occluded segment. Multiple first-injection two-dimensional (2D) images of the tubular organ are acquired, each acquired from a different perspective, the first-injection 2D images further acquired with a respective organ timing signal reading. A second dye is injected into the tubular organ, the second dye approaching a second end of the occluded segment. Multiple second-injection 2D images are acquired of the tubular organ, each acquired from a different perspective, the second-injection 2D images further acquired with a respective organ timing signal reading.

Abstract: Transmitters and waveform generators are provided for ultrasound imaging. Low-voltage transistors are connected in cascode with the high-voltage transistors used to generate the ultrasound pulses. The low-voltage transistors trim the high-voltage transistors, adjusting the drive strength of the high-voltage transistors. By trimming, the rise and fall time of the pulses generated by the high-voltage transistors may be more closely matched.