Abstract: A quantitative method for determining tissue characteristics includes the steps of generating data for a dynamic optical curve over a period of time based on an optical property of a tissue, or portion thereof, that has been exposed to a biomarker and, based on the data, determining a value of a dynamic optical parameter. The value of the dynamic optical parameter is compared with at least one reference value of the dynamic optical parameter known to be linked to a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue. Based on the comparison, a structural or functional characteristic and/or the pathological status of the tissue, or portion thereof is determined. Data for dynamic optical curves may be generated for a plurality of tissue locations corresponding to a plurality of spatial image locations. The plurality of dynamic optical curves may be used to determine values of a dynamic optical parameter and a related tissue characteristic at a plurality of tissue locations.

Abstract: A substrate configured for placement on an internal organ or tissue is provided. In certain embodiments, the substrate conforms to and moves with the internal organ or tissue. Three or more sensor elements are integrated on the substrate. In one implementation, the substrate and associated sensor elements provide dynamic referencing of the internal organ or tissue after registration of the sensor data with images and/or volumetric representations of the internal organ or tissue.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for calculating a fat fraction corrected for noise bias of one or more voxels of interest using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. A plurality of image data sets are obtained each corresponding to NMR k-space data acquired using a pulse sequence with an individual associated echo time tn. A system of linear equations is formed relating image signal values to a desired decomposed calculated data vector having a component such as a water and fat combination having zero mean noise, or having a real fat component and a real water component. A fat fraction is calculated from at least one component of the decomposed calculated data vector. In another embodiment, the system of linear equations is normalized and can directly estimate a fat fraction or a water fraction having reduced noise bias.

Abstract: The difference frequency component between a first fundamental wave of frequency f and a second fundamental wave of frequency f2 is caused to interact with a second harmonic wave, thereby to attain the enhancement of a second harmonic signal, etc., whereby a reflected wave component to be imaged is extracted at a high S/N ratio. By way of example, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the lower frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=2.8f or so. Besides, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the higher frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=3.2f or so.

Abstract: A reception coil maintaining element for an MR-imaging system includes two phase-controlled multi-element arrays of an RF multi-channel surface reception coil. Both of these phase-controlled, multi-element arrays have a reception surface including a center having a longitudinal axis that crosses that center. Each of these multi-element arrays is arranged on an arm which can pivot about a common pivotable axis. A vertical first plane is parallel to this pivotable axis. A vertical left plane extends along the longitudinal axis of the center of the left reception surface of the left multi-element array. A vertical right plane extends along a longitudinal axis of the center of the right reception surface of the right multi-element array. Both of these vertical left and right planes have approximately the same spacing with respect to the vertical first plane of the pivotable axis where the reception coil maintaining element in accordance with the present invention is in its operational state.

Abstract: A surface point tracked by an echo tracking processor unit for each ultrasonic beam is a tracking point. A strain measurement unit measures an amount of strain of a bone based on the surface points. A delay time measurement unit measures a time for the amount of strain of the bone to reach a return reference value, corresponding to a state before a load is applied, after the load is first applied to the bone and then removed.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: A method for mapping a physico-chemical parameter using a chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast agent in Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used with agents having only one exchangeable entity pool, e.g. proton pool, by applying two different RF frequencies for pre-saturation of the contrast agent.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generation of an image in contrast agent-supported magnetic resonance angiography, a first data set is generated during an arterial phase of a distribution of a contrast agent in a vessel system by scanning of a first central k-space region, a second data set is generated during an equilibrium phase of the distribution of the contrast agent in the vessel system by scanning a peripheral k-space region while omitting scanning of a second central region, and the image is generated by merging the first data set and the second data set.

Abstract: A method for visualizing one or more objects of interest within a volume of imaging data includes the steps of receiving a volume of imaging data and displaying the one or more objects of interest within the volume by adaptively changing the amount of information displayed from the volume based on (1) a viewing direction of the volume, (2) a position of the one or more objects of interest within the volume, and (3) importance values of materials within the volume.

Abstract: A method for use in a medical viewing system for processing for display a sequence of images of a medical intervention comprising manipulating a tool such as a stent (25) within an artery. Two markers (21, 22) are provided on the tool support (10) and the method includes extracting these markers (21, 22) to yield marker location information, from which tool location information can be derived. The image of the tool within the sequence of images is then enhanced relative to the background. The background can be additionally blurred by simulating or effecting relative movement of the image detector and the stent (25) by, for example, zooming in on the stent (25) or rotating the detector relative thereto, during acquisition of the sequence of images.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient support device, for use with Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatuses, comprising a support surface (7) adapted to accommodate at least a part, particularly the whole of the patient body. According to the invention, this device comprises at least one, receptacles (307) for holding and/or removably coupling a coil (13?) adapted to receive signals from an anatomic region particularly from the spinal region, which receptacle (307) is arranged over the surface (7) of the patient support device in areas corresponding to the position of the anatomic region to be imaged. The invention also relates to a Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus comprising a magnet structure (2) which delimits a cavity to receive at least a part of the patient body, in which an imaging volume is created. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus comprises a patient support device as defined in the invention and as described above.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an integrated PET-MRI scanner. This integrated scanner includes a main magnet that generates a magnetic field, wherein images of the subject is generated in a central region of the magnetic field. It also includes a PET scanner which is enclosed by the main magnet. The PET scanner further comprises: (1) at least one ring of scintillators, which is situated in the central region of the magnetic field and, (2) one or more photodetectors, which are coupled to the ring of scintillators, so that the one or more photodetectors are outside the central region of the magnetic field. The integrated scanner also includes radio-frequency (RF) coils which are enclosed by the PET scanner. By keeping the photodetectors and associated circuitry outside the central region of the magnetic field, the integrated scanner reduces the electromagnetic interference (EMI) between the PET scanner and the MRI scanner.

Abstract: A method of producing an MRI image of an object in cyclic motion by acquiring data in k-space according to the measured position of the object, and an analysis of data previously acquired. The invention also provides a magnetic resonance imaging heart monitor configured to use the method.

Abstract: An imaging device captures both a visible light image and a diagnostic image, the diagnostic image corresponding to emissions from an imaging medium within the object. The visible light image (which may be color or grayscale) and the diagnostic image may be superimposed to display regions of diagnostic significance within a visible light image. A number of imaging media may be used according to an intended application for the imaging device, and an imaging medium may have wavelengths above, below, or within the visible light spectrum. The devices described herein may be advantageously packaged within a single integrated device or other solid state device, and/or employed in an integrated, single-camera medical imaging system, as well as many non-medical imaging systems that would benefit from simultaneous capture of visible-light wavelength images along with images at other wavelengths.

Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises: a probe having a transducer array of n transducer elements for transmitting ultrasound signals, said n transducer elements being associated with respective scan lines; a steering angle calculating unit for calculating steering angles of the scan lines by using series determined by a relation between the steering angles of at least two scan lines; and a control unit for controlling transmission of the ultrasound signals such that the ultrasound signals can be focused along the scan lines based on the calculated steering angles of the scan lines.

Abstract: A control system for medical equipment comprises an examination/treatment system, an optical detection system which is operably affixed to the examination/treatment system and configured to collect data corresponding to detected gestural inputs made by an operator in relation to a targeted examination/treatment area on a patient positioned on a patient examination apparatus, and an evaluation system configured to adjust operation parameters of the examination/treatment system as a function of the collected gestural input data communicated by the optical detection system.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure on target tissue within the body includes immobilizing the target tissue with an immobilization device, positioning an insertion tool (e.g., a needle, a needle and marker wire, a needle gun, etc.) to be inserted into the target tissue on the immobilization device based on at least one reading of the target tissue, and inserting the insertion tool into the target tissue. An immobilization device for performing methods includes a frame assembly, a tissue immobilization assembly coupled to the frame assembly, the tissue immobilization assembly including a structure adapted to immobilize tissue, and a needle assembly releasably connectable to the frame assembly. The needle assembly includes a needle capable of being inserted into the immobilized tissue.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope includes an exciting laser light source, a monitor sensor, an indicator, a shutter mechanism, an optical system, and a controller. The controller intermittently turns on the exciting laser light source for testing and controls the shutter mechanism so as to close the optical path of the exciting light, during a period after laser irradiation is permitted until the monitor sensor outputs the turn-on enable signal. The controller controls the shutter mechanism so as to open the optical path of the exciting light and controls the indicator so as to indicate to the effect that the exciting laser light source is ready for immediate emission, when the monitor sensor outputs the turn-on enable signal. Further, the controller turns on the exciting laser light source when an exciting light turn-on signal is input, thereby making the exciting light incident upon the light guide.