Abstract: A surgical working instrument (3) is disclosed that is inserted in a working channel (7) of an endoscope (2) and is slidably located therein. A device (27) for determination of the relative position of the working instrument (3) to the endoscope (2) is configured to determine in an optical manner that the distal end (8) of the working instrument (3) has reached a distal end (8) of the working channel (7). The position determination device (27) comprises a light conductor (28) that is attached to the working instrument (3) and configured to receive light surrounding the working instrument (3) in the vicinity of its distal end (14), wherein based on the light received by the light conductor (28) the relative position of the light conductor (28) and thus the working instrument (3) in relation to the endoscope (2) can be determined.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic fluid spectral Doppler imaging are disclosed. The system comprises: a transmission circuit for transmitting an ultrasonic beam to a detection object; a receiving circuit and a beam synthesis module for receiving an echo of the ultrasonic beam and obtaining an ultrasonic echo signal; an image processing module for obtaining an ultrasonic fluid flow state image of a region of interest in the detection object according to the ultrasonic echo signal, identifying a sampling position in the region of interest, respectively obtaining a Doppler spectrogram corresponding to each sampling position according to the ultrasonic echo signal, and generating position displaying marks for characterizing the sampling positions; and a display for displaying the position displaying marks in the ultrasonic fluid flow state image, and displaying the obtained Doppler spectrogram. The system may simultaneously display spectra of multiple locations on a same time axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel optical approach based on spatial analysis of spatial laser speckle patterns for tissue in-depth flow inspection characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to a technique for determining flow characteristics and identifying low blood flow or a blockage in blood vessels.

Abstract: A system produces three-dimensional medical images that are calibrated using a calibration slate. A subject is photographed with a calibration slate shown in the image. The slate includes printed colors that can be compared against standard colors associated with the slate to color calibrate the image. Two-dimensional images of the subject may be used to construct a three-dimensional image that shows wounds or other skin conditions that are color calibrated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes a jig and multiple wires. The jig includes a center member and coil-separating blocks. The coil-separating blocks protrude from the center member and are separated from each other to provide a coil channels. Each of the wires is wrapped on the jig, around the center member, and in one of the coil channels to form one of a multiple coils. Each of the coils is configured to connect to an electromagnetic navigation system and generate respective electromagnetic fields to be emitted relative to a subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting unexpected movement of a surgical instrument during a robot-assisted surgical procedure are provided. The surgical robot system may be configured to measure forces and torques experienced by the surgical instrument during the surgical procedure and determine if the forces and torques are within an acceptable range. The robot system is further configured to notify the user of the presence of the unexpected movement.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for tissue characterization using an acousto-electric effect comprising: at least one ultrasonic waveform generator; at least one waveform generation controller; at least one set of electrodes; at least one electric signal amplification circuitry connectable to at least one of said at least one set of electrodes to generate an amplified signal; and at least one signal processing unit for analyzing said amplified signal and to generate information related to properties of multiple locations within a target tissue; wherein at least one of said multiple location has no direct contact with any electrode, and wherein said properties of said multiple locations are obtained within up to 10 milliseconds per location on average.

Abstract: A registration device, including a wand, a light guide passing through the wand, and a position sensor fixed to the wand. A light source outputs a modulated beam of light into a light guide proximal end, so that the light is emitted from a light guide distal end toward a surface in proximity to a wand distal tip. A detector receives, from the light guide proximal end, light reflected from the surface into the light guide distal end, and outputs a signal indicative of the reflected light intensity. A processor computes a distance from the distal tip of the wand to the surface by extracting a phase difference between the output beam and the reflected light from the signal, and computes a position of the surface in a sensor frame of reference responsively to the computed distance and the location of the distal tip found from the position sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the position of an in-vivo device based on external light: the system may include an in-vivo device configured for being introduced into a body and having at least one sensor configured for sensing light; and an ex-vivo module including at least one illumination source configured for emitting an indication light towards said body; the indication light is configured for being sensed by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method for registration of digital medical images is provided. The method includes the step of storing a 3D digital medical image having a 3D anatomical feature and a first coordinate system and storing a 2D digital medical image having a 2D anatomical feature and a second coordinate system. The method further includes the steps of storing a placement of a digital medical object on the 3D digital medical image and the 2D digital medical image and generating a simulated 2D digital medical image from the 3D digital medical image, wherein the simulated 2D digital medical image comprises a simulated 2D anatomical feature corresponding to the 3D anatomical feature. The 2D anatomical feature is compared with the simulated 2D anatomical feature until a match is reached and a registration of the first coordinate system with the second coordinate system based on the match is determined.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic fluid spectral Doppler imaging are disclosed. The system comprises: a transmission circuit for transmitting an ultrasonic beam to a detection object; a receiving circuit and a beam synthesis module for receiving an echo of the ultrasonic beam and obtaining an ultrasonic echo signal; an image processing module for obtaining an ultrasonic fluid flow state image of a region of interest in the detection object according to the ultrasonic echo signal, identifying a sampling position in the region of interest, respectively obtaining a Doppler spectrogram corresponding to each sampling position according to the ultrasonic echo signal, and generating position displaying marks for characterizing the sampling positions; and a display for displaying the position displaying marks in the ultrasonic fluid flow state image, and displaying the obtained Doppler spectrogram. The system may simultaneously display spectra of multiple locations on a same time axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to optical instruments and methods with a head mounted camera on a subject to provide a compact and lightweight solution to imaging specimen from the brain of a subject thereby providing closer proximity imaging with minimal or negligible effect to the subject's ability to physically move and rotate freely. The head mounted camera includes a light source for illuminating light through a beamsplitter to an image lens implant, which has been surgically inserted in the brain of the subject. The head mounted camera also includes an image sensor for imaging the top surface of the imaging lens implant and for capturing and transmitting images of neurons from deep inside the brain of the subject to the image sensor.

Abstract: A case or encasement for use with a smartdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet and an endoscope is disclosed. The encasement includes a power supply, logic for controlling wireless communications, a light source, and other accessories, for use with an endoscope. In an embodiment, the encasement includes a power supply that may be used to charge a smartdevice, power a light source and a wireless communications module. Other embodiments include a mechanism for communicating between the smartdevice and the encasement to control the light source and any other accessories coupled to the encasement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer module, the ultrasonic transducer module including an ultrasonic transducer, a cable electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer and a board connectable to an ultrasonic observation device, and a relay board relaying electrical connection between the ultrasonic transducer and the cable, the method including: performing a first molding to form a first part of a casing by molding a single type of resin having an insulation property through a stereo lithographic molding method; and performing a second molding to form a second part of the casing in a state where the ultrasonic transducer, the relay board, and the cable are provided in the first part of the casing, the second part being manufactured by further molding the resin in a side of the first part, in which the ultrasonic transducer, the relay board, and the cable are arranged, through the stereo lithographic molding method.

Abstract: Estimation and imaging of linear and nonlinear propagation and scattering parameters in a material object where the material parameters for wave propagation and scattering has a nonlinear dependence on the wave field amplitude. The methods transmit at least two pulse complexes composed of co-propagating high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) pulses along at least one LF and HF transmit beam axis, where said HF pulse propagates close to the crest or trough of the LF pulse along at least one HF transmit beam, and where one of the amplitude and polarity of the LF pulse varies between at least two transmitted pulse complexes. At least one HF receive beam crosses the HF transmit beam at an angle, to provide at least two HF cross-beam receive signals from at least two transmitted pulse complexes with different LF pulses.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the medical device field. In particular, the disclosure relates to a dynamically controlled plasma scalpel in combination with an imaging system to selectively remove biofilm while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Systems and apparatuses according to the disclosure include: (1) dynamically controlled plasma scalpel, (2) biofilm imaging system, (3) computer control system, (4) three-dimensional scalpel positioning stage, and (5) biofilm detritus removal system.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonography system capable of suppressing image quality deterioration of an ultrasound image and achieving reduction in diameter of an ultrasound endoscope. An ultrasonography system includes an ultrasound transducer array in which ultrasound transducers are arranged, a cable that is connected to the ultrasound transducers, the cable having a non-coaxial cable that includes a first cable bundle consisting of signal wires and ground wires, and a first shield layer with which the first cable bundle is coated, and an outer coat with which a second cable bundle consisting of a plurality of the non-coaxial cables is coated, a memory that stores static capacitance data indicating static capacitance of each signal wire included in the first cable bundle, and a processor that periodically corrects transmission and reception sensitivity of each ultrasound transducer based on the static capacitance data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A vibro-acoustography imaging system that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for visually assisting an operator of an ultrasound system are provided. In an aspect, the method involves receiving imaging data of an anatomical region using a first coordinate system, the imaging data marked with a landmark for identifying the anatomical region; transforming the imaging data of the anatomical region from the coordinate system to a cylindrical coordinate system; displaying a live ultrasound image of the anatomical region as received from an ultrasound transducer; receiving positional information from the ultrasound transducer corresponding to an alignment point of the anatomical region; and displaying a transformed image from the transformed imaging data of the anatomical region corresponding to the alignment point using the landmark; wherein the transformed image and the live ultrasound image are displayed simultaneously. In another aspect, the method involves generating and transforming a 3D model of the first anatomical regions.

Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical pressure sensor may be disposed within the housing region. The optical pressure sensor may include a sensor body and a deflectable membrane coupled to the sensor body. The deflectable membrane may include a polymer. An optical fiber may be coupled to the sensor body and may extend proximally therefrom. A pressure equalization channel is formed in the optical fiber, the sensor body, or both.