Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing complex reality three-dimensional images and a system for same, the method comprising: (a) a step for determining first reality three-dimensional spatial coordinates for a three-dimensional image of a human body; (b) a step for determining second reality three-dimensional spatial coordinates for an image of an item of medical equipment; (c) a step for obtaining a three-dimensional image of the area surrounding the medical equipment, from an imaging means in the medical equipment, and determining third reality three-dimensional spatial coordinates for said image; (d) a step for examining an image that is at the same coordinates in the three kinds of three-dimensional spatial coordinates; and (e) a step for producing a complex reality three-dimensional image by selecting the one image that is at the same coordinates, if there is one image at the same coordinates, or selecting the necessary image or images from among a plurality of images, if there are mult

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates an image from volume data. The volume data is generated based on echo data acquired while the ultrasonic probe is moved and output of a positional sensor provided on the ultrasonic probe. The processing circuitry further generates an indicator indicating speed of the ultrasonic probe and recommended speed range of moving the ultrasonic probe. The speed of the ultrasonic probe is calculated based on the output of the positional sensor. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the image and the indicator.

Abstract: A device for measuring a plurality of parameters of a patient subject to a treatment with radiopharmaceuticals includes a main body constrained to the patient's body in such a way that the measurement device is of wearable type. The device includes a plurality of measurement modules, for example a first module and a second module, each of which is equipped with a respective sensor, configured to measure a predetermined parameter of the patient. The device is also equipped with a microprocessor configured to process a plurality of data measured by the plurality of sensors, obtaining a plurality of processed data. Furthermore, a transmission means is provided of wireless type arranged to send via wireless communication the data processed by the microprocessor to a remote control unit.

Abstract: Collisions between a minimally invasive surgical instrument and patient tissue are prevented in various ways. A real time image of a surgical site is mosaiced over a previously recorded more distal image of the site. Surgical instruments are visible in the real time image, and representations of the surgical instruments as they would appear in the previously recorded image are generated and displayed on the previously recorded image. Consequently, a person moving the surgical instruments sees a representation of the instruments outside the field of view of an imaging system taking the real time images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting electromechanical wave propagation within a body structure of a patient in a series of image frames representing movement the body structure are provided. Image data is acquired comprising a series of image frames corresponding to the movement of a body structure. A correlation calculation is performed on the image frames to generate a displacement map representing the relative displacement between the first and second image frames. A video is generated comprising a series of displacement maps. The parameters of movement of the body structure are detected by analysis of the displacement maps. The image acquisition can detect the movement of the body structure without inducing such movement.

Abstract: A method of tracking a position of a catheter within a patient includes securing a navigational reference at a reference location within the patient, defining the reference location as the origin of a coordinate system, determining a location of an electrode moving within the patient relative to that coordinate system, monitoring for a dislodgement of the navigational reference from the initial reference location, for example by measuring the navigational reference relative to a far field reference outside the patient's body, and generating a signal indicating that the navigational reference has dislodged from the reference location. Upon dislodgement, a user may be provided with guidance to help reposition and secure the navigational reference to the initial reference location, or the navigational reference may be automatically repositioned and secured to the initial reference location. Alternatively, a reference adjustment may be calculated to compensate for the changed reference point/origin.

Abstract: A system and a method for disrupting an occlusion within a blood vessel is provided The system includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first lumen. The system further includes an ultrasound transmitter extending longitudinally through the first lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system further includes a positioning mechanism located at a distal end of the catheter body. The positioning mechanism has a first retracted position and a second deployed position, and the positioning mechanism is radially expandable from the first retracted position to the second deployed position to position the catheter in the blood vessel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gesture detection supporting system for an X-ray diagnosis includes memory circuitry, a sensor, processing circuitry and an attaching instrument. The memory circuitry stores an operation content of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The operation content is related to a gesture by a user. The sensor senses a gesture. The processing circuitry detects the gesture, based on an output from the sensor; acquire the operation content of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, from the memory circuitry, based on a detection result of the gesture; and output operation information to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, based on the operation content. The attaching instrument attaches the sensor to a ceiling of an examination room, an arm for driving an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, an intravenous drip stand, an injector of a contrast agent, an X-ray protective board and/or a display for displaying an X-ray image.

Abstract: Three-dimensional imaging of a breast tissue is achieved by acquiring a series of X-ray projection images from various angles. A three-dimensional image constructed from the projection images by a computer provides information to the operator to select a coordinate point within the breast from which to obtain a biopsy sample. Acquisition of projection images and construction of three-dimensional images is continued during the insertion of the needle into the breast, during positioning the needle towards the coordinate point, during the sampling and after the sampling. The advantages of utilizing tomosynthesis for breast tissue imaging over stereo imaging include better image quality, easier coordinate measurements within a tissue, ease of use of the equipment by the medical personnel, and fewer image artifact problems.

Abstract: An apparatus for deriving tissue temperature from thermal strain includes a thermal strain measuring module. The module uses ultrasound (156, 158) to measure thermal strain in a region, within a subject, that surrounds a location (166a, 166f) where a temperature sensor is disposed. Also included is a temperature measurement module configured for, via the sensor, measuring a temperature at the sensor while the sensor is inside the subject. Further included is a patient-specific thermal-strain-to-temperature-change proportionality calibration module. The calibration module is configured for calibrating (S238) a coefficient and for doing so based on a measurement of a temperature parameter at that location derived from output of the temperature measurement module and on a measurement of thermal strain at that location obtained via the strain measuring module.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, provide measurements of a vessel that allow assessment of the vessel and, in particular, any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, simulate diagnostic visualizations a first visualization device and a second visualization device. For example, the methods can include displaying, on a first visualization device, an image of the vessel with treatment diagnostic visualizations based on obtained pressure measurements and displaying, on a second visualization device, a portion of the image of the vessel with diagnostic visualizations based on the obtained pressure measurements, wherein the portion of the image of the vessel displayed on the second visualization device is a close up of a region of interest of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an achromatic endoscope which employs a diffractive microlens. Along with a broadband rotary joint and a custom 800 nm SD-OCT system, ultrahigh-resolution 3D volumetric imaging over a large area becomes possible. The diffractive microlens can be used directly with a GRIN lens, making the endoscope design simpler and cost effective. Preliminary ex vivo 3D intraluminal imaging was performed with the endoscope in conjunction with a home-built broadband rotary joint and a spectral-domain OCT system, demonstrating the performance of the diffractive endoscope. Considering the miniature OCT imaging probe is the required component for using the OCT technology in internal organs, the proposed approach will have a broad impact on endoscopic OCT imaging by improving OCT resolution in any applications that involve a miniature OCT probe, as intravascular OCT imaging, gastrointestinal (GI) tract imaging, airway imaging etc.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a magnetic tracking system, which generates a magnetic field near a living subject's body, and a probe, having a distal end that can contact registration points on a surface of the body. The probe has a contact sensor, located within the distal end, that outputs first signals indicative of a quality of the contact between the distal end with the registration points. Located within the distal end is a magnetic detector that outputs second signals that are indicative of respective positions of the registration points in a coordinate frame of the magnetic tracking system. A processor receives a tomographic image of the subject, and verifies, based on the quality of the contact indicated by the first signals, that the registration points are valid, and registers the tomographic image in the coordinate frame of the magnetic tracking system using the positions of the valid registration points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive blood pressure measurement are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system comprises a wearable member configured to generate first and second signals (e.g., PPG signals), and a blood pressure calculation system. The blood pressure calculation system includes a wave selection module configured to identify subsets of waves of the signals, a feature extraction module configured to generate sets of feature vectors form the subsets of waves, and a blood pressure processing module configured to calculate an arterial blood pressure value based on the sets of feature vectors and an empirical blood pressure calculation model, the empirical blood pressure calculation model configured to receive the sets of feature vectors as input values. The blood pressure calculation system further includes a communication module configured to provide a message including or being based on the arterial blood pressure value.

Abstract: A system and method for locating magnetic material. In one embodiment the system includes a magnetic probe; a power module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to supply current to the magnetic probe; a sense module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to receive signals from the magnetic probe; and a computer in electrical communication with the power module and the sense module. The computer generates a waveform that controls the supply of current from the power module and receives a signal from the sense module that indicates the presence of magnetic material. The magnetic probe is constructed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially 10?6/° C. or less and a Young's modulus of substantially 50 GPa or greater. In one embodiment magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a breast and the lymph nodes collecting the particles are detected with the probe and deemed sentinel nodes.

Abstract: A trackable guidewire apparatus and method for use are described. Longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guidewire ends are separated by a guidewire body. A plurality of longitudinally spaced position sensors are configured to provide signals corresponding to a three-dimensional position of at least one position sensor in a coordinate system of an associated tracking system in response to an electromagnetic field/stimulus. At least one retention mechanism is provided for maintaining the medical device in a predetermined retention position longitudinally along the guidewire body. At least one stop structure is provided in a predetermined stop position longitudinally along the guidewire body.

Abstract: Scanning a subject with an ultrasonic probe and obtaining an ultrasonic image of the subject. Obtaining a cross-sectional image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional image corresponding to the ultrasonic image from the three-dimensional image, the three-dimensional image including a puncture line set for a puncture needle and a superimposed columnar index having a central axis line on the puncture line and opacity which is reduced with the distance from the central axis line. Displaying the ultrasonic image and the cross-sectional image. In this case, the thickness, opacity, and cross-sectional shape of the index displayed on the cross-sectional image vary according to the positional relationship between the scan plane of the ultrasonic probe and the cross-section in which the puncture line is set.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electromagnetic sensor configured to generate a first sensed signal based at least in part on detection of a first signal having a first wavelength. The apparatus includes a second electromagnetic sensor configured to generate a second sensed signal based at least in part on detection of a second signal having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The apparatus includes a processing circuit configured to generate a plethysmogram based at least in part on the first sensed signal and the second sensed signal. The apparatus may include a first emitter configured to emit an optical signal having the first wavelength. The apparatus may include a second emitter configured to emit a reference signal. The first wavelength may be a human-blood-sensitive and human-skin-penetrable wavelength and the second wavelength may be at least one of a human-blood-insensitive wavelength and a human-skin-impenetrable wavelength.

Abstract: Wireless markers having predetermined relative positions with respect to each other are employed for motion tracking and/or correction in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The markers are inductively coupled to the MR receive coil(s). The correspondence between marker signals and markers can be determined by using knowledge of the marker relative positions in various ways. The marker relative positions can be known a priori, or can be obtained from a preliminary scan. This approach is applicable for imaging (both prospective and retrospective motion correction), spectroscopy, and/or intervention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a terahertz imaging system for imaging a lumen of a human, such as an intravascular space. A system may include a catheter and a terahertz transceiver device coupled to the catheter. The terahertz transceiver device may be operative to output terahertz radiation through a lumen of a human and to receive reflection signals based on the terahertz radiation. A power source may be coupled to the terahertz transceiver device. The system may further include a controller in communication with the terahertz transceiver device. The controller is operative to obtain an image of the lumen based on the reflection signals.