Abstract: A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.

Abstract: A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.

Abstract: A hybrid system is developed using thermal and electrical impedance imaging methods together. The innovation of the approach relies on the frequency dependence of the tissue's electrical impedance which facilitates the acquisition of multiple thermal images with currents at different frequencies injected to the region of the body under inspection. Proposed method without current application (in passive mode of operation) provides images which are obtained by standard thermal imagers. On the other hand, the application of the electrical current (in active mode of operation) increases the temperature contrast on the body surface depending on the electrical property of tissue. Therefore, the technique while increasing the thermal contrast provides frequency dependent conductivity distribution data which can be used as a basis for the detection of the breast carcinoma. The sensitivity of the technique is increased by an infrared camera with dual band (MWIR/LWIR) imaging capability.

Abstract: In an arthroendoscopical surgical method, a resection target area, and a freshening treatment area which becomes repair surfaces with bleeding, are identified, and a resection line and a freshening line are drawn on a tear site in a meniscus, which is emphasized by fluorescence with use of a fluorescent medicine under excitation light. Using an ultrasonic treatment tool and an arthroscope, the resection target area is resected by a probe which generates ultrasonic vibrations, based on the resection line and freshening line under visible-light illumination. Thus, an inclined resection surface is formed, and planar repair surfaces with bleeding are joined and repaired.

Abstract: Presented are embodiments of an apparatus and methodology integrated in the system for non-invasive, continuous, wearable, remote and mobile monitoring of human blood pressure by photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor and an electronic processing unit with the embedded radio allowing the reading and transmittal of the read blood pressure data to the remote location.

Abstract: A positioning system includes a console, an ultrasound probe, a stylet, a stylet control module, and an external sensor. The console includes a display. The ultrasound probe is designed to communicate imaging information to the console. The stylet includes a radiating element capable of producing an electromagnetic field, the electromagnetic field providing electromagnetic field information. The stylet control module includes a timer circuit designed to send electrical pulses at a pulse signal frequency to the radiating element. The external sensor is designed to detect the electromagnetic field and to determine a position of the radiating element with respect to the external sensor as the stylet is advanced in a vasculature of a patient, the external sensor designed to communicate the electromagnetic field information to the console. The system may include a circuit configured to synchronize at least one of the console and the external sensor with the pulse signal frequency.

Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a display apparatus for displaying an ultrasonic image, and a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with a probe, a second communication unit configured to communicate with a display apparatus, and a controller configured to communicate with an ultrasonic diagnostic application when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is in communication with the probe and the display apparatus.

Abstract: A method comprises: storing, in a memory of a computing device, (i) a preoperative image of patient tissue obtained using a first imaging modality and registered to a first frame of reference, and (ii) anatomical data defining a plurality of neural tracts in the patient tissue; receiving, at a processor connected with the memory, a location in the first frame of reference for application of a cortical stimulator pad to the patient tissue; receiving, at the processor, a range of influence of the cortical stimulator pad; based on the location and the range of influence, selecting, at the processor, an intersected neural tract from the plurality of neural tracts, a portion of the intersected neural tract being located within the range of influence; and controlling, at the processor, the display to render the preoperative image, the location and the intersected neural tract according to the first frame of reference.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes a vibrating film, a piezoelectric body, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a groove. The piezoelectric body is arranged upon the vibrating film. The first electrode is arranged upon the piezoelectric body. The second electrode is arranged upon the piezoelectric body and at a position that is separated from the first electrode. The groove is located between the first electrode and the second electrode and splits a surface of the piezoelectric body in two, as seen in plan view from a thickness direction of the vibrating film.

Abstract: A medical device includes a treatment module configured to apply a treatment to a patient. The medical device includes an interface configured to operatively connect to a removable storage device storing authorization data that identifies a level of treatment authorization. The medical device includes a processing device configured to perform operations in response to receiving user input indicating a treatment should be initiated. The operations include determining whether the removable storage device is valid for use with the medical device. If the removable storage device is determined to be valid, the authorization data is accessed. The processing device determines whether the treatment is authorized based on the accessed authorization data. If the treatment is determined to be authorized, the treatment module is controlled to apply the treatment. If the treatment is determined to not be authorized, the treatment module is controlled such that the treatment is not applied.

Abstract: A method of imaging a blood vessel includes delivering a bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel and positioning at least one ultrasound device in the vicinity of the bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel. A first burst of low-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered to excite the bubble-based contrast agent into oscillation within the vessel, and a second burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered at the excited bubble-based contrast agent. A return signal from the burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be received and processed to obtain one or more images.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongated member having an ultrasonic beacon disposed adjacent to a distal end portion of the elongated member, a power supply releasably attachable adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated member, and a catheter. The distal end portion of the elongated member with the ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an anatomical structure of the human body, and the ultrasonic transmitter is powered by the power supply. Using conventional medical ultrasonography equipment, a technician is able to observe and/or track on a display an image of the internal structure of the human body and an image such as an illuminated bright spot representing the energized ultrasonic beacon. After locating the elongated member, the power supply is removed, and the catheter is slid onto the elongated member to locate the catheter tip. Thereafter, the elongated member is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system in which the scan head either includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When used with second stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated.

Abstract: A medical image diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a first collector, a second collector, and an image generator. The first collector collects data from a first region of a subject through a first detector. The second collector collects data from a second region of the subject that is different from the first region through a second detector. The image generator generates a first diagnostic image from the data collected by the first collector and generates a second diagnostic image from the data collected by the second collector.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry having a static magnetic field magnet, a gradient coil, and a radio frequency coil, a PET detector, and a moving mechanism. The static magnetic field magnet generates a static magnetic field in a bore having an approximately cylindrical shape. The gradient coil is disposed on an inner circumference side of the static magnetic field magnet and applies a gradient magnetic field to an object disposed in the bore. The radio frequency coil is disposed on an inner circumference side of the gradient coil and applies a radio frequency magnetic field to the object. The PET detector detects gamma rays emitted from a positron-emitting radionuclide injected into the object. The moving mechanism causes the PET detector in the gantry along the axial direction of the bore.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for real-time, transcranial monitoring of safe blood-brain barrier opening include determining an approach angle for targeted blood-brain barrier opening proximate a predetermined region in a brain of a patient, and positioning an ultrasound transducer to generate a focused ultrasound signal at the determined approach angle to the predetermined region in the brain.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus in embodiments includes a calculating module, a generator, and a changing module. The calculating module calculates feature quantity concerning a flow of a contrast material for each pixel in a predetermined section based on temporal transition in signal intensity of the contrast material in a predetermined section of a plurality of X-ray images radiographed with time by using the contrast material. The generator generates a first color image in which color information corresponding to the feature quantity concerning the flow of the contrast material in a first section as the predetermined section is reflected in each pixel. The changing module changes the predetermined section to a second section that is within the first section.

Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.