Abstract: An interventional magnetic resonance method and apparatus utilizing a microcoil which enable localization of an interventional instrument by detecting magnetic resonance signals from the surroundings of the microcoil under the influence of magnetic field gradients. The outstanding reliability and the high speed of the method are due to the application of spatially non-selective RF pulses in conjunction with a sequence of gradient pulses in non-colinear directions. The localization method can be used inter alia for angiography wherein the signal intensity is used to determine the amount of blood present in the blood vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a method of displaying cross-sectional images of a body so as to render the cross-sectional images more interpretable. The method is effected by using a first imaging device (110, 120), obtaining at least one cross-sectional image of a portion of the body, at least one cross-sectional image being defined by at least one first plane; and projecting each of at least one cross-sectional image of the portion of the body onto a predefined second plane, so as to obtain at least one projected cross-sectional image of the portion of the body, each of the at least one projected cross-sectional image becoming more interpretable by a user.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system and method of correcting for the motion of a subject during an MRI scan. The motion of a subject in an MRI scan is corrected by acquiring nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) spectra of an ordered material attached to a subject, wherein there is a dependence on the NMR spectra of the ordered material's orientation in a magnetic field, and determining an orientation of the subject. Correction information is then supplied to a primary spectrometer channel which is used to execute an MRI scan, and an imaging pulse sequence of the MRI scan is adjusted to correct the subject's orientation.

Abstract: An integrated endoscopic image acquisition and therapeutic delivery system for use in minimally invasive medical procedures (MIMPs). The system uses directed and scanned optical illumination provided by a scanning optical fiber or light waveguide that is driven by a piezoelectric or other electromechanical actuator included at a distal end of an integrated imaging and diagnostic/therapeutic instrument. The directed illumination provides high resolution imaging, at a wide field of view (FOV), and in full color that matches or excels the images produced by conventional flexible endoscopes. When using scanned optical illumination, the size and number of the photon detectors do not limit the resolution and number of pixels of the resulting image. Additional features include enhancement of topographical features, stereoscopic viewing, and accurate measurement of feature sizes of a region of interest in a patient's body that facilitate providing diagnosis, monitoring, and/or therapy with the instrument.

Abstract: A wireless remote control unit (60) that operates in the radio frequency bandwidth is used for interfacing with a sequence control system (B) and an image processing system (C) from within a magnetic resonance suite (A) in the presence of a magnetic field produced by a main magnet assembly (10). The sequence control system and the image processing system are connected with a first wireless transceiver (30) whose antenna (28) is located within a magnetic resonance suite. The first transceiver (30) communicates with the remote control unit (60) and a second transceiver (32) connected with a transmitter (40) and gradient coil amplifiers (34). Resonance signals received by a radio frequency coil (46) are communicated to the first transceiver (30) by the second transceiver (32) or by a transceiver (46?) mounted on the receiving coil. The receiver coil transceiver also engages in a handshake protocol to identify itself.

Abstract: Aqueous indocyanine green (ICG) composition exhibiting enhanced stability, as well as enhanced ICG concentration, as compared to presently available ICG products. The composition comprises an aqueous ICG composition comprising ICG at a concentration of at least about 10 mg/ml and an aqueous diluent, wherein the composition is stable for at least 24 hours. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods for using these aqueous compositions are also contemplated, e.g., angiography, dye-enhanced photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, for a variety of conditions, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), lesions and tumors.

Abstract: A patient bed support for maneuvering a patient in an open MRI system that includes an upper pole assembly and a lower pole assembly. The patient bed support includes a frame for attaching the patient bed support to the lower pole assembly in the MRI system and a member movably attached to the frame such that a patient placed on the member may be moved relative to the lower and upper pole assemblies of the MRI system.

Abstract: Method and system for remotely conducting medical imaging transactions conducive to meeting the individualized imaging needs of a plurality of users are provided. The method provides a user interface configured to present a menu of prompts to a user of a respective medical imager and/or imaging equipment associated with the imager. The menu of prompts is configured to elicit information indicative of imaging performance of the medical imager and/or equipment relative to imaging preferences of the user. The method further allows transmitting the information indicative of the imaging performance over a communications network to an imaging service center. A database is configured to store the information indicative of the imaging performance of the medical imager and/or imaging equipment. The database is further configured to store the imaging preferences of the user.

Abstract: This invention is a system, method, and article of manufacture for imaging tubular structures of the human body, such as the digestive tract of a living person, with a medical imaging device such as a computed tomography (CT) scanner and a computer work station. The system comprises receiving a first image data set representative of a portion of the colon in a prone position and a second image data set representative of a portion of the colon in a supine position, at a series of viewpoints. At each of the viewpoints, an image is generated of the colon in the prone and supine positions. The prone and supine images of the colon are simultaneously displayed on a screen display in a dual view mode.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system with is enhanced graphics features is described for assisting a surgeon in orthopaedic procedures. A system is described for use in inserting multiple guide pins in hip fracture surgery using a single bore drill guide that has a graphical representation comprising its real trajectory and one or more virtual trajectories, the virtual trajectories representing potential positions of other guide pins to be placed during the procedure. Additionally, representations of inserted guide pins and virtual trajectories may be retained on the display at their inserted positions for use in aligning subsequent guide pins. A system is also described for orientation of an acetabular cup in a total hip replacement surgery. During cup insertion, the surgeon is provided with information regarding the orientation of the cup with respect to a pelvic reference frame that is based on accepted pelvic landmarks.

Abstract: The present invention comprises imaging and quantitative measurement of lung ventilation, particularly in a human lung. Methods for quantitative imaging of lung ventilation, and the further provided systems and algorithmic tools therefore, comprise three primary components: the combined MRI ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) imaging techniques using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas (H3He); the three-dimensional quantitative imaging of absolute lung perfusion (Q) and collection of local magnetic resonance image data therefrom to produce an absolute lung perfusion image data; and the algorithmic co-registration of the two image data sets, (HP-3He MRI image of V/Q and MR imaging of quantitative perfusion (Q) in the lung). From the data acquired in the combined data sets and their spatial co-registration, absolute ventilation (V) is computed.

Abstract: In order to be able to ascertain the position of the bone in the body without complicated procedures in a process for the preoperative determination of the positioning data of endoprosthetic parts of a central joint relative to the bones forming the central joint, a respective outer articular point is determined by way of movement of the bones about a respective outer joint which is located at the end of the two bones facing away from the central joint. An articular point is determined for each of the two bones in the area of the central joint, and a direction characteristic for each of these bones is determined by way of a straight-line connection of the two articular points obtained in this manner for the two bones. The orientation of the endoprosthetic parts relative to this characteristic direction is then determined. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring indices of brain activity includes non-invasively obtaining signals of central nervous system (CNS) activity, localizing signals to specific anatomical and functional CNS regions, correlating the signals from pain and reward brain regions, and interpreting the correlation results. The results of interpreting the correlation results can be used for objectively measuring, in individual humans or animals, their responses to motivationally salient stimuli including but not limited to stimuli which are internal or external, conscious or non-conscious, pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, and diseased based processes. This method for measuring brain activity in reward/aversive central nervous system regions, can further be used to determine the efficacy of compounds.

Abstract: The combination of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-guided subcutaneous core biopsy can be used as a robust approach for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. MRI provides the means to accurately position and monitor interventional procedures such as biopsy, removal of tissue or other transcanular procedures. MRI may also be used in this invention to position and monitor the progress of breast conserving therapies (BCT), such as laser photo-ablation, cryoablation and localized hyperthermia. The general practice of this invention is to provide a remotely controlled apparatus for MR-guided interventional procedures in the breast. The apparatus allows the practice of a method that provides flexibility in conditioning the breast, i.e. orientation and degree of compression, and in setting the trajectory of the intervention.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (10) acquires a plurality of parametric images (60) with at least one varying imaging parameter. A parametric map (62) is constructed from the plurality of parametric images (60). At least one pilot parameter (64) is identified from at least the parametric map (62). The at least one identified pilot parameter (64) includes at least a volume of interest for a diagnostic image. A contrast agent (54) is administered to the patient (18). The identified volume of interest is imaged during influx of the administered contrast agent (54) into the identified volume of interest. The imaging uses the at least one identified pilot parameter (64).

Abstract: A method for imaging an object is disclosed. The method may include transmitting light in a predetermined wavelength range through an optical transmitter to a prism, applying an electromagnetic field to the prism, and passing said light through the prism. The prism may be configured to have an index of refraction that varies with changes in the applied electromagnetic field and that remains substantially constant with changes in wavelength of light over the predetermined wavelength range such that said light exiting from said prism deflects at a substantially controlled angle.

Abstract: A system for generating a three-dimensional image of the compressed breast 40 of a subject includes an x-ray mammography unit 24 for generating x-ray mammography data, a mechanical scanner 20 including an x-ray mammography compression paddle assembly 22, a control and motion system 26, 28 for driving the mechanical scanner 20 and for sensing the control and motion system's position, an ultrasound probe 32 for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the x-ray mammography unit 24, and a computer 38 for generating from the ultrasound image data and the x-ray mammography data the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: A system for use by a surgeon during a knee replacement operation comprises a navigation computer whose memory holds data relating to size and shape of at least one implant as well as data obtained during pre-operative scanning. The system also registers the three dimensional position and orientation of the patient's tibia and/or femur during the course of the knee replacement operation. The system is capable of applying tension to the ligaments of the patient's knee in flexion or in extension after resection of the patient's tibia. Moreover the computer is programmed to display images of the bones on the computer's screen at different stages of the operation and with potential planes of cut.

Abstract: A surgical system or assembly for performing cardiac surgery includes a surgical instrument; a servo-mechanical system engaged to the surgical instrument for operating the surgical instrument; and an attachment assembly for removing at least one degree of movement from a moving surgical cardiac worksite to produce a resultant surgical cardiac worksite. The surgical system or assembly also includes a motion tracking system for gathering movement information on a resultant surgical cardiac worksite. A control computer is engaged to the attachment assembly and to the motion tracking system and to the servo-mechanical system for controlling movement of the attachment assembly and for feeding gathered information to the servo-mechanical system for moving the surgical instrument in unison with the resultant surgical cardiac worksite such that a relative position of the moving surgical instrument with respect to the resultant surgical cardiac worksite is generally constant.

Abstract: A medical imaging system for conducting an image-guided medical procedure on a subject and a method for performing the same is provided. The system includes a medical imaging apparatus, such as a CT scanner, magnetic resonance imaging system, or ultrasonic imaging system, etc., for obtaining volumetric images of the subject. Through intervention planning techniques, an interventional procedure on a subject using the volumetric images is determined. A mechanical arm assembly disposed in proximity to the medical imaging apparatus carries out the interventional procedure. The mechanical arm assembly includes a base support, a distal end, a plurality of arm segments, and a plurality of joints between the arm segments for carrying out the interventional procedure. An end-effector is disposed at the distal end of the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector includes gripping means for selectively gripping and releasing a surgical instrument during the interventional procedure.