Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus controls image reconstruction based on magnetic resonance signals collected when a peak of detected respiration level falls within an allowable range which changes based on a change in a plurality of peak values of a plurality detected respiration levels.

Abstract: A system and method for improving available signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and speed of MR imaging of hyperpolarized substances is disclosed. The system and method include decoupling spin effects of hydrogen nuclei from non-hydrogen nuclei of interest during sampling of MR signals therefrom. Though the hydrogen nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance may not be directly bonded to the non-hydrogen nuclei of interest, resonance splitting may still impact SNR. Long range decoupling improves T2* time, and thus preserves signal strength and available SNR.

Abstract: A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter (including components attached thereto—e.g., IVUS console, transducer, etc.). Specifically, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a computing device is electrically connected to a catheter and used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). The backscattered ultrasound data is then used, together with an algorithm, to estimate the transfer function. The transfer function can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). In a second embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a catheter and a computing device and is used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with gated optical coherence tomography (OCT) are described. One example method includes generating an image control signal to control an OCT apparatus to acquire an image of an embryonic heart at a specified point in time during a cardiac cycle of the embryonic heart. The method may also include controlling the OCT apparatus to acquire the image based on the image control signal. In different examples, the image may be acquired in vivo or from an excised heart that is paced. The OCT apparatus and the embryonic heart may be housed in an environmental chamber having a set of controllable environmental factors. Therefore, the method may include detecting and controlling the set of controllable environmental factors.

Abstract: Needles are widely used in interventional radiology. Each medical application requires a specific needle type. The same holds for the photonic needles which analysis depends on the type of application the clinician aims for. Therefore, it is relevant to have the X-ray machine recognize the type of needle that is being used and to load the required software for the tissue analysis. It is therefore proposed to have a data link established between the imaging modality used for the acquisition of the patient anatomy (X-ray, CT, MR or US) and the system that processes optical data from the needle, so that the information from this imaging modality can be used to guide the processing. In a preferred embodiment the selection is made by reading out the code present in the disposable needle when it is connected to the console.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for classifying and/or ablating tissue. By directing microwave radiation through a probe (5) into tissue (6) and detecting the amplitude and phase of radiation reflected back through the probe and a reference signal, the tissue type can be classified. An impedance tuner which is actuated by magnetostrictive material (800) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining a functional property of a moving object includes a tag contactable to the object such that the tag follows the movement of the object. The system further includes a movement determination device configured to determine the movement of the tag. The system also includes a functional property determination device configured to determine a functional property of the object from the determined movement of the tag.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recording and evaluating PET data recorded at the same time as magnetic resonance data using a combined magnetic resonance/PET apparatus, wherein in the context of a pulse sequence for recording the magnetic resonance data a magnetic resonance recording facility, including at least one gradient coil and at least one high-frequency coil, is activated. In at least one embodiment, the method includes recording the PET data and assigning the recorded PET data after the recording time point to at least two data groups assigned to a predetermined operating state of the magnetic resonance recording facility; for each data group, determining a measure of similarity of the PET data contained therein to the PET data as a whole and/or to PET data of at least one further data group, whereby if the measure of similarity is below a threshold value, the PET data of the data group is rejected and/or further evaluated separately.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both.

Abstract: Methods of performing a power injection procedure are described. One method includes taking an x-ray of a subcutaneously implanted access port in a patient to determine whether the access port includes a radiographic feature indicating that the access port is suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second through the access port, identifying the indicating radiographic feature on the x-ray, and flowing a fluid through the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second.

Abstract: Switching is provided in a transducer array of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The switching controls the formation of macro elements or aperture for scanning a plane or volume. The switches are implemented with one or more transistors. The control causes the gates of the transistor to float during the “on” connection. While on, the switch connects, allowing ultrasound signals to pass through the switch.

Abstract: Described are embodiments including methods and devices for venting a handpiece of a medical device. These embodiments provide a vent for the handpiece. A porous membrane is positioned over an opening of the vent to allow gas, including steam, to enter and escape from the handpiece and prevent liquids from entering the handpiece. Other embodiments include methods and devices for holding an ultrasonic driver assembly within a handpiece and preventing the ultrasonic driver assembly from rotating within the handpiece. These embodiments include positioning the ultrasonic driver assembly such that the ultrasonic driver assembly is held in place at a node of the ultrasonic driver assembly and an anti-rotation mechanism is also located at the node.

Abstract: Layers or coats of materials with high dielectric constant or permittivity with very low conductivity are inserted in between radiofrequency (RF) coil or coil's conductive elements and the sample to enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR), improve image contrast, and reduce the specific absorption rate (SAR) of magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy instruments. The embodiments of the present invention can be used as an auxiliary device to the standard pre-constructed RF coils or incorporated with RF coil constructions for enhancing RF coil performances in both transmission and reception.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring ultrasound data of a region-of-interest including an interventional device with a probe, identifying a position of the interventional device with respect to the probe, and identifying a shadow region within the region-of-interest based on the position of the interventional device. The system and method includes identifying a subset of the ultrasound data acquired from the shadow region, generating an image including a graphical indicator identifying a shadow region area generated from the subset of the ultrasound data, and displaying the image.

Abstract: A system for advancing a needle through a vasculature to an injection site at the heart of a patient includes a guide catheter with a reflective distal tip. Also included is an imaging unit that is mounted on the catheter to radiate an energy field. Structurally, a distal portion of the catheter is biased to bend into a predetermined configuration that will position the distal end of the catheter for interception by the energy field. If necessary, coincidence of the reflective tip with the energy field is established by moving the energy field along the length of the guide catheter. With coincidence, the reflective tip reflects a signal that is useful for advancement of the needle from the guide catheter and into the injection site.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus includes a probe, having a proximal end and a distal end. The probe includes a sensor, which outputs a sensor signal, and a first connector at the proximal end of the probe, electrically coupled at least to the sensor. A probe adapter includes a second connector, which is arranged to mate with the first connector, and a third connector, for coupling to a console. A shield includes a material of high magnetic permeability, which is configured to enclose an internal volume containing the first and second connectors when the probe is connected to the probe adapter.

Abstract: A catheter procedure system including a user interface for receiving at least a first user input and a second user input and a guide catheter is provided. The catheter procedure system also includes a guide catheter actuating mechanism coupled to the guide catheter and a Y-connector. The guide catheter actuating mechanism is configured to advance and retract the guide catheter in response to the first user input and to rotate the guide catheter in response to the second user input. The catheter procedure system includes a first connector coupling the Y-connector to the guide catheter actuating mechanism, and the first connector is configured to allow the Y-connector to advance and retract with the guide catheter and to allow the guide catheter to rotate without also causing the Y-connector to rotate.

Abstract: A continuous, noninvasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer adhered to the abdomen of the mother. Each ultrasound transducer generates an ultrasound beam having a signal strength. The signal strength is determined by an excitation voltage applied to the ultrasound transducer. An excitation voltage adjustment device is positioned between an excitation voltage generator and the ultrasound transducer to selectively control the strength of the ultrasound beam. A user input device allows an operator to control the ultrasound signal strength to vary the depth of viewing of the fetal heart rate monitor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed to locate a robotic instrument in the field of view of a camera. The method includes capturing sequential images in a field of view of a camera. The sequential images are correlated between successive views. The method further includes receiving a kinematic datum to provide an approximate location of the robotic instrument and then analyzing the sequential images in response to the approximate location of the robotic instrument. An additional method for robotic systems is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method for indicating tool entrance into the field of view of a camera.