Abstract: Systems and methods for anatomical identification using ultrasonic imaging and acoustic shadow detection methods are provided. At least some embodiments of the disclosure comprise the following steps: acquiring ultrasound image; detecting shadow region; extracting shadow profile; filtering shadow profile with matched filter; identifying anatomical landmarks within shadow; extracting features of anatomical landmarks; classifying anatomy, and determining with a high degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. A determination is made as to the degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. Conditionally, graphics indicating presence and position of target anatomy is displayed including disposition, location and orientation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustically coupling energy from one or more ultrasound arrays for use in medicine during ultrasound imaging procedures and an ultrasound imaging and medical instrument guidance system that interfaces to said apparatus for the purpose of ultrasound data collection.

Abstract: A device for dividing a fibrous structure may include a handle having a proximal end. a distal end. and an imaging core extending therebetween. the imaging core configured to image tissue including the fibrous structure: an expandable member positioned near the distal end of the handle, the expandable member being transitionable between an inflated state and a deflated state, and the expandable member includes a cutting element arranged on a surface of the expandable member for weakening or cutting the fibrous structure resulting in its division: and a probe cover coupled to the handle. the probe cover including a covering extending in a proximal direction for draping over the handle to create a sterile barrier between the handle and the expandable member.

Abstract: A system for affixing an ultrasound scanning transducer to a body for use in medicine during needle injection procedures.

Abstract: A computerized method for augmenting digital medical images, including an apparatus and methods utilizing a machine-learning approach for generating an augmented medical image containing features within the boundaries of the source image that are missing from or distorted in the source image.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based scanning apparatus using multiple transducer arrays and a physical gap for guidance and insertion of a medical instrument, such as a needle, and methods to detect and visualize the inserted medical instrument within a target region of the patient anatomy.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmission material that may be used to convey ultrasonic energy in medical ultrasound or non-destructive testing (NDT) applications.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging scan head includes a fluid chamber including a gearless voice-coil motor therein. The voice-coil motor mechanism includes a rigid mechanical assembly, capable of moving with the fluid chamber, having one or more transducer elements and motor windings. Within the fluid chamber are motor magnets physically separated from the rigid mechanical assembly. The ultrasound imaging scan head further includes an inductive position sensor and internal bladder wherein the one or more transducer elements are capable of moving within the fluid chamber when a current is passed through the motor windings in a presence of a magnetic field generated by the one or more motor magnets.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based scanning apparatus and system using a dual-array probe and slot for guidance and insertion of a needle to assist with needle injection procedures.

Abstract: The position and orientation of an ultrasound probe is tracked in three dimensions to provide highly-accurate three-dimensional bone surface images that can be used for anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance. The position and orientation of a therapy applicator can be tracked in three dimensions to provide feedback to align the projected path of the therapy applicator with a desired path for the therapy applicator or to provide feedback to align the potential therapy field of a therapy applicator with a target anatomical site. The three-dimensional bone surface images can be fit to a three-dimensional model of the anatomical site to provide or display additional information to the user to improve the accuracy of the anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance.

Abstract: Handheld ultrasound imaging devices for identification of target regions are generally described. Medical ultrasound is a popular medical imaging modality primarily used for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue but also for interventional procedures such as guidance of a needle or catheter placement. Examples include diagnostic imaging of organs, such cardiac or liver structures. Common interventional procedures that rely on ultrasound guidance are central line placement and guidance of nerve blocks, both of which are high volume procedures in certain hospital settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU). Handheld ultrasound imaging devices with integral display screens and improve portability are described, along with systems and methods for orienting displayed ultrasound images so as to improve their usefulness in guiding interventional procedures.

Abstract: A scan head is described which permits movement of a scanning element such as a transducer or transducer array within the head. A position sensor is employed such as an inductive position sensor. Various embodiments allow for low-volume low-cost scan heads that can be used in applications such as medical imaging, industrial applications or other uses, and may be employed with ultrasound imaging transducers, arrays or other types of elements integrated into said scan head. Movement of the transducers or other elements in the scan head permit a wider operational field including to sweep a larger imaging region and/or to extend the effective operation of the unit into greater dimensions along one or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The position and orientation of an ultrasound probe is tracked in three dimensions to provide highly-accurate three-dimensional bone surface images that can be used for anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance. The position and orientation of a therapy applicator can be tracked in three dimensions to provide feedback to align the projected path of the therapy applicator with a desired path for the therapy applicator or to provide feedback to align the potential therapy field of a therapy applicator with a target anatomical site. The three-dimensional bone surface images can be fit to a three-dimensional model of the anatomical site to provide or display additional information to the user to improve the accuracy of the anatomical assessment and/or procedure guidance.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of fire resistant display components, systems and associated methods. The system comprises a plurality of light emitting display modules, each display module being constructed to have improved fire resistance as measured by one or more fire performance characteristics including heat release, smoke density, smoke toxicity, flame spread or drip.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of fire resistant display components, systems and associated methods. The system comprises a plurality of light emitting display modules, each display module being constructed to have improved fire resistance as measured by one or more fire performance characteristics including heat release, smoke density, smoke toxicity, flame spread or drip.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device includes an angle sensor to measure the angular orientation of the device. A first user input causes the device to store the first angular orientation in memory as a stored angular orientation. A second user input causes the device to determine a second angular orientation of the device or of a projected path of a probe through a probe guide. The device compares the second angular orientation with the first angular orientation and provides a visual indication of the direction(s) to rotate the device and/or probe holder and/or probe so that the second angular orientation is equal to or substantially equal to the stored angular orientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for anatomical identification using ultrasonic imaging and acoustic shadow detection methods are provided. At least some embodiments of the disclosure comprise the following steps: acquiring ultrasound image; detecting shadow region; extracting shadow profile; filtering shadow profile with matched filter; identifying anatomical landmarks within shadow; extracting features of anatomical landmarks; classifying anatomy, and determining with a high degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. A determination is made as to the degree of confidence that the target anatomy is depicted in the image. Conditionally, graphics indicating presence and position of target anatomy is displayed including disposition, location and orientation thereof.

Abstract: Handheld ultrasound imaging devices for identification of target regions are generally described. Medical ultrasound is a popular medical imaging modality primarily used for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue but also for interventional procedures such as guidance of a needle or catheter placement. Examples include diagnostic imaging of organs, such cardiac or liver structures. Common interventional procedures that rely on ultrasound guidance are central line placement and guidance of nerve blocks, both of which are high volume procedures in certain hospital settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU). Handheld ultrasound imaging devices with integral display screens and improve portability are described, along with systems and methods for orienting displayed ultrasound images so as to improve their usefulness in guiding interventional procedures.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, a handheld ultrasound imaging device comprises: a housing; an ultrasound imaging unit disposed at least in part within the housing, the ultrasound imaging unit including an ultrasound transducer; a display rotatably coupled to the housing; and a releasably engageable catch; wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch restricts movement of the housing relative to the display. In at least some aspects, a method comprises: positioning a handheld ultrasound imaging device having a housing and a display on a surface with a screen of the display facing toward the surface; providing relative movement between the housing and display to position an ultrasonic transducer of the handheld ultrasound imaging device in an at least partially upright position; and applying a sterile cover on at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer without touching the handheld ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for probe insertion using feedback from ultrasound guidance using anatomical features. The present disclosure is directed to ultrasound imaging for the generation of ultrasound images of anatomical features such as bone and/or visualizing ultrasound images of anatomical features in a subject being imaged. Specifically, the present invention pertains to real-time feedback using graphical user interface and ultrasonic imaging for the purpose of probe insertion. Probe insertion can either be idealistically displayed or physically guided with varying degrees of freedom for augmented accuracy and mitigating failure rates.