Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and methods for use with a medical, e.g., a surgical, robotic system, involving an MRI apparatus configured to operate with the surgical robotic system, the MRI apparatus having at least one low-field magnet, the at least one low-field magnet configured to generate a low magnetic field, and the low magnetic field comprising a magnetic flux density in a range of approximately 0.1 Tesla (T) to approximately 0.5 T, whereby a standoff between the MRI apparatus and the surgical robotic system is reduced.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure. The imaging system includes an optical assembly including moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics. The system includes a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively. The system includes a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input. The system includes a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly. The system may be capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for controlling a surgical navigation system are provided. The method 1 comprises receiving image data at a processor from a tracking system; receiving, at a processor, an identifier of a surgical instrument within a field of view of the tracking system; generating, at the processor, output data based on the identifier of the surgical instrument; and transmitting the output data to at least one output device connected to the processor, for controlling the output device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing treatment planning information for a neurology procedure, including neurosurgical procedures. A database containing historical data about historical procedures is accessed. Historical data relevant to a neurology procedure is determined, based on a determination of similarity to a set of data characterizing the neurology procedure. Historical instances of procedure parameters relevant to the neurology procedure are determined and displayed.

Abstract: A surgical imaging system is described. The system includes first and second optical assemblies. Each optical assembly defines a respective optical axis, and each includes a respective set of one or more optics for adjusting field-of-view (FOV) and focus and a respective camera for capturing an image. The system includes a controller for controlling the optical assemblies and for switching the surgical imaging system between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the first optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics and/or the respective optical axes in dependence on each other. In the uncoupled configuration, the optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics, and the respective optical axes independently of each other.

Abstract: A portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and methods, involving a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field, the magnet being a portable magnet transportable on a cart, and at least one coil assembly disposed in relation to the magnet, the at least one coil assembly having at least one gradient coil.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring an image at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. Accordingly, an analog signal based on a pulse sequence and a first gain is obtained. The analog signal is converted into a digitized signal. A potential quantization error is detected in the digitized signal based on a boundary. When the detection is affirmative, a replacement analog signal based on the pulse sequence is received. At least one portion of the replacement analog signal can be based on an adjusted gain. The adjusted gain is a factor of the first gain. The replacement analog signal is digitized into a replacement digitized signal. At least one portion of the replacement digitized signal corresponding to the at least one portion of the replacement analog signal is adjusted based on a reversal of the factor.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The system includes a solenoid magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field and an annular coil assembly housed within at least a portion of the solenoid magnet. The coil assembly includes a gradient coil, wherein the annular coil assembly has an aperture formed therein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing treatment planning information for a neurology procedure, including neurosurgical procedures. A database containing historical data about historical procedures is accessed. Historical data relevant to a neurology procedure is determined, based on a determination of similarity to a set of data characterizing the neurology procedure. Historical instances of procedure parameters relevant to the neurology procedure are determined and displayed.

Abstract: A method of data acquisition at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system receives at least a portion of raw data for an image, and detects anomalies in the portion of raw data received. When anomalies are detected, the system can correct those anomalies dynamically, without waiting for a new scan to be ordered. The system can attempt to scan the offending portion of the raw data, either upon detection of the anomaly or at some point during the scan. The system can also correct anomalies using digital correction methods based on expected values. The anomalies can be detected based on variations from thresholds, masks and expected values all of which can be obtained using one of the ongoing scan, previously performed scans and apriori information relating to the type of scan being performed.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for storing and analyzing clinical imaging data. The method includes obtaining patient images from two or more modalities, registering the images, determining position information of a voxel, calculating and assigning a quality metric for the voxel, storing the voxel information and at least one searchable header as imaging data in a computer memory, and modifying or maintaining treatment based on the imaging data. The system includes a memory and a processor, the processor configured to obtain images from two or more modalities, register and store the image set in memory, calculate a quality metric for a voxel in the image set, store the voxel quality metric with the image set in the memory, and modify or maintain treatment based on the calculated qualitative metric.

Abstract: A system and method using a combined modality optical probe is provided. The system comprises: light source(s) providing excitation light; a first optical analysis device configured to receive light in a first range and analyze it using a first optical modality; a second optical analysis device configured to receive light in a second range and analyze it using a second optical modality slower than the first modality; an optical probe configured to: convey the excitation light to a tissue sample; receive the light in the first and second ranges from the sample; and, one or more optical conduits configured to: convey the excitation light from the light source(s) to the optical probe; convey the light in the first range from the optical probe to the first optical analysis device; and convey the light in the second range from the optical probe to the second optical analysis device.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a method for safe operation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the method including: determining, at least in part by using a sensor device, location information that indicates a location of an MR-incompatible object relative to the MRI system, the MRI system generating a polarizing magnetic field for imaging a subject; based on the determined location information, determining, by a control unit associated with the MRI system, that the MR-incompatible object poses an operational hazard to the MRI system; and in response to determining that the MR-incompatible object poses an operational hazard to the MRI system, reducing, by the control unit, a strength of the polarizing magnetic field.

Abstract: Radio frequency (“RF”) coil assemblies for use in local magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) of tissues in a subject or patient in an intraoperative setting are provided. One or more RF coils are coupled to an absorbent member. A connecting element is coupled to the RF coil(s) or the absorbent member. When connected to the RF coil(s), the connecting element includes a wired connector that communicates signals between the RF coil(s) and an RF controller. The RF coil assemblies can be made to be disposable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for measuring tissue deformation during an invasive medical procedure. A device is provided comprising a flexible fiber having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one sensor embedded in the flexible fiber; a rigid mount having a transverse opening for the flexible fiber; a mechanism for inserting the flexible fiber into a tissue; a detector for receiving information from the sensor; and a tracking system for receiving information from the detector to calculate the sensor location.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for storing and analyzing clinical imaging data. The method includes obtaining patient images from two or more modalities, registering the images, determining position information of a voxel, calculating and assigning a quality metric for the voxel, storing the voxel information and at least one searchable header as imaging data in a computer memory, and modifying or maintaining treatment based on the imaging data. The system includes a memory and a processor, the processor configured to obtain images from two or more modalities, register and store the image set in memory, calculate a quality metric for a voxel in the image set, store the voxel quality metric with the image set in the memory, and modify or maintain treatment based on the calculated qualitative metric.

Abstract: A 3D navigation system and methods for enhancing feedback during a medical procedure, involving: an optical imaging system having an optical assembly comprising movable zoom optics and movable focus optics, a zoom actuator for positioning the zoom optics, a focus actuator for positioning the focus optics, a controller for controlling the zoom actuator and the focus actuator in response to received control input, at least one detector for capturing an image of at least one of a target and an obstacle, the at least one detector operable with the optical assembly, and a proprioception feature operable with the optical imaging system for generating a 3D perception, the proprioception feature comprising a communication feature for providing 3D information, the 3D information comprising real-time depth information in relation to real-time planar information within an interrogation volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a suitable surgical location and/or trajectory for proceeding with a surgical procedure based on local polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging (PS-OCT). PS-OCT images are obtained of a tissue region and are processed to provide a spatial map of anisotropic structure within the tissue region. The anisotropic structure is processed to determine one or more suitable surgical locations and/or trajectories for avoiding or reducing damage to local anisotropic tissue structure identified within the tissue region. The spatial map of the anisotropic structure is registered with pre-operative volumetric image data identifying anisotropic tissue structure within a second tissue region that is larger than the tissue region imaged by PS-OCT.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring an image at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. Accordingly, an analog signal based on a pulse sequence and a first gain is obtained. The analog signal is converted into a digitized signal. A potential quantization error is detected in the digitized signal based on a boundary. When the detection is affirmative, a replacement analog signal based on the pulse sequence is received. At least one portion of the replacement analog signal can be based on an adjusted gain. The adjusted gain is a factor of the first gain. The replacement analog signal is digitized into a replacement digitized signal. At least one portion of the replacement digitized signal corresponding to the at least one portion of the replacement analog signal is adjusted based on a reversal of the factor.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for recording a health care event, optimizing medical procedures and calculating reimbursement. The method includes: acquiring metadata comprising a patient identifier, a practitioner identifier, a health care site identifier, an entry time and a medical reason for the health care event; receiving a reimbursement request; generating a procedures list based on the medical reason; selecting a procedure; generating a list of required data types and a list of required quality data for the procedure; acquiring raw data comprising the procedure, a medical device identifier, an entry time and one or more quality data from the medical device for the procedure; and calculating a reimbursement for the health care event based on the procedure, the medical device identifier, the required quality data and the quality data from the medical device. The method implements iterative learning using the collected data to determine optimal health care procedures.