Abstract: A series of rt-3DE images of the mitral valve are quantitatively analyzed so as to enable, for example, prediction of the degree of recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and comprehensive assessments of leaflet tethering and “tenting” for the entire mitral valve. In accordance with the method, first, the rt-3DE images are registered with symmetric diffeomorphism to obtain information about how the mitral valve deforms over time. Second, the mitral valve is segmented with the level sets or other known segmentation method at each time point in the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. Third, the information about mitral valve structure is reduced into a 3D medial model, a compact representation of shape. In other words, a volumetric segmentation of the mitral valve is condensed to a form that is amenable to clinically relevant morphometry.

Abstract: A series of rt-3DE images of the mitral valve are quantitatively analyzed so as to enable, for example, prediction of the degree of recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and comprehensive assessments of leaflet tethering and “tenting” for the entire mitral valve. In accordance with the method, first, the rt-3DE images are registered with symmetric diffeomorphism to obtain information about how the mitral valve deforms over time. Second, the mitral valve is segmented with the level sets or other known segmentation method at each time point in the cardiac cycle with minimal user interaction. Third, the information about mitral valve structure is reduced into a 3D medial model, a compact representation of shape. In other words, a volumetric segmentation of the mitral valve is condensed to a form that is amenable to clinically relevant morphometry.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating at least one blood vessel involves the application of therapy ultrasound to the blood vessel(s) using one or more dosing conditions. An image of the region of interest is acquired responsive to the applied therapy ultrasound. A change in vascularity of the blood vessel(s) is estimated, responsive to the applied therapy ultrasound, using the acquired image to determine whether to adjust at least one of the dosing conditions. The therapy ultrasound is applied with an intensity to modify the blood vessel(s) without damaging a surrounding tissue. A method of treating a tumor comprises introducing a therapeutic agent into a bloodstream and applying therapy ultrasound to blood vessel(s). The therapy ultrasound, along with an agent, disrupts the blood vessel(s) to limit flow to and from the tumor, thereby retaining the therapeutic agent within the tumor.

Abstract: A method for detecting and disrupting fragile blood vessels formed as a result of tumor angiogenesis by manipulating an extent of tissue vascularity in vivo, the method includes targeting a region in need of manipulating the extent of vascularity of the tissue by a diagnostic imaging; visualizing said fragile blood vessels in the tissue; obtaining a characteristic of the tissue; and contacting the tissue with a therapeutic ultrasound producing an unfocused or mildly focused ultrasound beam having an intensity below 2.6 W/cm2, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound is emitted from an ultrasound unit in accordance with the characteristic of the tissue and thereby reducing the extent of vascularity of the tissue and disrupting said fragile blood vessels formed to support the tumor in the region of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting microcalcifications in breasts. The methods and apparatus will greatly improve detection of breast microcalcifications and concomitantly increase the early detection of breast cancers. The methods and apparatus described herein activate the resonance frequency of a breast microcalcification, thereby allowing for detection of small masses.