Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing a plurality of image portions of at least a region of a sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of processors arranged to receive and analyze at least one of the image portions, and the processors being arranged to operate in parallel. The apparatus also includes a data distribution system arranged to receive image data, select at least a first processor for receiving a first image from the image data, select at least a second processor for receiving a second image from the image data, and output the first and second image portions to their selected processors.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing a plurality of image portions of at least a region of a sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of processors arranged to receive and analyze at least one of the image portions, and the processors being arranged to operate in parallel. The apparatus also includes a data distribution system arranged to receive image data, select at least a first processor for receiving a first image from the image data, select at least a second processor for receiving a second image from the image data, and output the first and second image portions to their selected processors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autofocus on a target layer contained within a microplate well is provided. The instrument is capable of optically sensing a reference point on the underside of a microplate. This reference point is then used to focus light onto a target layer within the microplate well, the target layer having a location that is in defined relation to the reference point. The reference point is either a surface of the bottom of the microplate well or is an optically detectable mark on the underside of the microplate. In an alternate embodiment, a light position sensitive detector is used to enable deterministic autofocus for a plurality of wells on a microplate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autofocus on a target layer contained within a microplate well is provided. The instrument is capable of optically sensing a reference point on the underside of a microplate. This reference point is then used to focus light onto a target layer within the microplate well, the target layer having a location that is in defined relation to the reference point. The reference point is either a surface of the bottom of the microplate well or is an optically detectable mark on the underside of the microplate. In an alternate embodiment, a light position sensitive detector is used to enable deterministic autofocus for a plurality of wells on a microplate.

Abstract: A system for acquisition, processing and display of gated SPECT imaging data for use in diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in nuclear medicine. The present invention provides a physician with two parameters for evaluating CAD: information relating to the distribution of blood flow within the myocardium (perfusion) and information relating to myocardium wall motion (function). One aspect of the present invention provides the physician with a display of functional images representing quantitative information relating to both perfusion and function with respect to selected regions of interest of the subject heart at end-diastole and end-systole segments of the cardiac cycle. The functional display consists of arcs of varied width depending on wall motion and color coded to illustrate degrees of myocardial perfusion for different pie shaped sections of a selected region of interest within a given short axis slice of reconstructed volume data.

Abstract: A system for acquisition, processing and display of gated SPECT imaging data for use in diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in nuclear medicine. The present invention provides a physician with two parameters for evaluating CAD: information relating to the distribution of blood flow within the myocardium (perfusion) and information relating to myocardium wall motion (function). One aspect of the present invention provides the physician with a display of functional images representing quantitative information relating to both perfusion and function with respect to selected regions of interest of the subject heart at end-diastole and end-systole segments of the cardiac cycle. The functional display consists of arcs of varied width depending on wall motion and color coded to illustrate degrees of myocardial perfusion for different pie shaped sections of a selected region of interest within a given short axis slice of reconstructed volume data.

Abstract: A correction system for correcting and maintaining the baseline offset signal value of a PMT channel of a scintillation detector at a predetermined value. The correction system utilizes an event driven mode wherein the correction is performed based on detected gamma interactions and this mode is utilized during periods of high count rate. Using the event driven correction mode, the system provides an output of far PMT channels based on a detected peak PMT channel. In a second mode, software driven correction, false triggers are inserted into the processing logic to initiate sampling of the baseline offset signal value and "simulate" gamma interactions. The false triggers are used by the system to perform baseline correction. The second mode is used during periods of lower count rate. Under both modes, the system effectively samples the baseline offset values from a channel that detects substantially no light energy to sample the baseline offset amount.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing fluid into the vascular system includes ports in the catheter's sidewall which are obliquely angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. Certain pairs of ports are oriented toward each other, and certain other pairs of ports are oriented away from each other. The arrangement of ports causes fluid to exit the ports in streams which are oriented at oblique angles corresponding to the angles of the port. The obliquely angled streams create advantageous circulation paths proximate to the catheter which generally improve efficacy of the injected fluid associated with the medical application. The catheter may be used for a variety of purposes, including to perform thrombolysis.

Abstract: A system including circuitry within a gamma camera system for generating spatially variant photomultiplier cluster based on a peak photomultiplier and for generating spatially variant weights for photomultipliers of the cluster depending on a cluster type signal. The system includes a first memory circuit addressed by a peak photomultiplier address signal and responsive thereto which generates (1) a unique photomultiplier cluster in geometry and size for the peak photomultiplier and (2) a cluster type. A resolution input signal (high/low) changes the size of the cluster. The first memory is programmable. A second memory responsive to photomultiplier addresses of the cluster and the cluster type, generates weight values for each photomultiplier. The second memory is programmable. The second memory allows weights for individual photomultipliers to be altered based on the geometry and size (e.g., type) of the cluster generated by the first memory.

Abstract: A system for acquisition, processing and display of gated SPECT imaging data for use in diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in nuclear medicine. The present invention provides a physician with two parameters for evaluating CAD: information relating to the distribution of blood flow within the myocardium (perfusion) and information relating to myocardium wall motion (function). One aspect of the present invention provides the physician with a display of functional images representing quantitative information relating to both perfusion and function with respect to selected regions of interest of the subject heart at end-diastole and end-systole segments of the cardiac cycle. The functional display consists of arcs of varied width depending on wall motion and color coded to illustrate degrees of myocardial perfusion for different pie shaped sections of a selected region of interest within a given short axis slice of reconstructed volume data.

Abstract: An instrument for penetrating into body cavities and potential spaces in preparation for the performance of minimally invasive surgical techniques in which an indicator is provided to assist the surgeon in determining when the instrument is properly placed thereby avoiding injury to vessels and underlying structures in the body cavities and potential spaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a body cavity having a fluctuating fluid pressure by signaling the fluctuating pressure when the cavity is entered and then transporting fluid either into or out of the cavity.

Abstract: A specimen-receiving receptacle apparatus for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures can be remotely opened and closed from a proximal end of the apparatus, outside of the patient. The apparatus includes a belt having substantial longitudinal rigidity so that the belt can be forced longitudinally into the surgical site to open the specimen-retrieval receptacle from a remote end of the apparatus. The belt can be longitudinally pulled out of the surgical site to close the specimen-retrieval receptacle from outside of the patient. The belt is relatively flexible or easily deformable along an open end of the receptacle without deforming substantially out of the plane of the open receptacle end. This is achieved by aligning the belt with respect to the open end such that a large dimension of the belt is aligned transverse to the plane of the open receptacle end. In a preferred embodiment, the belt is extruded from nylon and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A surgical retractor having a plurality of widenable and narrowable blades of substantial width, having tissue-contacting surfaces that are not significantly narrower, in a collapsed position, than a guide tube for guiding the retractor blades through a surgical access port to a surgical site during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each retractor blade includes a relatively large, preferably planar, tissue-contacting surface for displacing or repositioning internal body tissue, such as an internal organ, for temporary displacement away from the surgical site. After insertion through a surgical access port one or more of the retractor blades can be widened laterally to substantially space distal ends of the retractor blades apart for maximum contact against and over a substantial area of the tissue to be displaced during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An improved valve cutter for in-situ incision of valve leaflets which safely, efficiently, and consistently renders venous valves incompetent while minimizing frictional forces on the endothelium of the vessel and preventing inadvertent contact between cutting surfaces and the intima of the vein wall. The valve cutter includes a plurality of proximally directed prongs presenting sharp edges, where the prongs are separated by slots similarly presenting sharp edges to pierce the valve leaflets so that the cutting head is provided with a continuous cutting surface in multiple planes running along the entire forward edge of the cutting head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing protection from emboli and prevention of occlusion in blood vessels entailing the use of a temporarily emplaced, complaint and conformable trap which may be removed when medically necessary and which will not damage the architecture of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A truly closed drainage apparatus for suctioning, storing and administering fluid from body and tissue cavities including draining means for suctioning and receiving fluid, a reservoir for siphoning and storing excess fluids, a small pore hydrophobic filter for venting air without retrograde introduction of microorganisms, and means for applying pressure to the reservoir to administer the fluid contained therein.

Abstract: A truly closed drainage apparatus for suctioning, storing and administering fluid from body and tissue cavities including draining means for suctioning and receiving fluid, a reservoir for siphoning and storing excess fluids, a small pore hydrophobic filter for venting air without retrograde introduction of microorganisms, and means for applying pressure to the reservoir to administer the fluid contained therein.

Abstract: An enhanced system for cleaning a component, such as a blanket, of a printing press in one embodiment provides circulation of wash mixture around a path in such a way that pressure of fluid in the supply line can never exceed ambient pressure. This may be achieved, for example, by utilizing a pump disposed in the return line (rather than in the supply line). Another embodiment provides a spray arrangement for spraying wash mixture onto the component to be cleaned. The spray arrangement has nozzles that are in communication with a feed region (such as the interior of a spray bar) and an isolation valve arrangement for in an open state permitting and in a closed state preventing fluid pressure transmission from the rest of the system to the feed region. A pressure arrangement modifies fluid pressure in the feed region when the isolation valve arrangement is in a closed state.

Abstract: A one-way valve comprising flat resilient members in face-to-face relationship which are bonded upon two generally parallel tracks defining a passageway therebetween, where the tracks have a tortuous profile along their inner edges, and optionally, where the passageway is creased and/or wetted.