Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a subject based on reflectance spectra obtained from the subject. The spectra are obtained while and/or before and/or after photoreactions are induced in the subject, where the photoreactions change the reflectivity of the subject. The rate of change of the reflectivity is correlated with the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: An infant care device that selectively controls the amount of visible light that is transmitted into the interior of an enclosure while allowing the transmission of light within certain wavelengths. The infant care device includes an enclosure that includes light dimmable technology that adjusts the transparency of the enclosure based upon control signals from a primary controller. The primary controller is able to cycle between day/night on a manual or automatic basis to selectively control the amount of light that reaches the infant patient. The light dimming technology used on the enclosure allows the transmission of light within a phototherapy wavelength spectrum. The controller thus controls the transparency of the enclosure to at least partially reduce or increase the light reaching the infant while allowing phototherapy.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a planning station can receive image data associated with an image(s) of an area of interest within a body of a patient and display the image(s) on a display device. A user can make a selection of a first interventional tool and a second interventional tool about which information is stored in a memory of the planning station. The planning station can execute a simulation viewable on the display device of a treatment plan for disposing the first and second interventional tools in the body of the patient and applying thermal energy from the first and second interventional tools to the body of the patient. The planning station can generate a thermal model of the thermal effect collectively produced on tissue of the patient by the first interventional tool and the second interventional tools and display the thermal model on the display device.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic positioning device and a locating mat. The locating mat includes a location pattern and can be disposed on a floor at a desired position relative to a movable cradle of an imaging system. The robotic positioning device is configured to be disposed, at least partially, above the locating mat. The robotic positioning device includes a docking device that includes an optical device and a guide manipulator supported on the docking device. The guide manipulator can be positioned relative to the movable cradle based, at least partially, on image data associated with the optical device and the location pattern of the locating mat. The guide manipulator can position an instrument guide relative to a patient disposed on the movable cradle.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic positioning device and a locating mat. The locating mat includes a location pattern and can be disposed on a floor at a desired position relative to a movable cradle of an imaging system. The robotic positioning device is configured to be disposed, at least partially, above the locating mat. The robotic positioning device includes a docking device that includes an optical device and a guide manipulator supported on the docking device. The guide manipulator can be positioned relative to the movable cradle based, at least partially, on image data associated with the optical device and the location pattern of the locating mat. The guide manipulator can position an instrument guide relative to a patient disposed on the movable cradle.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a planning station can receive image data associated with an image(s) of an area of interest within a body of a patient and display the image(s) on a display device. A user can make a selection of a first interventional tool and a second interventional tool about which information is stored in a memory of the planning station. The planning station can execute a simulation viewable on the display device of a treatment plan for disposing the first and second interventional tools in the body of the patient and applying thermal energy from the first and second interventional tools to the body of the patient. The planning station can generate a thermal model of the thermal effect collectively produced on tissue of the patient by the first interventional tool and the second interventional tools and display the thermal model on the display device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a planning station can receive image data associated with an image(s) of an area of interest within a body of a patient and display the image(s) on a display device. A user can make a selection of a first interventional tool and a second interventional tool about which information is stored in a memory of the planning station. The planning station can execute a simulation viewable on the display device of a treatment plan for disposing the first and second interventional tools in the body of the patient and applying thermal energy from the first and second interventional tools to the body of the patient. The planning station can generate a thermal model of the thermal effect collectively produced on tissue of the patient by the first interventional tool and the second interventional tools and display the thermal model on the display device.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.