Abstract: System (10) for determining a position of an interventional device (11) respective an image plane (12) defined by an ultrasound imaging probe (13). The position is determined based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the ultrasound imaging probe (13) and an ultrasound transducer (15) attached to the interventional device (11). An image reconstruction unit (IRU) provides a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI). A position determination unit (PDU) computes a lateral position (LAPTOFSmax, ?IPA) of the ultrasound transducer (15) respective the image plane (12) based on a time of flight (TOFSmax) of a maximum detected intensity (ISmax) ultrasound signal. The position determination unit (PDU) also computes an out-of-plane distance (Dop) between the ultrasound transducer (15) and the image plane (12).

Abstract: A system for determining a position of an interventional device (11) respective an imaging field (B1 . . . k) corresponding to a type (T1 . . . n) of a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (13) currently connected to an ultrasound imaging system (14). The position is determined based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (13) and an ultrasound transducer (15) attached to the interventional device (11). An image reconstruction unit (IRU) provides a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI) corresponding to the imaging field (B1 . . . k). A position determination unit (PDU) receives input indicative of the type (T1 . . . k) of the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe (13) currently connected to the ultrasound imaging system (14). The position determination unit (PDU) also computes a position (LAPTOFFSmax, ?IPA) of the ultrasound transducer (15) respective the imaging field (B1 . . . k).

Abstract: A controller (240/340) for simultaneously tracking multiple interventional medical devices includes a memory (242/342) that stores instructions and a processor (241/341) that executes the instructions. When executed by the processor (241/341), the instructions cause the controller to execute a process that includes receiving timing information from a first signal emitted from an ultrasound probe (252/352) and reflective of timing when the ultrasound probe (252/352) transmits ultrasound beams to generate ultrasound imagery. The process executed by the controller also includes forwarding the timing information to be available for use by a first acquisition electronic component (232/332). The first acquisition electronic component (232/332) also receives sensor information from a first passive ultrasound sensor (S1) on a first interventional medical device (212/312).

Abstract: An interventional device (110) includes an elongate shaft and a transducer strip (112). The transducer strip includes a first edge and an opposing second edge. The first edge and the second edge are separated by a width dimension, and the first edge and the second edge each extend along a length direction of the transducer strip. The transducer strip also includes a piezoelectric transducer (116) that extends along a transducer direction that 5 forms an acute angle with respect to the length direction. The transducer strip is wrapped in the form of a spiral around the elongate shaft of the interventional device such that the piezoelectric transducer forms a band around the elongate shaft. The width dimension is defined such that the adjacent first and second edges of consecutive turns of the spiral abut or overlap one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection the presence of a target molecule in a sample, wherein the sample is contacted with a substrate, the substrate subsequently being washed in a wash step. In particular, the invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of a target molecule in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample (37) with a substrate having immobilized thereon probe molecules that specifically binds to the target molecule; (b) washing the substrate (38) in a wash step by a wash fluid in order to remove or dilute unbound target molecules; (c) detect the presence of resultant binding complexes (39) on the substrate to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample—The wash fluid being substantially refractive index matched to the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to enhanced sampling of bioanalytes from bodily fluids using wearable and/or insertable devices. In some embodiments, an apparatus (100, 500, 600) for sampling bioanalyte(s) in tissue (107, 507, 607) may include: a base (102, 502, 602) having conduit(s) adapted to receive fluid extracted from the tissue; microneedles (106, 306, 506, 606) fluidly coupled with the conduit(s) and adapted to be pierced into the tissue; a plurality of individually-controllable energy emitters (112, 114, 350, 612, 614); and logic (90) operably coupled with the plurality of individually-controllable energy-emitters. The logic may be adapted to operate a subset of the plurality of individually-controllable energy emitters to apply energy at a first subset of the microneedles to induce bioanalyte flow through tissue towards the first subset or a second subset of the microneedles, or through the first subset or a second subset of the microneedles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for indicating a position of an interventional device feature (11a) of an interventional device (11) respective an image plane (12) defined by an ultrasound imaging probe (18) of a beamforming ultrasound imaging system (15) in which the position of the interventional device feature (11a) is determined based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the ultrasound imaging probe (18) and an ultrasound transducer (16) attached to the interventional device at a predetermined distance (Lp) from the interventional device feature (11a). An icon providing unit (IPU) provides a first icon (Cde) indicative of a circular zone with a radius corresponding to the predetermined distance (Lp). The first icon (Cde) is displayed in a fused image that includes a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI) from the beamforming ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound-based system for localizing a medical device within the field of view of an ultrasound imaging probe. A localization system is provided that includes at least three ultrasound emitters that are arranged on a frame; and a position triangulation unit. The frame is adapted for attachment to an ultrasound imaging probe. The position triangulation unit determines a spatial position of the ultrasound detector relative to the at least three ultrasound emitters based on signals received from an ultrasound detector that is attached to the medical device. The frame includes a detachable reference volume comprising a background volume and an inclusion or void.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for tracking a position of an interventional device (11) respective an image plane (12) of an ultrasound field. The position includes an out-of-plane distance (Dop). A geometry-providing unit (GPU) includes a plurality of transducer-to-distal-end lengths (Ltde1 . . . n), each length corresponding to a predetermined distance (Ltde) between a distal end (17, 47) of an interventional device (11, 41) and an ultrasound detector (16, 46) attached to the interventional device, for each of a plurality of interventional device types (T1 . . . N).

Abstract: The invention relates to detection the presence of a target molecule in a sample, wherein the sample is contacted with a substrate, the substrate subsequently being washed in a wash step. In particular, the invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of a target molecule in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample (37) with a substrate having immobilized thereon probe molecules that specifically binds to the target molecule; (b) washing the substrate (38) in a wash step by a wash fluid in order to remove or dilute unbound target molecules; (c) detect the presence of resultant binding complexes (39) on the substrate to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample. The wash fluid being substantially refractive index matched to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection the presence of a target molecule in a sample, wherein the sample is contacted with a substrate, the substrate subsequently being washed in a wash step. In particular, the invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of a target molecule in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample (37) with a substrate having immobilized thereon probe molecules that specifically binds to the target molecule; (b) washing the substrate (38) in a wash step by a wash fluid in order to remove or dilute unbound target molecules; (c) detect the presence of resultant binding complexes (39) on the substrate to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample—The wash fluid being substantially refractive index matched to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilizing nucleic acids on a support, comprising the provision of a nucleic acid with a stretch of nucleotides of only one basetype and the immobilization of said nucleic acid on a support by crosslinking by light, wherein said crosslinking by light is performed at a wavelength of about 300-500 nm, preferably at a wavelength of 365 nm. The present invention further relates to a method for the analysis of nucleic acids immobilized according to the invention, which comprises the hybridization of the immobilized nucleic acid with complementary and mismatch segments. Furthermore, the present invention relates to immobilized nucleic acids obtainable by the method of the invention, the use of accordingly immobilized nucleic acids for the production of nucleic acid arrays and a diagnostic kit, comprising an array of nucleic acids which are immobilized according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device and a method for the investigation of biological target substances (20), for example oligonucleotides like DNA fragments. In one embodiment, the device comprises a reaction surface (RS) to which target specific reactants (10) are attached and which lies between a sample chamber (SC) and an array of selectively controllable heating elements (HE). The temperature profile in the sample chamber (SC) can be controlled as desired to provide for example conditions for a PCR and/or for a controlled melting of hybridizations. The reactant (10) and/or the target substance (20) comprises a label (12) with an observable property, like fluorescence, that changes if the target substance (20) is bound to the reactant (10), said property being detected by an array of sensor elements, for example photosensors (SE).

Abstract: The present invention provides micro-fluidic systems, a method for the manufacturing of such a micro-fluidic system and a method for controlling or manipulating a fluid flow through micro-channels of a such a micro-fluidic system. Herefore, an inner side of a wall of a microchannel is provided with actuator elements which can change shape and orientation as a response to an external stimulus. Through this change of shape and orientation the flow of a fluid through a microchannel may be controlled and manipulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides method allowing for real time detection of a multitude of target nucleic acids of interest in one reaction (multiplexing) using dyes that are specific for double stranded nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilizing nucleic acids on a support, comprising the provision of a nucleic acid with a stretch of nucleotides of only one basetype and the immobilization of said nucleic acid on a support by crosslinking by light, wherein said crosslinking by light is performed at a wavelength of about 300-500 nm, preferably at a wavelength of 365 nm. The present invention further relates to a method for the analysis of nucleic acids immobilized according to the invention, which comprises the hybridization of the immobilized nucleic acid with complementary and mismatch segments. Furthermore, the present invention relates to immobilized nucleic acids obtainable by the method of the invention, the use of accordingly immobilized nucleic acids for the production of nucleic acid arrays and a diagnostic kit, comprising an array of nucleic acids which are immobilized according to the present invention.

Abstract: A luminescence sensor, such as a luminescence biosensor or a luminescence chemical sensor, includes a substrate having at least one aperture filled with a medium. The aperture has a first lateral dimension larger than the diffraction limit of excitation radiation in the medium, and a second lateral dimension smaller than the diffraction limit of the excitation radiation in the medium. A method is also provided for the detection of luminescence radiation, e.g. fluorescence radiation, generated by at least one optically variable molecule, e.g. fluorophore, in the at least one aperture. Beneficially, the excitation radiation is polarized to suppress the excitation radiation in the apertures. The luminescence sensor and the method are able to detect relatively low concentrations of optically variable molecules, e.g. fluorophores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing nucleic acids on a support, comprising the immobilization of one or more nucleic acids via crosslinking, wherein each of the immobilized nucleic acids includes a stretch of nucleotides of only one basetype, the provision of labeled oligonucleotides complementary to said stretch of nucleotides, and the determination of a value indicative for the condition of said nucleic acids. The present invention further relates to a kit for testing nucleic acids on a support comprising an array of nucleic acids immobilized on a solid support, wherein each of the immobilized nucleic acids includes a stretch of nucleotides of only one basetype and a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to said stretch of nucleotides. The invention additionally concerns the use of a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to a stretch of nucleotides of only one basetype for testing the condition of nucleic acids immobilized on a solid support.

Abstract: A non-leaching adhesive system and its use in a liquid immersion objective for immersion-writing of masters for optical discs are disclosed. The adhesive system comprises at least one monomer, selected from among the group of acrylate and methacrylate monomers, allylic monomers, norbornene monomers, hybrid monomers thereof, containing chemically different polymerizable groups, and multifunctional thiol monomers, provided that said thiol is used in combination with at least one of said non-thiol monomers; and a polymerization initiator. At least one of said monomers, not being a thiol, is provided with at least two functional polymerizable groups to obtain a crosslinked polymer network. The polymerization initiator is preferably an initiator that can be activated both thermally and with UV radiation. The adhesive system may further contain a reactive diluent. Further the use of the present adhesive system in mounting a liquid immersion objective is disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated device for detecting emissions from a sample (70) involves forming an array of photo detectors (20) for detecting the emissions and forming an array of sites for receiving the sample such that edges of the sites are defined by edges of the photo detectors. A side wall of a site using a diode can provide a side wall suitable for ink-jet printing samples such as biomolecules with no extra mask steps. This helps enable the sample and the photo detector to be mutually aligned more easily or more cost effectively than conventional devices where the site for receiving the sample is formed separately from the photo detector. The detection can be in any direction, such as lateral or vertical detection. Lateral optical detection with a shielded photodiode means only light emanating from one pixel/spot is detected. A light source (200) to stimulate emissions can be integrated.