Abstract: An image processing system, comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving a plurality of input images acquired of test objects. The system further comprises a material type analyzer (MTA) configured to produce material type readings at corresponding locations across said input images (IM(CH)). A statistical module (SM) of the system is configured to determine based on said readings an estimate for a probability distribution of material type for said corresponding locations.

Abstract: A method and related system (IPS) to support definition of a sub-volume (SV) in an initial image volume (IV).

Abstract: An oncology monitoring system comprises: an image analysis module (42, 44) configured to perform an oncological monitoring operation based on images of a subject, for example acquired by positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT); and a clinical guideline support module (10). The clinical guideline support module is configured to: display a graphical flow diagram (GFD) of a clinical therapy protocol for treating the subject comprising graphical blocks (B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B21, B211, B22, B221, B222, B223, B23, B231, B232) representing therapeutic or monitoring operations of the clinical therapy protocol including at least one monitoring operation performed by the image analysis module; annotate a graphical block of the graphical flow diagram with subject-specific information pertaining to a therapeutic or monitoring operation represented by the graphical block; and display an annotation (POP) of a graphical block (B211) responsive to selection of the graphical block by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates a calculation device for superimposing a laparoscopic image and an ultrasound image. The calculation device is configured for receiving a laparoscopic image, an ultrasound image and a depth image of a depth-sensing device. The calculation device extracts depth cue information from the depth image and uses the extracted depth cue information for superimposing the laparoscopic image and the ultrasound image thereby generating a superimposed image. The calculation device may use the spatial position and orientation of both the laparoscope and the ultrasound device to spatially co-register the devices relative to each other. This can then be used to present a correctly superimposed view rendering of both laparoscope and ultrasound image data. This merged view greatly facilitates the user in locating and positioning the ultrasound probe and the location of interest. In one embodiment, the surface of the object of interest is measured and virtually cut along the ultrasound plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning guidance for image acquisition. In order to facilitate positioning of a patient for medical image acquisition, a guiding system (14) is provided. The system comprises a patient detecting device (22) and a patient position prescribing device (24). The patient detecting device is configured to detect an anatomy of interest (36) of a patient for image acquisition and to detect current spatial information of the anatomy of interest. The patient position prescribing device is configured to provide an initial target position (40) for the detected anatomy of interest, wherein the initial target position is provided as a reference for the image acquisition. The patient position prescribing device is further configured to register the initial target position with the current spatial information, and to determine an adapted target position (42) by adapting the initial target position based inter alia on the current spatial information.

Abstract: The present invention provides for means for linking breast lesion locations across imaging studies. In particular, a generic three-dimensional representation of the female breast is used. Automatic translation of the lesion location into standard clinical terminology and aligning the breast model with individual patient images is comprised. Moreover, a mechanism for linking image locations showing a lesion to a location in the breast model is presented. If desired, a region of interest can be calculated by a region of interest definition module that predicts a region of interest of a known lesion in terms of the breast model representation in a new imaging study.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning of an X-ray source. In order to provide an improved user interface for facilitating the X-ray imaging positioning, a transportable handheld planning device (10) for visualizing projected X-ray radiation for medical X-ray imaging is provided, that comprises a first structure (12) for representing a central axis (14) of a projected X-ray radiation (16), and a second structure (18) for representing a cross-sectional area (20) of the projected X-ray radiation. The first structure is manually positionable by a user in relation to an object to be examined. The second structure is adjustable by a user such that the size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are adjustable in relation to the object to be examined. Further, a current spatial position of the first structure and a current size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are detectable by a measurement arrangement (22).

Abstract: A system for planning radiation treatment therapy is provided. An optical sensor device is implanted within or in close proximity to a risk region within the patient during a radiation delivery. The sensor device optically monitors the orientation of the risk region, and the radiation dosage received by the risk region, during the radiation delivery. That information may be used as appropriate to modify an on-going radiation delivery plan in real time while the plan is being implemented.

Abstract: There is presented a method 100 and apparatus 200 to measure the surface of the patient (thorax and abdominal regions), e.g., during therapy delivery and (if necessary) while imaging. Together with biomechanical considerations the position of internal structures of the patient, such as an organ, and optionally a tumor in an organ, is inferred from the measured patient surface. In case the patient breaths and thus the organ and/or tumor moves, the position may be determined, which may be advantageous during, e.g., radiation therapy, since it enables that whenever the tumor is at the right position according to the radiation therapy plan, the radiation is switched on. In a specific embodiment, a finite element model is employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning guidance for image acquisition. In order to facilitate positioning of a patient for medical image acquisition, a guiding system (14) is provided. The system comprises a patient detecting device (22) and a patient position prescribing device (24). The patient detecting device is configured to detect an anatomy of interest (36) of a patient for image acquisition and to detect current spatial information of the anatomy of interest. The patient position prescribing device is configured to provide an initial target position (40) for the detected anatomy of interest, wherein the initial target position is provided as a reference for the image acquisition. The patient position prescribing device is further configured to register the initial target position with the current spatial information, and to determine an adapted target position (42) by adapting the initial target position based inter alia on the current spatial information.

Abstract: A contact-free method of determining biometric parameters and physiological parameters of a subject of interest (20) to be examined by a medical imaging modality (10), comprising steps of taking (72) a picture by a first digital camera (52) including a total view of an examination table (44); applying (74) a computer vision algorithm or an image processing algorithm to the picture for determining a biometric parameter of the subject of interest (20) in relation to the examination table (44); taking (78) at least one picture with a second digital camera (58), whose field of view (60) includes a region of the subject of interest (20) that is related to the at least one determined biometric parameter; using data indicative of the determined biometric parameter to identify (82) a subset of pixels of the at least one picture taken by the second digital camera (58) that define a region of interest (64) from which at least one physiological parameter of the subject of interest (20) is to be determined, taking (84) a

Abstract: A method and related system (IPS) to support definition of a sub-volume (SV) in an initial image volume (IV).

Abstract: A tracking system for a target anatomy of a patient can include a medical device having a body (281) having a distal end (290) and at least one channel (292) formed therein, where the body is adapted for insertion through an anatomy (105) to reach a target area (430); an accelerometer (185) connected to the body and positioned in proximity to the distal end; an imaging device (295) operably coupled with the body; and a light source (297) operably coupled with the body, where the accelerometer is in communication with a remote processor (120) for transmitting acceleration data thereto, where the imaging device is in communication with the remote processor for transmitting real-time images thereto, and where an orientation of the medical device and calibration of direction with respect to the anatomy is determined by the processor based on the acceleration data.

Abstract: There is presented a method 100 and apparatus 200 to measure the surface of the patient (thorax and abdominal regions), e.g., during therapy delivery and (if necessary) while imaging. Together with biomechanical considerations the position of internal structures of the patient, such as an organ, and optionally a tumor in an organ, is inferred from the measured patient surface. In case the patient breaths and thus the organ and/or tumor moves, the position may be determined, which may be advantageous during, e.g., radiation therapy, since it enables that whenever the tumor is at the right position according to the radiation therapy plan, the radiation is switched on. In a specific embodiment, a finite element model is employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of calculating a surgical intervention plan. Based on surface data of the patient, a surface representation of a part of the patient's body is created. From a database, a plurality of surgical methods may be selected and the geometrical parameters of a surgical plan can be adapted based on each individual surgical method. Therefore, the surgeon may easily select, which of the surgical method is appropriate for the planned surgical intervention. Furthermore, the surgical intervention plan which has been adapted according to the finally selected surgical method may then be projected onto the skin of the patient such that a drawing of the incision lines is facilitated. Furthermore, the use of a remotely activatable pen based on the current position of the pen and based on the finally selected surgical plan is presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides for means for linking breast lesion locations across imaging studies. In particular, a generic three-dimensional representation of the female breast is used. Automatic translation of the lesion location into standard clinical terminology and aligning the breast model with individual patient images is comprised. Moreover, a mechanism for linking image locations showing a lesion to a location in the breast model is presented. If desired, a region of interest can be calculated by a region of interest definition module that predicts a region of interest of a known lesion in terms of the breast model representation in a new imaging study.

Abstract: A system (10) for personalization of patient pathways and treatment options includes a patient information database (32) which stores patient data relating to a patient's medical records. A patient personalization system (12) receives the patient's life-style values and preferences and evaluates choices of pathways and treatments and a clinical decision support system (18) generates choices of pathways and treatments from the patient data and the patient's lifestyle values and preferences.

Abstract: The present invention relates a pulmonary plethysmographic system (10), the system with a garment (11) wearable on the body of a mammal, e.g. a human, the garment comprising a shape sensing fiber (12) with a plurality of optical fibers (30) to facilitate optical measurements of strain along the length of the shape sensing fiber. An optical interrogation unit (13) is optically connected with the optical fibers in the shape sensing fiber for measuring the strain along the plurality of optical fibers. A processing unit (14) is processing the strain data into three-dimensional position data over time, the processing unit further being arranged for processing the position data over time into volume data indicative of pulmonary data about the mammal wearing the garment. The invention is advantageous for obtaining an improved system for pulmonary measurement providing a more realistic measurement of the pulmonary function of the mammal.

Abstract: A clinical decision support system is disclosed, comprising pathway models (1) for at least a class of medical conditions defined in respect of a first dictionary and first semantics (13) matching a need of groups of users having different roles in respect of a clinical workflow. A pathway generator (5) generates a first representation (6) of a patient specific clinical pathway in accordance with the source model. A pathway translator (7) translates the first representation (6) of the patient specific clinical pathway into a corresponding second representation (8) of the patient specific clinical pathway in accordance with the target model, using the mapping model (3) to map elements of the first representation (6) into corresponding elements of the second representation (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an image generation apparatus (1) for generating an image of a deformable object (5) like a woman's breast. A first image generating unit (2) like an ultrasound head generates a first image of the object covered by a flexible cover element (6), wherein a shape sensing and localization unit (10), in particular, a fiber-optic shape sensing and localization unit, determines the shape and position of the cover element. The apparatus further comprises a position determination unit (11) for determining the position of the first image generating unit relative to the cover element. Information about the deformation of the deformable object with respect to the first image can therefore be provided, which can facilitate reviewing the first image, especially reviewing of breast images. For instance, this information can facilitate a comparison of breast images acquired by different imaging modalities.