Abstract: Noninvasive imaging plays an important role in determining the size of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) in preparation of a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. The identification of the coronary cuspid landmarks or nadirs of each cusp plays a key role in determining the reference points for the two-dimensional (2D) images of the THV. Rather than using nadirs that are currently identified manually upon inspection of 2D computed tomography (CT) images, the methods and systems of the present disclosure utilizing structured 3D dataset of cusps to simultaneously determine the nadirs, which are especially beneficial, particularly when the sizes of cusps have significant difference (i.e., Type 1 aortic valve with two fused leaflets) or the aortic root has a bicuspid configuration rather than a tricuspid configuration.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly of an aircraft having a rotor hub including a structural member having an inboard end and an outboard end, the structural member being connectable with the rotor hub. A spar surrounds the structural member and extends at least partially along a rotor blade axis. A pitch bearing assembly supports the spar relative to the structural member. The pitch bearing assembly includes an inboard pitch bearing mounted to the inboard end of the structural member and an outboard pitch bearing mounted to the outboard end of the structural member. The rotor blade assembly additionally includes a centrifugal assembly including a centrifugal bearing disposed between the inboard pitch bearing and the outboard pitch bearing relative to the rotor blade axis.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly of an aircraft having a rotor hub including a structural member having an inboard end and an outboard end, the structural member being connectable with the rotor hub. A spar surrounds the structural member and extends at least partially along a rotor blade axis. A pitch bearing assembly supports the spar relative to the structural member. The pitch bearing assembly includes an inboard pitch bearing mounted to the inboard end of the structural member and an outboard pitch bearing mounted to the outboard end of the structural member. The rotor blade assembly additionally includes a centrifugal assembly including a centrifugal bearing disposed between the inboard pitch bearing and the outboard pitch bearing relative to the rotor blade axis.

Abstract: It is described a method for spatially characterizing a device positioned within an object, e.g. a patient's body, under examination that e.g. allows a clinician to easily assess the deployment state and position of the device. The method comprises the steps of acquiring (26) a set of images of the device, reconstructing (28) a three-dimensional model of the device from the set of images, comparing (30) the model of the device with an ideal model of the device in a predetermined deployment state inside the object and displaying (36) the model of the device on a display unit. For optical indication deviation areas of the deployed device relative to an ideal model of the deployed device can be determined and color-coded depending on the strength of deviation.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal trajectory for 3-dimensional rotational X-ray coronary angiography for a C-arm X-ray system that has at least two degrees of freedom, where the C-arm X-ray system is defined by a rotational movement of the C-arm expressed in a left/right coronary artery oblique angle, and a roll motion of the C-arm expressed in a caudal/cranial angle. The method includes generating of a 3-dimensional representation of a center-line of a body vessel in a region of interest. generating at least one optimal view map. Further, an optimal trajectory for the X-ray system within the optimal view map is determined, where an optimal trajectory is at least determined by movements of the C-arm within its two degrees of freedom allowing image projections with minimal foreshortening and/or overlap while minimizing an exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: It is described a method for determining an optimal trajectory (25) for 3-dimensional rotational X-ray coronary angiography for a C-arm X-ray system. The C-arm X-ray system has at least two degrees of freedom. They are defined by a rotational movement of the C-arm (11) expressed in a left/right coronary artery oblique angle, and a roll motion of the C-arm (11) expressed in a caudal/cranial angle. The method performs the following steps in a sequence. Firstly, a generation of a 3-dimensional representation of a centre-line of a body vessel in a region of interest is performed. Secondly, at least one optimal view map is generated. Finally, an optimal trajectory (25) for the X-ray system within the optimal view map is determined, wherein an optimal trajectory (25) is at least determined by movements of the C-arm within its two degrees of freedom allowing image projections with minimal foreshortening and/or overlap while minimizing an exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reconstruction of a three-dimensional representation of a moving arterial tree structure from a pair of sequences of time varying two-dimensional images thereof and for analysis of the reconstructed representation. In one aspect of the invention, a pair of time varying arteriographic image sequences are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of the vascular tree structure as it moves through a cardiac cycle. The arteriographic image sequences maybe obtained from a biplane imaging system or from two sequences of images using a single plane imaging system. Another aspect of the invention then applies analysis methods and systems utilizing the three-dimensional representation to analyze various kinematic and deformation measures of the moving vascular structure. Analysis results may be presented to the user using color coded indicia to identify various kinematic and deformation measures of the vascular tree.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reconstruction of a three-dimensional representation of a moving arterial tree structure from a pair of sequences of time varying two-dimensional images thereof and for analysis of the reconstructed representation. In one aspect of the invention, a pair of time varying arteriographic image sequences are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of the vascular tree structure as it moves through a cardiac cycle. The arteriographic image sequences maybe obtained from a biplane imaging system or from two sequences of images using a single plane imaging system. Another aspect of the invention then applies analysis methods and systems utilizing the three-dimensional representation to analyze various kinematic and deformation measures of the moving vascular structure. Analysis results may be presented to the user using color coded indicia to identify various kinematic and deformation measures of the vascular tree.

Abstract: A method for in-room computer reconstruction of a three-dimensional (3-D) coronary arterial tree from routine biplane angiograms acquired at arbitrary angles and without using calibration objects.

Abstract: A transfer belt including an adjustable waist belt and a harness strap, both of which are constructed of a pliant material. In one embodiment, the adjustable waist belt includes a first end terminating in a belt buckle having a slot through which a second end of the adjustable waist belt is extended. The harness strap of the belt is affixed proximal the first and second end of the waist belt. In other embodiments, a length adjuster is provided, handles may be positioned at the rear of the belt, and/or the belt buckle may be located to one side, beyond the front of the belt portion connecting the ends of the harness. To ensure correct placement of the transfer belt on a wearer, the outer surface of the waist belt and the harness strap are of one uniform color, while the inner surface of the waist belt and harness strap are of another uniform color. The harness strap is fitted by the user below the wearer's gluteals, and the adjustable waist belt is tightly secured by the user around the wearer's waist.