Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for generating images using short tau inversion recovery, ultrashort echo time (STIR-UTE) MRI sequences. The STIR-UTE MRI sequences can be used to generate images that can differentiate between regions that are at temperatures that are either lethal or non-lethal to cell life. Thus, these sequences can be beneficial for implementations such as in monitoring cryoablation procedures.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for automated registration and motion compensation of patient-mounted needle guide medical devices using fiducial markers, and processing algorithms where a re-registration step is provided. These methods, apparati, and systems adaptively compensate for the displacement of the medical device and/or target location due to the patient movement or internal organ motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for generating images using short tau inversion recovery, ultrashort echo time (STIR-UTE) MRI sequences. The STIR-UTE MRI sequences can be used to generate images that can differentiate between regions that are at temperatures that are either lethal or non-lethal to cell life. Thus, these sequences can be beneficial for implementations such as in monitoring cryoablation procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus (51) includes a needle placement manipulator (1) and an attachment (52) for the manipulator. The manipulator includes a needle holder and a rotary mechanism. The rotary mechanism (3, 4) has a remote center of motion (RCM: 11) and is configured to position a needle holder (5) such that the axis of the needle holder traces a conical region of coverage (108), the conical region of coverage having the apex thereof at the RCM and the base thereof in a direction towards a subject of needle placement (14). The attachment supports the guide mechanism and is configured to be mounted onto the subject of needle placement. The attachment includes a guide portion (183c) configured to change an inclination of the rotary mechanism with respect to the subject of needle placement such that the axis of the needle holder intersects an insertion target (14) located outside of the conical region of coverage.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus including a needle holder having a through hole for regulating needle placement and movement, a needle positioning unit, and an engagement member that fixes a position of the needle holder with respect to the needle positioning unit. The needle holder is either least partially detachably attached to the needle positioning unit or deformable. The positioning apparatus may be designed to accommodate the placement of multiple needles.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for automated registration and motion compensation of patient-mounted needle guide medical devices using fiducial markers, and processing algorithms where a re-registration step is provided. These methods, apparati, and systems adaptively compensate for the displacement of the medical device and/or target location due to the patient movement or internal organ motion.

Abstract: An apparatus (51) includes a needle placement manipulator (1) and an attachment (52) for the manipulator. The manipulator includes a needle holder and a rotary mechanism. The rotary mechanism (3, 4) has a remote center of motion (RCM: 11) and is configured to position a needle holder (5) such that the axis of the needle holder traces a conical region of coverage (108), the conical region of coverage having the apex thereof at the RCM and the base thereof in a direction towards a subject of needle placement (14). The attachment supports the guide mechanism and is configured to be mounted onto the subject of needle placement. The attachment includes a guide portion (183c) configured to change an inclination of the rotary mechanism with respect to the subject of needle placement such that the axis of the needle holder intersects an insertion target (14) located outside of the conical region of coverage.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is provided that is configured to perform a biopsy or therapy support by puncture using a needle or other needle-shaped equipment. This positioning apparatus is exemplified by an apparatus that includes a first rotation member, a guide for guiding a needle or other needle-shaped equipment in a longitudinal direction, a second rotation member with a different rotation axis, and a friction applying unit configured to apply friction force to the first rotation member directly or indirectly and generates friction torque.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus including a needle holder having a through hole for regulating needle placement and movement, a needle positioning unit, and an engagement member that fixes a position of the needle holder with respect to the needle positioning unit. The needle holder is either least partially detachably attached to the needle positioning unit or deformable. The positioning apparatus may be designed to accommodate the placement of multiple needles.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is provided that is configured to perform a biopsy or therapy support by puncture using a needle or other needle-shaped equipment. This positioning apparatus is exemplified by an apparatus that includes a first rotation member, a guide for guiding a needle or other needle-shaped equipment in a longitudinal direction, a second rotation member with a different rotation axis, and a friction applying unit configured to apply friction force to the first rotation member directly or indirectly and generates friction torque.