Abstract: A method includes acquiring an anatomical image of at least part of a head of a specific patient, the anatomical image capturing at least a selected location in the head. A personalized gripper, which is shaped based on the anatomical image to personally fit an organ of the specific patient at the selected location, and which includes a first position sensor of a position-tracking system, is fitted. The anatomical image is registered with a coordinate system of the position-tracking system, by identifying the selected location in the anatomical image and measuring a first position of the first position sensor using the position-tracking system. A medical device that includes a second position sensor of the position-tracking system, is navigated in the head of the specific patient by displaying a second position of the medical device in the head on the registered anatomical image.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic sensor for use as a three three-axial sensor (TAS) is disclosed. The TAS provides an optimal sensor, concentric and the three coils are identical, with higher sensitivity resulting, a plurality of layers. More specifically, the sensor is made of multiple layers of printed circuit board (PCB). The multiple PCB layers are stacked according to various geometric shapes to create a sensor that enhances positional awareness. Concentric sensors may be arranged in a cube, stacked squares, or stacked squares decreasing in size to form a pyramid structure.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring an anatomical image of at least part of a head of a specific patient, the anatomical image capturing at least a selected location in the head. A personalized gripper, which is shaped based on the anatomical image to personally fit an organ of the specific patient at the selected location, and which includes a first position sensor of a position-tracking system, is fitted. The anatomical image is registered with a coordinate system of the position-tracking system, by identifying the selected location in the anatomical image and measuring a first position of the first position sensor using the position-tracking system. A medical device that includes a second position sensor of the position-tracking system, is navigated in the head of the specific patient by displaying a second position of the medical device in the head on the registered anatomical image.

Abstract: A method includes sending from a first medical device to a second medical device a request for data using a communication protocol that includes messages for conveying medical measurement results. In response to the request, at least one message is produced in the second medical device that includes the requested data and a dummy payload instead of the medical measurement results, and the at least one message is sent from the second medical device to the first medical device using the communication protocol.

Abstract: An endobronchial probe includes a deflector having a bore extending therethrough at an angle to its long axis for passage of a tool. The probe includes a location sensor and an ultra-sound imager. A push-pull anchoring system comprises a plurality of guides and wires that can extend beyond the guides and retract within the guides. When extended the wires diverge from the long axis sufficiently to engage a bronchus. The probe includes a balloon disposed on the distal segment contralateral to bore that when inflated urges the mouth of the bore into contact with the bronchial wall.

Abstract: A method includes sending from a first medical device to a second medical device a request for data using a communication protocol that includes messages for conveying medical measurement results. In response to the request, at least one message is produced in the second medical device that includes the requested data and a dummy payload instead of the medical measurement results, and the at least one message is sent from the second medical device to the first medical device using the communication protocol.

Abstract: Medical imaging is carried out by transmitting X-ray emissions through a subject, generating a first set of temporally separated images of an area of interest in the subject from the transmitted X-ray emissions, generating a second set of temporally separated images from the area of interest from a second source, and combining the sets to produce combined images of the area of interest. The method is further carried out by blocking the X-ray emissions from reaching the subject, updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set to produce updated combined images, displaying the updated combined images, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, iterating updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set, and displaying the updated combined images.

Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more images of an organ of a patient. A physical model of at least a target region of the organ is manufactured based on the images. A distal tip of a medical probe is pre-shaped to fit a surface of the physical model corresponding to the target region.

Abstract: A method includes providing an elongated probe having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and capable of rotation of the distal end about the longitudinal axis in mutually opposite first and second directions. While an operator manipulates the probe within a body of a patient, the rotation that is applied to the distal end is sensed automatically. An alert is issued to the operator upon sensing that the rotation is in the second direction, but not when the sensed rotation is in the first direction.

Abstract: Medical imaging is carried out by transmitting X-ray emissions through a subject, generating a first set of temporally separated images of an area of interest in the subject from the transmitted X-ray emissions, generating a second set of temporally separated images from the area of interest from a second source, and combining the sets to produce combined images of the area of interest. The method is further carried out by blocking the X-ray emissions from reaching the subject, updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set to produce updated combined images, displaying the updated combined images, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, iterating updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set, and displaying the updated combined images.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a position of an intra-body probe inserted into an organ of a living body in a first coordinate system. Fluoroscopic images of the body are received. A movement of the body in the fluoroscopic images is measured in a second coordinate system. The received position of the intra-body probe in the first coordinate system is corrected using the movement identified in the second coordinate system.

Abstract: An endobronchial probe includes a deflector having a bore extending therethrough at an angle to its long axis for passage of a tool. The probe includes a location sensor and an ultrasound imager. A push-pull anchoring system comprises a plurality of guides and wires that can extend beyond the guides and retract within the guides. When extended the wires diverge from the long axis sufficiently to engage a bronchus. The probe includes a balloon disposed on the distal segment contralateral to bore that when inflated urges the mouth of the bore into contact with the bronchial wall.

Abstract: A method includes providing an elongated probe having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and capable of rotation of the distal end about the longitudinal axis in mutually opposite first and second directions. While an operator manipulates the probe within a body of a patient, the rotation that is applied to the distal end is sensed automatically. An alert is issued to the operator upon sensing that the rotation is in the second direction, but not when the sensed rotation is in the first direction.