Abstract: A method for determining by an x-ray projection a position of a target radiopaque marker disposed on a catheter in a subject's body, comprising assigning a landmark in the body as a reference point compensated for periodic movements of the body, determining an auxiliary location relative to the reference point using at least one additional radiopaque marker disposed on the catheter and based on the auxiliary location determining the position of the target radiopaque marker with respect to the reference point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating a therapeutic device to a location in a moving organ. A feature is identified in one reference image, such as a calcified spot. Then the target location for the device is determined. If the feature and the target location are not shown on the same frame, registration is performed, and the geometric relation between the feature and the target location is determined. On the positioning stage, the feature is identified in a positioning image, then the target location is indicated on the image. The user then manipulates the device, also visible on the positioning image to the target location. If the feature is not identified automatically in the positioning image, the target location is assumed at the current location, and the feature is marked, which assists the user in identifying the real location of the feature, and manipulating the device to the target location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device (218) within a tubular organ (210) of a subject. The devices include guide wire (216) tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting tile tubular organs. Tile method and apparatus are used for treating chronic total occlusion or near total occlusion situations, by navigating a driller along the tubular organ (210) proximally to the occlusion point, in areas which are-not viewable in an angiogram, and optionally enabling the penetration of the occlusion in a preferred area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for three-dimensional reconstruction of a tubular organ (for example, coronary artery) using a plurality of two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying a cyclic motion within a series of images depicting a moving object subject to composite motion containing a cyclic component and a non-cyclic component of lower frequency than the cyclic component. Composite motion is computed as well as the non-cyclic component as the integral of motion over a motion cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing a device in a body area of a patient, by: tracking the device over a 3-dimensional model of the body area; activating the device at different locations in the body area; measuring the response signal or parameter caused by the activation; storing the locations as well as the response signals; choosing an optimal location for the device base in the stored response signals and navigating the device to the optimal location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the determination of the flow, the coronary reserve and relative coronary reserve of a specific coronary artery. The apparatus and method employ a three-dimensional model (50) providing the volume of a segment of the artery at a plurality of points in time, and disclose various options (56) for determining the arterial flow through the artery segment during one or more heart beat cycles or parts thereof. The determination of the coronary reserve (62) and relative coronary reserve (64) follow from the volume (54) and the flow through the artery. Alternatively, the coronary reserve is determined directly from a velocity profile relating to one or more fixed artery segments and the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device within a tubular organ of a subject. The devices include guide wire tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting the tubular organs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for three-dimensional reconstruction of a tubular organ (for example, coronary artery) using a plurality of two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying a cyclic motion within a series of images depicting a moving object subject to composite motion containing a cyclic component and a non-cyclic component of lower frequency than the cyclic component. Composite motion is computed as well as the non-cyclic component as the integral of motion over a motion cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fusing images, views and data acquired prior to a medical operation by a medical imaging device with images, views and data acquired by another medical imaging device during the operation. The acquired and fused data includes identification and classification of plaque deposited along blood vessels.