Patents by Inventor Norbert Rahn

Norbert Rahn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7760926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for marking three-dimensional structures on two-dimensional projection images of an object, with which a position marker is determined on two projection images of the object recorded from different projection directions, from which the position of the position marker in the three-dimensional space is calculated so that further, subsequently recorded projection images can be displayed superimposed by the position marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Andreas Meyer, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7749168
    Abstract: Medical examination and/or treatment system having a catheter (1) with a sensor (3, 4) connected to an image recording system, said sensor being connected to an image processing unit (24, 25) for evaluating the sensor signals recorded in an examination area, a display unit (26) for displaying the images (12) of the image processing unit (24, 25) and a means for detecting the position and/or orientation of the catheter tip, whereby the system can generate three-dimensional images from the two-dimensional images (12) of the image recording system based on the detected position and/or direction of the catheter tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Maschke, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7715604
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically registering a three dimensional (3D) pre-operative image of an anatomical structure with intra-operative electrophysiological (EP) points of a 3D electro-anatomical (EA) image map of the anatomical structure is disclosed. The pre-operative image is displayed in a first supporting view. The intra-operative EA image map is displayed in a second supporting view. An alignment of the pre-operative image with the intra-operative map is performed by identifying at least one corresponding point on each image. The view of the pre-operative image is integrated with the EA map based on the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Yiyong Sun, Fred S. Azar, Chenyang Xu, Frank Sauer, Norbert Rahn
  • Publication number: 20100104164
    Abstract: A method and a device for obtaining a volume data set of a mobile tissue or organ of a patient by a C-arm X-ray device are provided. An electromagnetic sensor of a position detection system is arranged indirectly on the tissue or organ. The X-ray device obtains a plurality of X-ray projections from the tissue or organ from various projection directions. A first method consists of reconstructing a volume data set from the X-ray projections, in which the electromagnetic sensor adopts a position characterizing a displacement phase of the tissue or organ. A second method consists of reconstructing a volume data set from the X-ray projections captured when the electromagnetic sensor was located in a position characterizing a displacement phase of the tissue or organ. A third method does not capture an X-ray projection for the reconstruction if the electromagnetic sensor is located in a position characterizing a displacement phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Meir Bartal, Jan Boese, Assaf Govari, Matthias John, Assaf Preiss, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7702064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a 3D x-ray image data record of a patient, in particular of the heart, by an x-ray imaging system connected to a measuring facility which monitors the breathing phases of the patient. The x-ray image system is automatically activated repeatedly when a predetermined breathing phase is reached and an image acquisition operation is carried out, during which a plurality of 2D x-ray images are recorded. An individual 3D image data record is reconstructed from the 2D x-ray images of each image acquisition operation and the different 3D image data records are registered in pairs in order to assign them in a correct positional and dimensional arrangement. Registration parameters are obtained during the registration. The 3D image data record is reconstructed from 2D x-ray images from all image acquisition operations using the registration parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7689019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for registering 2D projection images of an object relative to a 3D image data record of the same object, in which, from just a few 2D projection images, a 3D feature contained in an object, which is also identifiable in the 3D images, is symbolically reconstructed. The 3D feature obtained in this way is then registered by 3D-3D registration with the 3D image data record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Norbert Rahn
  • Publication number: 20100049011
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mapping catheter for determination of data of an area of an organ embodied as a flat surface, especially of the heart, to be presented graphically, with at least one thermosensor essentially aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mapping catheter for determination of temperature-related data which is arranged at a tip of the mapping catheter being provided in the distal area of the mapping catheter for introduction into the organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Norbert Rahn, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7664542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for registering intra-operative image data set with pre-operative 3D image data set, including: spatially calibrating an optical 3D sensor system with an intra-operative imaging modality, intra-operatively detecting the surface of an examination area of interest with the 3D sensor system to produce an intra-operative surface mask, intra-operatively recording the area of interest for examination with the intra-operative modality at least partly containing the intra-operative surface mask to obtain an intra-operative image data set, computing the same surface from the pre-operative 3D image data set containing the detected surface to obtain a pre-operative surface mask, registering the intra-operative and pre-operative surface mask with each other, determining a mapping specification between pre-operative 3D image data set and intra-operative image data set based on the calibration and the registration, and overlaying the intra-operative image data set with the pre-operative
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Klaus Klingenbeck-Regn, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7657069
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for imaging using an image-generating, endoluminal instrument (1) by means of which a sequence of 2D image data of a hollow channel (2), in particular a vessel, of an object under investigation is recorded, wherein the images are recorded in a known temporal relation to a periodic movement of the object under investigation and spatial coordinates of the image are captured by means of a position sensor during each recording of an image (5) and stored as position data (9, 10) together with the 2D image data of the image (5). The method is characterized in that first position data (10) which does not lie in a predefinable movement phase of the object under investigation is corrected, before or after being stored, by interpolation between second position data (9) which does lie in the specified movement phase and/or by subtraction or addition of predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
  • Publication number: 20100016712
    Abstract: A method and a device for visually assisting a catheter application on the heart of a patient using an image of the patient obtained by a C-arm X-ray device and using electroanatomical mapping data of the patient obtained by an electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system. The C-arm X-ray device and the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system are calibrated in relation to each other, by determining a co-ordinate transformation between a co-ordinate system assigned to the C-arm x-ray device and/or a co-ordinate system assigned to the image generated by the C-arm X-ray device and a co-ordinate system assigned to the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system. The position of the patient is determined during the detection of the image and/or during the detection of the electroanatomic mapping-data and is at least indirectly assigned to the image and/or the electroanatomic mapping-data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Meir Bartal, Jan Boese, Assaf Govari, Matthias John, Assaf Preiss, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7641650
    Abstract: The device according to the invention ensures accurate and in particular sensitive navigation of the probe, which can be inserted into a body, despite the fact that the remote control uses simple means, by means of a movement (MR;MB;MP) corresponding intuitively to the navigation of a probe using the control device (1). Intuitive operation can be converted in particular using an inventive U-shaped embodiment of the control device (1). Sensitive controllability can be increased by transmitting the mechanical interaction between the probe and an environment under examination to the control device (1) and thus directly to the operating hand (3) by means of inventive feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
  • Publication number: 20090306500
    Abstract: A system and method of treating a patient is described, where an implantable device is introduced into the patient and guided to an appropriate location using a 2-dimentsional X ray taken prior to the introduction of the device, and a fluoroscopic image taken from the same aspect during the procedure, and using the same portion of a physiological cycle. The implantable device may be a percutaneous aortic heart valve (PHV), and the location of the device may be determined with respect to specific bodily structures identified in the 2-dimensional X-ray, such as the aortic valve and the coronary ostia. The installation position of the device is selected so as to avoid obstruction of the coronary ostia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Norbert Rahn, Erik Busch, Alois Noettling
  • Patent number: 7630751
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method, and system (1) for implementing same, to compensate for patient motion in series recordings in medical imaging, in which a plurality of images of an examination area of a patient (17) are recorded at time intervals with an imaging system (1) and related to each other. Before the start of the series recordings a 3D image data set is recorded by a 3D recording of the examination area, which establishes a reference system. A first spatial position of the examination area in the reference system is obtained by recording a first image of the series recordings and then registering it or by calculating it. Each further image of the series recordings is registered immediately after recording to obtain the current spatial position of the examination area. Differences in spatial position are compensated for at least approximately by changing geometric relationships of the imaging system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Benno Heigl, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7620711
    Abstract: Method for the provision and use of configuration files for configuring technical devices. The present invention relates to a method for the provision and use of configuration files containing essential configuration data for configuring technical devices. With the method the configuration data is uploaded by one or more participants in the method via a network onto a server and downloaded by users of the technical devices as configuration files from the server via the network. When a configuration file is downloaded by a user or when a downloaded configuration file is used by a user to configure a technical device, the participant who uploaded the configuration data of the downloaded or used configuration file onto the server receives a reimbursement. The present method simplifies the configuration of units for the users of technical devices and represents an incentive for experienced users to make the configurations they have created themselves also available to other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7613499
    Abstract: A method for providing measuring data for the precise local positioning of an ablation catheter comprises the recording of electrophysiological potential curves in a plurality of positions of the ablation catheter with regard to a potential measurement on a reference catheter. An x-ray image is recorded in each of the positions and the position of the ablation catheter in each instance on the x-ray image is characterized by a marker. The electrophysiological potential curves are coupled in a data-related manner with the markers. When a marker on the screen displaying the x-ray image is clicked on, the associated electrophysiological potential curves appear highlighted on another screen, if necessary in color or with increased brightness. Conversely, the x-ray image with the marker is queried, i.e. displayed and the marker highlighted when the potential curve is activated on a screen displaying the potential curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Rahn, Arne Westphal
  • Publication number: 20090252287
    Abstract: An operating method for a polyplanar imaging system for time-resolved imaging of an object is provided. First and second data records are recorded at a fan angle ? from different angular positions by a first and second imaging planes arranged at an offset angle ? relative to each other and swiveled through an angle of at least ?=180°+?. A third data record is created by selecting projection images from the first data record beginning from a starting angle ? and from the second data record so that the third data record covers an angular range of at least ?. Three-dimensional images are reconstructed based on the third data record. The starting angle ? is varied for continuously creating the third data record until ? has attained its final value. The contrast of projection images in the third data record or of three-dimensional images is evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7596406
    Abstract: Device for recording electrophysiological signals and for displaying the signals or signal information elements which are derived therefrom, comprising a catheter which includes a plurality of electrodes arranged in a distributed manner for signal recording and a rendition device for displaying the signals or the individual signal information elements which relate to the respective electrodes and are derived from the signals, wherein the signals or the signal information elements can be displayed in a display which is modeled on the geometric arrangement of the electrodes at the catheter or on the geometric arrangement of the electrodes during the signal recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7593558
    Abstract: In a method for mathematical compensation of a periodic movement of an organ in a first image-generation method used to image said organ, two time series of three-dimensional image data are acquired using gating, one by the first image-generation method and one by the second image-generation method, the image data that have been acquired by the second image-generation method being used to calculate motion fields which are applied for the compensation of the data from the time series which was acquired by the first image-generation method. The compensation encompasses the mathematical inclusion of motion fields and the mapping of the image data to a reference time. All the image data mapped back to the reference time are added together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7590442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the position of an instrument in a structure of an object with an x-ray system, in which a 3D image data record is provided for at least one area of the object relevant for determining the position, the x-ray system is registered with the 3D image data record, after the introduction of the instrument into the structure at least one 2D x-ray image of the relevant area is recorded from at least one direction of projection with a known projection geometry with the x-ray system and a 2D position of a first location of the instrument is recorded in the 2D x-ray image. In the method a projection line in accordance with the known projection geometry is placed through the 3D image data record at the 2D position and a 3D position of the first location of the instrument in the 3D image data record is determined from an intersection of the projection line with the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Norbert Rahn
  • Patent number: 7578787
    Abstract: Catheter device, comprising a catheter (2) for introduction into a hollow organ, especially a vessel, with a number of bending elements (12, 12a-12f, 12a?-12e?) arranged around the longitudinal axis of the catheter and distributed over at least a part of the catheter length, which can be activated separately for a specified change of shape via a control device (5), as well as a number of bending sensors (15, 15a-15e, 15a?-15e?) arranged around the longitudinal axis of the catheter and distributed over at least a part of the catheter length communicating with a control device (5), with the control device (5) being embodied to determine the given geometrical shape of the catheter (2) on the basis of the bending sensor signals and to determine the change of shape of the bending elements (12, 12a-12f, 12a?-12e?) necessary for a movement of the catheter (2) by a forward movement length preferably specifiable on the user side to enable the catheter (2) to move by itself at least in part, by explicit bend-dependent
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Martin Kleen, Norbert Rahn