Abstract: A method relates to operating a system using a mixed monitor workstation, such as a medical PACS workstation, having a first display of a first resolution and a second display having a different resolution. The method may include moving a graphical element displayed on the first display to the second display, and resealing the graphical element when moved such that the graphical element has a different pixel size on the second display than it did on the first. The method may also include allocating a graphical element to the first display or the second display based on characteristics of the graphical element. Various criteria may be used to allocate the graphical element; for instance, whether color images are currently being displayed on a low resolution monitor, whether a graphical element is a high or low resolution image, and others. The method may be implemented using software associated with the workstation.

Abstract: A surgical aspirator tip and sleeve combination includes a hollow aspirator tip adapted to be placed into communication with a suction source, a grip portion, a coupling portion extending distally from the grip portion, and a neck portion extending distally from the coupling portion. The surgical aspirator sleeve is receivable on the tip to define an internal channel between the sleeve and the neck portion. The internal channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the tip. A plurality of spaced orifices on the sleeve provide communication between the external environment and the internal channel. At least one longitudinal groove is formed at least partially within the grip portion and the coupling portion. The longitudinal groove defines a venting channel in communication with the internal channel and the external environment. The longitudinal groove is adapted to be at least partially covered to adjust the suction within the internal channel.

Abstract: A sleeve and aspirator tip combination includes a surgical aspirator tip (103) couplable to a surgical aspirator sleeve (40). The surgical aspirator sleeve (40) includes spaced orifices (62) that provide communication between the external environment and the internal channel of the sleeve (40). The aspirator tip (13) includes at least one longitudinal exterior groove (74). At least one venting channel (80) is formed between the at least one longitudinal exterior groove (74) and the interior of the aspirator sleeve (40), allowing airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). Locking means secure the sleeve (40) to the aspirator tip (130) and prevent longitudinal and rotational movement of the sleeve (40). Alignment means guide the sleeve (40) onto the tip (130) to properly mate the sleeve (40) and aspirator tip (103), thereby ensuring formation of at least one venting channel (80) therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for presenting at least one medical imaging study in a Picture Archiving and Communication System (“PACS”). The method includes selecting at least one comparison imaging study from a plurality of historical imaging studies by comparing at least one image data attribute associated with a current imaging study with at least one image data attribute associated with each of the plurality of historical studies. The relevant historical studies are automatically selected as comparison imaging studies.

Abstract: A system and method to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a radiologist. In a medical imaging systems, a user may typically compare images of a patient from a current study with images of the patient from a previous study. A user may use several body part filters to retrieve studies applicable to a current study. A first filter may have a search set of available body parts, essentially returning available studies of the patient. A second filter may have a search set corresponding to the body parts of the current study. A third set of filters may have a search set corresponding to one body part of a current study. Each filter in the third set may have a distinct search set comprising one of the body parts of the current study. A fourth set of filters may have a search set defined by the user.

Abstract: Static display protocols for comparing a plurality of data sets are complex and inefficient. A system and method for a dynamic display protocol is disclosed. A user may compare a plurality of data sets using a dynamic display protocol for controlling the display of a plurality of data sets. In an embodiment, the dynamic display protocol utilizes two binary input sequences to control the display of the data sets. The first input sequence maintains the data set displayed on at least one first predetermined display region and shifts the data set displayed on at least one second predetermined display region. The second input sequence shifts the data set displayed on a plurality of display regions. In an embodiment, the first input sequence is controlled by the “up” and “down” arrow keys and the second input sequence is controlled by the “right” and “left” arrow keys on a computer keyboard.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for interpreting images. An image acquisition device, such as a computerized tomography (CT) system, an ultrasound system, an electron beam tomography (EBT) system, a magnetic resonance (MR) system and the like, generates images and image sets, including a first image set and a second image set. A user may select notable images from the first image as significant images. Image content registration software identifies the contents of the significant images and the contents of the second image set. The contents may be anatomical contents. The contents of the significant images are compared to the contents of the second image set. Images from the second image set having contents corresponding to contents of the significant images are selected as preferred images. The preferred images may be labeled and displayed to a user.

Abstract: A system and method to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a radiologist. A display protocol for medical imaging equipment may allow a plurality of three-dimensional medical images to be concurrently displayed and navigated. The three-dimensional medical images may be linked so a user can manipulate the viewing angle and pointer in the linked images. The display protocol can be configured to display a three-dimensional image from a current exam and a three-dimensional comparison image. Moreover, a display protocol for medical imaging equipment may allow at least one three-dimensional medical image to be concurrently displayed with at least one two-dimensional medical image. The three-dimensional medical image may be linked with the two-dimensional medical image so a user can manipulate the viewing angle and pointer in the linked images. The display protocol can be configured to display a three-dimensional image with axial, sagital, coronal, or non-standard oblique views.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for using medical perspectives to improve medical workflow. Certain embodiments of a system for using medical perspectives for improved screening analysis include a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation capable of being used for reviewing images and at least one display capable of displaying images for review. The system also includes a default perspective including a first plurality of images organized according to a default criterion, wherein the default perspective is used to review the first plurality of images via the PACS workstation. The system includes one or more additional perspectives organizing image sets according to certain criteria. A user may select one or more of the additional perspectives for reviewing image sets or subsets via the PACS workstation. The system may also include tools and reporting templates for use with images within the perspectives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).

Abstract: A method relates to operating a system using a mixed monitor workstation, such as a medical PACS workstation, having a first display of a first resolution and a second display having a different resolution. The method may include moving a graphical element displayed on the first display to the second display, and rescaling the graphical element when moved such that the graphical element has a different pixel size on the second display than it did on the first. The method may also include allocating a graphical element to the first display or the second display based on characteristics of the graphical element. Various criteria may be used to allocate the graphical element; for instance, whether color images are currently being displayed on a low resolution monitor, whether a graphical element is a high or low resolution image, and others. The method may be implemented using software associated with the workstation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).