Abstract: A method comprises: executing a segmentation algorithm on interventional image data to provide a tumor mask and a body mask; determining target points based on the tumor mask; determining skin entry points based on the body mask; computing a set of trajectory candidates, wherein a trajectory candidate includes at least a target point and a skin entry point; classifying a set of constraints in at least two classes including first type constraints and second type constraints; defining subsets of trajectory candidates, which differ in conforming with the second type constraints; executing an optimization algorithm on the subsets to calculate a trajectory, starting with an initial subset, which conforms with all first and second type constraints; and in case no solution with 100% tumor coverage is found, iteratively executing the optimization algorithm for a next subset, so that the second type constraints are stepwise relaxed.

Abstract: For image display in a limited-angle tomography method, a plurality of projection images that depict an object are obtained, and based thereon, a three-dimensional image reconstruction is created. A first slice image for a first sectional plane through the object is created based on the image reconstruction, and a region of interest of the object in the first slice image is determined. In the first sectional plane, an intersection line of a second sectional plane that runs through the region of interest is determined. Depending on a position of the intersection line and/or depending on a geometric extent of the region of interest in the first slice image, a computation region around the second sectional plane is determined. Based on the plurality of projection images, a second slice image for the second sectional plane in accordance is created with the computation region.

Abstract: A hybrid NIRF/IVUS imaging probe containing i) a spatially-truncated optical lens a substantially-planar surface of which is inclined with respect to an axis to reflect light, transmitted between proximal and distal ends of the probe, internally into a body of the lens, and ii) an acoustic transducer disposed sequentially with the optical lens on the axis of the probe while, at the same time, the optical and electrical members of the probe transmitting the radiative and mechanical energies (which the probe exchanges with a target bodily vessel) are parallel to one another within the housing of the probe. A method for operating the probe resulting in formation of spatially co-registered optical and acoustic images of the target. Related imaging system and computer-program product.

Abstract: A medical instrument for invasive use has an X-ray marker arrangement with at least two X-ray marker areas. The X-ray marker areas are configured to have different absorption properties for X-radiation with different energy spectra, and the X-ray marker areas are arranged successively on the medical instrument with regard to a predetermined spatial direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for touch-free motion control of a component of a medical device, which component may be moved and/or maneuvered by a motor, using a handle element that is arranged on the device, for example in the form of a handlebar, comprising the following steps: recording measured values by sensors that are arranged on or at the handle element, for example distance and/or position sensors, while the device is in a first operating mode, wherein the first operating mode excludes touch-free motion control, evaluating the measured values with regard to an approach of at least one hand of an operator, switching the device into a second operating mode if the result of the evaluation satisfies a first preset condition, wherein the second operating mode includes touch-free motion control, and wherein the first condition is a hand of the operator coming within a first distance from the handle element from a first approach direction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to fine-tuning a pre-trained reinforcement learning algorithm, which facilitates a determination of surgical planning for treating a disease associated with an anatomical target region. The pre-trained reinforcement learning algorithm is fine-tuned using a repetitively updated machine learning model. The machine learning model provides a reward associated with the pre-trained reinforcement learning algorithm.

Abstract: A method for evaluating image data of a patient showing a target region to be treated with an embolizing agent includes providing a three-dimensional time-resolved image data set of a vascular system portion of the patient. A structural parameter that describes a geometry of at least the vascular system portion and/or a basic information item including dynamic parameters that describe hemodynamics in the vascular system portion is established from the image data set by an analysis algorithm. An embolization information item describing a plurality of embolizing agents that are to be used is provided. An actuation information item describing a suitable composition of the plurality of embolizing agents, for an intervention facility used for carrying out the treatment is established by an establishing algorithm that uses the basic information item and the embolization information item, and the actuation information item is provided to the intervention facility.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a shaft and a radiofrequency (RF) emitter positioned in the shaft that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to create an ablation volume. The ablation device also includes an imaging sensor positioned in the tubular shaft configured to obtain imaging data of the ablation volume.

Abstract: A hybrid NIRF/IVUS imaging probe containing i) a spatially-truncated optical lens a substantially-planar surface of which is inclined with respect to an axis to reflect light, transmitted between proximal and distal ends of the probe, internally into a body of the lens, and ii) an acoustic transducer disposed sequentially with the optical lens on the axis of the probe while, at the same time, the optical and electrical members of the probe transmitting the radiative and mechanical energies (which the probe exchanges with a target bodily vessel) are parallel to one another within the housing of the probe. A method for operating the probe resulting in formation of spatially co-registered optical and acoustic images of the target. Related imaging system and computer-program product.

Abstract: A medical object for arrangement in an object under examination includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber is configured to contact at least one light source optically. The medical object further includes multiple photoacoustic absorbers that are arranged in sections along a direction of longitudinal extension of the optical fiber and/or along a periphery of the medical object. The multiple photoacoustic absorbers are configured to be arranged at least in part in the object under examination. The optical fiber is configured to conduct an excitation light emitted by the at least one light source to the multiple photoacoustic absorbers. The multiple photoacoustic absorbers are configured to be excited by the excitation light for the photoacoustic emission of ultrasound.

Abstract: One or more example embodiments relates to a medical intervention arrangement, comprising an elongated medical instrument, such as a needle, for partial introduction into an intervention region of an examination object. In addition, one or more example embodiments relates to a computer-implemented method for determining position information of an elongated medical instrument, such as a needle, located in an intervention region of an examination object.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a light emission unit, an ultrasound transducer, an instrument channel, and a hollow needle is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to be arranged at least partly in an examination region of an examination object. The light emission unit is configured to emit excitation light. The excitation light is configured to excite an optoacoustic emission of ultrasound. The light emission unit is arranged at least partly in the hollow needle. The hollow needle is arranged at least partly for movement in the instrument channel. The instrument channel has an opening for bringing the hollow needle and the light emission unit out on a distal section of the apparatus. The ultrasound transducer is arranged on the distal section of the apparatus. The hollow needle is configured to move out at least partly from instrument channel through the opening. The ultrasound transducer is configured to receive the ultrasound.

Abstract: An optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus, an ultrasonic transceiver apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an associated production method are disclosed. The optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus includes a substrate made of a semiconductor material; a carrier layer arranged on the substrate; and at least one transmitter-optical waveguide made of a semiconductor material with a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the carrier layer. At least one side of the waveguide is at least partially surrounded by the carrier layer. The waveguide is configured at an end facing toward the examination region for a decoupling of the light beams into the examination region for generating the ultrasonic waves in the examination region by way of the decoupled light beams for an optoacoustic imaging and/or has, on the end facing toward the examination region, an optical absorption layer for such a conversion of the light beams.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a shaft and a radiofrequency (RF) emitter positioned in the shaft that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to create an ablation volume. The ablation device also includes an imaging sensor positioned in the tubular shaft configured to obtain imaging data of the ablation volume.

Abstract: For a simple monitoring of a robotic system that is configured for robot-assisted actuation of a movement of a medical object in a hollow organ of a patient, the robotic system includes at least one drive system, a robot control unit, and an acoustic sensor. A method is provided and includes receiving, by the acoustic sensor, acoustic signals of the robotic system during the operation of the robotic system for moving the medical object. At least one signal pattern is recognized in the received acoustic signals. The at least one recognized signal pattern is evaluated with respect to an associated action flow of at least one component of the robotic system. The method includes checking whether the action flow is an intended action flow, and actuating an action if the action flow is unintended.

Abstract: A method for providing a specification include receiving a planning dataset, wherein the planning dataset has a pre-ascertained mapping and/or a model of an examination object. The method further includes capturing selection information relating to one or more available medical object(s) and determining the specification by applying a specification function to input data, wherein the input data is based on the planning dataset and the selection information, wherein the specification has suitability information and a desired path, wherein the desired path has a plurality of spatial and/or temporal control points, which control points specify desired positionings for the one available medical object or one of the plurality of available medical objects respectively, and wherein the suitability information assesses suitability of the at least one available medical object for the desired path. The method further includes providing the specification as output data of the specification function.

Abstract: A method for evaluating image data of a patient showing a target region to be treated with an embolizing agent includes providing a three-dimensional time-resolved image data set of a vascular system portion of the patient. A structural parameter that describes a geometry of at least the vascular system portion and/or a basic information item including dynamic parameters that describe hemodynamics in the vascular system portion is established from the image data set by an analysis algorithm. An embolization information item describing a plurality of embolizing agents that are to be used is provided. An actuation information item describing a suitable composition of the plurality of embolizing agents, for an intervention facility used for carrying out the treatment is established by an establishing algorithm that uses the basic information item and the embolization information item, and the actuation information item is provided to the intervention facility.

Abstract: A medical object for arrangement in an object under examination includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber is configured to contact at least one light source optically. The medical object further includes multiple photoacoustic absorbers that are arranged in sections along a direction of longitudinal extension of the optical fiber and/or along a periphery of the medical object. The multiple photoacoustic absorbers are configured to be arranged at least in part in the object under examination. The optical fiber is configured to conduct an excitation light emitted by the at least one light source to the multiple photoacoustic absorbers. The multiple photoacoustic absorbers are configured to be excited by the excitation light for the photoacoustic emission of ultrasound.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a light emission unit, an ultrasound transducer, an instrument channel, and a hollow needle is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to be arranged at least partly in an examination region of an examination object. The light emission unit is configured to emit excitation light. The excitation light is configured to excite an optoacoustic emission of ultrasound. The light emission unit is arranged at least partly in the hollow needle. The hollow needle is arranged at least partly for movement in the instrument channel. The instrument channel has an opening for bringing the hollow needle and the light emission unit out on a distal section of the apparatus. The ultrasound transducer is arranged on the distal section of the apparatus. The hollow needle is configured to move out at least partly from instrument channel through the opening. The ultrasound transducer is configured to receive the ultrasound.

Abstract: An optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus, an ultrasonic transceiver apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an associated production method are disclosed. The optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus includes a substrate made of a semiconductor material; a carrier layer arranged on the substrate; and at least one transmitter-optical waveguide made of a semiconductor material with a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the carrier layer. At least one side of the waveguide is at least partially surrounded by the carrier layer. The waveguide is configured at an end facing toward the examination region for a decoupling of the light beams into the examination region for generating the ultrasonic waves in the examination region by way of the decoupled light beams for an optoacoustic imaging and/or has, on the end facing toward the examination region, an optical absorption layer for such a conversion of the light beams.