Abstract: Apparatus, techniques and systems are described for facilitating identification of a target area during a probe-guided radio-localization surgical procedure. The described apparatus, techniques and systems can be used to implement a nuclear-uptake mode controller integrated into a probe to allow a user to instantly switch between multiple nuclear-uptake modes directly from the probe hand-piece. For example, a nuclear-uptake mode controller integrated into the probe can be used to instantly switch between a high-sensitivity nuclear-uptake mode and a high-resolution nuclear-uptake mode to effectively identify the target area in the presence of interfering nuclear signals by better matching the probe's nuclear detection parameters to a search task for that target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking a lesion in a body part is provided. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first nuclear-emission image of the body part; determining a position of the lesion from the first image; percutaneously introducing a cannula to the determined position; inserting a wire into the cannula, the wire including radioactive material; retracting the cannula while holding the wire in place; and obtaining a second nuclear-emission image of the body part. The second image includes data relating to a position of the lesion and data relating to a position of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for localizing a nuclear-emitting lesion during an intervention using correlated nuclear and ultrasound imaging. The apparatus provides interventional access and quasi-stereotactic positioning of interventional devices, with real-time ultrasound image visualization for tracking the approach of the device to the lesion. The apparatus is intended to overcome the shortcomings of fully-stereotactic nuclear-emission image localization.

Abstract: An apparatus and a computational method are provided for localizing a positron-emitting source during an intervention using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The apparatus is designed to accelerate the image acquisition and reconstruction process such that the resulting image presentation can be used to quickly reposition an interventional device in relation to a lesion. By limiting the processing of data in the acquisition to a focal plane which extends through the localization target, and which is oriented to capture and display motion during the intervention, and then by displaying a persistence image which is frequently refreshed, a user can visualize movement of the positron-emitting source for optimizing the position of the interventional device. The positron-emitting source(s) can be radiolabeled tissue, a radiolabeled interventional device, a radiolabeled fiducial, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A handheld gamma camera or PET system with a disposable detector head is provided. This system includes a configuration of a gamma camera or PET scanner in which optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers are coupled to a scintillator or array of scintillators and the other end of the optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers are coupled to a light-sensitive camera, such as a photomultiplier. The system may further include a mechanism to rapidly couple and/or decouple the optical fiber or fibers from the light sensitive camera or from the scintillator or array of scintillators so that the detector can be disposed of or sterilized without damaging the light-sensitive camera. A method for image reconstruction and image simulation is also provided. The method includes an application of deterministic sampling using Gaussian quadrature parameters to construct a transition matrix for purposes of image reconstruction.

Abstract: A handheld gamma camera or PET system with a disposable detector head is provided. This system includes a configuration of a gamma camera or PET scanner in which optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers are coupled to a scintillator or array of scintillators and the other end of the optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers are coupled to a light-sensitive camera, such as a photomultiplier. The system may further include a mechanism to rapidly couple and/or decouple the optical fiber or fibers from the light sensitive camera or from the scintillator or array of scintillators so that the detector can be disposed of or sterilized without damaging the light-sensitive camera. A method for image reconstruction and image simulation is also provided. The method includes an application of deterministic sampling using Gaussian quadrature parameters to construct a transition matrix for purposes of image reconstruction.

Abstract: An automatic and intuitive calibration method is provided for calibrating a radiation detection system for processing counts from a known radiation source. A probe is positioned near the radiation source, which may be the surgical injection site of a radionucleide. A control unit generates audible and/or visual feedback signals to cue the operator as to where to position the probe relative to the radiation source, in order to obtain a pulse frequency (count rate) in an optimal range for processing. The control unit then automatically identifies a peak energy level and sets an energy acceptance window having a mathematical relationship to the peak energy level, whereby the radiation detection system thereinafter processes only counts corresponding to energy levels falling within the energy acceptance window.

Abstract: An automatic and intuitive calibration method is provided for calibrating a radiation detection system for processing counts from a known radiation source. A probe is positioned near the radiation source, which may be the surgical injection site of a radionucleide. A control unit generates audible and/or visual feedback signals to cue the operator as to where to position the probe relative to the radiation source, in order to obtain a pulse frequency (count rate) in an optimal range for processing. The control unit then automatically identifies a peak energy level and sets an energy acceptance window having a mathematical relationship to the peak energy level, whereby the radiation detection system thereinafter processes only counts corresponding to energy levels falling within the energy acceptance window.

Abstract: An automatic calibration method is provided for calibrating a radiation detection system for processing counts from a known radiation source. A probe is positioned near the radiation source, which may be the surgical injection site of a radionucleide. A control unit generates audible and/or visual feedback signals to cue the operator as to where to position the probe relative to the radiation source, in order to obtain a pulse frequency (count rate) in an optimal range for processing. The control unit then automatically identifies a probe output corresponding to a peak energy level and calibrates the system to that peak. Once calibrated, the system may set an energy acceptance window having a mathematical relationship to the peak energy level, whereby the radiation detection system thereinafter processes only counts corresponding to energy levels falling within the energy acceptance window.

Abstract: A non-linear guidance method for radiation detection is described herein wherein a heuristic non-linear radiation detection method is utilized is for the location of sentinel nodes for staging cancer. The method of radiation detection described herein includes the steps of: Generating radiation decay rate counts wherein the counts are a sum of detected radiation decay events over a time interval; loading the counts into an array; summing selected elements of the array to generate a total count and a plurality of candidate counts; comparing the total count to one of the candidate counts to determine whether the one of the candidate counts is statistically different from the total count; using the statistically different one of the candidate counts as an output count rate; and generating an output signal using the output count rate to determine the characteristics of the output signal.

Abstract: The exhalation valve includes a valve housing with a valve seat having an annular shoulder, and a valve poppet having a face with a corresponding annular groove. A soft flexible diaphragm seal disposed between the face of the valve poppet and the valve seat provides a suspended soft seal, ensuring perpendicularity in the valve seal for improved accuracy of valve operation. An annular permanent magnet and an annular magnetic ring are disposed around and spaced apart from a magnetic body to define an air gap in which an electromagnetic coil is disposed. The electromagnetic coil is connected to a control mechanism by a flexible circuit connector that is sufficiently slack that provides minimal force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve.