Abstract: A system and method for planning a needle procedure include designating a target location within three-dimensional image data of a subject's body and defining a tentative route for insertion of a needle to the target location. The three-dimensional image data is processed to generate a graphic representation which indicates whether the tentative route intersects an obstacle of at least one type. In response to a user input, the graphic representation is then rotated about axes passing through the target location, thereby allowing selection of an updated route to the target which does not intersect an obstacle.

Abstract: In a diagnostic cardiac imaging session of a patient's heart using a computed tomography imaging scanner (10) and a cardiac cycle monitor (42), a diagnostic objective (100) is received. Survey imaging (104) of the heart is performed to determine optimized imaging parameter values for the received diagnostic objective (100). Monitor imaging (108) of a limited portion of the heart is performed during influx of a contrast agent (22) using a low patient x-ray exposure condition to detect a trigger condition. Volume imaging (110) of the heart responsive to detection of the trigger condition is performed using the optimized imaging parameter values to obtain volumetric imaging data. Cardiac cycle data is recorded during at least a portion of the survey imaging (104), the monitor imaging (108), and the volume imaging (110). High resolution reconstructing (130) of at least some volumetric imaging data is performed to produce high resolution image representations (132).

Abstract: A method for modifying a planar image slice in a CT scanner having a predetermined reconstruction angle, comprising: reconstructing an image of the slice using initial X-ray attenuation data acquired along an initial scan path sector; acquiring additional X-ray attenuation data along an additional scan path sector in a vicinity of the axial position of the slice, the sector having an angular extent substantially less than the reconstruction angle; and modifying the image, to provide a modified image of the slice, responsible to the additional attenuation data.

Abstract: A medical imaging system for conducting an image-guided medical procedure on a subject and a method for performing the same is provided. The system includes a medical imaging apparatus, such as a CT scanner, magnetic resonance imaging system, or ultrasonic imaging system, etc., for obtaining volumetric images of the subject. Through intervention planning techniques, an interventional procedure on a subject using the volumetric images is determined. A mechanical arm assembly disposed in proximity to the medical imaging apparatus carries out the interventional procedure. The mechanical arm assembly includes a base support, a distal end, a plurality of arm segments, and a plurality of joints between the arm segments for carrying out the interventional procedure. An end-effector is disposed at the distal end of the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector includes gripping means for selectively gripping and releasing a surgical instrument during the interventional procedure.

Abstract: In a diagnostic cardiac imaging session of a patient's heart using a computed tomography imaging scanner (10) and a cardiac cycle monitor (42), a diagnostic objective (100) is received. Survey imaging (104) of the heart is performed to determine optimized imaging parameter values for the received diagnostic objective (100). Monitor imaging (108) of a limited portion of the heart is performed during influx of a contrast agent (22) using a low patient x-ray exposure condition to detect a trigger condition. Volume imaging (110) of the heart responsive to detection of the trigger condition is performed using the optimized imaging parameter values to obtain volumetric imaging data. Cardiac cycle data is recorded during at least a portion of the survey imaging (104), the monitor imaging (108), and the volume imaging (110). High resolution reconstructing (130) of at least some volumetric imaging data is performed to produce high resolution image representations (132).

Abstract: A medical imaging system for conducting an image-guided medical procedure on a subject and a method for performing the same is provided. The system includes a medical imaging apparatus, such as a CT scanner, magnetic resonance imaging system, or ultrasonic imaging system, etc., for obtaining volumetric images of the subject. Through intervention planning techniques, an interventional procedure on a subject using the volumetric images is determined. A mechanical arm assembly disposed in proximity to the medical imaging apparatus carries out the interventional procedure. The mechanical arm assembly includes a base support, a distal end, a plurality of arm segments, and a plurality of joints between the arm segments for carrying out the interventional procedure. An end-effector is disposed at the distal end of the mechanical arm assembly. The end-effector includes gripping means for selectively gripping and releasing a surgical instrument during the interventional procedure.