Abstract: A method for monitoring tissue response to cancer treatment by analyzing photoacoustic signals is provided. The method is capable of classifying different levels of tumor response for a tumor under treatment. Photoacoustic signals are obtained by scanning a tumor before and after treatment in given time intervals. Classification of the tumor response is achieved based on statistical features extracted from the photoacoustic signals. The similarities and dissimilarities between the statistical features are used to identify and classify the changes in tissue as the tumor responds to the treatment. To visualize the similarities and dissimilarities, a computed similarity metric is mapped to a multidimensional space, such as a two- or three-dimensional space. In this produced tissue response map, each point represents the tumor in a particular condition. Points that are farther apart in the tissue response map indicate more changes in tumor tissue due to changing condition and vise versa.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a patient user's body part is disclosed. The system may include a patient user body part imaging non-transitory storage media to image a patient user body part. The method may include selecting an optical imaging device to image the patient user's body part, acquiring one or more data sets with the optical imaging device, the acquiring is performed with focus at multiple axial positions and exposure control or deliberate focus at specified image locations and exposure control, registering the acquired data sets, performing image processing on the acquired data sets and recombining good data from the image processed data sets into a single image of the patient user's body part.

Abstract: Methods for identifying networks correlating with placebo effects, progression of neurological disease symptoms, progression of pre-phenoconversion states of neurological diseases, and efficacious/non-efficacious candidate treatments for neurological diseases are provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a medical diagnostic system using a contrast medium is provided. The method includes injecting the contrast medium into a subject; obtaining an appearance image of the subject via a first camera; obtaining a temperature distribution image of the subject via a second camera; displaying a fusion image which combines the appearance image of the subject and the temperature distribution image of the subject on a screen; determining whether a side effect of the contrast medium has occurred in the subject, based on the fusion image; and selectively controlling the medical diagnostic system depending on a result of the determining.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are specified for administering a gentle contrast medium during magnetic resonance tomography. The apparatus comprises means for injection of blood into the patient as well as an enrichment device for enriching the blood with the gaseous contrast medium. As part of the magnetic resonance tomography imaging the blood is enriched with the gaseous contrast medium and injected into the patient. The contrast medium contains oxygen.

Abstract: A PET-MRI device according to an embodiment includes image generators and a derivation unit. The image generators capture an image of a target placed in an effective visual field of a PET by the PET and an MRI so as to generate a PET image and an MR image. The derivation unit calculates a strain correction factor for correcting strain on the MR image based on a positional relation between a target that is expressed on the PET image and a target that is expressed on the MR image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters and patient sensory perception. A pain input detector, a pain transducer, and a processor are provided. A gas pressure transducer and flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect perceived patient pain, volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. An indication of perceived patient pain is processed by the processor to generate data that may used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used as a diagnostic tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for universal mapping of T1 in abdominal organs using cardiac gating. A region of interest is selected for mapping or imaging. A determination is made whether any one or more of heart associated motion, high heart rate and irregular heart beat are detected in the region of interest. A multi-pathway gating of T1 maps is then employed providing a universal method of T1 mapping of moving as well as non-moving visceral organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of at least two chemical species having different MR spectra. It is an object of the invention to provide a method that enables Dixon water/fat separation in cases in which a large field-of-view is required. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: a) generating at least one echo signal by subjecting a body placed in the examination volume of a MR device to an imaging sequence of RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients; b) acquiring the at least one echo signal; c) separating signal contributions of the at least two chemical species to the at least one acquired echo signal on the basis of a spectral model and prior knowledge about the spatial variation of the main magnetic field B0 in the examination volume; and d) reconstructing a MR image from the signal contributions of at least one of the chemical species. Moreover the invention relates to a MR device and to a computer program to be run on a MR device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tracking system including a patient support element and an electromagnetic field generator. The patient support element is superposed relative to the electromagnetic field generator, and the electromagnetic field generator is selectively moveable relative to the patient support element.

Abstract: A catheter system is disclosed, having a plurality of expandable arms with radiopaque markers at their ends. Once deployed at a patient's valve, a user can obtain a correct 3D localization image for placement of the replacement valve by aligning the radiopaque markers to be substantially equidistant from each other and substantially located in the same plane, relative to the sensor of an X-Ray machine.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can facilitate delivery of a medical device in proximity to a target region within a patient's body. Data representing an image of a portion of the patient's body can be received. Based on the data representing the image, a first three dimensional (3D) model of the medical device can be generated. A second 3D model of the medical device can be fitted within the first 3D model at a location in proximity to the target region to create a combined 3D model. A two dimensional (2D) projection of the combined 3D model can be created.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is described which visually assists biopsy needle insertion. The system produces pixel values of pixels along one or more paths of needle insertion. A tissue density analyzer is responsive to the pixel values to estimate tissue density along a path of needle insertion. A needle path calculator is responsive to the tissue density analyzer and proposes one or more favorable paths through imaged tissue for insertion of the biopsy needle. The system may be used in conjunction with a three dimensional navigation system which spatially locates the needle and ultrasound image plane in 3D space.

Abstract: Landmark directional guidance is provided to an operator of an endoscopic device by displaying graphical representations of vectors adjacent a current image captured by an image capturing device disposed at a tip of the endoscopic device and being displayed at the time on a display screen, wherein the graphical representations of the vectors point in directions that the endoscope tip is to be steered in order to move towards associated landmarks such as anatomic structures in a patient.

Abstract: An adaptive template image for registering a PET or a SPECT image includes a template image model including variability of values for each voxel in a template image according to one or more control parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a storage unit, a blood flow information generation unit and a blood flow inhibition index generation unit. The storage unit stores volume data or data of a series of images regarding an organ of an object. The blood flow information generation unit generates, based on the volume data or the data of the series of images, first blood flow information of a first region and second blood flow information of a second region different from the first region. The blood flow inhibition index generation unit generates, based on the first blood flow information and the second blood flow information, a blood flow inhibition index representing a degree of inhibition of a blood flow in a blood vessel regarding the first region or the second region.

Abstract: Diffuse fluorescence flow cytometers and methods of using them include a plurality of excitation sources and a plurality of detectors, all circumferentially arranged about a space for accommodating a limb of a subject. Tomographic reconstructions of cells within the limb are made by varying the intensity and direction of excitation and then analyzing the results.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems are provided for the imaging of cavity/tissue lesions, including without limitation cavity/tissue malignant lesions, e.g. cancers of the skin, mouth, colon, digestive system cervix, bladder, lung, etc.

Abstract: A power-injectable access port suitable for injecting contrast media therethrough at a rate of at least 1 milliliter per second. The access port includes a housing, a septum, a reservoir, and an outlet stem in fluid communication with the reservoir. The power-injectable access port is structured for accommodating a pressure developed within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The septum may include a radiopaque material forming a selected pattern when an x-ray is taken through the septum. The pattern may identify the access port as capable of accommodating injection of contrast media at a rate of at least 1 milliliter per second and/or as capable of accommodating a pressure developed within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The pattern may identify the location of the septum following implantation of the power-injectable access port.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a uterine probe having one or more transducer for detecting a uterine parameter. The one or more parameter can be a fetal heart rate. The one or more parameter can be uterine contraction. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a fetal heart rate (FHR). In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a uterine contraction. The one or more transducer can be of a common technology or can be of different technology. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include one or more transducer that is operative to be driven in different signaling configurations. A first signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of a fetal heart rate. A second signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of uterine contraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound elastography system and method for providing a strain image of an anatomical site. The system comprises a signal processing unit (103) configured to receive a time-varying ultrasound signal from an ultrasound probe (101) having at least one transducer element, to determine axial motion data based on the time-varying ultrasound signal, the axial motion data indicating a relative axial motion between the ultrasound probe and the anatomical site in an axial direction (y), and to determine a lateral variation of the axial motion in a lateral direction (x) based on the axial motion data. The system further comprises a display unit (105) configured to display a strain image (200) of the anatomical site based on strain image data which is determined based on the axial motion data, and to display an indication of lateral variation of a quality of the strain image based on the lateral variation of the axial motion.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for examining human or animal tissue, wherein at least one time-harmonic mechanical excitation wave of predetermined excitation frequency is coupled into the tissue, the wave speed of a shear wave in the tissue caused by the mechanical excitation wave and having the frequency of the excitation wave is measured by means of an ultrasound method, and an elasticity measurement specifying the elastic properties of the tissue is determined using the measured wave speed.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method for assessing lesion formation by measuring temperature changes during endocardial ablation. Intracardiac echo catheter data is accurately mapped into a model maintained by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system using the position and orientation of the intracardiac echo catheter transducer within the model. For each point in the model, either a frequency shift or echo time shift is calculated from the intracardiac echo data to determine local temperature changes, and the local temperature changes are displayed within a rendering of the model for the user.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging method is provided that can prevent the surface of the subject from appearing in an image when a part to be observed at a position deeper than the surface of the subject is imaged. The photoacoustic imaging device includes a unit for outputting pulsed light toward the subject, and generating photoacoustic data by detecting photoacoustic waves emitted from the subject exposed to the light. The photoacoustic imaging device also includes a region detection unit that detects a near-surface region of the subject based on the photoacoustic wave detection signals, and a correcting unit that attenuates (which encompasses removing) information of the near-surface region found by the region detection unit when the part to be observed is displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method includes emitting ultrasonic pulses in different directions and acquiring ultrasonic echo signals from an object, calculating an attenuation rate of the ultrasonic echo signals, correcting the acquired ultrasonic echo signals based on the attenuation rate, and outputting the corrected ultrasonic echo signals as an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.

Abstract: Method, system and software product for identifying high risk pregnancies comprising the step of generating a spectrogram from ultrasound Doppler signals reflected from the uterine artery and determining the maximum frequency envelope of said spectrogram, and of defining a systolic part and a diastolic part of the maximum frequency envelope and calculating an area ratio under said systolic and diastolic part (AR). This area ratio relates to the blood volume in the uterine artery.

Abstract: Dynamic operation is provided in sub-array ultrasound imaging. Rather than using fixed or Euclidian distance relative timing, an approximation determines the relative timing. The dynamic timing relationship is approximated with log(x), arctan(x), or 1/x relationships. Adders, registers, counters, comparators, or other simple circuitry is used to calculate the timing relationship. For example, a portion of the circuit featuring a digital comparator and counter produces a reciprocal relationship.

Abstract: A high frequency ultrasound probe includes a substrate having a number of transducer elements on it and a ground plane that is electrically coupled by one or more vias to a conductive frame that supports the substrate. The conductive frame is electrically coupled to a ground plane of a printed circuit having conductors that are coupled to the transducer elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing conditions associated with a physical feature using digital images. The method comprises acquiring a white-light image and an ultraviolet (“UV”) image of at least a portion of a body surface, such as a person's face, each of the white-light and UV images including a plurality of pixels and each pixel in the UV image corresponding to a respective pixel in the white-light image. The method further comprises identifying feature pixels in the white-light and UV images, and obtaining results associated with at least one physical condition using information in the feature pixels in the first white light and UV images.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting lameness in a standing animal uses at least one optical imaging device coupled to processing arrangement. The optical imaging device is arranged in a position to capture at least one image showing the lower portions of at least one leg of an animal and to forward the image to the processing arrangement, which, in turn, analyses the image to determine a condition of lameness when said at least one leg is held in a raised position on or above ground level. The system is particularly suited to detecting lameness in dairy animals and can be integrated in a milking or feeding stall or with an automatic or semi-automatic milking system.

Abstract: A camera mounted in a motor vehicle cabin monitors an upper body and/or face of a vehicle occupant. A computer unit applies pattern recognition methods to compare an image from the camera with reference data stored in a database, and to determine based on the comparison that the occupant is experiencing neck discomfort. The neck discomfort determination is made based on the comparison indicating a change in occupant posture, a change in occupant facial expression, and/or a relaxation movement of the upper body and/or of a head of the occupant. If neck discomfort is detected, warm air and/or infrared light is directed toward the affected neck area to alleviate the discomfort.

Abstract: The delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue are described herein where such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for performing any number of procedures on the tissue for identifying, locating, and/or accessing ischemic and/or infarcted tissue.

Abstract: Spatial light response around a fingertip or toe of a subject in response to electrical stimulation can be associated to a specified remote particular body anatomy, location, component, or system such as for providing a particularized physiological status indicator or other particularized response indication that is particular to the specified particular body anatomy, location, component, or system.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for measuring blood pressure. The system may include a pressure sensing guidewire including a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber extending proximally from the pressure sensor. The system may also include an optical connector cable including a distal connector capable of being coupled to the guidewire. The optical connector cable may include a second optical fiber that is capable of optically communicating with the first optical fiber. A coupler may be disposed within the distal connector and disposed between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, and a memory chip having a built-in trimmed resistor, the trimmed resistor having a resistance value that is detectable by a monitor.

Abstract: Patient monitoring systems can include a system for transmitting information from a patient parameter sensor to a patient monitor. The system can include an analogue-to-digital converter close to the patient parameter sensor and can transmit digital signals through a cable to the patient monitor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a tissue penetrating device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending there between. A first needle is disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft and is extendable therefrom between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first needle is disposed within the elongate shaft's lumen and is substantially aligned with an axis of the lumen. In the second configuration, the first needle extends distally of the elongate shaft's distal end and bends away from the lumen's axis. A second needle is disposed within a lumen of the first needle and is extendable therefrom when the first needle is positioned in the first configuration and when the first needle is positioned in the second configuration. The second needle may be extended from the first needle to penetrate tissue of a patient.

Abstract: A blood pressure kiosk is provided which allows a user to place his or her left or right arm into the blood pressure cuff for measurement. The kiosk includes either a moving support arm, or a moving seat. The kiosk can also include a moving display so that the user is able to view information on the display from either seat position.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device includes a cuff and a control unit. The cuff includes a first securing portion, provided on one surface of the cuff, for securing the cuff to the measurement area in a wrapped state, and a second securing portion, provided on another surface of the cuff, for securing the cuff to the measurement area in a wrapped state. At least one of the first securing portion and the second securing portion includes an electromagnet portion. The control unit secures the cuff to the measurement area by controlling a magnetic force emitted from the electromagnet portion and causing the second securing portion to be attracted to the first securing portion.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac devices and methods of their use. A method of operation in an implantable cardiac device may include steps for characterizing detected events as noise or not noise, identifying a set of consecutive noise events or a threshold quantity of noise events in a set period of time and declaring a noisy series to have occurred. In response to the declaration of a noisy series, the method initiates a baseline correction algorithm. Devices for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing cardiac signals includes accepting, from a sensor system, a set of one or more signals, the signals including components of a desired cardiac signal and components of a substantially periodic interfering signal. The method is applicable for extraction of desired fetal cardiac signals from signals with interference from the maternal cardiac signal. A periodicity of the interfering signal is determined, and one or more iterations of mitigating an effect of a component of the signals that exhibit periodicity at the determined periodicity of the interfering signal are performed. In some examples, the method further includes determining a periodicity of the desired cardiac signal, and performing one or more iterations of enhancing an effect of a component of the signals that exhibit periodicity at the determined periodicity of the desired cardiac signal.

Abstract: A system for calculating a variability value that is indicative of AF by obtaining a signal sequence of a plurality of RR intervals by monitoring electrical activity of a patient's heart. Each RR interval is converted into an instantaneous heart rate value and sorted into ascending order. The difference between each successive heart rate is calculated, discarding the two largest differences. The variability value is calculated by adding the retained differences.

Abstract: Methods and devices for addressing difficulty with cardiac event sensing that can arise if the starting point of the cardiac cycle is not well aligned to the intended starting point of a detection profile used for sensing. As an improvement, illustrative methods and devices provide an addition to cardiac sensing operations by adjusting the starting point of a detection profile to align with a desired point in the cardiac signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided to collect and analyze heartbeat waveforms. In one novel aspect, the heartbeat waveforms are collected from wearable devices. In one embodiment, the wearable device collects heartbeat waveforms by attaching the device to the patient for a long period and sends the collected waveforms to a receiver through a wireless network. In another novel aspect, an application program is installed in a smart device to receive heartbeat waveforms from one or more wearable devices. The application program either relays the received waveform to a remote processing center or processes the data before sending. In another novel aspect, an analysis method compares received patient's current heartbeat waveform with historic data. In one embodiment, the historic data are stored in a cloud-based database. In another novel aspect, the remote processing center is an open platform data center, which takes in certified third party inputs.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for the trending of a third heart sound (S3) index. The S3 index is a ratio, or an estimate of the ratio, of the number of S3 beats to the number of all heart beats, where the S3 beats are each a heart beat during which an occurrence of S3 is detected. An implantable sensor such as an accelerometer or a microphone senses an acoustic signal indicative heart sounds including S3. An S3 detector detects occurrences of S3 from the acoustic signal. A heart sound processing system trends the S3 index on a periodic basis to allow continuous monitoring of the S3 activity level, which is indicative of conditions related to heart failure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a general breathing event and for anticipating an onset of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event. The method for detecting a general breathing event includes receiving a plurality of signals from at least one microphone. The method also includes determining a one-sided power spectral density from the received signals. The method further includes distinguishing each received signal as either a breath signal or a background noise signal. The method still further includes calculating a breath signature by processing each breath signal.

Abstract: An method and system for supplemental gas delivery that enables the identification of a need of therapeutic attention for patient receiving the supplemental gas (20) by detecting an onset of an exacerbation of a medical condition. Such a detection is performed by detecting audible events using a microphone (60) that is in fluid communication with a cannula (28) that is used to communicate the supplemental gas (20) with the airways of the patient (8). The audible event may be, for instance, a cough in the patient. A change in the relative frequency of coughs in the patient may be identified by the routines as being indicative of an onset of an exacerbation.