Patents Issued in April 28, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160113586
    Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques and systems for filtering noise from a physiological signal. In one example, one or more processors are configured to receive a signal indicative of physiological activity of a patient, wherein the signal comprises noise at one or more frequencies, and filter the noise from the signal according to a noise rejection model, wherein the noise rejection model predicts the noise at the one or more frequencies. The one or more processors may also be configured to, responsive to initiation of a blanking period for the signal, advance the noise rejection model in time during the blanking period, and, responsive to termination of the blanking period, filter, based on the noise rejection model advanced in time, the noise at the one or more frequencies from the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Michael T. HEMMING, Saul E. GREENHUT
  • Publication number: 20160113587
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for removing non-stationary and/or non-stereotypical artifact components from multi-channel signals. In one aspect, a method for processing a signal includes obtaining a first signal decomposition of a multi-channel baseline signal in a first matrix including nominal non-artifact signal components and a second signal decomposition of a multi-channel data signal in a second matrix including artifact components, in which the first and second matrices are complimentary matrices, forming a linear transform by non-linearly combining the complementary matrices, and producing an output signal corresponding to the multi-channel data signal by applying the formed linear transform to one or more samples of the multi-channel data signal to remove artifacts and retain non-artifact signal content in the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christian Andreas Edgar Kothe, Tzyy-Ping Jung
  • Publication number: 20160113588
    Abstract: A biological information detection device or the like which can determine a mounted state or an unmounted state with high accuracy, or can appropriately present information on the basis of a determination result is to be provided. A biological information detection device includes a pulse wave detection unit 10 that outputs a pulse wave sensor signal and a processing unit 100 that processes the pulse wave sensor signal, in which the processing unit 100 performs a detachment detection process of the biological information detection device on the basis of a DC component change value of the pulse wave sensor signal in a predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Yusuke TAKAHASHI, Ichiro AOSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20160113589
    Abstract: Biosignal processing method and apparatus are provided. The biosignal processing method includes: detecting a biosignal, which is generated by a movement of a heart existing in a second area of a subject, from a first area of the subject; generating of a biosignal waveform from the biosignal; determining a relative position of the first area with respect to the second area based on at least one of the biosignal waveform and a direction of the first area; and converting the biosignal waveform to a reference biosignal waveform based on the relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youngzoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20160113590
    Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Arc Devices, LTD
    Inventors: Irwin Gross, Michael G. Smith, Mark Khachaturian, Martin Crawley, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull, Jason Bodnick
  • Publication number: 20160113591
    Abstract: Physiologic monitor and monitoring method for calculating the risk that a dementia-affected patient wanders away from a predefined safe area. Skin conductivity or heart rate are used to predict the user's emotional state which could lead to a wandering event. If the risk level is high, an alarm is sent to the caretaker. False alarms are reduced by considering additional input information such as activity level of the person, location of the person, time of day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: MARTEN JEROEN PIJL, HERIBERT BALDUS
  • Publication number: 20160113592
    Abstract: A system and method for acquisition setup and anatomy landmarking for MRI systems are described. A gesture sensing input device generates user motion data. A gesture application identifies a gesture based on the user motion data. A display device displays patient setup information in response to the gesture. An acquisition application generates a setup for an MRI system for a patient based on the gesture and the user motion data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Sundar Murugappan, Adrian Jeremy Knowles, Alexander Kaber Carroll
  • Publication number: 20160113593
    Abstract: A vital signs measuring apparatus includes: a measuring section which is configured to measure vital signs of a subject; a receiving section which is configured to receive vital signs of the subject transmitted from a source measuring apparatus; a displaying section which is configured to display at least one of the vital signs measured by the measuring section, and the vital signs received by the receiving section; and a controlling section which is configured to produce a display screen that is to be displayed on the displaying section, the controlling section which is configured to change a display effect of vital signs on the display screen, based on whether the vital signs are received by the receiving section or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Takayuki Tanaka, Yuko Ishinabe
  • Publication number: 20160113594
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for presenting glucose level data. Glucose data for a patient may be received. A current glucose level and a rate of change of the current glucose level may be determined based on the received glucose data. A first interface may be displayed on a screen of a device. The first interface may include a unitary icon. The unitary icon may display the current glucose level and a visualization of the rate of change. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Katherine Yerre Koehler, Esteban Cabrera, JR., Eric Cohen, Mark Dervaes, Rian Draeger, Sheryl Sadsarin Gaano, Thomas Hall, Paul Kramer, Shawn Larvenz, Michael Robert Mensinger, Paul Noble-Campbell, Andrew Attila Pal, Eli Reihman, Brian Christopher Smith, Angela Marie Traven
  • Publication number: 20160113595
    Abstract: A system (100) is provided for processing status information of a medical device (020-023). The medical device performs a medical function at a bedside of a patient and is arranged for generating an alarm signal (030) to alert a caregiver of the patient to an occurrence of an event which is associated with the performing of the medical function. A status interface (120) acquires a device signal (024) of the medical device, the device signal comprising status information which is indicative of a current status of the performing of the medical function. Moreover, an analysis subsystem (140) analyzes the status information to estimate an imminent occurrence of the event based on said current status, and a notification subsystem notifies the caregiver of the imminent occurrence away from the bedside of the patient of the event by a generating a notification signal (162) for a notification device (060-064). The priority of notifying the caregiver is based on an estimate of whether the patient is asleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: PETER BINGLEY, ANGELIQUE CARIN JOHANNA MARIA BROSENS-KESSELS, JONATHAN DAVID MASON, JIA DU, PAUL AUGUSTINUS PETER KAUFHOLZ
  • Publication number: 20160113596
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for presenting glucose level data. Glucose data for a patient may be received. A current glucose level and a rate of change of the current glucose level may be determined based on the received glucose data. A first interface may be displayed on a screen of a device. The first interface may include a unitary icon. The unitary icon may display the current glucose level and a visualization of the rate of change. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Katherine Yerre Koehler, Esteban Cabrera, JR., Eric Cohen, Mark Dervaes, Rian Draeger, Sheryl Sadsarin Gaano, Thomas Hall, Paul Kramer, Shawn Larvenz, Michael Robert Mensinger, Paul Noble-Campbell, Andrew Attila Pal, Eli Reihman, Brian Christopher Smith, Angela Marie Traven
  • Publication number: 20160113597
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method, particularly to a CT scanner (100) for generating sectional images of an object such as the body (P) of a patient. A given desired angular intensity distribution (Ides) is reproduced by emitting X-rays (X) in emission angle intervals (EAI) only, wherein the angular distribution of these emission angle intervals and the associated local emission intensities (I(?)) are chosen such that they reproduce, in the angular mean, the desired angular intensity distribution (Ides). Modulation of incident X-ray flux is hence realized by the modulation of the angular sampling density. The X-ray source may preferably be realized by a grid switching tube (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Roland PROKSA
  • Publication number: 20160113598
    Abstract: An imaging system (500) includes a first scanner (502) with a first examination region (504) and a subject support (506). The subject support includes a tabletop (620) that positions a subject or object at at least two different positions in the examination region. A deflection of the tabletop is different at the at least two different positions. The subject support further includes a base (508) that positions the tabletop vertically in the examination region. A deflection delta predictor (522) predicts a deflection delta of the tabletop between the at least two different positions. The predicted deflection delta is used to correct for the deflection delta.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: SHUFANG DONG
  • Publication number: 20160113599
    Abstract: An apparatus for biopsy examination on the breast of a patient, includes: an analysis head including a radiation detection device for detecting X-rays on a detection plane, and source of X-rays to emit X-rays towards the detector, the source and the detection device being mobile with respect to each other so that they can be placed in a plurality of different working acquisition positions. A biopsy probe can be fixed to a support base includes a needle for extracting a sample of breast tissue and a housing for the needle. The housing is rotatably mounted on the support base to allow modification of the angle of the needle with respect to the breast support surface. A computerized unit is, connected to the detector and configured to produce at least one reconstructed image of a cross-section of the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Achille ALBANESE, Bruno TONIOLO, Paolo VIGNOLI, Sara VECCHIO
  • Publication number: 20160113600
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to image guided interventions on dynamic tissue. One embodiment is a method that includes creating a dataset that includes images, one of the images depicting a non-tissue internal reference marker, being linked to non-tissue internal reference marker positional information, and being at least 2-dimensional. Another embodiment is a method that includes receiving a position of an instrument reference marker coupled to an instrument; transforming the position into image space using a position of a non-tissue internal reference marker implanted in a patient; and superimposing a representation of the instrument on an image in which the non-tissue internal reference marker appears. Computer readable media that include machine readable instructions for carrying out the steps of the disclosed methods. Apparatuses, such as integrated circuits, configured to carry out the steps of the disclosed methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Veran Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome R. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20160113601
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus and method of obtaining images using a radiographic apparatus are disclosed. The radiographic apparatus and method use a filter having different regions for different radiation states. The filter is configured to be moved during different irradiating radiation steps. The radiation from the different steps is detected and may be used to generate an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Daisuke NOTOHARA, Junpei SAKAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160113602
    Abstract: Dynamic bowties, imaging systems including a bowtie, and methods of imaging including such bowties or systems are provided. A bowtie can be a three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic bowtie and can include a highly-attenuating bowtie (HB) and a weakly-attenuating bowtie (WB). The HB can be filled with a liquid, and the WB can be immersed in the liquid of the HB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Fenglin Liu, Wenxiang Cong, Qingsong Yang
  • Publication number: 20160113603
    Abstract: A method includes determining calibration factors for calibrating photon-counting detectors of a spectral imaging system by combining a heuristic calibration of the photon-counting detectors and an analytical calibration of the photon-counting detectors and generating a set of photon-counting calibration factors based on the combining of the a heuristic calibration and the analytical calibration. The photon-counting calibration factors, when applied to measured energy-resolved data from the photon-counting detectors of a spectral CT scan of a subject or object, mitigate spectral distortion caused by a radiation intensity profile shaper that filters a radiation beam of the spectral CT scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Carsten Oliver SCHIRRA, Axel THRAN, Heiner DAERR, Ewald ROESSL
  • Publication number: 20160113604
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a nuclear medical diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires gamma-ray emission data based on gamma rays emitted from radio isotopes administered to an object. The processing circuitry further executes scattered-ray correction on the gamma-ray emission data based on a second X-ray CT image obtained by replacing pixel values of a non-object region included in a first X-ray CT image with a predetermined pixel value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Noshi, Manabu Teshigawara, Masahiro Kazama, Tetsuya Sadotomo
  • Publication number: 20160113605
    Abstract: A mobile base designed to receive an X-ray machine is provided. An X-ray machine capable of being mounted on the mobile base is also provided. The X-ray machine of the invention is configured to move using a motor-driven system associated with a navigation system. The navigation system of the invention enables the X-ray machine to be moved automatically and with precision from one position to another within an examination, hybrid or operation room. The X-ray machine is also configured for the automatic positioning of the moving parts around the patient, while at the same time keeping the region to be subjected to radiography within an X-ray beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Bernard BOUVIER, Carlos MARTINEZ FERREIRA, Bruno GALLONI, Jean-Luc THOMÉ, Guy Jean Sébastien CAVEROT
  • Publication number: 20160113606
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • Publication number: 20160113607
    Abstract: A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an x-ray source to a target object while the x-ray source travels along a first path and moving an x-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the x-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the x-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the x-ray source is concealed from the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: HENRI SOUCHAY
  • Publication number: 20160113608
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to this embodiment includes a display for displaying an image and a processing circuitry which calculates an incident dose on a body surface of an object, superposes information based on the calculated incident dose on a three-dimensional image which is a three-dimensional image relating to the object and is capable of rotating display at a corresponding position on the body surface of the object and causes the three-dimensional image on which the information is superposed to be displayed on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo ABE, Satoru OHISHI
  • Publication number: 20160113609
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a calculator, a transmitter, a data acquisition unit, and a processor. The calculator calculates a difference between imaging time phases of a first contrast agent and a second contrast agent. The transmitter sends information on the difference between the imaging time phases to an injector. The injector injects the first contrast agent and the second contrast agent into the subject at different timings based on the information. The data acquisition unit scans a subject with X-rays at a predetermined imaging timing to acquire detection data corresponding to different X-ray energies. The processor analyzes the detection data acquired at the predetermined imaging timing to generate a plurality of images corresponding to the imaging time phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu TSUYUKI, Tatsuo MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20160113610
    Abstract: A device for slot scanning phase contrast x-ray imaging, includes an x-ray emitter, a plurality of x-ray gratings, a patient couch, and an x-ray detector. Position marker elements are arranged and configured in the beam path of the x-ray emitter such that the position marker elements are visible in an x-ray image. In the x-ray image, a relative position of an object on the patient couch in relation to an x-ray beam fan of the x-ray emitter may be established from a location and a distance of the position marker elements from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Jörg Freudenberger
  • Publication number: 20160113611
    Abstract: A quantitative radiographic method uses X-ray imaging. The method uses a ratio of the absorption signal and the (small-angle) scattering signal (or vice-versa) of the object as a signature for the materials. The ratio image (dubbed R image) is independent from the thickness of the object in a wide sense, and therefore can be used to discriminate materials in a radiographic approach. This can be applied to imaging systems, which can record these two signals from the underlying object (for instance, an X-ray grating interferometer). Possible applications could be in material science, non-destructive testing and medical imaging. Specifically, the method can be used to estimate a volumetric breast density. The use of the R image and the corresponding algorithm are also presented hereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT
    Inventors: MARCO STAMPANONI, ZHENTIAN WANG
  • Publication number: 20160113612
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the automatic determination of the bone density and a method is disclosed for the automatic detection and characterization of spinal column fractures. Both methods enable the fully automatic detection and assessment of damaged vertebrae and reliably enable an analysis of the state of the vertebrae with a high accuracy rate. A computed tomography system to carry out either of the methods is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Martin SEDLMAIR, Michael SÜHLING, Alexey TSYMBAL, Dimitrij ZHARKOV
  • Publication number: 20160113613
    Abstract: A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORORATION
    Inventors: Changguo Ji, Yuexing Zhang, Xiaolan Wang, Daniel Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20160113614
    Abstract: Methods for computed tomography data-based cycle estimation and four-dimensional reconstruction are provided. A gated reconstruction is derived from CT data acquired without gating using an added artificial trigger. The resulting images for different slices are used to determine local or slice variations over time. The local variations over time for the various slices are combined to create a respiratory cycle signal. This respiratory cycle signal is used to bin the images for different phases, allowing four-dimensional CT reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Hasan Ertan Cetingul, Sandra Sudarsky, Indraneel Borgohain, Thomas Allmendinger, Bernhard Schmidt, Magdalini-Charikleia Pilatou
  • Publication number: 20160113615
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation irradiator configured to irradiate radiation to an object; a radiation detector configured to detect an intensity of the radiation passing through the object; and a loader configured to load the object, and at least one of a movement speed of the loader and a range of radiation irradiation of the radiation irradiator is changed according to a change in the intensity of the radiation, when the change in the intensity of the radiation is greater than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Lae LEE, Rifu TOSHIHIRO, Ji Young JUNG, Jong Hyon YI
  • Publication number: 20160113616
    Abstract: It is possible to reliably avoid a problem that radiation irradiation does not stop even when an accumulated radiation dose reaches a target radiation dose. An AEC unit starts monitoring an integrated value of a radiation dose detection signal from a detection pixel and an output of an irradiation continuation signal at the same time, and continuously transmits the irradiation continuation signal in a predetermined period while the integrated value does not reach a threshold value. When the integrated value reaches the threshold value, the output of the irradiation continuation signal is stopped. The irradiation continuation signal is transmitted to an irradiation signal I/F of a radiation source control device through an irradiation signal I/F by wireless. The radiation source control device stops X-ray irradiation by an X-ray source when the irradiation signal I/F does not receive the irradiation continuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru SATO
  • Publication number: 20160113617
    Abstract: Calibration methods and related calibration controllers (CC) for calibrating imaging apparatuses (102) such as a 3D computed tomography imager or a 2D x-ray imager. The imaging apparatuses (102) are equipped with a dynamic beam shaper (RF). The dynamic beam shaper (RF) allows adapting the energy profile of a radiation beam (PR) used in the imaging apparatuses (102) to a shape of an object (PAT) to be imaged. A plurality of gain images are acquired in dependence on a shape of the object and the view along which the gain images are acquired or a target gain image is synthesized from a plurality of basis gain images (BGI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph HERRMANN, Bernd MENSER
  • Publication number: 20160113618
    Abstract: Acoustic signals may be used to monitor one or more symptoms of a patient disease. A patient prescription may indicate one or more acoustic sensing programs that may be used to monitor at least on characteristic of an acoustic signal indicative of a patient symptom or disease. The patient prescription may also include a patient specific threshold. When the at least one characteristic of the acoustic signal is compared to the patient specific threshold an indication or warning signal may be generated. The warning signal may indicate a change in patient disease state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Xin Su, Timothy J. Denison, Brett Knappe
  • Publication number: 20160113619
    Abstract: Conically-shaped earpieces with flexible covers for a stethoscope are described, which sit on the outside of the user's ears and are particularly useful for users with hearing aids. A stethoscope structure with conically-shaped earpieces is also disclosed. The stethoscope structure has a branched elongated tube, ear tubes, a connector, a chest piece, at least one conically-shaped earpiece, and flexible cover for each earpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Gold
  • Publication number: 20160113620
    Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging of anatomical tissue. A first signal is received from a first imaging ultrasound wave which has been reflected from a location in the anatomical tissue during a first time period. A second signal is received from a second imaging ultrasound wave which has been reflected from the location in the anatomical tissue during a later second time period, following a discrete medical treatment. The second signal is subtracted from the first signal to form a difference signal. The difference signal may be scaled, spatially filtered, then used to generate an indication, the indication showing the effect of the medical treatment in the location in the anatomical tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, T. Douglas Mast
  • Publication number: 20160113621
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Publication number: 20160113622
    Abstract: Provided are a catheter for detection of ultrasound and photoacoustic signals and an image acquisition system using the catheter. The catheter for detection of ultrasound and photoacoustic signals includes a lens optical fiber where a lens is attached to an end of an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a catheter main body where the lens optical fiber and the cable are disposed to pass through an inner portion thereof, a catheter head which is connected to an end of the catheter main body, and a membrane which surrounds a surface of the catheter head. The catheter is configured so as to irradiate condensed light by using the lens optical fiber and to receive the photoacoustic signal or to receive and transmit the ultrasound signal. Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously acquire an ultrasound image and a high-resolution photoacoustic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Chul Hong KIM, Sung Jo PARK, Chang Hoon CHOI
  • Publication number: 20160113623
    Abstract: A tension transmission device as a control system for a probing portion of a three-dimensional mechanical probe is fitted to a support portion. The tension transmission device includes a driving shaft, a first tension member, and a second tension member. The driving shaft defines first and second fastening points. The first fastening point and the second fastening point are located at axially-distanced points of the driving shaft which are not diametrically opposite. The first and second tension members wind around a circumference of the driving shaft guided by a first pulley and a second pulley, to rotate and manipulate the driven shaft of the probing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: MING TANG, ZHEN-YU CHEN, LE-YUN BAI
  • Publication number: 20160113624
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a probe including plural elements that generate and transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound waves reflected from an inspection target; a transmission unit that transmits ultrasound waves from the plural elements so as to transmit an ultrasound beam by forming a transmission focus in a first direction set in advance; and a second reception focusing unit that performs reception focusing for each reception signal received by each element of the probe according to reflection on a path in a second direction other than the first direction, among transmission wave paths of the ultrasound beam transmitted into the inspection target by the transmission unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Kimito KATSUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160113625
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method are provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transducer for performing interconversion between an acoustic wave and an electric signal; and a transmitter for controlling the transducer so as to allow a plurality of plane waves to be transmitted through a plurality of sub-apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deok-gon KIM, Moo-ho BAE, Sung-bae PARK
  • Publication number: 20160113626
    Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a method of operating the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus that are capable of efficiently controlling screens of a plurality of displays. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a first display configured to display first images in a first image layout; a second display configured to display second images in a second image layout; a user input unit configured to receive an input for selecting at least one from among the first images; and a controller configured to control displaying of at least one selected from the second images and the at least one selected image on the second display in a third image layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-ju LEE, Ji-woo KIM, Yoon-woo JUN
  • Publication number: 20160113627
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound apparatus. The ultrasound apparatus includes a user input unit that receives a user input which selects a menu for setting an annotation in a first ultrasound image displayed on a screen of the ultrasound apparatus, a control unit that determines a photographing part of an object in the first ultrasound image, and a display unit that displays a setting window including at least one recommendation annotation among a plurality of annotations corresponding to the determined photographing part of the object. The user input unit receives a user input which selects one from the at least one recommendation annotation, and the display unit displays an image, representing the selected recommendation annotation, on the first ultrasound image. The at least one recommendation annotation is an annotation which is previously input by the user and is generated in the ultrasound apparatus in correspondence with a second ultrasound image including the photographing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-ju LEE, Yoon-woo JUN
  • Publication number: 20160113628
    Abstract: A flow sensor arrangement (S35, S36. S37, S39, . . . ) is located on an elongated body (C1, C2, C3, . . . ) for measuring the flow of a fluid, with one or more flow sensors (S1, S2, S3, . . . ) being arranged on the elongated body (C1, C2, C3, . . . ) to measure the flow along different spatial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: MEDYRIA AG
    Inventor: Massimo Sette
  • Publication number: 20160113629
    Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus including a displacement calculating section that measures displacement of a subject based on an ultrasound signal, an elastic-image generating section that generates an elastic image based on the measured displacement, a memory section that stores generated one or more elastic images, a determination-region setting section that sets a proper-image determination region for proper image determination in the elastic image according to a size of an ROI, a characteristic calculating section that calculates a region characteristic of the proper-image determination region, and a proper-image determining section that determines based on the region characteristic whether the elastic image is a proper image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya Miyake
  • Publication number: 20160113630
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an image generator configured to scan an object to obtain an ultrasound image; a neural network configured to generate a virtual ultrasound image based on matching medical images of different modalities; an image converting part configured to convert a medical image of a different modality, previously obtained by scanning the object, into the virtual ultrasound image by using the neural network; and a matching part configured to determine a position of a virtual probe based on the ultrasound image and the virtual ultrasound image, and configured to match the ultrasound image with the medical image that corresponds to the determined position of the virtual probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jungwoo CHANG, Sunkwon KIM, Won-Chul BANG, Jiwon RYU
  • Publication number: 20160113631
    Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasound image pickup apparatus and an ultrasound image pickup method which can evaluate the stability of Doppler information acquired by Doppler ultrasonography and can observe a moving state of biological tissues (heart or a blood vessel) of an object based on the stabilized Doppler information. The ultrasound image pickup apparatus of the invention includes: a probe which transmits and receives an ultrasound signal to and from an object; a Doppler information generation unit which generates Doppler information from the ultrasound signal; a degree of approximation calculation unit which calculates a degree of approximation of the plurality of Doppler information items; and an approximate Doppler information acquisition unit which acquires the Doppler information having a predetermined degree of approximation as approximate Doppler information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki CHONO, Osamu MORI
  • Publication number: 20160113632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Method for 3D ultrasound image acquisition as well as to a system for conducting the method. The proposed method checks whether the current ultrasound image (401, 402) has at least a pixel in the volume of interest (301), wherein in case the current image (401, 402) has no pixel in the volume of interest (301), the current image (401, 402) is discarded, wherein otherwise the current ultrasound image (401, 402) is segmented and compounded into said 3D model (403) to be generated which is displayed in real-time on the display (101) and particularly overlaid on the displayed pre-acquired image (305), wherein particularly in case a new current ultrasound image (401, 402) is compounded into the 3D model (403), the displayed 3D model (403) on the display (101) is updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Delphine RIBES, Matthias PETERHANS, Stefan WEBER
  • Publication number: 20160113633
    Abstract: A catheter assembly is described for providing image-guided therapy in a patient's vasculature. The distal end of an elongated catheter body, having a tubular lumen wall, is adapted for insertion into and operation within a patient's vasculature while a proximal portion remains outside said patient. An outwardly-facing set of RF electrodes and a distal-facing array of ultrasound imaging transducers are contained within the distal end of the catheter, proximal to one another. The RF electrodes are configured to transmit and receive ultrasound pulses through the ultrasound transducers, providing real-time imaging information of plaque which may be ablated by said electrodes. The RF conductive lines connected to the RF electrodes extend longitudinally through the lumen wall of the catheter body, while coaxial conductive lines, operatively connected to the ultrasound imaging transducers, extend longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas Hadjicostis
  • Publication number: 20160113634
    Abstract: A phantom for measuring thickness of a thin layer and a method of using thereof. The phantom may include a non-scattering muscle mimicking material having a flat top surface; a plurality of soft tissue mimicking thin layers placed in a first area, which is at least a part of a top surface of the non-scattering muscle mimicking material, and having thicknesses different from each other; and an anechoic blood mimicking liquid material placed in an area other than the first area among an entire area of the top surface of the non-scattering muscle mimicking material and on a top surface of the plurality of soft tissue mimicking thin layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Yong Tae Kim, Bong Young Ahn, Il Doh, Wuon-Shick Kim
  • Publication number: 20160113635
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer housing shell defining a cavity, the outer housing shell defining an upper outer housing half and a lower outer housing half, wherein the upper outer housing half defines a longitudinal axis and an instrument module selectively insertable into the cavity of the outer housing shell. The instrument module includes an inner housing shell, at least one motor disposed within the inner housing shell, a control board being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and an energy source being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and the control board. The instrument module is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing shell in such a manner that the operative axis of the at least one motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper outer housing half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Matthew Chowaniec, Russell Pribanic