Abstract: A method and system for anatomical object detection using marginal space deep neural networks is disclosed. The pose parameter space for an anatomical object is divided into a series of marginal search spaces with increasing dimensionality. A respective sparse deep neural network is trained for each of the marginal search spaces, resulting in a series of trained sparse deep neural networks. Each of the trained sparse deep neural networks is trained by injecting sparsity into a deep neural network by removing filter weights of the deep neural network.

Abstract: An outpatient ambulatory patient worn apparatus for managing chronic lung disease includes a plurality of sensors configured to be worn by a patient and to measure a plurality of physiological data. The plurality of sensors includes at least an oximeter, a respiratory rate sensor, and at least one activity or motion sensor. A central monitoring unit (CMU) is worn by the patient in an outpatient setting during activities of daily living. The CMU categorizes each recorded measurement of each of the plurality of sensors stored in a set of time stamped primary data by a predominate activity type to generate a set of activity type stamped data, the predominate activity types include rest, exertion, and sleep. A generate report process provides at least one or more reports. An outpatient ambulatory patient worn long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) apparatus and a method for managing chronic lung disease are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for subject rehospitalization management. In an example, multiple physiologic signals can be obtained from a subject using multiple sensors. In response to a hospitalization event, pre-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified. Post-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified, including characteristics that differ from their corresponding pre-hospitalization characteristics. Later subsequent physiologic signals can be further monitored after the hospitalization event, such as using the same multiple sensors, and subsequent physiologic signal characteristics can be identified. In an example, a heart failure diagnostic indication can be determined using information about the pre-hospitalization characteristics, the post-hospitalization characteristics, and the subsequent characteristics.

Abstract: A method of determining a value indicative of a hemodynamic parameter of a patient includes performing a plurality of value determinations. Performing the plurality of value determinations includes determining a first value indicative of the hemodynamic parameter, determining, with a controller, a difference between the first value and a baseline associated with the first value, and replacing the baseline with the first value, in a memory of the controller, if the difference is outside of a predetermined range. The method also includes determining an estimate of the hemodynamic parameter based on acceptable values determined during the plurality of value determinations.

Abstract: A device includes a lead configured to for use in applying an atrioventricular delay (“AVD”), an acceleration sensor adapted to output an endocardial acceleration signal, and circuitry configured to receive and process said endocardial acceleration signal to provide ventricular pacing by varying, in a controlled manner, the AVD in a range having a plurality of AVD values. The circuitry derives from said endocardial acceleration signal a value of a parameter representative of an component of the endocardial acceleration signal corresponding to the first endocardial acceleration peak associated with an isovolumetric ventricular contraction (“EAX component”), and evaluates a degree of variation of said parameter values as a function of said plurality of AVD values to detect atrial and ventricular events.

Abstract: A method of generating a pulmonary index value of a patient, which includes receiving two or more measure patient parameters, wherein at least one of the measured parameters originates from a pulmonary sensor; and computing the pulmonary index value based on the two or more measured patient parameters.

Abstract: A monitoring or diagnostic device including a display having a display screen on which incoming data from sensors attached to the item or object being monitored by the device is illustrated. The incoming data is represented on the display screen to enable an individual viewing the display screen to determine the current operating condition or parameters of the item or object, such as a patient. The device and display screen can also illustrate various alarm conditions or events, as determined by the device to draw the attention of the individual to those alarm conditions. To assist in this function, the device represents the incoming data from a sensor giving rise to the alarm condition or event, as well as additional incoming data from other sensors corresponding in some manner to the alarm condition, on the display screen in a visually different or distinct manner from the rest of the incoming data not relating to the alarm condition or event.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A biological exercise information display processing device includes a biological information obtaining part, an exercise information obtaining part, a diet information obtaining part, a display character obtaining part, a display part, and a control part. The biological information obtaining part obtains biological information regarding a test subject. The exercise information obtaining part obtains exercise information regarding the test subject. The diet information obtaining part obtains diet information for the test subject. The display character obtaining part obtains a character representing the test subject. The display part displays the character. The control part determines a point based on the exercise information and the diet information, and when a given number of points has been accumulated, performs an exchange process to exchange the points for an item of the character.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of alerting a user associated with an infusion device delivering fluid to the body of the user involves obtaining a first value for a physiological condition being influenced by the fluid, determining a metric corresponding to a future physiological condition of the user based at least in part on the first value, and automatically generating a first alert based on the metric. After automatically generating the first alert, the method continues by obtaining a second value for the physiological condition of the user and automatically clearing the first alert based at least in part on the second value.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods for detecting and informing a user about effects of long term exposures is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and machine-readable medium for health monitoring and response are described herein. The apparatus includes a processor and a number of sensors configured to collect data corresponding to a user of the device. The apparatus also includes a health monitoring and response application, at least partially including hardware logic. The hardware logic of the health monitoring and response application is to test the data collected by any of the sensors to match the collected data with a predetermined health condition, determine a current health condition of the user based on the predetermined health condition that matches the collected data, and automatically perform an action based on the current health condition of the user.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the medical imaging device includes an imaging area; a patient positioning device including a positioning table and a transfer plate for positioning a patient in a patient positioning area; a frame element for disposing at least one component relative to the imaging area and/or the patient positioning device, wherein the frame element has a first side arm, a second side arm and an apex area disposed between the first side arm and the second side arm; and a first mounting device and a second mounting device for retaining the frame element. The apex area is disposed above the transfer plate in respect of a vertical direction.

Abstract: A boom has an x-ray head attached to one end thereof and the x-ray head has an x-ray source disposed therein. In a docked position of the boom, the x-ray source is disabled. In a deployed position, the x-ray source is enabled. A handle attached to the x-ray head is movable into at least two different positions. A first one of the positions disables the x-ray source while a second one of the positions enables the x-ray source. The handle extends a preselected distance from the x-ray source such that the handle maintains at least the preselected distance between the x-ray source and a subject to be exposed thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental imaging apparatus which includes an x-ray imaging means and at least one colour camera for photographing the face of a patient positioned at the imaging station of the apparatus, which at least one colour camera is arranged to image the patient's face positioned at the patient support station from different directions, and means arranged into functional connection with said at least one colour camera for creating a virtual three-dimensional texture model of the patient's face.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a helical computed tomography system having an x-ray source for projecting x-ray beams along a projection axis is presented, the filter assembly including a first filter element for attenuating at least a portion of the x-ray beams, the first filter element constructed as a background-wedge for attenuating x-rays having a large aperture and a second filter element for attenuating at least a portion of the x-ray beams, the second filter element constructed to create a ridge. The second filter element may be rotated with respect to or adjusted in relation with or removed or replaced from the filter assembly to allow for adaptation to different helical pitch values.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system uses an X-ray source to emit an X-ray beam for exposing a desired radiation field. A camera is configured to capture a current image of the radiation field and to display a current image of the radiation field before the exposure is activated.

Abstract: Imaging system and method are presented. Emission scan (ES) and anatomical scan (AS) data corresponding to a target volume in a subject are received. One or more at least partial AS images are reconstructed using AS data. An image-space certainty (IC) map representing a confidence level (CL) for attenuation coefficients of selected voxels in AS images and a preliminary attenuation (PA) map based on AS images are generated. One or more of selected attenuation factors (AF) in projection-space are initialized based on PA map. A projection-space certainty (PC) map representing CL for the selected AF is generated based on IC map. An emission image of the target volume is initialized. The selected AF and emission image are iteratively updated based on the ES data, PC map, initial AF, and/or initial emission image. A desired emission image and/or AF values are determined based on the iteratively updated AF and/or emission image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for thermal management in a CT device comprises first and second thermal management zones, each comprising an x-ray detector, at least one variable speed fan proximate to the x-ray detector, an air temperature sensor positioned to measure an air temperature of the intake air to the variable speed fan, a rail heater in thermal contact with the x-ray detector, a rail temperature sensor in thermal contact with the rail heater to measure a rail temperature, and a controller that controls the variable speed fan as a function of at least the air temperature and the rail heater as a function of the rail temperature to maintain a temperature of the x-ray detector within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods may include an imaging system. The imaging system may include a 4D-CBCT apparatus able to generate a plurality of CBCT images corresponding to different temporal phases. The imaging system may also include a radiographic apparatus able to generate a radiograph. Further, the imaging system may include a synchronization device for correlating a radiograph of said radiographic apparatus with a CBCT image generated by said 4D-CBCT apparatus, such that a reference radiograph can be determined.

Abstract: A low-energy X-ray image formation apparatus includes an X-ray generator generating X-rays having an energy spectrum showing an energy range continuously ranging from 18-30 keV (or ?37 keV), the energy range being higher in energy from an effective energy of an energy range ranging 10 to 23 keV. A detector detects the X-rays transmitted through a soft tissue of a subject or a tissue of a substance. The tissue of the substance corresponds in a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) to the soft tissue of the object. A console acquires an image of the soft tissue of the object or of the substance, based on a detection signal from the detector. The soft tissue and the substance are defined as a soft tissue and a substance presenting a CNR of 3.8 or more when the X-rays are radiated in a condition where an X-ray tube voltage is set at 20 kV.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an in vivo neutron activation analysis (NAA) system comprising a neutron generator, a moderator operably coupled to the neutron generator, a cavity, a reflector operably coupled to the neutron generator, moderator, and cavity, and a shielding operably coupled to the neutron generator, moderator, cavity, and reflector. The system provides in vivo analysis of one or more trace elements stored in tissues after exposure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for determining spinal instability, more particularly, a method for quantifying the type and extent of spinal instability in a standardized way. The disclosure also describes a method comprising measurement of the intervertebral rotation and intervertebral translation between a vertebrae pair using simple images, and from these measurements, determining if one or more vertebrae pair of the spine is unstable. Finally, the disclosure describes software that may be used to quantify the type and extent of spinal instability.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT). Registration between such imaging modalities is facilitated by tracking of a marker of the intravascular imaging probe performed on the angiography images obtained during a pullback. Further, detecting and tracking vessel centerlines is used to perform a continuous registration between OCT and angiography images in one embodiment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that obtain a scan prescription and receive physiologic feature or interest (FOI) measurements of an object of interest during a scan time. The methods and systems further compare at least one of the received physiologic FOI measurements with a predetermined threshold range, and determine a scan setting by evaluating an acquisition rule set based on the physiologic FOI measurement.

Abstract: A control apparatus that controls medical imaging, includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with an imaging unit via a communication path that includes a wireless channel; an imaging control unit configured to cause the imaging unit to execute a plurality of imaging modes including a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode which obtains a larger data amount from imaging than the first imaging mode; a restricting unit configured to restrict transition of the imaging mode when a value indicating the state of communication with the imaging unit by the communication unit is smaller than a threshold; and a setting unit configured to set different threshold values for a case in which the first imaging mode transits to the second imaging mode and a case in which the second imaging mode transits to the first imaging mode.

Abstract: Apparatuses and a method are provided for transmitting signals in a medical imaging system. The method includes transmitting signals wirelessly between at least one receive facility and a facility of the imaging system via a radio network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for aligning a cradle supported by a table in an imaging system with a gantry scan plane in a bore of the gantry. More particularly, various embodiments provide a laser alignment structure having at least two alignment apertures arranged along an axis of the bore, and an adjustment device configured to adjust a position of the laser so that the laser beam is aligned with the alignment apertures. Highly accurate alignment of the cradle to the gantry scan plane is achieved by utilizing this apparatus in tandem with an imaging-based alignment analysis method.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement includes an imaging modality, a control facility, a moveable patient couch and a positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes at least one optical image recording apparatus for recording at least one photo-realistic image of the patient couch. At least one item of positioning information is input with respect to an image of the patient couch shown on the display apparatus and a patient if applicable positioned thereupon. A method for positioning a patient in an imaging modality is further disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring and analyzing blood flow in vessels in the bodies of living subjects are provided. The true velocity vector, or a projection thereof onto a scan plane, for blood flowing at a location in a vessel is determined from multiple Doppler velocity components. The true velocity vector is displayed as a directional marker on an image comprising the vessel. The true velocity magnitude and angle, and scalar blood flow characteristics derived therefrom, are plotted as a functions of time and/or position across the depiction of the blood vessel in the image. Time intervals for which blood flow characteristic data is displayed and/or determined may be user configurable.

Abstract: A needle direction estimation unit estimates a needle direction L based on needle information generated by a needle information generation unit, and outputs the position information of the needle direction L. A search region setting unit sets the needle direction L in a tissue image based on the position information of the needle direction L, and sets a search region F that extends to both sides with a predetermined width r. A needle tip search unit calculates the brightness distribution of the tissue image, determines a maximum brightness point B in the search region F to be the needle tip, and outputs the position information of the needle tip. A needle tip visualizing unit visualizes a needle tip N, which is a predetermined point image, in the tissue image from the position information of the needle tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic wave intraocular pressure detecting device and a method thereof, which uses a driver to generate a vibration wave on the skin or bones. The energy of the vibration wave is transmitted to the orbital bones via the skin and the skeletons. A standing wave of the basin effect is generated on the eyeball inside the orbital bones. The standing wave vibrates the eyeball or the cornea to generate an acoustic wave signal with a resonance frequency. The eyeball or the cornea emits the acoustic wave outwardly. A receiver receives the acoustic wave and converts the acoustic wave into an intraocular pressure (IOP) value.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a navigation system, an imaging system, and a data acquisition and analysis system. The exemplary system provides actively guidance for ultrasound image acquisition based on position information provided by the navigation system at different times (e.g., before and after an interventional procedure), to ensure that image data is collected at the same location within the object of interest (e.g., a target region of the interventional procedure) using the same probe posture (e.g., location and/or orientation).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a display controller. The display controller is configured to arrange a foreground image in a three-dimensional space and display, on a display device, the foreground image as an inspection status image representing an inspection status by an ultrasonic wave. The foreground image includes a linear image being as an image including a plurality of linear images that change in accordance with a status of a probe and connect the center of a circle and a circumference of the circle with each other, a probe image that is located at the center of the circle and has a shape of the probe, and a spherical image being as a spherical image that represents a range to which the ultrasonic wave output from the probe is applied and has a cross section as the circle.

Abstract: A probe transmission device comprises a drive shaft which is provided with a radial hole and an axial hole, wherein the radial hole is in communication with the axial hole. A rope extends into the axial hole via the radial hole. A fixing component is arranged within the axial hole and fixes the rope within the radial hole. The probe transmission device is provided with the radial hole and the axial hole on the drive shaft. The rope extends into the radial hole and is fixed via the fixing component which is arranged with the axial hole. The structure of the present probe transmission is simple. The surface of the drive shaft does not require a component for fixing the rope, and the surface of the drive shaft is smooth. Interference produced by the rope and components on the surface of the drive shaft is avoided.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe is disclosed. The wireless ultrasound probe includes an image capturing unit for capturing image data, a processor configured to end a scan session once image data associated with an anatomy of a patient is captured and start a new scan session for capturing image data associated to an anatomy of another patient, and a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one of storage and an ultrasound imaging system. The wireless communication unit facilitates transfer of the image data to at least one of storage and the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A transmitting beamformer performs convergence transmission that forms a transmission focus of an ultrasonic beam in a subject. A receiving beamformer comprises a virtual sound source method-based delay amount calculation part that obtains delay amount of a received signal with regarding the transmission focus as a virtual sound source, and a correction operation part that corrects the delay amount obtained by the virtual sound source method-based delay amount calculation part depending on position of imaging point. Delay amounts can be thereby obtained with good accuracy for imaging points in a wide area.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes: a transducer; a driving element electrically coupled to the transducer; a backing layer provided underneath the transducer and the driving element in a longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe, and configured to absorb heat generated from the transducer and the driving element and to absorb vibrations generated by the transducer; a heat spreader provided underneath the backing layer in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe and configured to absorb the heat from the backing layer; a heat pipe including a first contact portion contacting the heat spreader and a second contact portion in contact with the first contact portion; and a heat radiation plate configured to contact the second contact portion and transfer the heat from the heat spreader to an exterior of the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: Rendering a time sequence of 2-D images includes obtaining ultrasound image data, applying time variant noise, and raytracing the ultrasound image data to render pixels of a 2-D image for each of a plurality of time steps.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound imaging and a corresponding ultrasound scanner are provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an echo signal induced by an ultrasonic plane wave transmission from a transducer of an ultrasound scanner, resampling the echo signal in time domain and/or space domain, performing a spectrum zooming on a band of interest (BOI) of an input signal, performing a Fourier transform on a result of the spectrum zooming, and generating an ultrasound image based on a result of the Fourier transform. The input signal is generated based on the resampling of the echo signal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method and system for enhancing visualization of an image acquired with a handheld ultrasound scanner by automatically adjusting the image to optimize the color and contrast. The method may include performing, by a probe of an ultrasound system, an ultrasound scan to acquire ultrasound scan data. The method may also include detecting, by a sensor, lighting conditions. The method may include measuring, by a processor of the ultrasound system, a characteristic of the detected lighting conditions. The method may also include selecting, by the processor, a color map based on the measured characteristic. The method may include applying, by the processor, the selected color map to the acquired ultrasound scan data to generate processed ultrasound scan data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for medical imaging and information display. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a method (10) of medical imaging and information display, comprising: acquiring (11) imaging data of each point of a plurality of points in an imaging plane or imaging volume of a subject in each mode of a plurality of different imaging modes of a medical imaging apparatus; deriving (12), for said each point, a value by applying the imaging data of the point in said each mode and the imaging data of at least one other point of said plurality of points adjacent to the point in said each mode to a predetermined model, wherein the predetermined model is selected in accordance with a clinical medical application related to the subject; constructing (13) an image based on all the derived values; and displaying (14) the constructed image to a user.

Abstract: A method of generating a body marker includes detecting a portion corresponding to a shape of an object shown in a medical image from a first body marker by comparing the shape of the object with the first body marker, generating a second body marker in which the portion detected from the first body marker has been emphasized, and outputting the second body marker.

Abstract: The medical imaging apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a patient adaptive object model in which a statistical object model related to transformation of an object caused by a periodic movement is applied to characteristics of the object of a target patient; an image obtainer configured to acquire a first image of the target patient; and an image fuser configured to transform a second image of the target patient based on differences between a shape of the object extracted from the patient adaptive object model and a shape of the object displayed on the first image.

Abstract: Described herein are various principles related to collecting and charting fertility data for a female (e.g., female humans). A dedicated device may be used to collect fertility data regarding the female. The device may include a thermometer for collecting a body temperature of the female as well as an interface for collecting data regarding a consistency and/or amount of a cervical fluid of the female. Once collected by the dedicated device, the fertility data may be transmitted wirelessly from the dedicated device via a wireless network (e.g., a wireless local area network) to a server that collects fertility data. The fertility data may then be displayed in a graph that enables a user to make determinations about a fertility cycle of the female, including determinations about times of high fertility. For example, from viewing the relationship between two lines included in the graph, the user may make determinations regarding fertility.

Abstract: A specimen collection or a specimen collection and testing device having an embossed or raised section. In one embodiment the device includes a first panel with one or more apertures for receiving specimen and a second panel having a removable tab, the removable tab aligned with the one or more apertures when the device is assembled such that depositing specimen through the one or more apertures deposits the specimen on the removable tab. A cover has one or more embossed (or raised) sections that align with the one or more apertures when the cover overlays the first panel, thus helping to prevent adherence of the specimen to the inner surface of the cover.

Abstract: A body fluid collection device includes a long shaft member having a lumen formed along a longitudinal axis, an absorption body configured to expand from an initial state in which a body fluid is not absorbed into the absorption body as the body fluid is absorbed, and having a proximal end portion configured to be disposed in the lumen when a predetermined amount of the body fluid is absorbed into the absorption body, and an identification section configured to indicate that the absorption body has absorbed the predetermined amount of the body fluid.

Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biopsy needle system, an adaptor for the system, and a method of using the system. The system includes an outer needle, an inner needle, and an adaptor. The outer needle has a longitudinal passage, a length, and a hub on the proximal end of the outer needle. The inner needle has a longitudinal passage and a length that is greater than the length of the outer needle. The inner needle is configured to fit within the longitudinal passage of the outer needle. The adaptor is configured to fit within the hub of the outer needle and includes a tapered longitudinal passage that guides a distal end of the inner needle through the adaptor and into the longitudinal passage of the outer needle.

Abstract: A needle for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough and a plurality of optical fibers extending along a length of the needle body and configured to pass laser energy therethrough to the distal end of the needle body to cut and collect a tissue sample within the channel.