Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the acquisition of image data over an extended field of view using an interventional tomosynthesis system. In one embodiment, the interventional tomosynthesis system has a base offset from the longitudinal axis of a patient table, such that movement of the table relative to the imager may be performed during tomosynthesis projection acquisition. One or both of the imager and the table may move to accomplish such relative motion.

Abstract: A method for extending initial image data of a subject for dose estimation includes obtaining first image data of the subject for dose calculation, wherein the first image data has a first field of view. The method further includes obtaining second image data for extending the field of view of the first image data. The second image data has a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view. The method further includes extending the first field of view based on the second image data, producing extended image data.

Abstract: An irradiation condition setting section 52 sets irradiation conditions corresponding to the emission angle of radiation emitted from a radiation source 26. The radiation source 26 emits radiation to a breast at a plurality of different emission angles based on the set irradiation conditions. A radiation detector 36 generates a plurality of projection images corresponding to the plurality of emission angles. An image correction section 56 corrects each projection image such that a difference between at least either contrasts or density values in the plurality of projection images is reduced. A reconstruction unit 58 reconstructs a tomographic image based on the plurality of corrected projection images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing cardiac data of a living being and to an imaging system comprising the processing apparatus. A distribution of Fractional flow reserve (FFR) values being indicative of the FFR of different coronary arteries of the living being, a distribution of myocardial perfusion values like values of an iodine map being indicative of the myocardial perfusion of different portions of the myocardium of the living being and assignments between coronary arteries and portions of the myocardium of the living being are used for determining degrees of correspondence between FFR values and myocardial perfusion values. This allows for, for example, a determination of the reliability of the FFR values, if the myocardial perfusion values are known to be reliable, based on the determined degrees of correspondence.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an image comparator configured to compare a first frame image obtained by scanning an object at a particular point of time, and one or more second frame images obtained by scanning the object before the particular point of time, and an image restorer configured to restore a background region of the first frame image based on a result of the comparison between the first frame image and the one or more second frame images.

Abstract: In an imaging system, a vascular image extending along a vascular length direction, which is obtained from multiple transverse cross-sectional images of a blood vessel imaged by inserting a probe into the blood vessel, and multiple fluoroscopic images of the blood vessel imaged while the probe is inserted into the blood vessel are collected. A first position and a second position along the vascular length direction, which are designated by a user on the displayed vascular image, are acquired. The vascular image and the fluoroscopic image indicating the first position and the second position are displayed.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing device, a radiography system, an image processing program, and an image processing method which can generate a tomographic image used for radiographic interpretation and a tomographic image suitable for generating a composite two-dimensional image from a projection image obtained by tomosynthesis imaging. A frequency processing unit and a tomographic image generation unit generate a first tomographic image which is emphasized according to a spatial frequency and is used for radiographic interpretation, on the basis of the projection images obtained by tomosynthesis imaging, and generate a second tomographic image which is emphasized according to the spatial frequency and on which the degree of emphasis is different from the degree of emphasis on the first tomographic image, on the basis of the projection image. A two-dimensional image generation unit combines a plurality of second tomographic images to generate a composite two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A tomography imaging apparatus and a tomography imaging method are provided. The tomography imaging apparatus includes a data acquirer configured to acquire first X-ray data of an object for each of energy bands, and an image preprocessor configured to perform a beam hardening correction on the first X-ray data for each of the energy bands, to generate second X-ray data of the object. The tomography imaging apparatus further includes an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct a tomography image of the object based on the second X-ray data.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus acquires a radiation image from radiation detected by a radiation detection unit, corrects a first pixel that is a correction target in the radiation image by referring to a second pixel other than the first pixel, calculates an evaluation value that evaluates an increase in a noise level caused by correcting the first pixel, and performs processing of reducing the noise level for the first pixel after the correction based on the calculated evaluation value.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method for producing a digital volume model of a body volume by a sensor device, which sensor device includes a plurality of radiation sensors, of which each produces a pixel value in a projection. In order to produce the volume model, a plurality of projections from different projection angles (a) are produced and the volume model is computed from sensor positions of the radiation sensors and pixel values of the radiation sensors. For at least one projection angle (a), the sensor positions are corrected by a respective correction vector for rigid motion compensation. The problem addressed is that of also compensating the non-rigid motion of the body volume (i.e., the deformation) in the computation of the volume model.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tomosynthesis imaging according to the present invention enables outputting only an oblique image as a diagnosis target, and alleviating the load on communication as well as the capacity load on a PACS server. When a reconstructed. tomosynthesis image is transmitted to an external apparatus such as the PACS server, transmitting only the required tomographic image(s) instead of transmitting the entire frame data enables efficient use of the storage capacity. Further, transmitting an oblique image with appended parameters enables efficient performance of diagnosis on an image from an external apparatus of a transmission destination, without performing reconstruction, thus facilitating re-imaging under an identical condition for the purpose of progress observation.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured for irradiating X-rays to a subject; a filtering unit configured for controlling a dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject; and a processor configured for distinguishing and setting up an uninterested region in an X-ray image obtained based in the irradiated X-rays, and for controlling the filtering unit to set a dose of X-rays irradiated into the uninterested region.

Abstract: A method, a device, a system and a computer program are for controlling limited-area computer tomography imaging. The method includes determining location data of a first imaging object when the first imaging object is positioned in an imaging area, determining reference location data related to the first imaging object and adjusting the imaging area based on the location data of the first imaging object and said reference location data for imaging a second imaging object. The first and the second imaging object can be located at a distance determined by the reference location data from each other or symmetrically in relation to the reference location data.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray sensor configured to convert an X-ray to an image signal; a battery configured to supply electric power for driving the X-ray sensor; a battery holder configured to detachably hold the battery; a lock mechanism configured to lock the battery in a state in which it is attached to the battery holder; and a lock releasing mechanism configured to release the lock effected by the lock mechanism, wherein the lock releasing mechanism is configured to release the lock by the lock mechanism through at least two operations performed by the operator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for heart rate measurement using a plurality of acoustic sensors in a wearable device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic biopsy needle includes a sheath inserted through a channel of an ultrasonic endoscope; a needle tube which is inserted through the sheath and capable of advancing and retracting inside the sheath; and an operation portion which is connected to a proximal end of the sheath and is provided to advance and retract. The sheath includes an extension limiting portion that is positioned more distal than a proximal end of a bending portion of the ultrasonic endoscope. The extension limiting portion is formed of a metal coil, the ratio of the inner diameter of the channel to the outer diameter of the coil is in a range from 1.0:0.84 to 1.0:0.96, the initial tension of the coil is equal to or greater than 2.0 [N] or greater, and extension of the sheath caused by the forward and backward movement of the needle tube is limited.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, electrosurgical systems are provided generally including at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the alignment and deployment of a prosthetic heart valve, such as a mitral valve. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tube assembly and a needle assembly configured to be received through a lumen of an outer tube member of the tube assembly. The needle assembly includes an elongate needle having a distal tip configured to be inserted through the epicardial surface of a heart. An imaging probe is coupled to a coupling member and includes an imaging element. The imaging probe is configured to provide image data associated with a location of a commissural-commissural (C-C) plane and a location of the anterior-posterior (A-P) plane of the mitral valve and the annular region of the heart such that a prosthetic mitral valve can be positioned within the heart based at least in part on the C-C plane and the A-P plane.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging method and a three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system. The method comprises: transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a fetal head; receiving an ultrasonic echo, obtaining an ultrasonic echo signal, and obtaining the three-dimensional volume data of the fetal head according to the ultrasonic echo signal; according to the characteristics of a median sagittal section of the fetal head, detecting the median sagittal section in the three-dimensional volume data; and displaying the median sagittal section. The ultrasonic imaging method and the ultrasonic imaging system can obtain the three-dimensional volume data of the fetal head by ultrasonically scanning the fetus and can also automatically detect and display the median sagittal section of the fetal head, thus solving the problem that it is difficult for a doctor to precisely and manually position the median sagittal section.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a transmission unit configured to generate a transmission signal; and a modulator configured to generate a modulation signal having a pulse width proportional to a size of an amplitude of the transmission signal at a peak level and a base level for each period of the transmission signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, including: an ultrasound probe; a storage which stores an examination point and a direction to locate the ultrasound probe so as to be associated with each other, the examination point being set for a region that is an examination target, and the direction to locate the ultrasound probe being set for the examination point in advance; a display; a display controller; and an inputter, wherein the inputter receives an input operation of specifying the examination point, and the display controller controls the display to display a region mark including a first region figure which shows a shape of the region and a probe mark which is located at a position corresponding to the examination point specified by the input operation and indicates the direction to locate the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a probe assembly, an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a controlling method the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a placing unit in which at least one probe connector is placed, an identification information receiver receiving probe assembly identification information from the placed probe connector, an input device receiving a selection command of at least one probe connector, and a locking unit locking the at least one probe connector with the ultrasound imaging apparatus based on the selection command.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a 2-D transducer array and a velocity processor. The 2-D transducer array includes a first 1-D array of one or more rows of transducing elements configured to produce first ultrasound data. The 2-D transducer array further includes a second 1-D array of one or more columns of transducing elements configured to produce second ultrasound data. The first and second 1-D arrays are configured for row-column addressing. The velocity processor processes the first and the second ultrasound data, producing 3-D vector flow data. The 3-D vector flow data includes an axial component, a first lateral component transverse to the axial component, and a second lateral component transverse to the axial component and the first lateral component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for obtaining information about one or more living beings. The device comprises an actuator, a sensor and an evaluator. The actuator is configured to output an excitation signal for exciting the living being(s). The sensor is configured to detect a signal generated by the living being(s) in reaction to the excitation signal, to obtain a detected signal. The evaluator is configured to evaluate the detected signal so as to obtain the information about the living being(s).

Abstract: The operation of a heart of a patient is monitored by transmitting ultrasound energy into the lungs of the patient, receiving ultrasound energy reflected from the lungs of the patient, detecting Doppler shifts in the received reflections, and processing the Doppler shifts into power and velocity data. Cardiac cycles are identified based on the power and velocity data and a determination when an identified cardiac cycle is abnormal is made. When an abnormal cardiac cycle is encountered, data corresponding to the abnormal cardiac cycle is stored. The data that was stored is eventually output. Optionally, abnormal cardiac cycles are identified using match filtering.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an optical resonating waveguide configured to receive an echo ultrasound signal; a calculator configured to calculate an acoustic pressure of the echo ultrasound signal, based on a change in wavelength of an optical signal traveling within the optical resonating waveguide, the change occurring in response to the optical resonating waveguide receiving the echo ultrasound signal; and a converter configured to convert the echo ultrasound signal to an electric signal based on the acoustic pressure of the echo ultrasound signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe including a plurality of elements that are arranged; a transmission unit that transmits an ultrasonic beam by performing transmission focusing in a first direction from the plurality of elements of the probe; a reception unit that generates element data by processing reception signals output from the plurality of elements of the probe that has received an ultrasonic echo generated by the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the transmission unit; an element data processing unit that generates reflection component removal data by removing a reflection component generated from the first direction from the element data; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image by performing reception focusing for the element data; and a control unit that controls the image generation unit to generate an image signal along a second direction different from the first direction by performing reception focusing in the second direction for the reflection component remov

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, method, and computer readable medium are disclosed, which can detect in a case where a foreign substance such as air and blood other than transparent liquid is present inside a catheter, and can urge a user to perform priming so that an image having higher accuracy can be reconstructed. According to the present disclosure, the imaging apparatus can determined whether or not the foreign substance such as air and blood is present between an imaging core and an inner surface of a catheter sheath, from line data which is generated based on interference light data obtained when the priming is performed or at stages before and after pull-back scanning is performed. In a case where the foreign substance enters, a message urging the user to perform the priming is displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus present a live ultrasound image on a display of an ultrasound imaging system, retrieve a historical ultrasound image frame; and overlap at least portions of the historical ultrasound image frame with the live ultrasound image. A method and apparatus retrieve a historical ultrasound image frame, retrieve stored coordinates of a historical region of interest in the historical ultrasound image frame, display a selected ultrasound image frame from a live ultrasound image and display a current region of interest in the selected ultrasound image frame, the current region of interest having coordinates in the selected ultrasound image frame based upon the stored coordinates retrieved from the historical region of interest in the historical ultrasound image frame.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for managing one or more patients. In one implementation, an imaging window is determined based on a location of a probe. A primary image cross-section for the imaging window is identified for the imaging window. At least one image is generated along the primary image cross-section using patient data captured using the probe. The at least one image is compared to an expected image contour scaffold of the primary image cross-section. The probe is commanded to fine-tune an imaging plane based on the comparison until the at least one image matches the expected image contour scaffold of the primary image cross-section.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and containing samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to technology for collecting and containing a stool specimen. The technology provides a device for collecting and containing a stool specimen, the device comprising ergonomic features optimized for a geriatric user. The technology also provides an enclosing holder for securing the ergonomic stool specimen container in a leak-proof manner e.g., during mechanical shaking.

Abstract: The invention provides device for needle biopsy having a novel delivery handle system for interchangeably delivering needles of various sizes to a biopsy site. The delivery handle system is adjustable in length and includes a proximal slideably disposed over a middle handle member, the middle handle member is slideably disposed over a distal handle member. The proximal handle member includes an inner hub housing component configured to interchangeably receive a needle subassembly that can be inserting into and withdrawn from the proximal handle member. The needle subassembly includes a needle of a plurality of different sizes, a needle luer, a needle hub coupled to a proximal end portion of the needle, and a needle protector subassembly. The needle protector subassembly includes a needle protection hub configured to receive the distal end of a needle.

Abstract: An endoscopic cryoprobe system, comprising: a low friction canula slidable within an instrument channel of an endoscope tube; and, a low friction cryoprobe slidable within the canula and provided with a tissue specimen acquiring tip at the distal end of the cryoprobe, where the canula is sized and shaped to nest the cryoprobe and the specimen within for protection during retraction.

Abstract: A biopsy device including a biopsy needle having an interior lumen and an exterior surface and a secondary solution sleeve comprising an interior cylindrical portion and an exterior cylindrical portion disposed about the interior cylindrical portion and concentric thereto defining a lumen between the interior and exterior cylindrical portions, wherein the biopsy needle is sized to fit within the interior cylindrical portion and is concentric therewith, and wherein following obtaining of a biopsy specimen, the biopsy needle is segregated from healthy tissue by enclosure of the biopsy needle in the sleeve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic biopsy needle includes a sheath inserted through a channel of an ultrasonic endoscope; a needle tube which is inserted through the sheath and capable of advancing and retracting in the sheath; and an operation portion which is connected to a proximal end of the sheath and is provided to advance and retract the needle tube. The sheath includes a meandering suppressing portion positioned more proximal than a proximal end of a bending portion of the ultrasonic endoscope when a distal end of the sheath is positioned in a visual field of an optical image-capturing mechanism of the ultrasonic endoscope. The meandering suppressing portion is formed of a metal coil, the ratio of the inner diameter of the channel to the outer diameter of the coil is in a range from 1.0:0.66 to 1.0:0.84, and the initial tension of the coil is equal to or greater than 5.0 [N].

Abstract: A combination radial arm band and hemostatic material preferably including potassium ferrate and a cation ion exchange resin in powder or granular form (WOUNDSEAL) or formed into a solid tablet (STATSEAL) and having improved topical effectiveness in the arresting of blood flow from a puncture wound into the radial artery made during transradial diagnostic or interventional catheterization procedures. The combination reduces time and pressure needed to achieve hemostasis and decreases arterial damage as compared to use of a radial arm band alone. In one aspect of this disclosure, careful limitation of applied force and time of applied force against the STATSEAL tablet reduces likelihood of harm to the radial artery while minimizing time to achieve hemostasis.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in combination with a percutaneous elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an attachment mechanism. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the attachment mechanism of the percutaneous elongate shaft. A percutaneous elongate loader comprises an articulating distal end. The distal end comprises a tube with an opening at the distal tip, the tube being dimensioned to receive the surgical end effector. The distal end further comprises an engagement feature capable of frictionally holding the surgical end effector in the tube during in vivo attachment to and in vivo detachment from the percutaneous elongate shaft.

Abstract: Arising from the discovery that a non-immunogenic poly-synthetic bioadhesive based on polyphenolic proteins produced by sandcastle worms (Phragmatopoma californica) may be used to anneal tears of the meniscus and annulus fibroses and repair spinal disc herniations, herein disclosed are suture-less meniscal and disc repair devices, systems and methods that may be implemented least invasively, in fluid filled or dry/semi-dry environments using simple instrumentation and without the need for suturing or the placement of anchors. The present invention is less technically demanding for the practioner and thus expected enhance outcomes and represent a distinct advancement over prior art techniques presently available.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for sealing a lung region. The target lung compartment is accessed and isolated via an isolation catheter. Fluid is delivered into the target lung compartment such that the target compartment is pressurized and the fluid flows through the collateral flow channel. A sealing agent is injected into the isolated lung compartment such that the agent is carried by the fluid to the collateral flow channel, thereby sealing the collateral flow channel. Variables of air flow may be measured or analyzed prior to injection of the sealing agent, or the sealing agent may be introduced into the region after a suitable time has elapsed.

Abstract: A suction elevator with suction capability includes a handle having a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle includes a connector for attaching the surgical elevator to a suction source. An arm extends from the second end of the handle, the arm having a blade portion at the end opposite that which extends from the handle. A continuous bore runs through the connector, handle, and arm, ending where the blade defines an opening in fluid communication with the bore.

Abstract: Provided is an orogastric tube guide that can be used to accurately and quickly place an into the esophagus of a subject. In some embodiments, the orogastric tube guide is placed into the mouth of the subject after the subject has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. When placed in the midline of the subject's mouth, the disclosed orogastric tube guide aims placement of an orogastric tube towards the subject's esophagus. The orogastric tube guide also optionally contains a bite block to prevent a patient's teeth from clamping down on an endotracheal tube. The orogastric tube guide also optionally contains ports that can be attached to air tubing for providing supplemental oxygen after endotracheal extubation, thereby avoiding the need for nasal cannula.

Abstract: A sheath assembly and method for placing a sheath into a patient. The sheath assembly may include a sheath having a main lumen, a secondary lumen, and an opening between the main lumen and secondary lumen. A dilator tubing may be positioned in the main lumen. A guidewire and a safety wire may be provided with the sheath assembly. The method may include inserting the guidewire into a body passage of the patient, inserting a proximal end of the guidewire into a distal end of the dilator tubing, advancing the dilator tubing and sheath over the guidewire, inserting the safety wire through the secondary lumen of the sheath tubing prior to removing the guidewire and dilator tubing, and removing the guidewire and the dilator tubing from the sheath tubing.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair.

Abstract: A method for fixation of soft tissue to bone. A permanent fixing site of the tissue in the bone is selected. A temporary locking site of the tissue in the bone is selected. The temporary locking site is at a distance from the permanent fixing site. A fixing length of the tissue is selected that corresponds a tension state of the tissue. The tissue is temporarily fixed at the permanent fixing site. The tissue is locked at the temporary locking site in a position corresponding to the fixing length. The tissue is permanently fixed to the permanent fixing site. The locking of the tissue is released at the temporary locking site after permanently fixing the tissue. The locking of the tissue at the temporary locking site is carried out by a holder that has a lock to contact the bone, and a grip separate from the lock for gripping the tissue.

Abstract: A system includes a flexible member and a tissue engaging member fixed to the flexible member. The tissue engaging member includes a barb preformed to extend rearward from a distal end of the flexible member at an acute angle relative to the flexible member.

Abstract: A medical device includes a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the filament is coupled to a needle. The medical device also includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has a first arm and a second arm. The energy delivery device is configured to delivery energy to a portion of the filament when the portion of the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system that includes a tool drive assembly that is operatively coupled to a control unit of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and is configured to robotically-generate output motions. A drive system is configured to interface with a corresponding portion of the tool drive assembly for receiving the robotically-generated output motions and applying the output motions to a drive shaft assembly which is configured to apply control motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A manually-actuatable control system operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly to facilitate the selective application of manually-generated control motions to the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.