Abstract: A system for detecting the location of an endoscopic device inside a patients' body comprises an endoscope assembly with an insertion tube having a set of codes indicative of an insertion depth and a rotational direction of the endoscopic device and a detector to detect the set of codes and calculate the location information. The images captured by the endoscopic device are automatically tagged with corresponding location information. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a system for generating three dimensional images and videos without increasing the number of cameras. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a system having a plurality of sensor devices for generating a real time image map of an endoscopic tip portion traversing a lumen. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a special garment for colonoscopy patients to preserve the modesty of the patients and to protect a physician from spraying fecal matter.

Abstract: An electronic device for measuring biometric information is provided. The electronic device includes a sensor unit configured to detect an attitude of the electronic device, a biometric information measurement unit configured to detect biometric information on an examinee through a plurality of electrodes formed on at least one surface of the electronic device, a switch unit including a plurality of switches electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes and a controller configured to recognize an array of the plurality of electrodes based on the detected attitude of the electronic device and control the switch unit such that the recognized electrode array corresponds to a preset electrode array.

Abstract: A method to identify feature points associated with the heart valve movement, heart contraction or cardiac hemodynamics is revealed. The mechanocardiography (MCG) is a technology that makes use of vibrational waveforms acquired using at least one gravity sensor attached on one of the four heart valve auscultation sites on the body surface. The data of the electrocardiography (ECG) is recorded simultaneously with the MCG. The feature points are identified by comparing P, R and T points of synchronized ECG with the MCG spectrum. By the time sequences and amplitudes of the feature points, the method provides additional clinical information of cardiac cycle abnormalities for diagnosis.

Abstract: There is provided a device which detects sleepiness of a human being based on the opening and closing motion of an eyelid, in which an occurrence of sleepiness of a subject is detectable with accuracy more sufficient than before even for a subject who keeps from blinking intentionally when sleepiness increases. The inventive sleepiness detecting device comprises an eyelid state detector, detecting an opened/closed state of an eyelid of a subject; a transition time interval detector, detecting sequentially a time interval between transitions between an opened state and a closed state of the eyelid; an eyelid characteristic amount computer, computing an eyelid opening/closing characteristic amount from time series data of the time intervals; a sleepiness judging device, judging that the subject feels sleepiness when the eyelid opening/closing characteristic value falls below a first threshold value or exceeds beyond a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the respiratory activity of a subject, which comprises one or more signal generating elements being kinematic or light emitting elements, applied to the thorax of a subject, for generating signals that are indicative of movement of the thorax of the subject; a receiver for receiving the generated signals during breathing motion of the subject; and one or more computing devices in data communication with the receiver, for analyzing the breathing motion. The more computing device is operable to calculate, in response to the received generated signals, the magnitude of a maximum displacement in 3D space of the one or more signal generating elements during a cycle of the breathing motion; and to calculate the magnitude of a current displacement in 3D space of the one or more signal generating elements during the breathing motion with respect to a reference tidal volume associated with the maximum displacement in 3D space.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a measuring probe (10) for non-invasive in vivo measurement of blood analytes (33) by Raman spectroscopy. The measuring probe (10) comprises a housing (20) having a skin engaging surface (21). The housing (20) comprises a first optical system (1, 3, 4) arranged for providing source light (11) to the skin engaging surface (21) for penetrating a subject's skin (31) by said source light (11) for interacting with the blood analytes (33). The housing (20) further comprises a second optical system (5, 6, 2) arranged for capturing scattered Raman light (12) from the blood analytes (33) for measurement of the blood analytes (33). The first optical system (1, 3, 4) is arranged for providing the source light (11) as a collimated beam (1c) onto the skin (31).

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor of a flexible, body-mountable analyte sensing device is provided. The electrochemical sensor is disposed on a flexible sensor probe that is configured to penetrate the skin such that the electrochemical sensor disposed on the sensor probe can detect an analyte in interstitial fluid. The electrochemical sensor is made sensitive to the analyte by disposing a substance that selectively binds to reacts with, catalyzes a reaction of, or otherwise selectively interacts with the analyte. The substance is localized by crosslinking on the surface of an electrode and/or by being disposed in a polymer layer disposed on the electrode. The polymer layer can be a hydrogel. Further, a hydrogel layer can be formed on the sensor probe to protect elements of the sensor probe and to increase the biocompatibility of the sensor probe.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for artificial sensors that have prolonged life-span and stability in harsh environments compared to sensors which use natural enzymes which easily denature under varying conditions. These sensors may be composed of novel nanostructures, and may be artificial sensors or artificial non-enzymatic sensors. In some embodiments, an artificial sensor may include a modulating and/or a cleansing electrode 4-electrode system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for calibrating a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes one or more electrodes to measure an additional analyte. Such measurements may provide a baseline or sensitivity measurement for use in calibrating the sensor. Furthermore, baseline and/or sensitivity measurements may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, including: a. obtaining, in real-time, by a specifically programmed processor, electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual; b. processing, in real-time the electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual based upon a pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state, selected from a library of predictors containing a plurality of pre-determined predictors, wherein each individual pre-determined predictor is associated with a unique brain state, wherein the pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state includes: i. a pre-determined mother wavelet, ii. a pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, created from the pre-determined mother wavelet, iii. a pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms, and iv. a pre-determined set of normalization factors, wherein the processing includes: i.

Abstract: A neurological control system for modulating activity of any component or structure comprising the entirety or portion of the nervous system, or any structure interfaced thereto, generally referred to herein as a “nervous system component.” The neurological control system generates neural modulation signals delivered to a nervous system component through one or more neuromodulators to control neurological state and prevent neurological signs and symptoms. Such treatment parameters may be derived from a neural response to previously delivered neural modulation signals sensed by one or more sensors, each configured to sense a particular characteristic indicative of a neurological or psychiatric condition.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of detecting at least one infant swallowing event comprising: obtaining at least one signal segment of an audio recording of an infant during a breastfeeding session; automatically detecting a first, a second and a third peak region in the at least one signal segment; automatically calculating a first duration from the end of the first region to the start of the second region, and a second duration from the end of the second region to the start of the third region; automatically determining an infant swallowing event if the first duration falls within a first signature time range, and if the second duration falls within a second signature time range; and outputting a signal indicative of the infant swallowing event to a user so that the user is aware of the infant swallowing event.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods for detecting, monitoring and treating lymphedema by using imaging devices to generate patient anatomical information from which body part volume measurements or geometries can be derived. Yet further, the present invention comprises methods of fitting compression garments for treatment of lymphedema by using the anatomical measurements derived from the patient anatomical information.

Abstract: A method is described for evaluating the severity of atrophic acne scars in a patient. Also described, is a device for implementing this method. The device can be in the form of a transparent support made of flexible plastic, with suitable dimensions for covering the face of the patient, the support being cross-hatched with same-size adjacent square marked by borders. The use of the device for evaluating the distribution of acne scars on the face of a patient is also described.

Abstract: A method to monitor a data of interest of an individual (U) and give advice to said individual, said method comprising: a—collect said data of interest and a plurality of life parameters, b—monitor the evolution over time of said data of interest, c—detect an unexpected/inadvertent deviation in the evolution of data of interest, forming a break event, occurred at a first instant (T1), d—store the previously collected values of the plurality of life parameters over a first time window preceding said break event, to form a reference values collection of life parameters, attached to said individual and to the break event, and later: e—collect over time, the values of the plurality of life parameters, f—compare said lately collected values of life parameters to the reference values collection of life parameters stored, and if they are similar, give a notice to the user, whereby the user can be warned of a possible imminent deviation related to the data of interest.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for the at least partial determination of a movement pattern of a dental treatment means, in particular tooth cleaning, resulting during a dental treatment and comprises at least the steps: Moving the dental treatment means at least in a x-/y-plane for the treatment of surface parts of the teeth, wherein by means of an optical detection device data are recorded with respect to at least one motion parameter, in particular the movement direction or ?rotation, the acceleration, the path and/or the velocity, of the dental treatment means with respect to a reference system moving with the head of the treated person and providing the recorded data to a processor device for the determination of the movement pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent interactive-rhythmic neuromuscular rehabilitation system, comprising: a surface electromyography sensor configured to collect a user's electromyographic signal; a signal transmitter configured to receive and transmit the electromyographic signal; a rhythmic interaction module configured to generate and provide a specific rhythm to the user and receive the electromyographic signal, such that when the electromyographic signal matches the specific rhythm, a positive feedback is provided; otherwise, a negative feedback is provided. The intelligent interactive-rhythmic neuromuscular rehabilitation system enables a user to constantly strengthen a target muscle or muscle group by a rhythmic interaction module, and to be familiar with the voluntary control of target muscle by motor nerve control and suppressing improper muscle contraction, thereby achieving muscle balance; The system is characterized by its high interactivity, intelligence, and entertainment.

Abstract: A method comprising: displaying, by an electronic device, a sleep information input screen determined according to a prestored sleep pattern; detecting an input of sleep information to the sleep information input screen; and storing the sleep information in a memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: A magnetic stimulator includes a coil which applies magnetic stimulation to a head of a living body, an intensity controller which controls an intensity of the magnetic stimulation applied by the coil, an acquiring section which acquires a biological signal from the living body, a detector which detects an adverse event of the living body from the biological signal acquired by the acquiring section, and an intensity suppressing section which, when an adverse event of the living body is detected by the detector, suppresses the intensity of the magnetic stimulation that is controlled by the intensity controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for quantifying a pigmented lesion using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The method includes (a) irradiating light and receiving an interference signal produced by reflection of the light from first and second boundary layers of a pigmented lesion; and (b) calculating size information of the pigmented lesion using phase information of the interference signal. According to embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage of allowing calculation of size information of a pigmented lesion using OCT, by increasing a measurement range in the axial direction to which beams are irradiated.

Abstract: An integrated medicine method for treating and preventing disease, and promoting health is established. The integrated medicine method utilizes western medicine, natural medicine, chinese medicine, functional medicine, and bio-energy/bio-information medicine to assess health and provide treatments and health adjustments. Disease treatment and prevention, and health promotion are provided, combining therapeutic, prophylactic, anti-aging and rejuvenile knowledge to establish an integrated medicine method. With the most advanced medical technology, ideas, products, pathways and networks, advanced types of health care are provided for all people's holistic health through comprehensive physical and mental health assessment using the methods of empirical science, health conditioning, maintenance, and health promotion.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program for estimating user's physiological state from gait measurements carried out during a physical exercise are disclosed. The physiological state is computed from at least one of step interval variability and stride interval variability acquired from the gait measurements.

Abstract: To improve convenience in a wearable electronic apparatus that measures biological information. An electronic apparatus includes a sensor mechanism, a main body, and a retaining mechanism. The sensor mechanism acquires biological information of a user. The main body supports the sensor mechanism in a movable manner in an upper/lower direction. The retaining mechanism changes the sensor mechanism and the user's body between an unpress state and a press state by moving the sensor mechanism at the main body. With the electronic apparatus, a displacement of the sensor mechanism from the body is prevented and the maintenance of a contact condition is secured, an optical measurement becomes possible; therefore, it is thereby possible to improve convenience for a user without adjusting a position, etc.

Abstract: A flexible, body-mountable analyte sensing device includes a flexible substrate configured for mounting to skin of a living body. The sensing device additionally includes a sensor probe attached to the flexible substrate and configured to penetrate the skin such that a sensor disposed on the sensor probe can detect an analyte in interstitial fluid. The sensor probe can include an elongate extension of the flexible substrate. The sensor can be, for example, an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor. The sensing device is configured to wirelessly indicate detected concentrations or other information about the analyte in the interstitial fluid. The flexible substrate of the sensing device is configured to be adhered or otherwise mounted to the skin in a manner that minimally impacts activities of the living body.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining a sample from a subject include providing a sample collection room within a retail store; and obtaining a sample. Methods for analyzing a sample include providing a sample collection room within a retail store; obtaining a sample; and analyzing it, e.g., at the retail location. A waiting room; a bathroom; and a pass-through from bathroom to sample collection room may be provided. Sample collection rooms may include one or more of a warming table; a warming plate; a finger warmer; a fingertip warmer; an air-warmer; a reclining chair; a calming feature; and adjustable lighting. Samples may be analyzed at the retail location or sent to elsewhere for analysis. Sample collection rooms may house a sample analysis device or system. Samples may be small, e.g., a finger-stick, and may be analyzed in a short period of time, e.g., in less than five hours, or less than four hours.

Abstract: Device for contactless monitoring of a patient's vital signs in the form of a measuring mat comprising at least one measuring element. The measuring element comprises a piezoelectric sensor with a first and a second conductive electrode and a piezoelectric element. Near the piezoelectric sensor is a third conductive electrode. The exertion of a mechanical force on the cover of the measuring element results in a change in the distance between at least one of the electrodes of the piezoelectric sensor and the third conductive electrode. This change in distance is expressed as a difference in the detected parameter corresponding to a change in the patient's vital signs.

Abstract: A device (10) for processing a physiological signal (11) is presented. The device comprises a feature detector (20) for detecting occurrences of a waveform feature of the physiological signal (11), wherein the physiological signal (11) is descriptive of a physiological process, and for providing a feature signal (23) descriptive of the detected occurrences of the waveform feature of the physiological signal (11), a debouncer (30) for removing non-indicative occurrences from the feature signal (23) that occur within a predetermined time window with respect to another occurrence and for providing a debounced feature signal (33), and an interpolator (40) for determining a baseline signal (12) by deriving values indicative of the physiological signal (11) at desired occurrences of the waveform feature, wherein desired occurrences are indicated by the debounced feature signal, and for interpolating the baseline signal (12) in-between said desired occurrences.

Abstract: A measuring instrument is provided with: a light emitting device (201) configured to irradiate light; a first light receiving device (211) and a second light receiving device (212) configured to receive return light of the irradiated light, which returns from an object (500) to be measured; and a calculating device (320) configured to calculate information regarding the object to be measured, on the basis of a difference between a sum signal and a difference signal, each of which is calculated from the light received by the first light receiving device and the light received by the second light receiving device. According to the measuring instrument, it is possible to remove unnecessary component, such as a body motion, and to accurately measure information on the object to be measured.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an Hb level value for a patient may be received from an Hb meter (e.g., a non-invasive Hb meter). Moreover, a DLCO value for the patient may be received from a DLCO analyzer at substantially the same time. A computer may then automatically calculate a predicted Hb value for the patient based on at least one patient parameter (e.g., a patient gender, age, and/or weight). If the predicted Hb value for the patient substantially matches the received Hb level value, the received DLCO value may be output. If the predicted Hb value for the patient does not substantially match the received Hb level value, a corrected DLCO value may be automatically calculated and output.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to shorten a measurement time while preventing deterioration in resolution during frequency analysis and preventing a reduction in measurement range. A pulsimeter (1) includes a pulse data acquisition unit (100), a replication unit (16), and a frequency analysis unit (17). The replication unit (16) generates, when the number of pieces of acquired sampling data for a pulse rate calculation reaches n, m pieces of sampling data using the n pieces of sampling data and data obtained by replicating n-th sampling data. The frequency analysis unit (17) performs a frequency analysis on the m pieces of sampling data.

Abstract: A portable device and system, based upon Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (DOS), for the detection of surface detectable cancers such as breast cancer and the determination of their response to therapy. The system may include hardware and software components that form a number of subsystems: an Optical-Electronic Subsystem, a Digitization Subsystem, an Optical Parameter Computation Subsystem, an Artificial Intelligence Subsystem, and a Presentation Subsystem. The system can be integrated into a hybrid architecture that utilizes other imaging techniques, such as X-ray mammography, for cancer detection.

Abstract: Rather than rely on variation from physician to physician and limited imaging information for assessing plaque vulnerability of a patient, medical imaging and other information are used by a machine-implemented classifier to predict plaque rupture. Anatomical, morphological, hemodynamic, and biochemical features are used in combination to classify plaque.

Abstract: A wearable device may include a housing formed and shaped to affix to a user and a sensor integrated into the housing and to engage a body of the user to take physiological measurements of the user to obtain first physiological data and second physiological data. A processing device located within the housing (or elsewhere, as in a server device) may receive the first physiological data and the second physiological data; analyze the first physiological data to determine a first correlation between the first physiological data and a physiological parameter; analyze the second physiological data to determine a second correlation between the second physiological data and the physiological parameter; and predict a change in a level of the physiological parameter according to a combination of the first correlation and the second correlation.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring a biological variable are provided. The method of measuring the biological variable may include detecting an infrared signal which is irradiated toward a body part and is reflected therefrom, extracting spectrum data from the detected infrared signal, obtaining intensity data corresponding to a preset frequency from the extracted spectrum data, obtaining a biological information-measuring model by performing multiple linear regression (MLR) on the obtained data, and measuring a biological signal of the body part by using the obtained biological information-measuring model.

Abstract: A patient-supporting device is disclosed. The patient-supporting device includes a fastening assembly that fastens the patient-supporting device to a structural member, a support member configured to receive a body part of a patient, and a height adjustment assembly that adjusts a distance between the fastening assembly and the support member. The height adjustment assembly includes a locking assembly and an elongated member. The support member is attached to a first end portion of the elongated member. The locking assembly is stationary relative to the fastening assembly. The elongated member is guided in an aperture of the locking assembly in a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. A plurality of first snap-in recesses is disposed on a first side portion of the elongated member. The locking assembly includes a first locking member.

Abstract: Cooling systems of a CT system and methods of cooling the CT system are disclosed. The CT system includes a gantry and a table that moves an object into a bore of the gantry, wherein the gantry includes a cover having a front surface in which at least an inlet slot is formed and a rear surface in which exhaust holes are formed along with exhaust fans in the rear surface of the cover of the gantry. Fans for the in-take and exhaustion of air are not required to be formed on the front surface of the cover of the gantry. A hole through which external air is taken in through the inlet slot is moved in a rotor of the gantry.

Abstract: A cooling system of a computed tomography (CT) system provides for a more efficient operation than known heretofore. The cooling system of the CT system includes a gantry and a table that moves an object into a bore of the gantry. The gantry includes part boxes mounted therein, and blade elements are formed in regions of the part boxes. The cooling system of the CT system includes a cooling method that includes a multiple cooling method including a stand-by mode and an operating mode.

Abstract: There is a method and a corresponding system for optimizing X-ray imaging during a mammographic examination. In order to provide an optimization of X-ray imaging in a first step (SOI) a breast (7) is compressed between a support plate (5) and a compression plate (3). In a next step (S03), a force-height curve (13) is acquired during compression. Then, in a further step (S05) an elasticity value of the breast (7) is determined radiation-free based on the force-height curve (13). In a further step (S07), a parameter of an X-ray imaging system is optimized based on the determined glandularity (g). As the glandularity (g) of a breast may influence the attenuation of X-rays, the personalized setting of the parameters of the X-ray imaging system may greatly enhance the image quality.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on a breast of a patient includes compressing the breast of the patient with a paddle of an imaging system and performing an initial imaging procedure on the breast of the patient. The initial imaging procedure includes imaging the breast with an x-ray source at a first energy to obtain a first image and a second energy to obtain a second image. A composite image is generated from the first image and the second image and displayed. A region of interest on the composite image is targeted and a biopsy is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimally visualizing a morphologic region of interest of a bone in an X-ray image of a patient, comprising:—receiving a set of 3D medical images of the bone,—creating a 3D bone model of at least part of the bone comprising said region of interest from said set of 3D images,—determining a criterion representative of a visualization of the extent of said morphologic region of interest,—automatically determining from the 3D bone model optimal relative bone and X-ray orientation so as to optimize said criterion for said patient,—creating at least one virtual X-ray image of the bone from said set of 3D images according to said optimal relative bone and virtual X-ray orientation.

Abstract: A CT scanner has multiple X-ray sources on a first rotatable gantry disposed to illuminate an X-ray detector array. An image processor receives data from the detector array, machine readable instructions in the memory include instructions for energizing K>=2 X-ray sources simultaneously while rotating the gantry through multiple positions and recording measurements at each gantry position. Some measurements correspond to sums of line integrals of radiation from two or more of the X-ray sources as attenuated by passage through an imaging zone to detector array cells, including a first measurement Nmp1 at a first gantry position and a second measurement Nmp2 at a second gantry position represent a sum of line integrals comprising a line integral of attenuation of radiation along a same line L. Instructions determine individual line integrals along the line L from the measurements Nmp1 and Nmp2 that include sums of line integrals along the line L.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is carried out by introducing a catheter into the coronary sinus, acquiring a first set of 2-dimensional images of the catheter, thereafter acquiring a second set of 2-dimensional images of the catheter, and creating respective 2-dimensional models of the catheter in synchronized frames of the first set and the second set. The 2-dimensional models include respective tracked 2-dimensional paths of the catheter. The first and second sets are synchronized by identifying frames that are in respective phases of the cardiorespiratory cycle. First and second 3-dimensional models of the catheter are constructed from the synchronized frames, and geometrically transformed to minimize a distance function between the two models.

Abstract: It is detected whether a grid stripe is present in a radiographic image. In a case in which the grid stripe is detected, a process of removing the grid stripe from the radiographic image is performed and the radiographic image is displayed. In a case in which the grid stripe is not detected, a process of removing a scattered component from the radiographic image is performed and a radiographic image subjected to the scattered radiation removal process and a radiographic image before the process are displayed.

Abstract: A radiographic image captured by irradiating a subject with radiation is acquired. A scattered radiation removal unit removes a scattered component from the radiographic image using at least imaging conditions. A correction information acquisition unit acquires correction information for correcting the degree of removal of the scattered component and changes the imaging conditions on the basis of the correction information. The scattered radiation removal unit performs a process of removing the scattered component from the radiographic image on the basis of the changed imaging conditions.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for dynamically storing and for recalling a position of an imaging biomedical engineering device has an interface to a position establishment apparatus of the imaging biomedical engineering device. A display unit has a display field with a user interface having a selectable number of virtual storage buttons that are actuatable by a pointer object. If an unoccupied virtual storage button which does not yet have a medical device position assigned thereto is actuated, the storage button is assigned a current medical device position. If an occupied virtual storage button which already has a medical device position assigned thereto is actuated, the stored medical device position is selected and visualized on the display field. A biomedical engineering imaging system as well as a method for dynamically storing and for recalling medical device positions and a program product are described.

Abstract: A system is described herein. The system includes a first transceiver mounted on a rotating assembly arranged on an axis, and a semi-echoic corridor mounted on a stationary assembly which is arranged proximate to the rotating assembly and arranged on the axis, wherein the semi-echoic corridor comprises a slot configured to accommodate the first transceiver of the rotating assembly. The system also includes a second transceiver arranged on the stationary assembly, wherein the first and second transceivers enable wireless communication between the rotating assembly and the stationary assembly.

Abstract: A method for tracking vessels in image data includes receiving a plurality of image frames and annotating a target vessel in the plurality of image frames. A plurality of tracking targets associated with the target vessel is selected based on a first image frame included in the plurality of image frames. For each respective image frame, a set of tracking points are determined according to a tracking algorithm which includes: selecting a plurality of landmark hypothesis points for each tracking target in the respective frame based on a comparison with a previous image frame, constructing a directed acyclic graph from the plurality of landmark hypothesis points, and solving the directed acyclic graph to yield a plurality of optimal landmarks for the respective image frame.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus (100) includes a housing. The housing includes a plurality of sides (312-322, 412-422). The plurality of sides includes a material with at least one of an antibacterial or an antimicrobial agent thereon. The housing further includes an acoustic window (324, 424) of one of the sides. The housing further includes a transducer array (102) of transducing elements (104) disposed within the sides and adjacent to the acoustic window. In one instance, the housing is a housing of a probe (202), which is separate and distinct from a console that controls the probe and processes received data. In another instance, the housing is a housing of a single elongate hand held scanner (400), which includes components for controlling the probe and processing received data.