Abstract: In a streakline visualization apparatus, a processing unit calculates, by using an expression including a correction value for correcting an error attributable to accelerated motion of a plurality of grid points represented by position information, time differential values of velocities of fluid on the plurality of grid points at each of the plurality of first time points. The processing unit calculates, based on the velocities and the time differential values of the velocities of the fluid on the plurality of grid points at each of the plurality of first time points, positions of a series of a plurality of particles sequentially outputted from a particle generation source as analysis time progresses at each of a plurality of second time points having a second time interval shorter than the first time interval. The processing unit generates display information about a streakline indicating the series of the plurality of particles.

Abstract: A method automatically determines a weight of a patient lying on a tabletop of a patient positioning device. A motorized movement of the tabletop along at least one predeterminable axis sets the tabletop in an oscillation via an elastic drive train element, and the patient's weight is determined from a determined oscillation frequency. Therefore, the weight of a patient lying on a patient positioning device can be determined in a simple manner.

Abstract: A dental imaging system may include an X-ray source, a first optical alignment device, and a dental image collection device. The dental image collection device may include a mouthpiece, at least one electronic X-ray sensor carried by the mouthpiece, and a second optical alignment device carried by the mouthpiece and cooperating with the first optical alignment device to facilitate optically aligning the mouthpiece with the X-ray source. The system may also include a dental image processing device coupled to the at least one electronic X-ray sensor.

Abstract: A grating based interferometric X-ray imaging apparatus having an interferometer (IF). The interferometer comprises at least one grating (G1). The grating (G1) is tiltable relative to an optical axis of the X-ray imaging apparatus. This allows changing a design energy of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobile fluoroscopic imaging system, and methods of use. A table top imaging system can include a support, an x-ray source carried by the support, an x-ray detector carried by the support and positionable at a distance from the source; a primary x-ray propagation axis extending between the source and the detector. The distance between the source and the detector can be adjustable along the axis, and the axis can be angularly adjustable throughout an angular range.

Abstract: A mobile fluoroscopic imaging system having a portable radiation source capable of emitting radiation in both single and, alternatively, pulse emissions and adapted to move in all degrees of freedom; a portable detector operable to detect radiation from the radiation source, wherein the detector is adapted to move independently of the radiation source in all degrees of freedom; the radiation source and detector each comprises an alignment sensor in communication with a computer; the computer is in communication with the radiation source and the detector; the position, distance and orientation of the radiation source and the detector are established by the computer; and the computer sends an activation signal to the radiation source to indicate when radiation may be emitted. Preferably, the radiation source is prevented from emission of radiation until the detector and the radiation source have achieved predetermined alignment conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining optimal C-arm angulation for heart valve positioning. In order to further improve the workflow in relation with the correct positioning of a valve prosthesis, it is described to provide (12) a 2D image of an aortic root of a heart of a patient, wherein the 2D image comprises three cusps of the heart in a visible and distinct manner. Further, 2D positions of the three cusps are indicated (14) in the 2D image. An analytical 3D model of the aortic cusp locations is provided (16), and the 3D positions of the three cusps are computed (18) based on the 2D positions and the analytical 3D model. Still further, an optimal C-arm angulation is computed (20) based on the computed 3D positions of the cusps, wherein, in the optimal C-arm angulation, the three cusps are aligned in a 2D image. The optimal C-arm angulation is then provided for further image acquisition steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for bi-planar fluoroscopy, such as with dual fluoroscopes mounted to C-arms for lateral and anterior-posterior (AP) fluoroscopy of a patient. In one aspect of the invention, a bi-planar fluoroscopy system may generally include first and second fluoroscopes. In general, each fluoroscope may be positioned and aimed to provide different viewing angles and/or orientations of the target, such as, for example, placement for lateral and AP views of the target. In some exemplary embodiments, both fluoroscopes may be maintained as “fixed or locked” in AP and lateral positions, respectively, for example, and then each controlled by a set of proximally located control mechanisms, such as one control mechanism (e.g. a foot pedal or voice command specific to operation of a given fluoroscope each). The control mechanisms may further be adapted for use by a single operator individually and/or simultaneously.

Abstract: A system including an input sensor, a summer, a controller, and a feedback sensor. The input sensor: detects a first amount of force or torque applied on a component of an x-ray scanner gantry in a direction; and generates a command signal. The command signal indicates the first amount of force or torque. The summer generates an error signal based on the command signal and a feedback signal. The controller controls operation of a motor based on the error signal to: reduce the error signal; provide counterbalancing of the gantry in the direction; and provide a net force or torque on the gantry that is equal to a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of the predetermined value. The feedback sensor detects a second amount of force or torque applied on the gantry in the direction as a result of the controlled operation and generates the feedback signal.

Abstract: A multiple frame x-ray imaging system is disclosed with capability of differential x-ray exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier or other x-ray detector. Collimators are provided to control the amount of radiation in various regions of the image and image processing is provided to provide the display of images of different qualities.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for recognizing an article using a multi-energy spectrum X-ray imaging system and a multi-energy spectrum X-ray imaging system. The method comprises: recognizing an application scenario and/or priori information of the article; selecting a parameter mode suitable for the article from a plurality of parameter modes stored in the multi-energy spectrum X-ray imaging system based on the recognized application scenario and/or priori information; and recognizing the article using the selected parameter mode, wherein the plurality of parameter modes are obtained by optimizing system parameters of the multi-energy spectrum X-ray imaging system under a specific condition using a training sample library for various articles.

Abstract: A method of measuring vessel cross-sectional area includes imaging the cross-sectional area of the vessel, wherein the imaging includes: a central calibration region of interest (ROI) of the vessel to obtain a true Hounsfield unit (HU); an object ROI that includes a vessel area affected by a partial volume effect to obtain an object HU; a ring ROI that is outside the object ROI to obtain a background HU; and integrating the true HU, the object HU, and the background HU to calculate the cross-sectional area.

Abstract: In hemodynamic determination in medical imaging, the classifier is trained from synthetic data rather than relying on training data from other patients. A computer model (in silico) may be perturbed in many different ways to generate many different examples. The flow is calculated for each resulting example. A bench model (in vitro) may similarly be altered in many different ways. The flow is measured for each resulting example. The machine-learnt classifier uses features from medical scan data for a particular patient to estimate the blood flow based on mapping of features to flow learned from the synthetic data. Perturbations or alterations may account for therapy so that the machine-trained classifier may estimate the results of therapeutically altering a patient-specific input feature. Uncertainty may be handled by training the classifier to predict a distribution of possibilities given uncertain input distribution.

Abstract: In a radiographic system in which long length imaging is performed by combining a plurality of radiographic apparatuses whose preparatory periods from a request of radiation exposure to start of accumulation are different, a control apparatus controls the plurality of radiographic apparatuses and a radiation generation apparatus so that an exposure period of the radiation generation apparatus is included in a period in which accumulation periods of all the radiographic apparatuses overlap.

Abstract: An imaging capsule configured to be swallowed to scan the gastrointestinal tract of a person from the inside, including a radiation source providing X-Ray and gamma radiation for scanning the gastrointestinal tract, a pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure in the imaging capsule; and wherein the imaging capsule is configured to control the emission of radiation from within the imaging capsule responsive to the measurements of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A fluoroscopic surgical system employing a FORS sensor (40), a navigation controller (70), a fluoroscopic imager (30) and a mechanical connector (50) adjoined to the fluoroscopic imager (30). In operation, mechanical connector (50) is utilized to detachably attach FORS senor to fluoroscopic imager (30), whereby navigation controller (70) processes a shape reconstruction of FORS sensor (40) relative to a reference point fixed or movable within an operating space (20) for controlling a tracking of fluoroscopic imager (30) within the operating space (20). The system may further employ a surgical instrument (60) whereby, concurrently or subsequently to a fluoroscopic imaging of a patient anatomy, FORS sensor (40) is thereafter detached from fluoroscopic imager (30) and detachably attached to surgical instrument (60), or FORS sensor (40) is concurrently detachably attached to fluoroscopic imager (30) and surgical instrument (60).

Abstract: An operation device (200) for remotely operating an X-ray imaging device (1) includes an operation unit (280), a grip detection unit (240), which determines whether an operation received by the operation unit (280) is a normal operation or an erroneous operation, and a control unit (230), which transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the X-ray imaging device (1). The control unit (230) transmits the signal when the grip detection unit (240) determines that the operation is a normal operation. The operation device is prevented from causing an erroneous operation of its target device.

Abstract: A high-voltage device according to embodiments comprises an inverter circuit configured to convert a direct-current voltage into an alternating-current voltage, a high-voltage transformer, an insulating layer and a conductive layer. The high-voltage transformer includes a primary coil on an input side and multiple secondary coils on an output side and raises a voltage of output of the inverter circuit. The insulating layer is provided on an outer circumference of a bundle of winding wires of each of the secondary coils so as to individually cover each of the secondary coils The conductive layer is provided on an outer circumference of each of the insulating layers so as to individually cover each of the insulating layers.

Abstract: A new non-invasive tool for cartilage assessment, exercise and sports management, and prevention of osteoarthritis is provided. In various embodiments, cartilage condition is assessed using audible signals from joints. Assessment test results are used to provide feedback regarding joint stress and friction that is related to physiological or pathological loads. Data obtained from audible signals are processed to provide an index that can be interpreted by a user or third parties. The index is useful as a baseline for exercise practices, training routines, wellness programs, or rehabilitation protocols.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and systems for generating enhanced images of a volume of tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods of facilitating the viewing of interventional instruments (e.g., needles, catheters, guidewires, vascular filters, biopsy probes) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable, handheld or cart-based ultrasound imaging machine is connected to an external laser light source that transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument via one or more optical fibers. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The ultrasound imaging machine creates an image by combining data from the received photoacoustic signals with ultrasound echo data to show both tissue in a region of interest and the tip of the interventional instrument.

Abstract: Methods, system, and devices that are adapted to restrict the movement of an ultrasound transducer about at least one axis or point, and tag a plurality of frames of electronic signals indicative of information received by the ultrasound transducer with information sensed by an orientation sensor. The methods, system, and devices can generate a 3D ultrasound volume image of the patient by positioning the plurality of tagged frames of electronic signals at their respective orientations relative to the axis or point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for the guided navigation of an ultrasound probe. In an embodiment of the invention, an ultrasound navigation assistance method includes acquiring an image by an ultrasound probe of a target organ of a body. The method also includes processing the image in connection with an estimator such as a neural network. The processing in turn determines a deviation of a contemporaneous pose evident from the acquired image from an optimal pose of the ultrasound probe for imaging the target organ. Finally, the method includes presenting the computed deviation to an end user operator of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A stand-alone continuous cardiac Doppler pulse monitoring patch provides visual and auditory signals that a pulse is detected or not detected in a human subject. The invention is a small patch with a peel-away adhesive surface that is applied to the skin of the subject, preferably near a large artery. The adhesive surface of the patch includes a conductive medium to enhance transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. The patch includes an integral power source, transmitters and receivers to send and detect reflected ultrasonic waves, a transducer to convert the reflected waves into an electrical signal, a processor to analyze the signal, a light to indicate the presence and strength of a pulse, and a speaker also to indicate the presence and strength of a pulse. The Doppler effect of waves reflecting from blood pumped from a heart is used to detect a pulse in the subject. The presence of a pulse is analyzed by the processor to determine the frequency and strength of blood flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns a detecting apparatus (12) comprising:—at least two sensors (24, 26, 28), with at least one sensor (24) being an ultrasound transducer adapted to produce ultrasound waves, and—a positioning device (16) defining several compartments (22), each compartment (22) being adapted to hold a sensor (24, 26, 28) and each compartment (22) being located at predetermined location, the positioning device (16) comprising a holder adapted to be fixed on the skull of a subject, the positioning device (16) being adapted to be maintained on the head of the subject using the holder.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an element configured to include a diaphragm unit for at least receiving or transmitting an ultrasonic wave and a chassis configured to extend in a direction vertical to a diaphragm plane included in the diaphragm unit and hold the element. A center of the diaphragm plane of the element in an in-plane direction is arranged to be offset from a center of the chassis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an ultrasound probe including a small-angle adjustment element. In one embodiment, the small-angle adjustment element includes a piezoelectric actuator configured to rotate a transducer array of the ultrasound probe in response to electrical signals transmitted to the piezoelectric actuator. In this way, an amount of angle spanned by the transducer array during a scan of a region of interest may be reduced, thereby increasing a precision of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A transceiver includes an array of pMUT elements, where each pMUT element includes: a substrate; a membrane suspending from the substrate; a bottom electrode disposed on the membrane; a piezoelectric layer disposed on the bottom electrode; and a first electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. Each pMUT element exhibits one or more modes of vibration.

Abstract: An apparent point-source transmit transducers comprises a substantially constant-thickness shell of piezoelectric material in a shape of a spherical-section. Such transducers may be sized such that a single apparent point-source transmit transducer may produce ultrasound waveforms with substantial energy in a medium to be imaged. Use of such transducers in three-dimensional ping-based imaging may permit deeper and higher quality imaging than may be possible with conventional transducers.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: a transceiver cell for generating a pressure wave and converting an external pressure wave into an electrical signal; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the transceiver cell. The transceiver cell includes: a substrate; at least one membrane suspending from the substrate; and a plurality of transducer elements mounted on the at least one membrane. Each of the plurality of transducer elements has a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer on bottom electrode, and at least one top electrode on the piezoelectric layer. Each of the plurality of transducer element generates a bending moment in response to applying an electrical potential across the bottom electrode and the at least one top electrode and develops an electrical charge in response to a bending moment due to the external pressure wave.

Abstract: Handheld ultrasound imaging devices for identification of target regions are generally described. Medical ultrasound is a popular medical imaging modality primarily used for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue but also for interventional procedures such as guidance of a needle or catheter placement. Examples include diagnostic imaging of organs, such cardiac or liver structures. Common interventional procedures that rely on ultrasound guidance are central line placement and guidance of nerve blocks, both of which are high volume procedures in certain hospital settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU). Handheld ultrasound imaging devices with integral display screens and improve portability are described, along with systems and methods for orienting displayed ultrasound images so as to improve their usefulness in guiding interventional procedures.

Abstract: A heart rate monitor provides a pulse or heartbeat, but without the on-going or continuous phase signal of ECG and/or with a delay relative to the actual heartbeat. For phase determination in echocardiography, the heartbeat from the heart rate monitor is used to assist in identification of phase from acquired ultrasound data. Rather than relying on just ECG or just image processing, the worn or handheld heart rate monitor is used to simplify the image process-based identification of phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a ultrasonic probe comprise an ultrasonic transceiver configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive a signal reflected from the object, a first display configured to receive information from a user or output information received from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a first controller configured to display a first picture on the first display when an operating state of the ultrasonic probe is switched to a standby state, wherein the first picture includes information regarding the operating state of the ultrasonic probe, and the information set by the user. According to the present disclosure, information set by a user may be viewed through a display installed in an ultrasonic probe or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus at any time. Thus, the user may easily obtain and control information regarding the ultrasonic probe or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: Sparse tracking is used in acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. The tracking is performed sparsely. The displacements are measured only one or a few times for each receive line. While this may result in insufficient information to determine the displacement phase shift and/or maximum displacement over time, the resulting displacement samples for different receive lines as a function of time may be used together to estimate the velocity, such as with a Radon transform. The estimation may be less susceptible to noise from the scarcity of displacement samples by using compressive sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating performance of an ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasonic transducer and an acoustic medium and configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, a storage unit configured to store a reference signal value which represents the performance of the ultrasonic transducer, and a processing unit configured to control the transducer assembly to emit ultrasonic wave and receive a response (echo) signal thereto to measure a magnitude or energy amount of the response signal, the processing unit comparing a measured value with the reference signal value stored in the storage unit to evaluate the performance of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound diagnostics using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe connected to various diagnostic apparatuses and a method of operating the ultrasound probe. The includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving a response signal reflected from the object; acquiring information regarding a diagnostic apparatus connected to the ultrasound probe; determining a type of data that may be processed by the diagnostic apparatus based on the information regarding the diagnostic apparatus; generating transmission data corresponding to the determined type of data from the response signal; and transmitting the transmission data to the diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: New wearable and non-wearable systems for noninvasive glucose sensing include an ultrasound generator, an ultrasound detector and a feedback unit. Methods for noninvasive glucose sensing using a wearable or nonwearable device include measuring a thickness (geometrical and/or optical) of a target tissue or a time of flight of ultrasound or optical pulses in the target tissue and determining a glucose value from the thickness of the target tissue or the time of flight in the target tissue in accordance with a target tissue thickness (geometrical and/or optical) or time of flight versus glucose calibration curve using new methodology for computing glucose concentrations with or without invasive measurements and simultaneously monitoring and generating a fitness index (FI), a body weight index (BWI), and/or a hydration index (HI).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (300) includes one or more transducing elements (304). The ultrasound imaging system further includes a system controller (330) configured to control the one or more transducing elements to receive for a predetermined time duration without first transmitting and produce a noise only signal. The system controller is further configured to control the one or more transducing elements to transmit a set of pulses which causes the one or more transducing elements to transmit a pressures wave and receive echo waves generated in response to the transmitted pressures wave and produce an echo plus noise signal indicative thereof. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a noise processor (320) that compensates the echo plus noise signal with the noise only signal, creating a denoised signal, which is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for collecting and stabilizing biological samples, and more particularly, for collecting and stabilizing blood or other bodily fluids from a user's fingertip, earlobe, heel or other locations. The present invention also relates to sample collection devices that simplify the process for mixing the biological samples with an additive or additives, provide for efficient storage and safe transport of the samples, and provide for easy access to the samples for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig, by means of a receiving device and a collecting device with an integrated filter, and a method of using a collecting device with an integrated filter for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig. In addition, a collecting device comprising a bag, a removable container and a filter, and a kit having such a collecting device, and a receiving device for taking saliva from an animal, particularly a pig.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder includes a rotatable member, an individual sample tray, and one or more bulk sample trays. The rotatable member defines a single chamber partially divided by a plurality of tray protrusions extending radially inwardly from a cylindrical wall of the rotatable member. The individual sample tray includes a single sample chamber that is configured to receive a single tissue sample. The bulk sample tray is configured to receive a plurality of tissue samples.

Abstract: A biopsy device handle having a biased firing mechanism activated by side and rear triggers. The firing mechanism has a longitudinally sliding deflecting portion including a post. The post is disposed within a channel and retained by a catch. The deflecting portion deflects transversely when transverse force is applied to a transverse face by the side trigger or when a longitudinal force is applied to an inclined face by the rear trigger to release the post from the catch.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a reusable body, a disposable probe, and a sterile cover. The reusable body contains a drive mechanism. The disposable probe is adapted to couple the drive mechanism of the reusable body in use. The disposable probe has a body and a needle extending distally from the body. The needle is movably coupled to the drive mechanism. The reusable body has at least one button for operating the probe. The sterile cover is shaped and configured to couple to the reusable body. The sterile cover includes a contact area for access to the at least one button.

Abstract: A full core biopsy device includes an outer cannula carried at a proximal end by a outer cannula hub and defining a tissue cutting edge at an opposite distal end, an elongated inner cannula carried at a proximal end by an inner cannula hub and concentrically slidably disposed within the outer cannula. A housing defines a first cavity, a second cavity, and a spring hub between the first and second cavities with a bore in communication between the cavities. An outer cannula spring is disposed within the first cavity between the spring hub and the outer cannula hub. The outer cannula spring is configured to produce a force directed distally against the outer cannula hub. An inner cannula spring is disposed within the second cavity between the spring hub and the inner cannula hub and is configured to produce a force directed proximally against the inner cannula hub. A latch, stop and trigger arrangement is provided to charge the device to compress the two springs and to fire the device to obtain a tissue sample.

Abstract: Various examples of methods, devices, apparatus and systems are provided for coaxial biopsy needles. In one example, a coaxial biopsy needle includes an external needle including cutting edges at a distal end, the external needle affixed to an outer casing of a syringe at a proximal end and an inner stylette coaxially located within the external needle, where the inner stylette is affixed to a plunger of the syringe at a proximal end. In another example, a method includes inserting a coaxial biopsy needle into tissue to a first depth, maintaining the inner stylette at the first depth while further extending the external needle to a second depth in the tissue with the external needle cutting around a portion of the tissue surrounded by the external needle, and retracting the coaxial biopsy needle from the tissue to remove the portion of the tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a tissue sample holder, and a gate assembly. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder is coupled proximally relative to the body. The cutter lumen of the cutter defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit extending between the cutter and the tissue sample holder. The gate assembly is configured to selectively arrest movement of a tissue sample holder within the fluid conduit between the cutter and the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for real-time visualization of a target tissue, and which allows the location/orientation of the biopsy needle to be determined prior to its first actuation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for real-time visualization and sampling of target tissue within body passages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system that provides real-time visualization of eccentric pulmonary nodules, and which allows the location/orientation of a biopsy needle to be determined prior to its first actuation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.