Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to correct the measurement of water equivalent diameter in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging when patients are miscentered are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a patient size characteristic calculator to calculate a set of patient size characteristics for a set of axial slices along a height of the patient. The apparatus further includes a patient size characteristic corrector module to calculate a set of correction factors for the set of patient size characteristics and apply the set of correction factors to the set of patient size characteristics. The apparatus further includes a computation manager to utilize a set of corrected patient size characteristics for the set of axial slices along the height of the patient to perform a CT scan on the patient by modulating an X-ray current to control a radiation dose applied to the patient.

Abstract: An anti-scatter device (ASG) filled with a filler material. The filler material (202) has an acoustic impedance that corresponds to that of human or animal tissue. Furthermore a hybrid X-ray/ultrasound imager (IM) including such an anti-scatter GA device (ASG).

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a camera to image an object and output the image of the object, a display member using a touch screen to display the image of the object output from the camera, and an X-ray irradiation region of the object, an X-ray irradiation region controller to control a region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated, and a control member to enable the irradiation region controller to control the region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated according to the X-ray irradiation region, when the X-ray irradiation region is determined, based on the image of the object displayed in the display member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a medical image analysis, comprising the steps: Performing a first CT scan of a region of interest of a subject resulting in a first image with a first resolution; Applying a medical image processing method to the first image resulting in first values representing a first analysis of the region of interest of the subject; Determining a range of interest of the subject based on the first values; Performing a second CT scan of the range of interest of the subject resulting in a second image with a second resolution, wherein the second resolution is higher than the first resolution; and Applying the medical imaging processing method to the second image resulting in second values representing a second analysis of the range of interest of the subject. Further, the invention relates to a system for medical image analysis.

Abstract: A method of obtaining x-ray images includes controlling operation of an automatic injector to inject a contrast agent into a patient at a predetermined time, synchronizing operations of an x-ray imaging system with the operation of the automatic injector, and obtaining images of a region of interest of the patient during arterial and diffusion phases of the contrast agent.

Abstract: Presented herein, in certain embodiments, are approaches for robust bone splitting and segmentation in the context of small animal imaging, for example, microCT imaging. In certain embodiments, a method for calculating and applying single and hybrid second-derivative splitting filters to gray-scale images and binary bone masks is described. These filters can accurately identify the split lines/planes of the bones even for low-resolution data, and hence accurately morphologically disconnect the individual bones. The split bones can then be used as seeds in region growing techniques such as marker-controlled watershed segmentation. With this approach, the bones can be segmented with much higher robustness and accuracy compared to prior art methods.

Abstract: A system (100) for a targeted perfusion scan includes a computed tomography (CT) scanner (120), a feeding territory map (132) and a targeted perfusion unit (140). The CT scanner (120) performs a perfusion scan of a portion of tissues of an organ. The feeding territory map (132) maps arterial locations of an arterial vessel tree to spatially located organ tissues of the organ fed by the arterial locations. The targeted perfusion unit (140) includes one or more processors (164) configured to determine targeted coverage (200) from a location of a stenosis (112, 210) and the feeding territory map, and to control the CT scanner to perform the perfusion scan according to the determined targeted coverage.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can suitably broaden a field of view. The image processing apparatus includes: first input means for receiving input of sinogram information acquired by projecting radiation onto an object; means for configuring a first tomographic image of the object from the sinogram information; second input means for receiving input of a prior tomographic image obtained by imaging the object before the sinogram information; conversion means for converting a pixel value of the prior tomographic image on the basis of a pixel value of the first tomographic image; and means for generating a second tomographic image from the sinogram information with use of the prior tomographic image, the pixel value of which has been converted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to localization of a vascular treatment and quantification of a part of a vascular structure. It is described to provide (12) at least one first image comprising a representation of a region of interest of a vascular structure. At least one second image comprising a representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure is provided (14). Between an acquisition of the at least one first image and an acquisition of the at least one second image, a vascular treatment might have been applied to the region of interest of the vascular structure, wherein the representation of the region of interest of the vascular structure relates to spatial extension information of the vascular structure at least in one image plane. At least one reference image from an image set formed from the at least one first image and the at least one second image is selected (16).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the method includes: acquiring image data of a target subject positioned on a scanning table; determining, by a processor, first position information of the target subject based on the image data; determining, by the processor, second position information related to a scan region of the target subject based on the image data; and scanning, using an imaging device, the target subject based on the first position information and the second position information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical imaging diagnoses are provided. The methods may include detecting an entrance of the scan platform into a scanning room by a signal emission device, moving the scan platform to a joint area according to connection interface of the medical imaging device by a driving device. The method may also include adjusting the scan platform to connect to the medical imaging device by a position adjusting device. The method may also include connecting the scan platform to the medical imaging device by a physical interface. The method may further include moving the scanning object to a scanning area of the medical imaging device by the driving device.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. The medical imaging system may include a mobile device configured to remotely control a medical imaging device. The medical imaging device may include a scanner, a control module, and a second communication port. The second communication port may be configured to receive an instruction from the mobile device via a network. The scanner may scan the object and generate scanning data related to the object in response to a scan instruction received by the second communication port from the mobile device via the network. The control module may control movement of at least one of the gantry of the scanner or the scanning table in response to a control instruction received by the second communication port from the mobile device via the network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for calibrating at least one 2D X-ray image of an object to be imaged, which is recorded by an X-ray device in that X-rays produced by an X-ray source radiate through the object and are recorded by an X-ray detector. An already existing 3D model of a structure of the object is compared to the 2D X-ray image, wherein an actual image positional relationship of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector relative to the object, and/or relative to one another, is determined for the 2D X-ray image.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous real time measurement of blood pressure in a subject is presented. The system includes a transducer assembly (e.g., having ultrasound array elements) in a cuff applied to the subject's body. The system measures physical characteristics such as geometry, elasticity and strain in a blood vessel as well as other external physical parameters. Computer modeling and signal processing of measured signals are used during inflation and/or deflation of the cuff to iteratively estimate the blood pressure of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the rotation of an interventional device in an ultrasound field. An interventional device is provided that is suitable for being tracked in an ultrasound beam of a beamforming ultrasound imaging system by correlating transmitted ultrasound signals from the beamforming ultrasound imaging system as detected by ultrasound receivers attached to the interventional device with the beamforming beam sequence of the ultrasound signals. The interventional device includes a longitudinal axis (A-A?), a first linear sensor array (12) comprising a plurality of ultrasound receivers (R1 . . . n) wherein each ultrasound receiver has a length (L) and a width (W), and wherein the array extends along the width (W) direction. Moreover the first linear sensor array (12) is wrapped circumferentially around the interventional device with respect to the axis (A-A?) such that the length (L) of each ultrasound receiver is arranged lengthwise with respect to the axis (A-A?).

Abstract: Multi-mode capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) and associated devices systems, and methods are provided. In an embodiment, an intravascular device includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a first sensor assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the first sensor assembly comprising a first array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs); wherein the first sensor assembly comprises at least two of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or an imaging sensor. In some embodiments, the intravascular device further includes a second sensor assembly comprising a second array of CMUTs.

Abstract: An ultrasound coupling gel container is provided and includes a flexible body having front wall, back wall, an outlet end, a planar bottom gusset, and a dispensing assembly. The back wall is positioned adjacent and opposes the front wall. The back wall is sealed to the front wall along a periphery thereof and provides a cavity receiving section. An outlet end is formed from a front wall top section and a back wall bottom section. The planar bottom gusset includes a central portion formed from sealed peripheral edge portions along the front wall and of the back wall. The dispensing assembly is sealed to a peripheral edge of the front wall and of the back wall at the outlet end of the flexible body.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for an acoustic wave probe including a polysiloxane mixture containing polysiloxane and silica particles of which an average primary particle diameter exceeds 16 nm and less than 100 nm and which are subjected to surface treatment, and organic peroxide, and a silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe, the acoustic wave probe, an ultrasound probe, an acoustic wave measurement apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus, and an ultrasound endoscope using the composition for an acoustic wave probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are an imaging system (10) or an interventional tool, such as a catheter (20), having a first ultrasound transducer array (23) and a second ultrasound transducer array (21) spaced by a fixed distance (D) from each other; wherein both arrays may be used to generate diagnostic images; and a processing arrangement (31, 32) to process a first sensor signal indicative of the first array imaging a reference location (X) at a first point in time, and to process a second sensor signal indicative of the second array imaging the reference location at a second point in time; and determine a translation (pullback) speed of the catheter from the set distance and the difference between the first point in time and the second point in time. Alternatively, a catheter may be provided comprising an ultrasound transducer array at a distal end of the catheter, and two pressure sensors for determining the translation speed.

Abstract: Systems, and methods of disassembling systems that includes a medical device, a shaft that is optionally steerable, and a handle assembly. The methods can include providing a system after it has been exposed to a blood environment of a subject, disconnecting a medical device electrical contact from an electrical contact on the printed circuit board, moving the medical distally relative to the sheath and out of the distal end of the sheath, and cleaning at least a portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A single hand operation ultrasound probe array is provided. The single ultrasound probe array places individual transducers, each having different transducer characteristics, on sheaths that fit over fingers of a user. By the user positioning their fingers differently, different transducers are selected for use, enabling the user to switch between multiple different center frequencies, or other different transducer configurations, based on the positioning of the fingers of the user relative to the patient. The ultrasound probe array is configured with wired or wireless communication to an ultrasonic machine to receive the probe signals and interpret.

Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to an internal anatomical target includes an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements collectively operable as a phased array; multiple driver circuits, each being connected to at least one of the transducer elements; multiple phase circuits; a switch matrix selectably coupling the driver circuits to the phase circuits; and a controller configured for (i) receiving as input a target average intensity level and/or an energy level energy to be applied to the target and/or a temperature level in target, (ii) identifying multiple sets of the transducer elements, each of the sets corresponding to multiple transducer elements for shaping and/or focusing, as a phased array, ultrasound energy at the target across tissue intervening between the target and the ultrasound transducer, and (iii) sequentially operating the transducer-element sets to apply and maintain the target average energy level at the target.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided. The transducer assembly includes an aperture comprising a plurality of transducer elements. The transducer assembly also includes a plurality of first-level summers, wherein each transducer element is configured to be switchably coupled to at least four of the plurality of first-level summers. The transducer assembly further includes a plurality of second-level summers, wherein an output of each of the plurality of first-level summers is configured to be switchably coupled to an input of one of the plurality of second-level summers.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided. The transducer assembly includes a routing layer. The transducer assembly further includes a plurality of transducer elements arranged on a first side of the interposer. The transducer assembly also includes a first application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) arranged vertically below the plurality of transducer elements and on a second side of the interposer, wherein the first ASIC comprises a plurality of signal conditioning circuits.

Abstract: The present disclosure related generally to ultrasound imaging, such as intravascular ultrasound imaging. For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ultrasound imaging system with improved acoustic impedance matching between an ultrasonic transducer and a vessel of interest. For example, in some implementations, an ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged circumferentially, and an impedance matching structure is coupled to the plurality of ultrasound transducers. In some such embodiments, the impedance matching structure is disposed radially outward from the plurality of ultrasound transducers, and in some embodiments, the impedance matching structure is disposed radially inward from the plurality of ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for utilizing an integrated, automated aerating device for echogenicity are described. The aeration device can have a pressurized vessel to provide echogenic air bubbles independently of fluid delivered for sonohsyterosalpingography. The aeration device can selectively supply a gas in liquid during ultrasound and radiographic procedures for enhanced visualization of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus comprises processing circuitry configured to: obtain a medical imaging data set representative of at least part of at least one surface; render from the medical imaging data set at least one image of the at least part of the at least one surface, wherein the or each image is rendered using a respective lighting configuration; and determine a measure of lighting quality for the or each rendered image; wherein, for the or each rendered image, the determining of the measure of lighting quality comprises, for each of a plurality of locations on the at least part of the at least one surface, determine a correspondence between a curvature of the at least one surface at that location and a lighting value at that location, wherein the lighting value is obtained from the rendering of the image; and determine the measure of lighting quality based on the determined correspondences.

Abstract: An ultrasound circuit comprising a multi-stage trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) is described. The TIA is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer to amplify an electrical signal generated by the ultrasonic transducer in response to receiving an ultrasound signal. The TIA may include multiple stages, at least two of which operate with different supply voltages. The TIA may be followed by further processing circuitry configured to filter, amplify, and digitize the signal produced by the TIA.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry configured to obtain an ultrasonic image assigned with incidental information as imaging information, the incidental information including at least one of a body mark and a probe mark, calculate position specifying information for specifying an imaging position with respect to the ultrasonic image by performing image recognition of the incidental information assigned to the ultrasonic image, extract from a plurality of first images obtained in a past, a second image assigned with incidental information including position specifying information corresponding to the calculated position specifying information and display the second image.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is provided, including a touch display which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) including a plurality of input buttons and receives an input of a user; and a controller which detects an input posture of the user and sets a display mode of the GUI based on the detected input posture. The GUI has a first display mode and a second display mode, and the first display mode and the second display mode are modes in which locations of at least one of the plurality of input buttons included in the GUI are differently displayed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for non-invasively obtaining fetal cells from a pregnant female. The methods include placing an absorbent medium in an interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening of the pregnant female, and collecting vaginal fluid comprising cells in the absorbent medium while the absorbent medium is interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening. The absorbent medium is removed and cells are isolated from the absorbent medium to obtain the fetal cells. The fetal cells can be, for example, somatic cells, embroyic stem cells, fetal stem cells or trophoblast cells.

Abstract: A mouthpiece, comprising at least one inlet configured to allow oral fluid from a user's oral cavity to travel into the mouthpiece; and a reservoir comprising one or more chambers, the reservoir configured to store oral fluid received from the user's oral cavity through the at least one inlet, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be contained substantially within the user's oral cavity during the collection of oral fluid.

Abstract: A feedback apparatus (22) is provided for use with a system (10) that comprises an analyser (16) and a sampling device (12). The feedback apparatus (22) comprises a receiver (20) that receives from the analyser 16 information relating to a sample obtained using the sampling device (12). The feedback apparatus (22) comprises a feedback device that provides an indication based on the information to an operator (14) of the sampling device (2) whilst the sampling device (12) is within the operator's visual field.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an LAA is presented. The device includes a cap, a bulb and a joint assembly therebetween. The cap is a three layer mesh structure with a retaining hub securing the layers together. A plurality of proximal wire loops extend from the base layer to a proximal post of the joint assembly. The bulb has a plurality of distal wire loops that extend between a terminal post and a distal post of the joint assembly. The joint assembly comprises a first ball joint, a second ball joint and a housing. Each ball joint is retained in the housing independent ball and socket relationships. Each ball joint and post defines a longitudinal axis. The housing defines a housing longitudinal axis. By way of the ball and socket relationship each ball joint longitudinal axis may form an angle of between about 0 to about 35 degrees with the housing longitudinal axis in any direction.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing a puncture of a vessel includes a first tube defining a first lumen, and a malecot coupled to the first tube. The malecot is selectively actuatable from a neutral configuration to a stopper configuration. The hemostatic device also includes a second tube circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube. The second tube at least partially defines a second lumen and a third lumen. The second tube includes a first opening in flow communication with the third lumen and positioned proximally relative to the malecot. The second tube is selectively orientable to at least partially expose a hemocoagulant agent retained in the second lumen.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device includes an elongate shaft, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft, a rounded housing coupled to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and having a center point positioned along the central axis of the elongate shaft, and first and second cables extending from the end effector to the rounded housing respectively along first and second sides of the elongate shaft. The laparoscopic device also includes a handle that is adjustable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the rounded housing can be rotated to further rotate a single shaft assembly with respect to the central axis of the elongate shaft, and the rounded housing can be pivoted to bend the end effector. In the compressed configuration, the rounded housing is fixed with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for facilitating bending of an instrument in a surgical or medical robotic environment are provided. In one aspect, a surgical system includes an instrument comprising an end effector, the instrument capable of articulation via a bending section. The bending section includes a body including a first strut and a second strut, and a channel formed through the body. The first strut and the second strut form a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is in communication with the channel formed through the body.

Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.

Abstract: Finger traps for collapsible suture loops are provided. In general, a suture coupled to an implant can be tensioned to facilitate desirable positioning of the implant relative to tissue in a patient's body. The suture can include a finger trap and a knot. In general, the finger trap is a hollow area of the suture through which the suture passes through itself and is configured to slide in a single direction when under tension. In an exemplary embodiment, the knot is located along a length of the suture that is closer than the finger trap to a tail of the suture that is being pulled to tension the suture.

Abstract: A suture anchor is described. The suture anchor includes an elongate anchor body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one suture secured within the anchor body, at least one major thread, and at least two microthreads occupying the space between each major thread. An anchor driver is also described. The anchor driver is capable of accepting various attachments such that an operator can change the functionality of the driver based on the type of attachment in use, such as a needle attachment. A method of attaching soft tissue to bone in a subject is also described. The method includes the steps of securing a suture anchor into bone with the anchor driver, joining a needle attachment with the anchor driver, passing at least one suture through soft tissue using the needle attachment, and tying the at least one suture against the soft tissue to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for approximating targeted tissue by intertwining two or more sutures together. The sutures are attached to the targeted tissue and routed to a twister device. The twister device secures end portions of the sutures and twists them to intertwine the sutures. Controlling the number of twists provides control over the forces applied to the targeted tissue. In conjunction with visualization feedback, real-time adjustments can be made to achieved targeted results, such as elimination of mitral regurgitation when the disclosed methods and apparatus are applied to mitral valve repair.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a biological construct according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a suture loop/needle construct to a reinforcement material and stitching the reinforcement material to a biological construct to form a reinforced biological construct. The reinforcement material is attached to the suture loop/needle construct prior to approximating the reinforcement material to the biological construct.

Abstract: A device comprising: a flexible tube comprising a first collapsible end portion; a first actuating element segment secured to the first collapsible end portion and extending along the first collapsible end portion, wherein, when the first collapsible end portion is threaded through a first aperture and the first actuating element segment is pulled proximally, the first collapsible end portion collapses proximally and forms a bulge larger than the first aperture, thereby anchoring the flexible tube against a rim of the first aperture.

Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a parameter sensor coupled to the control circuit and a position sensor coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a parameter output of the parameter sensor indicative of a force applied to translate the displacement member, determine a duration during which the parameter output is maintained at or above a predetermined fault threshold, receive a position output of the position sensor indicative of at least one position of the displacement member during the duration, and effect a motor control action based on the duration and the at least one position.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, and a position sensor coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine a velocity of the displacement member via the position sensor, and cause the display to present an indicia that is indicative of the velocity of the displacement member, wherein a portion of the display occupied by the indicia corresponds to the velocity of the displacement member.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member configured to translate within the surgical instrument, a motor coupled to the displacement member to translate the displacement member, a sensor configured to sense a thickness of a tissue grasped by an end effector, and a control circuit coupled to the motor and the sensor. The control circuit is configured to retrieve an expected thickness of the tissue, determine the thickness of the tissue via the sensor, and set a duty cycle for driving the motor. The duty cycle corresponds to the thickness of the tissue relative to the expected thickness of the tissue.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor, a control circuit, and a position sensor. The displacement member is configured to translate. The motor is coupled to the displacement member to translate the displacement member. The control circuit is coupled to the motor. A position sensor is coupled to the control circuit. The position sensor is configured to measure the position of the displacement member and to measure an articulation angle of an end effector relative to a longitudinally extending shaft. The control circuit is configured to determine the articulation angle between the end effector and the longitudinally extending shaft and set motor velocity based on the articulation angle.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member. A motor is coupled to the displacement member. A control circuit is coupled to the motor. A position sensor is coupled to the control circuit. A timer circuit is coupled to the control circuit to measure elapsed time. The control circuit is configured to receive the position of the displacement member from the position sensor, receive elapsed time from the timer circuit, and control velocity of the motor based on the position of the displacement member and the elapsed time. A method of controlling motor velocity of the surgical instrument also is disclosed.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a display, and a control circuit coupled to the motor and the display. The control circuit is configured to measure distance traveled by the displacement member over a predetermined period of time, cause the display to present a selection menu indicia that is indicative of a velocity mode, receive a user input corresponding to the velocity mode, and set the motor velocity of the displacement member based on the measured distance traveled by the displacement member over the predetermined period of time and the user input.