Patents Issued in May 23, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190150849
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for administering healthcare to a user or patient based on analysis of user-specific respiratory and oximetry parameters is disclosed. Additional parameters specific to the user, the user's health condition, or the user's current or planned treatment are optionally included in the analysis. The user inputs parameter values on a healthcare monitoring device. The device communicates such values to a healthcare information hub, which pre-processes the values into data sets and forwards the data sets to a healthcare server. The hub performs preliminary analysis of the parameter values and provides a preliminary report to the user that indicates a characterization of the user's health condition (e.g., diagnosis, prognosis, suggested preliminary therapy regimen, etc) or whether further parameter values should be input. The healthcare server analyzes the datasets received from the information hub, optionally including additional data sets (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Dwight Anson YORKE, Henry ROSKOS
  • Publication number: 20190150850
    Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Marcus Eng Hock Ong, Zhiping Lin, Wee Ser, Guangbin Huang
  • Publication number: 20190150851
    Abstract: An example of a system for monitoring and treating a medical condition of a patient may include signal inputs to receive patient condition signals indicative of a state of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a signal processing circuit configured to process the patient condition signals and generate patient condition parameters indicative of the state of IBD using the processed patient condition signals, and a medical condition analyzer configured to analyze the patient condition parameters and determine the medical condition including the state of IBD using an outcome of the analysis. The patient condition parameters may include one or more physiological marker parameters each representative of a physiological marker of IBD and one or more quality of life parameters each being measure of quality of life of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan Allen Clark, Elizabeth Mary Annoni, Sandra Nagale, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Kyle Harish Srivastava, Mark W. Boden, Martin Phelan, George Wilfred Duval
  • Publication number: 20190150852
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the automatic assessment of a person's fall risk. The systems and methods utilize an objective standard and evaluation of a person's gait and stance, among other factors, to determine such person's current instantaneous likelihood of a fall, as well as such person's future fall risk. The systems and methods utilize machine observations and calculations to reduce or eliminate bias and the use of subjective assessment criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: FORESITE HEALTHCARE, LLC
    Inventors: ERIK E. STONE, DONALD A. VIRAGH, GEORGE CHRONIS
  • Publication number: 20190150853
    Abstract: A biological information processing device and method includes selecting image ranges of processing targets from input image data, estimating pulse rates of the processing targets corresponding to the image ranges on the basis of image data of the selected image ranges of the processing targets, performing relative comparison between the estimated pulse rates of the processing targets and thus detecting a target which will possibly be abnormal or a target requiring special attention, and outputting information regarding the detected target which will possibly be abnormal or the detected target requiring special attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi NAKAMURA, Tadanori TEZUKA, Masatoshi MATSUO, Yoshinori KUMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190150854
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device for detecting biometric information is provided. The device includes a motion sensor, one or more optical sensors including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and at least one processor configured to obtain a first motion signal corresponding to the wearable electronic device, prior to a biological signal being obtained, emit light using the light emitting unit based on a determination that the first motion signal satisfies a specified condition, obtain the biological signal corresponding to a user using the light receiving unit based on reflected light which the light is reflected on the user, obtain, using the motion sensor, a second motion signal corresponding to the wearable electronic device during the obtaining of the biological signal, and refrain from the emitting of the light, based on a determination that the second motion signal does not satisfy the specified condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Gihsung CHUNG, Jooman HAN, So Hyun CHUNG, Dae-Yong LEE, Hongsig KIM, Hyunwoo JANG, Cheolho CHEONG, Jae-Woong CHUN, Won Suk CHOI
  • Publication number: 20190150855
    Abstract: A method of generating a real-time electrophysiology map, such as a cardiac electrophysiology map, includes displaying a cardiac surface model and receiving a plurality of electrophysiology data points (e.g., using a plurality of intracardiac electrodes). The electrophysiology data from the received electrophysiology data points can be displayed and updated on the cardiac surface model in real-time when it satisfies a preset inclusion criteria, such as a projection distance criterion (e.g., the electrophysiology data point is within a preset distance of the cardiac surface model), a contact force criterion (e.g., the intracardiac catheter is exerting at least a preset contact force on the tissue surface), and/or an electrical coupling criterion (e.g., the electrode-tissue electrical coupling exceeds a preset threshold). New electrophysiology data points can be received when a triggering event, such as a point in the cardiac cycle, occurs, or according to a preset timer interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Erhan Erdemir, Wenwen Li, Carlo Pappone
  • Publication number: 20190150856
    Abstract: A robust alarm system has an alarm controller adapted to input an alarm trigger and to generate at least one alarm drive signal in response. Alarm subsystems input the alarm drive signal and activate one or more of multiple alarms accordingly. A subsystem function signal provides feedback to the alarm controller as to alarm subsystem integrity. A malfunction indicator is output from the alarm controller in response to a failure within the alarm subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Massi Joe E. Kiani, Mohamed Kheir Diab, Marcelo M. Lamego
  • Publication number: 20190150857
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to deliver point of care alerts for radiological findings are disclosed. An example imaging apparatus includes an image data store, an image quality checker, and a training learning network. The example image data store is to store image data acquired using the imaging apparatus. The example image quality checker is to evaluate image data from the image data store in comparison to an image quality measure. The example trained learning network is to process the image data to identify a clinical finding in the image data, the identification of a clinical finding to trigger a notification at the imaging apparatus to notify a healthcare practitioner regarding the clinical finding and prompt a responsive action with respect to a patient associated with the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Katelyn Rose Nye, Gireesha Rao
  • Publication number: 20190150858
    Abstract: An image display device includes: a controller that: acquires biological information of a subject measured by a sensor at a preset time interval; displays an image shot by a shooting device on a display; specifies a position of a figure image in the shot image; and detects a specified subject in a predetermined state. While detecting the specified subject, the controller acquires the biological information of the specified subject at a second time interval shorter than a first time interval which is the time interval in normal times. At the time of displaying the shot image including the figure image of the specified subject on the display, the controller displays information corresponding to the biological information of the specified subject acquired at the second time interval in a region corresponding to the specified position of the figure image of the specified subject while making the information overlap the figure image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ishikawa, Takashi Orime, Yoshiho Negoro, Tsukasa Nakano, Yasuo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20190150859
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a method including: creating a histogram of pixel values based on a CT image; determining a soft region peak, which is a peak in a soft tissue region in the histogram; and setting, based on the soft region peak, a threshold representing a lower limit of a bin value in a bone region in the histogram. The method may include automatically removing a bed portion from the CT image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Kazuo HAMADA, Hiromitsu DAISAKI, Kazumasa NISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20190150860
    Abstract: A method for performing automatic segmentation of a CT image that can be used to automatically remove physiological accumulation from a nuclear medical image. In an exemplary embodiment, a histogram of pixel values is created based on a CT image, and a boundary between an air region and a fat region, a boundary between the fat region and a soft tissue region, and a boundary between the soft tissue region and a bone region are determined. Based on this result, a head region and a lower abdomen region in the CT image are automatically specified. Based on this result, a head region and a bladder region are specified in a nuclear medical image, and a physiological high accumulation region is specified. A part corresponding to the physiological high accumulation region is masked to display the nuclear medical image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Kazuo HAMADA, Kazumasa NISHIDA, Hiromitsu DAISAKI
  • Publication number: 20190150861
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of resolving gold from iodine using a multi-detector Spectral Computed Tomography (CT) scanner comprising: obtaining an image using the scanner of a subject provided a gold contrast agent; performing a Spectral CT material differentiation or imaging at 140 kVp using one or more scanner tubes; and calculating a DE ratio for ratio of gold, wherein the DE ratio is about 1.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew A. LEWIS, Khaled A. NASR, Todd C. SOESBE
  • Publication number: 20190150862
    Abstract: A system for encouraging patient stillness during an imaging scan is provided. The system includes an electronic device configured to generate a graphical representation for a patient undergoing the imaging scan. The system also includes a motion detection system configured to detect motion of the patient undergoing the imaging scan. The system further includes a computer system in communication with the electronic device and the motion detection system, wherein the computer system includes processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the motion detection system indicating motion of the patient undergoing the imaging scan and to send a second signal to the electronic device, in response to the first signal, to cause the electronic device to adversely modify the display of the graphical representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Gregory Pautsch, Erik Paul Kemper
  • Publication number: 20190150863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image of a patient includes using an X-ray source and at least a X-ray detector supported in opposed positions, the area under investigation being positioned between the X-ray source and detector in the propagation bundle of the radiation emitted by the X-ray source, the X-ray source and detector being movable along a pre-set trajectory due to at least two movements. The X-ray dose administered to a patient can be adjusted automatically, dispensing the minimum dose necessary to achieve a radiographic image of good quality. The method and apparatus provide for performing a scout acquisition, preceding the acquisition of a real panoramic image, in a particularly efficient way. During the scout acquisition, data are collected for adjusting the X-ray dose for the following radiographic image acquisition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Andrea Bruno, Gianluca Manuzzato, Giacomo Zoccatelli
  • Publication number: 20190150864
    Abstract: A method is for controlling an x-ray imaging device, in particular a computed tomography device. The x-ray imaging device includes an x-ray source and a photon counting detector as an x-ray detector. The methods includes, for an image acquisition process of a patient: determining at least one input parameter relating to at least one of an attenuation property of the patient and a purpose of the image acquisition; at least one of determining or adapting at least one operation parameter of the x-ray detector, dependent upon the at least one input parameter determined; and performing the image acquisition using the at least one operation parameter determined or adapted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Bernhard Schmidt, Katharine Lynn Rowley Grant
  • Publication number: 20190150865
    Abstract: A portable medical imaging system and method, of which the system includes a movable station having a movable C-arm, an imaging signal transmitter attached to the movable C-arm, and an imaging sensor positioned generally opposite to the imaging signal transmitter and attached to the movable c-arm. The imaging sensor is configured to rotate relative to a point approximately on a center axis of the movable C-arm independently of the imaging signal transmitter, so as to change an angle of incidence for a signal transmitted from the imaging signal transmitter to the imaging sensor, and provide a field-of-view that is larger than the field-of-view of the imaging sensor at a single position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Robert Stevens, Hisham Salem, Yuan Cheng, David Cleary
  • Publication number: 20190150866
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mammography apparatus including a driving shaft configured to transmit power to a transfer unit, a loader configured to be driven by receiving power from a driving unit, a power transmission unit coupled to one end of the driving shaft and configured to selectively come in contact with the loader due to an external force, an emergency braking unit coupled to the other end of the driving shaft to be driven together with the driving shaft, and configured to stop being driven when power supply is cut off, and a driving controller provided between the driving shaft and the emergency braking unit so that a direction in which the driving shaft is driven is restricted to one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: VIEWORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Soon Gil Hong
  • Publication number: 20190150867
    Abstract: In a method for diagnosing and treating a patient having lesions in both arteries of left and right lower limbs. By determining that a lesion distal to an aortailiac bifurcation is to be treated first, catheters and an operation time can be reduced. The lesion to be treated first can be on a priority basis based on diagnostic data, deciding that a lesion proximal to the bifurcation is to be treated next, and then treating the lesions substantially continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka ITOU, Yoshiyuki SAITO, Shota ISHII, Tetsuya FUKUOKA
  • Publication number: 20190150868
    Abstract: A radiography system for a patient comprising an electromagnetic radiation generator, an electromagnetic radiation detector, a generator support, and a detector support. The generator support moves the generator according to a generator sequence specific to the patient. The detector support moves the detector according to a detector sequence specific to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Steven Rindal
  • Publication number: 20190150869
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for assessing a haemodynamic parameter for a vascular region of interest of a patient based on angiographic images are provided. After acquiring multiple angiographic images, a three dimensional (3D) representation of at least a first portion of the respective region of interest is performed, and geometric features are extracted from complete or partial views. Additional geometric features are extracted from partial incomplete views. A complete set of 3D geometric features for an anatomical structure, such as a vessel tree, is then generated by combining the extracted geometric features and estimating any missing geometric features. Using the complete set of 3D geometric features, a feature-based assessment of the haemodynamic parameter, such as a fractional flow reserve, is then performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Tiziano Passerini, Lucian Mihai Itu, Thomas Redel, Puneet Sharma
  • Publication number: 20190150870
    Abstract: A method includes determining, with a computer implemented classifier, a health state of tissue interest of a subject in at least one pair of images of the subject based on a predetermined set of longitudinal features of the tissue of interest of the subject in the at least one pair of images of the subject. The at least one pair of images of the subject includes a first image of the tissue of interest acquired at a first moment in time and a second image of the tissue of interest acquired at a second moment in time. The first and second moments in time are different moments in time. The method further includes visually displaying indicia indicative of the determined health state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Lilla Boroczky, Rafael Wiemker
  • Publication number: 20190150871
    Abstract: A dynamic state imaging system includes a hardware processor that acquires period information on a period of a subject's dynamic state having periodicity, and controls a radiation imaging apparatus to acquire dynamic state images of a plurality of periods by assigning a same phase as an imaging start timing for each period of the subject's dynamic state, based on the period information, and performing imaging at predetermined time intervals from the imaging start timing for each period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Sho NOJI
  • Publication number: 20190150872
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and simulating a computed tomography (CT) protocol is provided. The method includes receiving, via a graphical user interface, at a processor user input including patient population size settings and scan technique settings for modeling the effects of the scan technique settings across a patient population as a function of patient size. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a patient population profile based on at least the patient population size settings and the scan technique settings, wherein the patient population profile includes specific CT scan technique settings to be applied across different size ranges of the patient population as a function of patient size. The method further includes displaying, on the graphical user interface, one or more visualization elements illustrating the effect of these specific CT scan technique settings on specific imaging metrics across the patient population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Dominic Joseph Crotty, Franco Rupcich, John Howard Londt, Mark Vincent Profio, Darin Robert Okerlund, Roy-Arnulf Helge Nilsen
  • Publication number: 20190150873
    Abstract: A CT system for a computed tomography examination is disclosed. In an embodiment, the CT system includes at least one mobile control element for control of the CT system, wirelessly connected to the CT system. At least one position and range determination facility is provided to determine the current position of the at least one control element in a range around the CT system. Furthermore, a method is disclosed for the position and range determination of a mobile control element for control of a CT system. A control and computing unit of a CT system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: ARNULF DAUM
  • Publication number: 20190150874
    Abstract: A method is for a medical imaging X-ray device including an X-ray generator, to which the collimator is assigned, an X-ray detector, a patient table for positioning a patient to be X-rayed, and a wireless, hand-held operator device including a touchscreen. In an embodiment, the method includes generating a display, visualizing a current setting of the collimator, on the touchscreen; adjusting the collimator according to operating data describing a manipulation of display elements of the display; determining position information, describing at least one of a position and orientation of the operator, from sensor data of at least one sensor; selecting a perspective, using the position information determined, corresponding at least approximately to a viewing angle of an operator with respect to the patient table; and generating the display for three-dimensionally visualizing, showing an X-ray beam with the collimator settings adjusted, at the perspective selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Robert KAGERMEIER, Gerben TEN CATE, Asa MACWILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20190150875
    Abstract: A method is for controlling an imaging device including at least one component, movable according to an operator input via a smart device including at least one smart device sensor. The method includes recording, via the at least one smart device sensor, sensor data defining at least one of movement and position of the smart device in a space of the imaging device where the smart device is situated; determining, from the sensor data recorded, position data defining the position and an orientation of the smart device relative to the at least one component, and/or movement data defining a movement relative to the at least one component; and evaluating the at least one of position data and movement data to select at least one of the at least one component, and/or determine an operator input in relation to at least one of the at least one component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Robert KAGERMEIER, Gerben TEN CATE, Asa MACWILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20190150876
    Abstract: A method is for controlling operation of a medical technology device using a wireless, hand-held, mobile operator device including a touchscreen. The wireless, hand-held, mobile operator device including a touchscreen is also disclosed. The method includes using the mobile operator device for implementing a medical technology workflow including acquiring patient data of the at least one patient from an acquisition user interface; selecting, via a selection user interface, a medical technology protocol containing operating parameters to be carried out for the at least one patient; setting remote-controllably adjustable components of the medical technology device, according to the at least one patient positioned in the medical technology device and according to the medical technology protocol, using a settings user interface; and activating, with the at least one patient positioned and components set, the medical technology procedure in an activation user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: ROBERT KAGERMEIER, Gerben TEN CATE, Asa MACWILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20190150877
    Abstract: A method for determining a correction profile of an imaging device may include obtaining first data relating to the imaging device; comparing the first data and a first condition; obtaining, based on the comparison, a first correction profile relating to the imaging device; and calibrating, based on the first correction profile, the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yixing SUN, Shitao LIU
  • Publication number: 20190150878
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring vibrations in an imaging system. In one embodiment, a method for a computed tomography (CT) system includes measuring a vibration level of a rotatable gantry of the CT system with a balance sensor coupled to a stationary housing of the CT system and outputting a notification indicating potential image artifacts based on the vibration level exceeding a vibration threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Chad Allan Smith, Mark Edmund Reznicek, Ariel Friedlander
  • Publication number: 20190150879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing at least one anatomical parameter of an upper airway of a patient by analysing spectral properties of an utterance, comprising: a mechanical coupler comprising means for restricting the jaw position of the patient; means for recording an utterance; and processing means for determining at least one anatomical parameter of the upper airway from the recorded utterance and comparing the recorded utterance to a threshold value. In addition the present invention relates to the use of the above mentioned systems as a diagnostics tool for assessing obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Stijn DE WAELE, Stefan WINTER, Alexander Cornelis GEERLINGS
  • Publication number: 20190150880
    Abstract: An autoclavable stethoscope assembly for facilitating a stethoscope to be sterilized in an autoclave includes a cup that is selectively positioned against an individual thereby facilitating the cup to detect audible sounds within the individual. The cup is comprised of a heat resistant material for sterilizing in an autoclave. A bell diaphragm is removably coupled to the cup and the bell diaphragm abuts the individual when the cup is positioned against the individual. The bell diaphragm is comprised of a tympanic material to amplify the audible sounds in the individual. A grip is coupled to the cup and the grip is selectively gripped for manipulating the cup. The grip is comprised of a heat resistant material for sterilizing in an autoclave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Cameron Campbell, Alexis Campbell
  • Publication number: 20190150881
    Abstract: Described herein is an implantable device comprising a radiation-sensitive element (such as a transistor) configured to modulate a current as a function of radiation exposure to the transistor; and an ultrasonic device comprising an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic backscatter that encodes the radiation exposure to the transistor. Further described herein is an implantable device comprising a radiation-sensitive element (such as a diode) configured to generate an electrical signal upon encountering radiation; an integrated circuit configured to receive the electrical signal and modulate a current based on the received electrical signal; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic backscatter based on the modulated current encoding information relating to the encountered radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Michel M. Maharbiz, Jose M. Carmena, Mekhail Anwar, Kristofer S.J. Pister, Stefanie V. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20190150882
    Abstract: Described herein is an implantable device configured to detect impedance characteristic of a tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Michel M. Maharbiz, Jose M. Carmena, Dongjin Seo, Monica Lin, Meir Marmor, Safa Herfat, Chelsea Bahney
  • Publication number: 20190150883
    Abstract: Described herein are implantable devices configured to detect an electrophysiological signal. Certain exemplary implantable devices comprise a first electrode and a second electrode configured to engage a tissue and detect an electrophysiological signal; an integrated circuit comprising a multi-transistor circuit and a modulation circuit configured to modulate a current based on the electrophysiological signal; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic backscatter encoding the electrophysiological signal from the tissue based on the modulated current. Also described herein are systems that include one or more implantable devices and an interrogator comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to transit ultrasonic waves to the one or more implantable devices or receive ultrasonic backscatter from the one or more implantable devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Michel M. Maharbiz, Dongjin Seo, Konlin Shen, Jose M. Carmena, Ryan Neely, Elad Alon, Jan Rabaey
  • Publication number: 20190150884
    Abstract: Described herein are implantable devices configured to emit an electrical pulse. An exemplary implantable device includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves that power the implantable device and encode a trigger signal; a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in electrical communication with a tissue and emit an electrical pulse to the tissue in response to the trigger signal; and an integrated circuit comprising an energy storage circuit. Also described are systems that include one or more implantable device and an interrogator configured to operate the one or more implantable devices. Further described is a closed loop system that includes a first device configured to detect a signal, an interrogator configured to emit a trigger signal in response to the detected signal, and an implantable device configured to emit an electrical pulse in response to receiving the trigger signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Michel M. Maharbiz, Dongjin Seo, Konlin Shen, Jose M. Carmena, Ryan Neely, Elad Alon, Jan Rabaey
  • Publication number: 20190150885
    Abstract: A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Nebojsa Duric, Peter John LITTRUP
  • Publication number: 20190150886
    Abstract: Ophthalmic Ultrasound Bio-Microscope (UBM) apparatus for eye examinations of a human subject in a supine position and fixating the gaze of his examined eye on an illuminated overhead fixation target. The ophthalmic UBM apparatus has a vertical UBM examination centerline on which overhead fixation target is located therealong and a scanner with a UBM probe directed towards an examined eye at a known spatial position with respect to the overhead fixation target for acquisition of UBM scans of fixated examined eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Dov Helbetz
  • Publication number: 20190150887
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes a transducer array (108) with a two-dimensional non-rectangular array of rows (110) of elements, transmit circuitry (112) that actuates the elements to transmit an ultrasound signal into a field of view, receive circuitry (114) that receives echoes produced in response to an interaction between the ultrasound signal and a structure in the field of view, and a beamformer that processes the echoes, thereby generating one or more scan lines indicative of the field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Svetoslav Ivanov Nikolov, Jacob Kortbek, Henrik Jensen
  • Publication number: 20190150888
    Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device including: a transmitter 103 that causes transducers 101a to transmit an ultrasound beam; a receiver 1041 that, based on reflected waves received by reception transducers Rwk, generates reception signal sequences RFk corresponding to the reception transducers Rwk; and a delay-and-sum section 1043 that, for a reference observation point PRij in a region of interest, calculates delay times of reflected wave arrival to each of the reception transducers Rwk from the reference observation point PRij as reference delay times ?tk, and generates acoustic line signals DS by using the reference delay times ?tk corresponding to the reception transducers Rwk, and for one or more dependent observation points PFij in the region of interest that are contiguous in a depth direction from the reference observation point PRij, generates acoustic line signals DS by applying the reference delay times ?tk corresponding to the reception transducers Rwk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Yasuhito WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20190150889
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound system (100) for sequentially performing a predetermined procedure for each of at least one region of interest. The ultrasound system (100) comprises an ultrasound probe (101) configured to transmit a first ultrasound signal (SG1) towards a region of interest and receive echo signals from the region of interest. The ultrasound system (100) also comprises a motion sensor (102) configured to detect a motion of the ultrasound probe (101) and generate a motion signal (MS) for indicating the motion of the ultrasound probe (101). The ultrasound system (100) also comprises a processor (103) configured to perform a predetermined procedure for a region of interest on the basis of the echo signals received from the region of interest if the motion signal (MS) indicates that the ultrasound probe (101) is stationary. The invention also relates to a corresponding ultrasound method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: JINGPING XU, BALASUNDAR IYYAVU RAJU, SHOUGANG WANG, MCKEE DUNN POLAND, ANTHONY M. GADES
  • Publication number: 20190150890
    Abstract: A gel application system includes an applicator body having a first surface, a second surface and at least one opening extending through the applicator body from the first surface to the second surface. At least one gel packet is attached to the first surface of the applicator and defines an interior volume containing gel. The interior volume of the gel packet is in fluid flow communication with the at least one opening. The at least one gel packet is made of a material that has sufficient flexibility to allow a user to squeeze and compress the interior volume and expel gel through the at least one opening, by applying a compression force on the gel packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: John Arant, Sandeep Deol, Trevor Dunlop, Lane Stith, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Publication number: 20190150891
    Abstract: A gel application system includes a base providing a support structure having a first surface. The base has a central portion separating two side portions. The base is configured to fold across the central portion. One or more containers is supported by the first surface of the base, on one or both of the side portions of the base. Each container encloses a volume of gel. An applicator is supported at the central portion of the base. The base has a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and is configured to fold across the central portion to a pivoted state in which the second surface of the two side portions of the base are pivoted toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: John Arant, Sandeep Deol, Trevor Dunlop, Lane Stith, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Publication number: 20190150892
    Abstract: A gel application system comprises a flexible tip member having a first end, a second end and a gel flow channel connecting the first end and the second end. The second end of the flexible tip member has a self-closing outlet tip. A container defines an interior volume containing gel and has one end coupled in gel flow communication with the gel flow channel of the flexible tip member. The self-closing outlet tip is configured to remain in a closed (or sealed) state with sufficient force that gel is not able to pass through the outlet tip, unless an external force above a threshold is applied to the gel in the gel container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: John Arant, Sandeep Deol, Trevor Dunlop, Lane Stith, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Publication number: 20190150893
    Abstract: A medical device that includes an array of ultrasound elements and an integrated circuit, proximal to the ultrasound elements, having a thickness of less than 40 ?m, and having an array of ultrasound element driving-and-receiving contacts, matching the array of ultrasound elements and collectively electrically connected to each of the ultrasound elements. The integrated circuit also having a set of input-output signal contacts, the set being collectively switchable into contact with any one of a set of predefined blocks of driving-and-receiving contacts, and a set of control contacts, wherein inputs received by the control contacts collectively command some aspect of chip operation. The medical device further includes a set a protective covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Andreas Hadjicostis
  • Publication number: 20190150894
    Abstract: A control device outputs an ultrasonic signal by transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave relative to an object, obtains an ultrasonic signal and a photoacoustic signal from a probe which outputs the photoacoustic signal by receiving a photoacoustic wave generated due to light irradiation onto the object, obtains information on displacement of the probe, and displays a photoacoustic image on a display unit based on the information on displacement of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Kensuke Kato, Nobu Miyazawa, Hiroshi Arai
  • Publication number: 20190150895
    Abstract: A fully automatic ultrasonic scanner and a scan detection method is provided. The fully automatic ultrasonic scanner comprises: an ultrasonic probe (4); a driving system (5) for driving the ultrasonic probe (4) to move; and a flexible structure on which the ultrasonic probe (4) is mounted, wherein the flexible structure enables the ultrasonic probe (4) to be always along a curve of a skin surface and keep perpendicular to the skin surface during scanning. The flexible structure of the fully automatic ultrasonic scanner has self-adaptive effect, can adjust the scan trace and the probe angle in real time according to different curves of the human body, and ensure that the ultrasonic probe (4) scans against the skin surface and keeps perpendicular to the skin surface, which improves the quality of the scanned images, so as to enhance the detection rate and accuracy rate of early screening, and reduces the probability of missed diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Xudong TIAN, Zhifeng SUN
  • Publication number: 20190150896
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for medical imaging and information display. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a method of medical imaging and information display, comprising: acquiring imaging data of each point of a plurality of points in an imaging plane or imaging volume of a subject in each mode of a plurality of different imaging modes of a medical imaging apparatus; deriving, for said each point, a value by applying the imaging data of the point in said each mode and the imaging data of at least one other point of said plurality of points adjacent to the point in said each mode to a predetermined model, wherein the predetermined model is selected in accordance with a clinical medical application related to the subject; constructing an image based on all the derived values; and displaying the constructed image to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Yinhui Deng, Xiaomin Li, Xiaolin Gu, Vijay Thakur Shamdasani, Ying Wu
  • Publication number: 20190150897
    Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device that generates, for each detection wave, a first complex Doppler signal sequence through quadrature detection of a reception signal sequence; generates tissue velocity data by calculating velocity values for each set of coordinates of observation points in a region of interest from the first complex Doppler signal sequence; generates a second complex Doppler signal sequence by performing clutter removal filter processing on the first complex Doppler signal sequence; generates first velocity data by calculating velocity values for each set of coordinates of the observation points from the second complex Doppler signal sequence; and generates, for each set of coordinates of the observation points, second velocity data based on the first velocity data and the tissue velocity data, and third velocity data by applying a correction to velocity values of the second velocity data that have an absolute value equal to or less than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Yasuaki SUSUMU
  • Publication number: 20190150898
    Abstract: An energy control device supplies power to an ultrasonic treatment instrument including an end effector performing treatment using ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer. The energy control device includes an energy source configured to output the power to the ultrasonic transducer, and at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured to: acquire a resonance frequency of a vibration system including the ultrasonic transducer; calculate an integrated value of a difference between the resonance frequency and a predetermined frequency after the acquired resonance frequency has become a first threshold; and perform causing the energy source to stop or reduce an output of the power to the ultrasonic transducer, or notifying that the integrated value has reached the second threshold when the integrated value has reached a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru KAWASAKI, Yoshihiro TSUBUKU, Gen KATO