Abstract: A stationary in-vivo grating-enabled micro-CT (computed tomography) architecture (SIGMA) system includes CT scanner control circuitry and a number of imaging chains. Each imaging chain includes an x-ray source array, a phase grating, an analyzer grating and a detector array. Each imaging chain is stationary and each x-ray source array includes a plurality of x-ray source elements. Each imaging chain has a centerline, the centerlines of the number of imaging chains intersect at a center point and a first angle between the centerlines of a first adjacent pair of imaging chains equals a second angle between the centerlines of a second adjacent pair of imaging chains. A plurality of selected x-ray source elements of a first x-ray source array is configured to emit a plurality of x-ray beams in a multiplexing fashion.

Abstract: A radiation tomograph whereby the acquisition of transmission data and the measurement of annihilation radiation pairs are simultaneously performed by a single detector ring so as to realize both reduction of the manufacturing cost of a PET device and reduction of a burden to a subject. The transmission data, which shows the distribution of annihilation radiation absorption characteristics within a subject, is computed from data relating to annihilation radiation pairs in the vicinity of a surface of the subject. The transmission data can be acquired by detecting a radioactive drug derived from the subject, which makes imaging exclusively for transmission data unnecessary.

Abstract: A continuous dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) assembly for imaging a target region of a subject. The assembly includes a radioactive tracer isotope injector configured to administer a radioactive isotope into the subject and a scintillator crystal configured to absorb ionizing radiation from the subject and emit scintillator light. The scintillator crystal undertakes the absorption substantially at the same time of the start of administering the radioactive isotope. The assembly also includes a photo detector in communication with the scintillator crystal, wherein the photodetector is configured to detect the emitted scintillation light as input and provide electrical signals as output. The assembly further includes a signal digitizing circuitry converting the output electrical signals into digital data. Moreover, the assembly includes a processor configured to receive the digital data and implement a model to convert the digital data into a three dimensional, tomographic image reconstruction.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a body part of a patient for radiotherapy includes a positioning device and a radiation treatment system. The positioning device includes a photosensor disposed on an outer surface of the body part and configured to generate a sensing signal upon sensing a positioning beam. The processing unit is operable in a recording mode and a comparison mode. In the recording mode, the processing unit receives the sensing signal of the photosensor and generates reference positioning information according to the sensing signal. In the comparison mode, the processing unit receives the sensing signal of the photosensor and generates comparison positioning information according to the sensing signal. The processor compares the reference positioning information to the comparison positioning information and outputs a positioning result according to a result of comparison.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a collimator for medical imaging. The collimator includes a perforated plate with a top surface and a bottom surface and holes distributed on the perforated plate. The holes are arranged in a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups forms a first coded aperture pattern and the holes in each of the plurality of groups form a second coded aperture pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for positioning an X-ray scanner. The systems may perform the methods to obtain one or more images relating to the target in the object; determine one or more image target locations corresponding to the target based on the one or more images; determine a target position of the target based on the one or more image target locations corresponding to the target; and determine positioning information of an indicator or an X-ray source of the X-ray scanner based on the target position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for positioning an X-ray scanner. The systems may perform the methods to obtain an origin related to an X-ray scanner; determine a coordinate system based on the origin; determine coordinates of a second location of the X-ray scanner based on the origin and the coordinate system; obtain coordinates of a first location based on the origin and the coordinate system; and determine, based on the origin and the coordinates of the second location, positioning information of the X-ray scanner configured to cause the X-ray scanner to be positioned at the first location from the second location of the X-ray scanner.

Abstract: A system for controlling a motorised component of radiological equipment using a device with a control lever having a first end constrained to a base manoeuvred by gripping a handle with a hand. First and second electric sensors are associated with a grip of the control lever. The first electric sensor is located at a first point of the grip and adapted to detect the presence of a finger. The second electric sensor is located at a second point of the handle of the control lever and adapted to detect the presence of a finger at the second point. Another electric sensor is for detecting the positioning of the control lever with respect to the base. An electronic unit is connected to the electric sensors for causing movement as a function of the positioning of the control lever only if the first and/or second electric sensors detect a presence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining operating parameters for x-ray imaging a patients maxillofacial region, the method comprising: —identifying a patients maxillofacial first region of interest ROI1, —determining a height of a horizontal plane of said patients maxillofacial first region of interest ROI1 when the patient is in an occlusion position or bites a patient positioning accessory, said horizontal plane passing through the teeth and the bones of the jaw, —acquiring through a slit-shaped collimator window a first set of data relative to said patients maxillofacial first region of interest ROI1 including the horizontal plane using x-ray CBCT imaging and a first x-ray dose, said first set of data being suitable for generating a CBCT slice, —reconstructing the CBCT slice comprising the horizontal plane based on the first set of data relative to the patients maxillofacial first region of interest ROI1, —obtaining operating parameters for an x-ray imaging apparatus based on the reconstructed CBCT s

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining operating parameters for an x-ray CBCT imaging apparatus in view of acquiring a set of data of a patient's maxillofacial region.

Abstract: An intraoral sensor includes an image sensor, an FOP, a scintillator, and a case. The FOP includes a first main surface, a second main surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces. The first main surface and the second main surface have a polygonal shape. An edge of the second main surface is constituted by a plurality of corner portions, and a plurality of side portions connect the corner portions adjacent to each other. The scintillator is provided on the second main surface and the plurality of lateral surfaces in such a manner that the corner portions and the ridge portions constituted by the lateral surfaces adjacent to each other are exposed.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus includes an x-ray source and detector with multiple detector elements. The source and detector are on a support that rotates around a subject, enabling projections at different view angles. The apparatus operates the x-ray source in switched kVp mode for alternately applying different voltages, including lower and higher voltages, during rotation to enable lower-energy and higher-energy exposures over the projections, providing for lower-energy projections and higher-energy projections. The x-ray detector is a photon-counting multi-bin detector allocating photon counts to multiple energy bins, and the apparatus selects counts from at least a subset of the bins to provide corresponding photon count information for both lower- and higher-energy projections.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for the production of high-contrast, x-ray and/or gamma-ray radiographic images. The images have minimal contributions from object-dependent background radiation. The invention utilizes the low divergence, quasi-monoenergetic, x-ray or gamma-ray output from a laser-Compton source in combination with x-ray optical technologies to produce a converging x-ray or gamma-ray beam with which to produce a high-contrast, shadowgraph of a specific object. The object to be imaged is placed within the path of the converging beam between the x-ray optical assembly and the focus of the x-ray beam produced by that assembly. The beam is then passed through an optically thick pinhole located at the focus of the beam. Downstream of the pinhole, the inverted shadowgraph of the object is then recorded by an appropriate 2D detector array.

Abstract: A time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOFPET) assembly for detecting lesions of a breast of a subject, wherein the subject may anatomically be defined with a median plane and chest wall-coronal plane. The assembly may comprise: a detector array having at least two or more detector segments. The detector segments may include: a scintillator for placement toward the target, the scintillator having a top edge generally closest to the subject and a detection surface wall aligned closest to surrounding the breast, a photo multiplier opposite the scintillator, and a readout connected to the photo multiplier. The assembly may also comprise a processor that receives the acquired tracer emission signals and converts the signals into a three dimensional, tomographic image reconstruction.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a radiation source having a plurality of radiation tubes. The plurality of radiation tubes are disposed at a plurality of positions where the radiation is emitted to an imaging surface of a radiation detector at different irradiation angles. A correction unit corrects irradiation conditions of the radiation using a first coefficient such that the arrival dose of the radiation reaching the radiation detector is the same regardless of the irradiation angle. The first coefficient corresponds to a compression thickness of the object, indicates a rate of change in an arrival dose of the radiation depending on the irradiation angle, and is registered for each of the plurality of radiation tubes. The setting unit sets the irradiation conditions corrected by the correction unit in the radiation source.

Abstract: A console (information processing apparatus) of a mammography apparatus includes: a compression conditions acquisition unit that acquires a compression force and a compression thickness measured in the imaging of a first breast that is one of a right breast and a left breast; a compression conditions estimation unit that, in the case of imaging a second breast that is the other one of the right breast and the left breast, estimates a compression force and a compression thickness of the second breast using the compression force and the compression thickness of the first breast; and a display unit that displays the compression force and the compression thickness estimated by the compression conditions estimation unit at least in imaging of the second breast.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a diagnostic image acquisition unit that acquires a diagnostic image in which a calcification as a biopsy target is marked; a scout image acquisition unit that acquires a scout image obtained by imaging a mamma undergoing the biopsy from a specific direction; and a display unit that highlights a calcification (candidate for biological tissue examination) in the scout image which matches at least the marked calcification in the diagnostic image.

Abstract: A method of imaging motion of an organ that changes volume in a patient including the steps of monitoring change in volume of the organ, and recording multiple in vivo images of the organ, wherein the change of organ volume between the images is constant or of some other predetermined value.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes: a radiographic imaging apparatus body that has a movable unit and is disposed in an imaging room; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information regarding a subject; a first position controller that moves a position of the movable unit to a first position according to the physique of the subject using the subject information; an imaging unit that images the subject; a recognition unit that recognizes the subject using an image of the subject captured by the imaging unit; and a second position controller that moves the position of the movable unit from the first position to a second position according to a recognition result of the recognition unit using the recognition result of the recognition unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to a mobile computed tomography apparatus for generating X-ray tomography images, and a method of controlling the mobile computed tomography apparatus. The medical imaging apparatus includes a gantry that is moveable; a moving device configured to move the medical imaging apparatus that includes the gantry; a damper configured to attenuate vibration generated by a movement of the gantry or a movement of the medical imaging apparatus; an inputter configured to receive an image capturing protocol for an object; and a controller configured to determine a coefficient of the damper for attenuating the vibration generated by the movement of the gantry or the movement of the medical imaging apparatus corresponding to the input image capturing protocol, and to apply a current to the damper to operate the damper according to the determined coefficient of the damper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a calibration phantom for an x-ray imaging system having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The calibration phantom includes a combination of geometric objects of at least three different types and/or compositions including: a first object located in the middle, including a first material; a plurality of second objects arranged around the periphery of the first object, at least a subset of the second objects including a second material different than the first material, wherein the first object is relatively larger than the second objects; a plurality of third objects arranged around the periphery of the first object and/or around the periphery of at least a subset of the second objects, at least a subset of the third objects including a third material different than the first material and the second material, wherein the third objects are relatively smaller than the second objects.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe for percutaneous insertion into an incision and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for imaging neural structures at a surgical site of a patient. An exemplary ultrasound probe can be a portable ultrasound probe configured to be passed percutaneously into an incision and can have an imaging region extending distally from a distal tip of the probe. In one embodiment the ultrasound probe can be a navigated portable ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe can be connected to a computing station and configured to transmit images to the computing station for processing. In another embodiment, an ultrasound probe can be part of a network of sensors, including at least one external sensor, where the network of sensors is configured to transmit images to the computing station for processing. The computing station can process and display images to visualize and/or highlight neurological structures in an imaged region.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for categorizing a waveform that includes processing a signal containing ultrasound data about the waveform, identifying one or more morphological variables of the waveform based on the ultrasound data, identifying one or more categories that correspond to a range of combinations of the morphological variables, and categorizing the waveform as belonging to one of the one or more categories. In some arrangements, the method may further include visualizing the waveforms, determining a probability that the waveform belongs to each of the one or more categories, and/or displaying the probability that the waveform falls into each of the one or more categories. Morphological variables may include quantifying absolute peak onset, number/prominence of auxiliary peaks, and systolic canopy length.

Abstract: A method of displaying an ultrasound image includes determining a direction of a fetus's head based on a first ultrasound image obtained by scanning a pregnant woman's body in a first direction; determining a direction of a fetus's spine based on a second ultrasound image obtained by scanning the pregnant woman's body in a second direction; determining an orientation of the fetus within the pregnant woman's body based on the directions of the fetus's head and the fetus's spine; and displaying an image representing the orientation of the fetus, together with an ultrasound image obtained by scanning the pregnant woman's body.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for enable a user to manually modify an input to a calculation performed based at least in part on an ultrasound image. In some embodiments, manually modifying the input comprises manually modifying a trace on the image. In some embodiments, manually modifying the input comprises manually selecting an ultrasound image from a series of ultrasound images on which a calculation is to be performed.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a headset system that includes a transducer configured to collect physiological data of a subject, a device housing configured to support the transducer, an insert portion disposed on the device housing, a support structure comprising a baseplate and a receiving portion, and a head cradle supported by the baseplate. The receiving portion extends in a direction that is oblique with respect to the baseplate. The insert portion is sized and shaped to engage the receiving portion to removably attach the device housing to the baseplate.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a plurality of casters allowing the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to be moved according to a control signal, a detection sensor configured to detect a motion of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an input configured to receive a control command of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus from a user, and a controller configured to determine whether a user desires to use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus on the basis of at least one of the detected motion or the received control command, and upon determining that the user desires to use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, transmit a control signal for locking at least one of the plurality of casters.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an ultrasound attachment that flexible interacts with an ultrasound probe and provides for securing the attachment to the probe.

Abstract: A cart-type ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a recess portion disposed at an outer side surface of a casing that constitutes an apparatus body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus; a probe connector that is disposed in the recess portion and to which a connection terminal of an ultrasound probe is connectable; and a cover member disposed at the outer side surface of the casing so as to cover the recess portion. The cover member, in a state in which the connection terminal of the ultrasound probe is connected to the probe connector, covers the recess portion and allows a cable of the ultrasound probe to be led out from inside of the recess portion to outside of the recess portion.

Abstract: A Doppler ultrasound instrument (10) includes ultrasound pulse control and data acquisition electronics (12, 24, 26) for acquiring Doppler ultrasound data, an N-channel connector port (14) for simultaneously operatively connecting up to N ultrasound transducer patches (16) where N is an integer equal to or greater than two, and an electronic processor (30) programmed to concurrently determine up to N blood flow velocities corresponding to up to N patches operatively connected to the N channel connector port. The blood flow velocity for each patch may be determined by: determining transducer blood flow velocities for ultrasound transducers (60) of a transducer array of the patch; and determining the blood flow velocity for the patch as a highest determined transducer blood flow velocity or as an aggregation of highest determined transducer blood flow velocities.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing random noise, acoustic clutter, and/or reverberation clutter in ultrasound images are disclosed. An autoregressive moving average (ARMA) filtering technique that includes generating a predictive error filter and estimating noise in ultrasound channel data is disclosed. Time-space and frequency-space ARMA filtering techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound imaging system capable of implementing the ARMA filtering techniques is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a first hardware processor that generates ultrasound image data based on a reception signal obtained through an ultrasound probe; a display; a second hardware processor that causes the display to display the generated ultrasound image data; and a console that has a plurality of physical operation devices that receive an operation input. The second hardware processor registers display position information, which is information regarding a display position within a display screen of a guide including an operation display component corresponding to each operation device of the console and information indicating a function set for the operation device, in a storage and displays the guide on the display based on the display position information stored in the storage.

Abstract: A connector has a bottom wall located at a lower portion in an attached state in which the connector is attached to an ultrasonic diagnostic device body. The bottom wall has a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings and a non-ventilation portion adjacent to the ventilation portion. The bottom wall has an inner step that functions as a weir structure for restriction of movement of liquid from an inner face of the non-ventilation portion to an inner face of the ventilation portion in the attached state. An outer face of the bottom wall is provided with an outer step corresponding to the inner step.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound apparatus including a plurality of channels, each including a transmission channel configured to generate and output a transmission signal on the basis of a synchronization signal, a temperature detector configure to output a temperature information signal of the transmission channel, a transducer element configured to convert the transmission signal output from the transmission channel into an ultrasound signal and output the ultrasound signal, a reception channel configured to receive a reception signal that returns after the ultrasound signal is transmitted to an object and is reflected from the object, and acquire ultrasound image data on the basis of the received reception signal, and a switching circuit configured to connect the temperature detector to the reception channel such that the reception channel receives the temperature information signal of the transmission channel, wherein the reception channel generates a control signal for closing or opening the switching circuit,

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable negative-pressure anterior chamber Paracentesis syringe which belongs to the technical field of medical supplies. It comprises nine parts, including a needle cap, a Paracentesis syringe, a needle base, an internal needle, a protective cover of the internal needle, an airlock, a needle tube, a collection tube and a collection tube rack. The invention has the advantages that it fixes the Paracentesis syringe during puncture and limits the depth of the needle insertion, releases the aqueous humor slowly to prevent a sudden drop of the intraocular pressure, reduces the risk of the intraocular infection by separating the anterior chamber from outside and the collection tube can collect and store the aqueous humor directly.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for sample collection. A sample collection device may comprise a vessel, a lid, and pre-loaded liquid solutions. The sample collection device may collect a liquid sample, such as a biological sample. The liquid solutions may comprise reagents for preserving and/or stabilizing biological samples, such as saliva, collected in the vessel. A chamber comprising the liquid solutions may be located in the vessel and/or the lid. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released from the chamber upon closure of the vessel with the lid. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released from the chamber upon actuation of an implement, such as a plunger. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released upon compression of an absorbent member. The sample collecting device may be delivered to a remote location for further processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a biopsy marker to a biopsy site includes a grip, a cannula, at least one biopsy marker, and a sterile guide. The cannula extends distally from the grip and includes a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. A maker exit opening is defined by the cannula and is in communication with the lumen. The at least one biopsy marker is disposed in the lumen for deployment through the marker exit opening. The sterile guide is slidable along the cannula and is configured to selectively fasten to the grip.

Abstract: Disclosed are puncture sealing systems and methods of locating a puncture site within a vessel. The systems can include elongated dilators and access sheaths that are configured to locate the puncture site within a vessel so that the position of the puncture site relative to a distal end of the access sheath is known during a puncture sealing procedure.

Abstract: In an endoscopic treatment method, a damaged area is formed in a digestive tract at least a portion in a circumferential direction of the digestive tract, the damaged area being formed by ablating mucosal layer while remaining the mucosal layer, and an incomplete stenosis is formed in the digestive tract, during performance of a process of restoration of the damaged area.

Abstract: A method for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure includes inserting a first blade of a retractor system into an incision in a body of a patient. The retractor system includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm is coupled to a retractor assembly blade. The retractor assembly blade has a handle portion and the first blade. The second articulating arm is coupled to a bracket securing a second blade. The method includes retracting tissue using the first blade, inserting the second blade into the incision in the body of the patient and retracting tissue using the second blade.

Abstract: A camera and expandable bladed retractor system. The system includes a camera, with a distal-most optical element disposed over the proximal end of the lumen or surgical channel established by the retractor blades. The camera may be fixed to the retractor, either to the proximal end of a blade or to a frame member.

Abstract: Methods for superior capsular repair use knotless anchors on the glenoid row to simplify graft shuttling and reduce the number of sutures required to complete the repair. A single suture knotlessly attached to the graft and to a glenoid row anchor is the primary pulley used to shuttle the graft into the joint Other sutures attached to the graft may be placed in working portals to add further control over the graft orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a non-invasive procedure to repair a cardiac valve are described herein. In some embodiments, apparatus and methods are described herein for repairing a mitral valve using an edge-to-edge repair to secure the mitral valve leaflets. Implant securing devices are also described that can be used during a procedure to repair a mitral valve. In some embodiments, an implant securing device includes an outer member and an inner member movably disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be used to hold or secure a suture extending from an implant deployed on an atrial side of a leaflet of a mitral valve, and the outer member can be used to push or move a half hitch knot toward a ventricular side of the leaflet, which can be used to secure the implant in the desired position.

Abstract: A suture needle system includes a first needle and at least one second needle. Each of the first and second needles preferably has a common needle body construct. The first needle includes an elongate suture having a length sufficient to extend at least the length of an instrument channel of an endoscope. The second needle includes an opening formed by a loop of suture at which the second needle can be advanced over the elongate suture. In use, the first needle is secured to a first tissue location using an endoscopic suturing system. A second needle is advanced at its opening over the elongate suture and secured to a second tissue location. Additional second needles may be advanced over the elongate suture to respective tissue locations. The elongate suture is pulled taut, drawing the second needles into proximity, and secured.

Abstract: A stapling system that comprises a retainer for use with staple cartridges that are configured for use with multiple surgical stapling devices that comprise different lockout arrangements is disclosed. The retainer is configured to be releasably attached to a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a lockout arrangement in any one of the surgical stapling devices in which the cartridge assembly is seated.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The stapling device includes a lockout for prevent operation of the device. The staple cartridge includes a first cam surface configured to move the lockout from a locked position to an intermediate position when the staple cartridge is initially inserted into the device. The staple cartridge further includes a second cam surface configured to move the lockout from the intermediate position to an unlocked position when the staple cartridge is operably seated in the device. The first cam surface is proximal to the second cam surface and may be vertically displaced therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly that includes a surgical stapling device that has a lockout that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The assembly further includes a staple cartridge with a first cam surface configured to cammingly engage a primary portion of the lockout to move the lockout laterally from the locked position and a second cam surface configured cammingly engage a secondary portion of the lockout to further move the lockout laterally into the locked position when the cartridge is operably seated in the device.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. An authentication key is movably supported on the retainer between an actuation position wherein the actuation key can defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and a retracted position when the retainer is detached from the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.