Patents Issued in February 4, 2021
  • Publication number: 20210030361
    Abstract: A system for imaging a portion of a body can include a mount configured to hold an imaging device carrier. The mount can include a plurality of discreet positions configured to hold the imaging device carrier, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Gianna Slusher, Caitlin Reina
  • Publication number: 20210030362
    Abstract: An insertion device includes an upper casing, a lower casing and an insertion module. When the lower casing is coupled to the upper casing, an abutment portion of the lower casing limits movement of a casing engaging structure of the upper casing, such that the upper casing cannot move downwardly so as to prevent unintentional insertion operation of the insertion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Chun-Mu Huang, Chieh-Hsing Chen, Chen-Hao Lee, Kuan-Lin Chang
  • Publication number: 20210030363
    Abstract: An insertion device includes a cover body, an insertion module. The insertion module is disposed in the cover body, and includes a main body, an insertion seat, a first elastic member, a retraction seat and a second elastic member. When the cover body is depressed, the insertion seat is driven by the first elastic member to perform an automatic-insertion operation and to collapse a limiting structure between the insertion seat and the cover body. A limiting structure between the insertion seat and the retraction seat collapses upon the collapse of the limiting structure between the insertion seat and the cover body, so that the retraction seat is driven by the second elastic member to perform an automatic-retraction operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Chun-Mu Huang, Chieh-Hsing Chen, Chen-Hao Lee, Kuan-Lin Chang
  • Publication number: 20210030364
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors printed on a solid core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided. In certain aspects, guidewires of the invention include a body having an inner core and an outer layer with one or more embedded conductors. The conductors are exposed at one or more locations along the body and a conductive material can be layered over the exposed locations. A sensor can also be coupled to the body via the conductive material at one of the exposed locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: David H. BURKETT, Bret C. MILLETT, Paul Douglas CORL
  • Publication number: 20210030365
    Abstract: A registration fixture is configured for use with a medical imaging system. The registration fixture comprises a rigid internal structure comprising a plurality of fiducial markers arranged in a predefined pattern. The registration fixture further comprises a housing configured to surround the rigid internal structure. The registration fixture is configured to be mounted on a patient table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Alon Izmirli, Guy Hevel, Adrian Herscovici, Yuval Vaknin, David Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20210030366
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for personalized breast imaging. In aspects, a first set of patient attributes may be collected. The first set of patient attributes may relate to, or be used to determine, for example, breast size, breast thickness, and/or three-dimensional (3D) breast shape. The first set of patient attributes may be used to customize image acquisition parameters for the patient. A second set of patient attributes may also be collected. The second set of patient attributes may relate to, or be used to determine, for example, breast elasticity and breast density. The second set of patient attributes may be used to customize breast compression parameters for the patient. The customized image acquisition parameters and breast compression parameters may then be used to perform one or more procedures (e.g., an imaging procedure, a biopsy procedure, etc.) on the patient's breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Biao CHEN, Haili CHUI
  • Publication number: 20210030367
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic device for selectively storing blood pressure information and updating calibration data on the basis of the stored blood pressure information, and a control method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Sunghwan CHO, Jinho KIM, Seunghwan SHIN, Junseok OH, Inho YUN, Hongji LEE, Taehan JEON
  • Publication number: 20210030368
    Abstract: An adaptive controller used in a photoplethysmography sensing system, comprises a plurality of hardware circuits which are configured to: receive a photoplethysmography signal (hereinafter, “PPG signal”) processed; determine whether the PPG signal processed satisfies with a requirement; output the PPG signal processed if the PPG signal processed satisfies with a requirement; and adjust a gain of an amplifier for amplifying the PPG signal and/or a driving signal of a light source if the PPG signal processed does not satisfy with a requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Paul C.P. CHAO, Tse-Yi TU, Bo-Wei PAN, Yan-Hwa WU
  • Publication number: 20210030369
    Abstract: A data processing method for detecting the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer disease (AD), allowing objectively quantifying the effects that this has on the patient's electroencephalogram (EEG). The method of the invention provides an objective criterion for monitoring the brain health status of MCI subjects, which goes alongside the other criteria of neurological, psychological, clinical and cognitive assessment normally provided by the evaluation protocols of these patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Nadia MAMMONE, Francesco Carlo MORABITO, Placido BRAMANTI, Alessia BRAMANTI, Maurizio CAMPOLO, Cosimo IERACITANO, Lilla BONANNO
  • Publication number: 20210030370
    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: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: ERIK E. STONE, DONALD A. VIRAGH, GEORGE CHRONIS
  • Publication number: 20210030371
    Abstract: A method, including obtaining hearing data and speech data for a statistically significant number of individuals, and analyzing the obtained hearing data and speech data using a neural network to develop a predictive algorithm for hearing loss based on the results of the analysis, wherein the predictive algorithm predicts hearing loss based on input indicative of speech of a hearing impaired person who is not one of the individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Stefan Jozef MAUGER, Kieran REED, John Michael HEASMAN
  • Publication number: 20210030372
    Abstract: A method can estimate the blood pressure and the arterial stiffness based on photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals. Algorithms can be based on PPG signals to analyze the cardiovascular condition of a person by estimating cardiovascular parameters. A method can measure one or more cardiovascular parameters in a subject based on PPG signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Evonik Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Rosario LIZIO, Philipp OCKERMANN, Serena MOSCATO, Sara LIEBANA VIÑAS, Lorenzo CHIARI, Michael HUTH
  • Publication number: 20210030373
    Abstract: A common area derivation unit derives a common area common to at least a part of a plurality of projection images corresponding to a plurality of radiation source positions which are generated by causing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging in which a radiation source is moved relative to a detection unit to irradiate a subject with radiation at the plurality of radiation source positions according to movement of the radiation source. A display control unit emphasizes effective image areas, corresponding to the common area, of at least a part of a plurality of tomographic images representing a plurality of tomographic planes of the subject which are generated by reconstructing the plurality of projection images, or a composite two-dimensional image generated from the plurality of tomographic images, and displays at least the part of the tomographic images or the composite two-dimensional image on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takahisa ARAI
  • Publication number: 20210030374
    Abstract: An image generating device for generating an image which is an X-ray image of an area including a bone portion of a subject with the bone portion removed has a control unit 70 including: a DRR imager 81 configured to generate a first DRR image of an area including a bone portion and a second DRR image showing the bone portion, by performing, for a set of CT image data of an area including the bone portion of a subject, a virtual fluoroscopic projection simulating a geometric fluoroscopy condition of an X-ray irradiator and an X-ray detector for the subject; a training section 82 configured to generate a machine learning model for recognizing the bone portion, by performing machine learning using the first DRR image and the second DRR image serving as a training image; an image converter 83 configured to perform conversion of the X-ray image of the area including the bone portion of the subject, using the machine learning model trained in the training section 82, to generate an image showing the bone portion;
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Wataru TAKAHASHI, Shota OSHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20210030375
    Abstract: The housing for a breast imaging system contains an x-ray source and is configured to rotate relative to the breast. The housing for an x-ray receptor has a breast support platform and extends from an arm assembly which rotates independently from the x-ray source housing. A compression arm assembly connected to the arm assembly moves between a first linear position proximate the x-ray receptor housing and a second linear position distal the x-ray receptor housing. A pair of extension arms are pivotably connected to a strut which removably secures a compression paddle to the compression arm assembly substrate. The extension arms move between a first pivoted position substantially aligned with the strut and a second pivoted position disposed at an angle to the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth F. DEFREITAS, Thomas DEYOUNG, Jeffrey Harold PAIGE, Alan REGO, Baorui REN, Jay A. STEIN, David WOLFF
  • Publication number: 20210030376
    Abstract: An imaging table to be supported in a cantilever state on an X-ray imaging apparatus, includes a planar body including an opening portion in a surface to be connected to the apparatus, and a coupling member to be connected to the apparatus. The planar body includes a first member forming a top surface including an X-ray irradiation surface, and a second member forming a bottom surface opposed to the X-ray irradiation surface and a standing wall portion erectly provided on an outer circumference of the bottom surface. The second member is bonded to the first member in the standing wall portion. The first member and the coupling member are bonded to each other. The first member has an aluminum-equivalent X-ray transmission dose of 0.5 mmAL or less at any point in the X-ray irradiation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Takehara, Mitsushige Hamaguchi, Masato Honma
  • Publication number: 20210030377
    Abstract: A marker-coordinate detecting unit detects coordinates of a stent marker on a new image when the new image is stored in an image-data storage unit; and then a correction-image creating unit creates a correction image from the new image through, for example, image transformation processing, so as to match up the detected coordinates with reference coordinates that are coordinates of the stent marker already detected by the marker-coordinate detecting unit in a first frame. An image post-processing unit then creates an image for display by performing post-processing on the correction image created by the correction-image creating unit, the post-processing including high-frequency noise reduction filtering-processing, low-frequency component removal filtering-processing, and logarithmic-image creating processing; and then a system control unit performs control of displaying a moving image of an enlarged image of a set region that is set in the image for display, together with an original image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya SAKAGUCHI, Kyojiro NAMBU, Hisato TAKEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20210030378
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of supporting implant surgery in a server, which includes obtaining a subject's oral CT image scanned with a guide model inserted into an oral cavity of the subject, the guide model being manufactured to a certain standard to group human teeth in any range so that the teeth belong to at least one group and to cover a tooth position of a corresponding group, the guide model including a marker made of a radiopaque or radiation semipermeable material, loading a library as information about the standard of the guide model, identifying the marker in the oral CT image, and generating a library matching CT image by matching the oral CT image with the library based on the marker included in the library and the marker identified in the oral CT image, and planning implant surgery of the subject using the library matching CT image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Da Som HEO, Yun Ho LEE, Heui Jung YANG
  • Publication number: 20210030379
    Abstract: A radiation source includes: a plurality of radiation tubes that generates radiations; an interval change mechanism that changes an interval between the radiation tubes; and irradiation direction change mechanisms that change irradiation directions in which the radiation tubes emit the radiations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi TAJIMA, Takeyasu KOBAYASHI, Masayoshi MATSUURA
  • Publication number: 20210030380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to visualize both soft-tissue and hard bone anatomy of an object. For this purpose, the system (100) of the present invention comprises a ring gantry (101) with two x-ray sources (102, 103) to simultaneously project radiations of different intensities to capture both soft-tissue and hard bone anatomy of the object. Further x-ray detectors (104, 105) are placed opposite to the x-ray sources (102, 103) to capture image data pertaining to both soft-tissue and hard bone anatomy of the object. A computer (106) to receive image data from the detectors and to generate single CBCT volume which has the information of both soft tissue and their relative hard-bone anatomy captured within the same time interval so as to identify any relative displacement of the soft tissue with respective to their hard bone anatomy in the generated volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Panacea Medical Technologies Private Limited
    Inventors: Goteti Venkata SUBRAHMANYAM, Avinash Rao KUPPA
  • Publication number: 20210030381
    Abstract: An imaging device for visualizing a radioactive tracer in a human or animal body (6) comprises: a collimator plate (11) having a plurality of pinholes (111); a radiation detector (2) being arranged adjacent to a detector surface (112) of the collimator plate (11) such that radioactive radiation passing at least one of the plurality of pinholes (111) is received by the radiation detector (2); and an image processing unit (3) adapted to evaluate radiation signals obtained by the radiation detector (2) to determine a three dimensional position of at least one radiation source (61) emitting the radioactive radiation and causing the radiation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Uri NAHUM, Carlo SEPPI, Peter VON NIEDERHÄUSERN, Simon PEZOLD, Stephan HAERLE, Philippe CATTIN
  • Publication number: 20210030382
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function includes a vertical frame, a patient support arm provided below the vertical frame, a horizontal support arm extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame, a rotary arm drive unit provided at an end of the horizontal support arm, a horizontal rotation arm provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit to rotate 360 degrees, a general CT imaging X-ray source provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm, and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm to face the general CT imaging X-ray source. A micro CT imaging X-ray source is provided on the vertical frame, a rotary table for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is provided above the patient support arm, and the X-ray detector is composed of a common X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yong Jae Sa, Sang Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20210030383
    Abstract: X-ray backscatter imaging (XBI) methods and systems are provided that enable depth-sensitive information to be obtained from images acquired during a single scan from a single side of an object being imaged. The depth-sensitive information is used in combination with other image information acquired during the scan to produce high-resolution 2-D or 3-D images, where at least one of the dimensions of the 2-D or 3-D image corresponds to depth in the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Sanjiv Singh Samant, Lucas M. Rolison, James Edward Baciak
  • Publication number: 20210030384
    Abstract: A reconstruction unit generates a plurality of tomographic images representing a plurality of tomographic planes of a subject by reconstructing a plurality of projection images acquired by performing tomosynthesis imaging. A synthesis unit synthesizes the plurality of tomographic images to generate a composite two-dimensional image. A display control unit displays the composite two-dimensional image on a display, and in a case where one tissue of a first tissue and a second tissue that are present in the subject in association with each other is selected in the displayed composite two-dimensional image, emphasizes and displays the selected one tissue and the other tissue associated with the selected one tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takahisa ARAI
  • Publication number: 20210030385
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for identifying and presenting cardiac treatment options, for assessing the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, by obtaining an image of the vessel, obtaining pressure measurements from the vessel, generating a diagnostic visualization image, identifying a treatment option, and generating a predictive visualization image. The various images and options are displayed on a medical personnel display and a patient display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Jacqueline KELLER
  • Publication number: 20210030386
    Abstract: A digital X-ray detector is provided. The digital X-ray detector includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to obtain an electromagnetic interference (EMI) frequency of an EMI signal, to receive a signal to start a scan, to ensure EMI noise is in a same phase during acquisition of offset images and read images to enable a subtraction of the EMI noise, and to start the scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Mahesh Raman Narayanaswamy, Catherine Noel Bailey, Joseph John Kulak, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer, Douglas Albagli, Jeffrey Lange
  • Publication number: 20210030387
    Abstract: A non-transitory storage medium storing instructions readable and executable by an imaging workstation (18) including at least one electronic processor (20) to perform an image reconstruction method (100). The method includes: receiving emission imaging data (22) from an image acquisition device (12) wherein the emission imaging data has been filtered using an acquisition energy passband (18); generating filtered imaging data by filtering the emission imaging data with a second energy passband (90) that is narrower than an acquisition energy passband; reconstructing the filtered imaging data to generate an intermediate image; estimating one or more scatter correction factors (SCFs) from the intermediate image; and reconstructing the emission imaging data corrected with the estimated SCFs to generate a reconstructed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andriy ANDREYEV, Xiyun SONG, Jinghan YE, Chuanyong BAI, Zhiqiang HU, Douglas B. MCKNIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210030388
    Abstract: The object of the present invention to reduce the number of X-ray tubes constituting the distributed X-ray source. Disclosed herein is a control method for an X-ray imaging apparatus provided with a plurality of X-ray tubes arranged at fixed relative positions. The control method includes a driving step S1 of sequentially driving the plurality of X-ray tubes, and a movement step S3 of moving the plurality of X-ray tubes. The driving step S1 is executed again after execution of the movement step S3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: KENMOTSU HIDENORI, MASUYA HITOSHI, NISHIMOTO NORIHITO, TSUCHIYA TADAYOSHI
  • Publication number: 20210030389
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring, with an x-ray detector tilted at an angle with respect to an x-ray source, an x-ray image, calculating the angle from the x-ray image, generating a corrected x-ray image based on the calculated angle, and displaying the corrected x-ray image. In this way, tilt artifacts caused by the x-ray detector being tilted with respect to the x-ray source may be removed from an x-ray image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Vinayak Yardi, Prabhu Rajasekaran, Nasir Ahmed Desai, Ashwini Chikkanayakanahalli Vasudeva
  • Publication number: 20210030390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stethoscope configured to mechanically capture chest sounds, convert those sounds into electronic wave forms, visualize the signal and analyze the wave forms using digital signal processing techniques, and use the results of the analysis to predict using artificial intelligence and machine learning based models to provide a differential diagnosis based on the chest sounds to a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Satish Somayya Jeevannavar
  • Publication number: 20210030391
    Abstract: A system for detecting blood velocity within a blood vessel includes a piezoelectric transducer supported on a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate supports the piezoelectric transducer at a fixed angle of incidence that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The ceramic substrate is formed of steatite ceramic and is configured to couple an ultrasonic signal emitted by the transducer to skin underlying the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Andre Duerr, Thomas Rocznik, Christian Peters, Jochen Stehle
  • Publication number: 20210030392
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes ultrasound imaging systems and methods that may be used to image breast tissue. An ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment may include a user interface comprising a display, a processor operatively connected to the user interface, and memory comprising processor-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the user interface to display a first ultrasound image of a breast on the display and receive an indication of a first region of interest (ROI) in the first ultrasound image. The memory may include instructions to further cause the user interface to display a second ultrasound image of the breast on the display and receive an indication of a second region of interest in the second ultrasound image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Julia Dmitrieva, Gary Cheng-How Ng, James Robertson Jago
  • Publication number: 20210030393
    Abstract: In an ultrasonic CT device for breast examination, unevenness of an ultrasonic image due to a distribution of inclination angles of a breast is reduced. The distribution of the inclination angles of a surface of a subject in a contour of the subject is obtained from a tomographic image, and a signal level of a reception signal or a pixel value of the tomographic image is corrected using the distribution of the inclination angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yushi TSUBOTA, Kenichi KAWABATA, Takahide TERADA, Atsurou SUZUKI, Wenjing WU, Kazuhiro YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20210030394
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the assessment and imaging of bodily organs, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a TEE probe having removable or modular components, such that the TEE probe can be disassembled and reassembled by a physician. In some embodiments, the TEE probe may be compatible with components, such as gastroscopes, having various differences in size, shape, and configuration. In some embodiments, a TEE probe may comprise a gastroscope and a handle, wherein the handle and the gastroscope are removably coupled to one another by an interface, such that when the gastroscope and handle are removably coupled, a user can control various functions of the gastroscope, such as the ultrasonic imaging of an ultrasonic transducer of the gastroscope, and the movement of a distal portion of the gastroscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: JOHN BENCH CASWELL, DINO FRANCESCO CUSCUNA, SUJITH KANAKASABHAPATHI, NIKOLAS KEITH LEDOUX, MICHAEL PESZYNSKI, MCKEE DUNN POLAND, MICHAEL J. WIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210030395
    Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound image includes: setting a focal point in an object; transmitting, based on a location of the focal point, ultrasound signals into the object by using a plurality of elements in a transducer; receiving, via the plurality of elements, ultrasound echo signals obtained by reflecting the ultrasound signals from the object; and performing beamforming on the received ultrasound echo signals, wherein the performing of the received ultrasound echo signals includes: setting, based on the location of the focal point, a plurality of delay times respectively corresponding to the plurality of elements; determining capacitors respectively corresponding to the plurality of elements based on the set plurality of delay times; and respectively performing the beamforming on the received ultrasound echo signals by using the determined capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Seung-woo CHO, Jong-keun SONG
  • Publication number: 20210030396
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe (100) is disclosed comprising a probe body (120) having a mounting area (121) and a flexible lip (123) around said mounting area for sealing a space (110) between the mounting area and a subject (1) contacted by the ultrasound probe; and a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements (130) mounted in the mounting area. The probe body further comprises an inlet (125) to said space and an outlet (127) from said space for facilitating a fluid flow through said space when sealed. Also disclosed are an ultrasound system (10) comprising such an ultrasound probe (100) and a method (200) of subjecting a subject to ultrasound waves generated with such an ultrasound probe (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Antonius Maria Rijken, David Andrew Fish
  • Publication number: 20210030397
    Abstract: An echogenically enhanced medical device is provided. The echogenically enhanced medical device includes a body portion configured to be inserted within human or animal tissue, where the body portion has a first acoustic impedance. The body portion of the medical device further includes at least one structured echogenic portion having a second acoustic impedance. The at least one structured echogenic portion is configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the medical device when inserted into a patient. The at least one structured echogenic portion includes at least one of a structured shape and a discontinuous pattern. A method of preparing an echogenically enhanced medical device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Sung Lee, Curry B. Sandven
  • Publication number: 20210030398
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe according to an embodiment includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements and a substrate. The plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements is divided in grid sections. The piezoelectric transducer elements have an ultrasound wave transmitting/receiving surface. The substrate is provided on a rear surface of the plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements. The substrate has a wiring configured to connect a plurality of electrodes for a group of piezoelectric transducer elements to driving circuitry. The group of piezoelectric transducer elements is located in a substantially concentric circle among the plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements. The rear surface of the plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements is a surface opposite to the ultrasound wave transmitting/receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki SHIKATA
  • Publication number: 20210030399
    Abstract: An ultrasound system 1 includes: a display unit 34 that displays an acquired ultrasound image as a first image in an image display region; an operation unit 40 that includes a touch sensor disposed so as to be superimposed on the image display region and is used by a user to perform a touch input operation; a second image generation unit 37 that generates a second image indicating a partial image which corresponds to a predetermined region including a touch position of the user in the first image; and a second image display position determination unit 38 that determines a position different from the touch position in the image display region as a display position of the second image on the basis of the touch position. In a case in which the image display region is touched by the user, the second image is displayed at the determined display position so as to be superimposed on the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji TSUBOTA, Tomoki INOUE
  • Publication number: 20210030400
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing an ultrasound image in various sensor conditions are provided. The method includes receiving a data cube via sensors, transforming the received data cube into focus data through beam focusing, and outputting inphase data and quadrature phase data for the focus data using a neural network corresponding to signal adder and Hilbert transform functions. The method further includes detecting an envelope of the inphase data and the quadrature phase data and reconstructing an ultrasound image for the data cube using log compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: JongChul YE, Shujaat KHAN, Jaeyoung HUH
  • Publication number: 20210030401
    Abstract: A system for determining peripheral artery disease and method of use for determining the presence or absence of peripheral vascular disease and the severity of the disease in particular vascular segments. The System for determining peripheral artery disease and method of use includes a continuous wave Doppler transceiver which generates a digitized version of quadrature detected stereo audio and is coupleable to a waveform converter and processor. The waveform converter and processor provides filtering, time domain to frequency domain conversion, gain control, and statistical processing of the converted Doppler Stereo audio and is operationally coupled to a display for presenting results to a technician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: David H. KING, Michael Graeme TAYLOR, Patrick KELLY
  • Publication number: 20210030402
    Abstract: A system and method for performing an ultrasound examination, analyzing the acquired images, and reporting image inadequacies and missing views at the end of the ultrasound examination is provided. The method includes acquiring ultrasound images during an examination, each of the images having an image view. The method includes receiving a user input to end the examination. The method includes automatically determining, with artificial intelligence, whether one or more images include an inadequacy. The method includes automatically determining, with the artificial intelligence, whether desired image views are not present in the images. The method includes presenting a report identifying any inadequate images and missing views. The method includes providing a selectable reopen exam option to reopen the examination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Svein Arne Aase, Eigil Samset
  • Publication number: 20210030403
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vaginal temperature sensing apparatus, a visually sense-able battery power-on indicator (16), manufacturing with cure temperatures that protect a battery, substantially error-free, user-initiated device activation componentry (30) to start battery power, and a timer to automatically terminate flow of battery power. Data can, by an automatic data transform recalculator (138) with body temperature dips in transformed and recalculated diurnal high body temperatures, predict an ovulation event and provide an indication through a zenith based ovulation indicator (106). Systems can include neural network based artificial intelligence to automatically self-improve by using historical or even other, multi user data and user input and improve its indication result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Wade Webster, Richard Pollack, Eric Harden, Calder Daenzer, James Frank Kasic, II
  • Publication number: 20210030404
    Abstract: A dual lumen coaxial introducer, for use with an elongate needle, includes a hub, an elongate member, and a pushrod. The elongate member has a first lumen, a second lumen, a proximal end portion, and a distal end. The proximal end portion is fixedly attached to the hub. The first lumen of the elongate member defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to slidably receive the elongate needle. The pushrod is located in the second lumen of the elongate member. The pushrod has a distal end surface. The pushrod is movable in the second lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the distal end surface of the pushrod is spaced away from the distal end of the elongate member to define a marker recess in the second lumen elongate member for carrying a tissue marker for delivery to a delivery site in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Chad Van Liere, Angela K. Jensen, Channing M. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20210030405
    Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that comprises an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The first section comprises chitosan and at least one additional polymer. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-cross-linked hydrogel precursors. The precursors are in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. The second section may further comprise chitosan. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: ANDREAS MYLONAKIS, FLORENCIA LIM
  • Publication number: 20210030406
    Abstract: A tissue retrieval bag includes a brim selectively transitionable between a first configuration in which a bag mouth is biased open and a second configuration in which the brim is compressed. A bag body extends from the brim and defines a pouch for holding a tissue specimen. The bag body includes at least one spine operably associated with the brim. The spine reversibly furls and unfurls the bag body. A first release tab is operably coupled to the brim to contain the brim in the second configuration. The first release tab, upon release thereof, transitions the brim from the second configuration to the first configuration. At least one second release tab is operably coupled to the brim to maintain the bag body furled about the brim. Upon release of the at least one second release tab, the at least one spine unfurls the bag body from the brim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20210030407
    Abstract: A vertebral end plate processing device includes a handle, a vertical opening mechanism, a horizontal expansion mechanism and a processing mechanism. When the processing device is in a non-working state, the vertical opening mechanism and the horizontal expansion mechanism maintain a contracted state, and a processing portion is located within a vertical space between opening members. When the processing device is in a working state, the opening members of the vertical opening mechanism are in contact with a bone surface of a vertebral body and vertically open same. An arc-shaped expansion block of the horizontal expansion mechanism drives a conveying member for horizontal expansion so that the processing portion is horizontally removed from the vertical space of the opening members and is in contact with the bone surface of the vertebral body. A control portion controls the conveying member to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Zhirong Wang
  • Publication number: 20210030408
    Abstract: A monoblock implant for fusing a cervical motion segment includes (a) an interbody portion configured to be positioned between superior and inferior vertebral bodies, of the cervical motion segment, with a first side of the interbody portion facing a first uncinate joint of the cervical motion segment and a second side of the interbody portion facing a second uncinate joint of the cervical motion segment, (b) a first wing extending away from the first side to extend into the first uncinate joint, and (c) a second wing extending away from the second side to extend into the second uncinate joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Larson, Theodore P. Bertele
  • Publication number: 20210030409
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a table-mounted retractor system for open-spine surgery. The table-mounted retractor system includes a frame, wherein the frame is situated lateral to the patient. The table-mounted retractor system further comprises a plurality of retractor hooks wherein each of the plurality of retractor hooks are in operative association with one of a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the plurality of tension lines is engaged with the frame. Each one of the plurality of retractor hooks are operable to engage with the flesh of a patient as each of the tension lines pull the flesh back laterally towards the frame along each side of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Bohl
  • Publication number: 20210030410
    Abstract: An anchor for surgical repair of a tissue, which anchor, for its placement on the tissue to be repaired, is movable along a hollow needle and connectable to a suture element, and it has at least two anchor portions displaceable relative to each other and connected to each other by an axle arrangement, via which the anchor portions are pivotable relative to each other between a retracted position and a deployed position. Provision is made that the axle arrangement has an axle element provided on the first anchor portion and a guide recess provided on the second anchor portion, by which the first anchor portion is held rotatably and linearly displaceably relative to the second anchor portion, and the anchor portions are displaceable from the retracted position to the deployed position by a rotation movement and are displaceable from said deployed position to a rotationally blocked end position by a linear movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: H & B Electronic GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Tobias MORLOK, Wilfried WEBER, Dariusz PETRY, Wolfgang STAUSS