Abstract: A motion-sensing mechanism is provided that facilitates numerous aspects of the medical industry. In one aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism is used to track instruments and personnel in a field of view relative to a patient such that the instrument or personnel may be displayed on a heads-up display showing a model of the patient's anatomy. In another aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism makes a reference image of a patient, visitor, or staff such that when the subject of the reference images passes another (or the same) motion-sensing mechanism, the identity of the subject is determined or recognized. In still other aspects, the motion-sensing mechanism monitors motion of a portion of a patient's anatomy and compares the same to an expected motion for diagnostic evaluation of pain generators, physical therapy effectiveness, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that can be used to track and navigate an instrument relative to a patient. The system can include an electromagnetic tracking system to track an electromagnetic stimulation probe, such as a transcranial magnetic stimulation probe. The system can, according to various embodiments, provide a tracking device on the probe, track the coil of the probe, provide a field relative to the probe, and determine the position of the patient based upon the field produced by the probe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining one or more parameters of a tuned circuit forming part of a wireless energy transmission system in an implanted (or implantable) medical device are described. The method involves energising the tuned circuit then receiving a signal back from it. This signal is then analysed to determine a property of the circuit such as its quality factor (Q) or resonant frequency. Also described herein is a method and system for determining the implantation depth of a component of an implanted medical device. The method involves determining the position of a magnetic element which is mounted in a fixed physical relationship with the component of the medical device. The methods can be performed on an implanted medical device without the need to explant the device.

Abstract: A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving optical signals from a source. A conversion processor electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to the device interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: removing a biopsy sample from the tissue of interest; placing a magnetic marker at the biopsy site; performing a pathology analysis of the biopsy sample; and if the pathology analysis indicates that the tissue of interest should be removed, locating the tissue for surgery using a magnetic detection probe. In one embodiment, the marker comprises magnetic nanoparticles in a bioabsorbable matrix. A system for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the system includes a magnetic marker and magnetic detection probe system.

Abstract: A method includes generating a magnetic field in a predefined volume. A reference model is defined, which models the magnetic field at multiple points in the volume using spherical harmonics. The magnetic field is measured by a field detector, which is coupled to an intra-body probe inserted into an organ of a living body located in the volume. A cost function is defined by comparing the measured magnetic field with the reference magnetic field model within the volume. The cost function is minimized by a computation over dipole terms in a derivative over the cost function so as to find a position and orientation that matches the measured magnetic field. The found position and orientation is outputted as the position and orientation of the probe in the organ.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at improving valve pinpointing and reading devices by proposing to activate a magnetic detection source allowing measurements regularly-distributed in a circle around an axis at predetermined measurement positions. An exemplary locator comprises a casing (26) provided with a mechanism for detecting and analyzing the magnetic field of the magnetic dipole of the valve. It comprises:—a magnetic detection source (36) able to detect and measure the magnetic field of the magnetic center of the valve at predetermined measurement positions distributed in a circle around an axis (X-X?), linked to—a microprocessor (32) for analyzing the measurements and for generating detection signals.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stimulating the trigeminal nerve of a patient in order to reduce the heart rate of the patient for recording image information from the heart of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, optical and/or chemical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus including at least one such device and a unit for registering the heart rate of the patient, which unit interacts with the device. Furthermore, at least one embodiment moreover relates to a method for reducing the heart rate of a patient in order to record image information from the heart of the patient, in which method the trigeminal nerve of the patient is stimulated by at least one such device in order to lower the heart rate of the patient.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for use in tracking a medical device. The sensor assembly comprises a magnetoresistance sensor capable of providing position and orientation information. In certain implementations, the magnetoresistance position and orientation sensor is originally configured for connection to a substrate using one type of interconnect approach but is modified to be connected using a different interconnect approach.

Abstract: Systems and methods detect electrical activity in the human brain in the form of the generated magnetic fields and map the magnetic field strength to the surface of the cerebral cortex. By mapping the measured magnetic fields to the sulcal-defined gyrus of the cerebral cortex rather than to its three-dimensional volume, the data complexity and the resulting image are dramatically reduced. The device allows an inventory of brain function, including, but not limited to, vision, sound, sensory, and cognition, with the sensors placed over the corresponding region or regions of interest of the brain.

Abstract: A magnetoencephalogram (MEG) system is provided for use with a head. The MEG system includes a shell, and three three-axis gradiometers and a computing portion. Each three-axis gradiometer detects a magnetic field vector from a magnetic dipole in the head and generates a respective detected signal based on the respective magnetic field vector. Each three-axis gradiometer is disposed at a respective position of the shell. The computing portion determines a location of the magnetic dipole based on the first detected signal, the second detected signal and the third detected signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a device and method for examining and using an electrical field in a magnetic gradient field, containing magnetic particles in an examination area of an object under examination, including introducing magnetic particles into at least part of the examination area of the object under examination; generating an electrical field at least in part of the examination area; generating a magnetic field having a spatial magnetic field strength profile with a first sub-zone with a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone with a higher magnetic field strength in the examination area; varying a spatial position of the two sub-zones in the examination area such that a magnetization of the particles changes locally; detecting signals which depend on the magnetization in the examination area influenced by this variation; evaluating the signals to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination area; and determining a conductivi

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting and monitoring the placement of a cannula tip within a peripheral vein of a human body where the cannula includes a sensor located at predetermined location and mounted on the cannula for sensing the biological material of the body to guide the insertion of the cannula tip into the vein and alerts to the withdrawal of the cannula tip from the vein in the body.

Abstract: A failure detection and warning system for monitoring a medical device wherein the system includes means structured to passively or actively detect faults occurring in the medical device being monitored, and wherein the fault includes an unprogrammed and/or undesired shut off of the medical device being monitored or an unprogrammed and/or undesired shut-off of the output of the medical device being monitored by the system.

Abstract: A magnetic imaging systems produces magnetic magnitude images using magnetic sensors capable of determining only the absolute value of a detected magnetic field and provide no information regarding the positive or negative sign of the detected magnetic image. A 2D dipole location is determines the 2D location of a dipole within a magnetic magnitude image by finding the minimum of the derivative of the absolute value of the magnetic field. This 2D dipole location is then used to determine the 3D position and momentum of a current dipole responsible for the observed magnetic magnitude image. The current dipole is used to generate a magnetic image that incorporate positive and negative sign information.

Abstract: A medical method and system include a medical imaging system (105) configured to generate images of an interventional procedure. An overlay generator (113) is configured to generate an overlay image on the images of the interventional procedure. An interventional device tracking system (108, 125) is configured to track a three-dimensional position, orientation and shape of the interventional device during the procedure, wherein the overlay image is dynamically updated in response to deformations caused to an organ of interest by the interventional device during the procedure.

Abstract: An endobronchial probe includes a deflector having a bore extending therethrough at an angle to its long axis for passage of a tool. The probe includes a location sensor and an ultrasound imager. A push-pull anchoring system comprises a plurality of guides and wires that can extend beyond the guides and retract within the guides. When extended the wires diverge from the long axis sufficiently to engage a bronchus. The probe includes a balloon disposed on the distal segment contralateral to bore that when inflated urges the mouth of the bore into contact with the bronchial wall.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a needle having a tip including a permanent magnet, and a magnet sensing device including a plurality of sensors configured to detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The magnet sensing device is operable to localize a position of the permanent magnet relative to the magnet sensing device and to indicate a path of the needle on a display.

Abstract: A system identifies double-layer dipoles in a magnetic image by defining two-dimensional patches of distributed point charges that simulate the double-layer dipoles. The geometric center of a two-dimensional patch is used as the location of an equivalent dipole moment of the double-layer dipole. The momentum of the equivalent dipole moment is determined by submitting the magnetic image to a dipole construction system that identifies the location and momentum based on the submitted magnetic image.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the health and activity of an individual is disclosed. The system includes a mobile communication device and a body attachment, such as an armband. The body attachment has one or more of an accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, and/or magnetometer.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the orientation of a surgical tool with respect to a bone of a patient, and a device for positioning a sensor are disclosed. The bone has at least three predetermined reference locations.

Abstract: A tracking system for estimating the position and orientation of an object inside a patient comprising electromagnets that generate magnetic fields used to navigate an object, including rotating and translating the object, are used to track the position of the object. Position tracking of the object is concurrent with navigating the object; or interleaved with navigating the object. Using the same electromagnets for navigation and tracking ensure coordinate system registration between the navigation system and the position tracking system. A tracking sensor attached to the object comprises at least a single coil generating signals in response to time varying tracking magnetic field generated by the electromagnets. Iterative algorithm is used to estimate position and orientation from sensor's signal. Linearly time varying current in the tracking electromagnets is produced by applying calculated voltage waveform to the electromagnet coils.

Abstract: Magnetism generated in the cervical or waist part of a subject is measured without the neck or waist of the subject being bent forward. A sensor cylinder is arranged to have a four-sided cylindrical shape. One side at the distal end of the sensor cylinder is moderately curved. This allows the side at the distal end of the sensor cylinder to come into direct contact with the cervical or waist part of the subject when the neck or waist remains not belt forward, whereby a faint magnetism generated in the spinal cords or nerves of the subject can favorably be measured.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a method of determining the communication of substances between a first region and a second region of a patient's body.

Abstract: A method of magnetic imaging at long detection ranges. In one embodiment the method comprises introducing a magnetic sample having magnetic particles into a detection field; detecting weak magnetic field signals of the magnetic particles; forming an image from the detected signals; and determining the location and quantity amount of the magnetic particles. The method further comprises introducing a magnetic sample to a human or other organism's body.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system employs an endoscope (30) and an imaging unit (80). The endoscope (30) include an electromagnetic tracker (40) within a working channel of endoscope (30) for generating electromagnetic sensing signals indicative of one or more poses of the endoscope (30) within an anatomical region, and an endoscopic camera (50) within an imaging channel of the endoscope (30) for generating endoscopic images of the anatomical region. The imaging unit (80) executes an intraoperative calibration of the electromagnetic tracker (40) and the endoscopic camera (50) as a function of an image registration between the preoperative scan image of a calibration site within the anatomical region and one or more endoscopic images of the calibration site within the anatomical region.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for measuring pelvic organ prolapse are disclosed. A plurality of positioning devices, such as RFID tags, ultrasound reflectors or magnetic field sensors, which may be active or passive, and which are preferably disposable, are set at predetermined positions within the patient and their relative positions recorded with one or more corresponding external receiving devices fixed to the patient while the patient is in a relaxed state. The patient is then instructed to perform an action (such as a valsalva maneuver) that causes the positioning devices to move and their movement relative to their initial recorded positions is measured.

Abstract: A sensor garment for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes a garment formed of textile material, and a sensor module inseparably coupled to the textile material of the garment. The sensor module includes a single-purpose sensor configured to sense a single characteristic, and a radio antenna configured to transmit data generated by the single-purpose sensor. The sensor module includes no external port.

Abstract: Tools for accessing tissue are described for use with a locatable guide of a navigation system. In preferred embodiments, said tools are attachable to a distal tip of a locatable guide, such that the location of the tool, preferably in six degrees of freedom, is known while the tool is being used.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for detecting electromagnetic fields, in particular, fields occurring in magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. An implantable medical device (IMD), contained in a hermetically sealed housing, includes a control unit, a programming coil, and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit, together with the programming coil, is designed to allow communication between an external programming device and the IMD by utilizing alternating electromagnetic fields, and further comprising a detection unit for MRT interference fields, characterized in that the detection unit is designed in such a way that voltage profiles induced in the programming coil and originating from a pulsed alternating electromagnetic field of the MRT (gradient field) are detected, and a corresponding MRT detection signal is transmitted from the detection unit to the control unit, if communication with a programming device is not detected at the same time.

Abstract: A current dipole is determined by solving the inverse problem multiple times in consecutive stages. At each stage, a new high resolution image is generated from a magnetic field map from the immediately previous stage, and at each stage more constraints are extracted from the current high resolution image than were available in the immediately previous stage. After the constraints are extracted from a current high resolution image, the current high resolution is updated to incorporate constraints from the immediately previous stage. The updated high resolution image, and the currently extracted constraints are used to resolve the inverse problem, and the Biot-Savart law is used to calculated the current dipole.

Abstract: A data rate controlling feedback loop evaluates an actual instantaneous available quality of service of a communication link for transmitting data and controls the data rate based on an evaluation result, Feedback control may both be local to a device for acquiring examination data, such as a magnetic resonance imaging coil, or over the communication link by reducing the data rate at least momentarily to fit the communication link's performance over time, enabling a graceful degradation of an image quality at lower data rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The proposed apparatus comprises selection means for generating a magnetic selection field (50) and drive means for generating a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view so that the magnetization of the magnetic material changes locally.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria.

Abstract: Devices having the capability to both locate and retrieve objects are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices having a probe comprising an ultrasound detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving objects from a medium. The present disclosure further relates to devices having a probe comprising an electromagnetic detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving metallic objects from a medium. Devices of the present disclosure are specifically adapted for use as medical devices for locating and retrieving a foreign body in a subject in need.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.

Abstract: A method for analysis of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of a patient includes the steps of applying to the patient a sensory stimulus sequence which is typically auditory; carrying out an EEG to generate waveform signals to record changes in the electromagnetic fields generated by the patient's neural activity; using software provided in a processor to process the waveform signals in order to locate waveform peaks, identify the event-related potential (ERP) components obtained in the waveform and to obtain quantitative measures of those components; and using the software to generate and communicate scores indicative of the extent of conscious awareness and likelihood of recovery of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for examination and use of an electrical field in a magnetic gradient field, containing magnetic particles in an examination area of an object under examination. The invention also relates to a method of determining the, especially three-dimensional, conductivity distribution in an examination area of an object under examination using a device according to the invention, a method for drug or active ingredient release, especially in locally targeted manner, in an examination area of an object under examination likewise using a device according to the invention, as well as use of a device according to the invention for electro-stimulation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods enabling the improved noninvasive measurement of electric currents flowing in the body of a human being or animal or in a biological sample by way of a modular array of primary source mirrors and a magnetometer.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: A medical device and/or a method are used by a rescuer who is caring for a patient. The depth of CPR chest compressions is determined, by detecting magnetic fields. An interference is sensed, which is not associated with the CPR chest compressions, but which is superimposed on the detected magnetic fields. Appropriate countermeasures may be taken, if the sensed interference is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring a position of a joint. An inertial monitoring unit is configured to be coupled to a portion of a patient, such as a thigh. Another inertial monitoring unit is configured to be attached to another portion of the patient, such as a shank, that is connected to the other portion by a joint, such as a knee. The inertial monitoring units detect motion of their respective portions of the patient and transmit data indicative of this motion. These transmissions may be received by a computer and used to determine an orientation of the joint. The inertial monitoring units may also be coupled to vibration detection units and/or ultrasound modules that provide additional data regarding a condition of the joint.

Abstract: A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion thereof into a patient. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, such as a permanent magnet, then determining a possible first position thereof. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of wireless sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of a subject is provided. The wireless sensors can be attachable to or implantable in the subject and form a network. The sensors can include a sensing component configured to detect a signal corresponding to at least one condition of the subject. The sensors further can include a communication component configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal to at least another of the plurality of wireless sensors, and wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from at least one of the remaining sensors in the network.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing multi-core beamforming algorithms. In one aspect, a method of implementing a beamformer technique includes using a spatial filter that contains lead-fields of two simultaneous dipole sources rather than a linear combination of the two to directly compute and obtain optimal source orientations and weights between two highly-correlated sources.

Abstract: A wireless system for a person includes a wearable appliance monitoring one or more body parameters; a plurality of wireless nodes in communication with the wearable appliance; and a remote computer coupled to the wireless nodes to provide information to an authorized remote user.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for the use of optical coherence tomography for detection of cells.