Abstract: The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for isocenter calibration. The method includes providing a phantom including a first member and a second member with a fixed position relationship. The method includes acquiring, using a first device, at least one first image of the first member of the phantom. The method includes determining, based on the at least one first image, a first position relationship between a first isocenter of the first device and the first member. The method includes acquiring, using a second device, at least one second image of the second member of the phantom. The method includes determining, based on the at least one second image and the fixed position relationship, a second position relationship between a second isocenter of the second device and the first member. The method includes determining, based on the first position relationship and the second position relationship, a third position relationship between the first isocenter and the second isocenter.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for medical procedures are disclosed herein and include receiving a first set of biometric data for a first portion of a body part and determining a first range of values in the first set of biometric data, determining first visual characteristics based on the first range of values and rendering a global view of the first portion of the body part rendered with the first visual characteristics. A second range of values in a second set of biometric data for a second portion of the body part may be determined and the second portion of the body part may be a subset of the first portion of the body part. Second visual characteristics may be determined based on the second range of values and a local view including the second portion of the body part rendered with the second visual characteristics may be rendered.

Abstract: The subject matter discussed herein relates to multi-modal image alignment to facilitate biopsy procedures and post-biopsy procedures. In one such example, prostate structures (or other suitable anatomic features or structures) are automatically segmented in pre-biopsy MR and pre-biopsy ultrasound images. Thereafter, pre-biopsy MR and pre-biopsy ultrasound contours are aligned. To account for non-linear deformation of the imaged anatomic structure, a patient-specific transformation model is trained via deep learning based at least in part on the pre-biopsy ultrasound images. The pre-biopsy ultrasound images that are overlaid with the pre-biopsy MR contours and based off the deformable transformation model are then aligned with the biopsy ultrasound images. Such real-time alignment using multi-modality imaging techniques provides guidance during the biopsy and post-biopsy system.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provide for facilitating registration and calibration of surface imaging systems. Tracking marker support structures are described that include one or more fiducial reference markers, where the tracking marker support structures are configured to be removably and securely attached to a skeletal region of a patient. Methods are provided in which a tracking marker support structure is attached to a skeletal region in a pre-selected orientation, thereby establishing an intraoperative reference direction associated with the intraoperative position of the patient, which is employed for guiding the initial registration between intraoperatively acquired surface data and volumetric image data. In other example embodiments, the tracking marker support structure may be employed for assessing the validity of a calibration transformation between a tracking system and a surface imaging system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus which may include: a body portion having a cavity with a first and second ends and at least one opening situated at one of the first and second ends. The cavity may define a longitudinal axis (LA) extending between the first and second ends. At least one main magnet may generate a main magnetic field having a substantially homogenous magnetic field within the cavity. A center shim (CS) which may be formed from a ring having opposed edges and which may extend along a length of the longitudinal axis of the cavity. One or more discrete shims (DSs) may be situated between the CS and at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods for validating ablation results in a patient's brain are provided. In some embodiments, the method for validating ablation result in a patient's brain includes obtaining magnetic resonance (MR) data of the patient's brain, by use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device; obtaining first imaging data of the patient's brain, by use of the MRI device; extracting, by use of computing device in communication with the MRI device, first fiber tracts passing through an anatomy in the patient's brain based on the first imaging data; obtaining, by use of the MRI device, second imaging data of the patient's brain after ablation of the anatomy in the patient's brain has started; extracting second fiber tracts passing through the anatomy in the patient's brain based on the second imaging data; and outputting a graphical representation of a comparison between the first fiber tracts and the second fiber tracts.

Abstract: Provided is a system providing a solution for improving prescription drug compliance monitoring and compliance. Prescription drug compliance monitoring may be achieved by using patient's electronic device to initiate secure digital imaging. Medications may be dispensed in containers with pre-printed encoded unique identifiers and markings. The patient may use the digital camera in their smart phone to take a picture of the dispensed blister pack which may be processed and analyzed. Analysis may include assessment of the number of pills taken from and remaining in the uniquely identified blister pack. Package identification and consumption information may then be linked with other prescription information to determine if the observed rate of use is compliant with the legal prescription and to document that the imaged medication package is the same as the dispensed medication package. Data may also be linked with pharmacologic and clinical data to categorize risk and urgency of misuse.

Abstract: The present invention provides acoustically activated liposome compositions for use as drug delivery vehicles, and to methods for drug release and drug delivery for therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A device (1) for therapeutic treatment of a target (2) comprising at least one ultrasound transducer (3) for generating and transmitting ultrasound pulses to the target and at least one detector (4) to detect ultrasound waves (6) backscattered from structures. The device (1) comprises a signal processing unit (8) to select an output of the at least one detector (4) caused by backscattered waves (6). The selected output has a frequency around an even harmonics of the emitted frequency (f) of the ultrasound pulses. The device (1) comprises a processor (7) to provide an output of the selected signal indicative of a parameter of the backscattered waves (6) in the frequency band around the even harmonics. The processor calculates if the parameter of the backscattered waves (6) in the frequency band is above a preset threshold (13), and provides an alert signal (9) when the parameter exceeds the threshold (13).

Abstract: The system receives a raw signal carrying information related to slow wave activity; buffers a portion of the raw signal; determines a timing of slow wave events in the buffered portion of the raw signal; filters the raw signal; determines a timing of slow wave events in the filtered raw signal; compares the timing of the slow wave events in the buffered portion of the raw signal to the timing of the slow wave events in the filtered raw signal; determines a first correction factor associated with reducing slow wave activity in the subject and a second correction factor associated with enhancing slow wave activity in the subject; and adjusts a timing of the stimulation provided to the subject during the sleep session based on the first and/or second correction factors.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a shaft insertable into a target area, and an electronic component configured to generate a signal. The electronic component may be on or within the shaft. The electronic device may also include at least one antenna on or within the shaft. The electronic device may also include a receiver operatively coupled to the antenna. The receiver may monitor an electrical characteristic of the antenna to identify an effect of an electromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic of the antenna. The electronic device may also include a processor communicatively coupled to the receiver. At least one of the receiver and the processor may predict an effect of the electromagnetic field on the signal generated by the electronic component, based at least in part on the effect of the electromagnetic field on the electrical characteristic of the antenna.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for radiating a moving object. The method may comprise acquiring a plurality of indicators of the phase of a physiological cycle of a patient and a plurality of images of the patient that include a target. Each image may be taken at a different phase of the physiological cycle and may be registered to the phase at which the image was taken. The method may also include identifying the target in each of the plurality of images, calculating a dose of radiation required to treat the target, calculating the number, orientation, and dwell time of one or more radiation beams required to deliver the calculated required dose of radiation to the target, and calculating a position of each of the one or more radiation beams required to achieve the calculated orientation. Each position may be a function of the phase of the physiological cycle to which each of the plurality of images is registered.

Abstract: A system and methods for monitoring and controlling a mental state of a subject are provided. In some aspects, a method includes receiving physiological and behavioral data acquired using the plurality of sensors while the subject is performing a task, and applying, using the data, a state-space framework to determine a plurality of decoder parameters correlating brain activity and behavior with a mental state of the subject. The method also includes identifying the mental state of the subject using the decoder parameters, and generating a report indicating the mental state of the subject. In some aspects, the method further includes generating, based on the identified mental state, a brain stimulation to treat a brain condition of the subject.

Abstract: A medical instrument for magnetic resonance imaging guided radiotherapy includes a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from an imaging zone, a radiation source for emitting X-ray or gamma ray radiation directed at a target zone within the imaging zone, wherein the radiation from the radiation source directed to the target zone passes through a radiation window of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance imaging system includes at least one radiation transparent electrical transmission line, which is configured for transmitting an electrical signal and which extends through the radiation window, wherein the electrical transmission line is provided by a microstrip comprising a conductor line extending parallel to the ground layer, wherein the conductor line and the ground layer are separated from each other by a dielectric substrate.

Abstract: Devices for testing distal colonic and anorectal function. In at least one embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a flexible central support, a first bag or balloon surrounding at least part of the flexible central support; and a first plurality of sensors positioned upon or embedded within a surface of the first bag or balloon, each of the first plurality of sensors positioned a known distance from each other; wherein the first plurality of sensors are configured to obtain pressure measurements on the surface of the first bag or balloon when the device is operated within a mammalian gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound image acquisition for tracking an object of interest in ultrasound image information includes receiving X-ray image information and ultrasound image information, determining, before the tracking, a spatial relationship between the X-ray image information and the ultrasound image information, detecting an object of interest in the X-ray image information and steering two-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition such that the object of interest is within an ultrasound image plane.

Abstract: An information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium storing an information processing program. The information processing device and the information processing method include obtaining measurement data, accepting a specification of time in the measurement data as a specified time, reducing noise from the measurement data using each one of a plurality of methods, evaluating a result of noise reduction at the specified time, the noise reduction being performed using each one of the plurality of methods, and selecting one of the plurality of methods based on the evaluated result of noise reduction. The recording medium storing the information processing program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a power harvesting circuit that operates generate power for the RFID tag from a continuous wave of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RFID tag further includes a tuning circuit that is tuned based on a capacitance setting, where the capacitance setting is indicative of a power level of the power. The RFID tag further includes a processing module operably coupled to the tuning circuit, where the processing module operates to generate the capacitance setting to obtain a desired power level for the power.

Abstract: An image-guided radiation therapy apparatus comprises: a high-energy ray source configured for radiation therapy of an object; and a KV ray source, a first and second PET detectors, and a CT detector for KV CT and PET imaging for guiding the radiation therapy. The KV ray source is placed on, or at an inner or outer side of the first PET detector; the second PET detector and the CT detector are configured to receive the KV ray to perform KV CT imaging; the PET detectors are further configured to receive gamma ray emitted by the object to perform PET imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing motions of an anatomical region of interest of a patient during image-guided radiotherapy are disclosed. An exemplary system may include an image acquisition device, a radiotherapy device, and a processor device. The processor device may be configured to control the image acquisition device to acquire at least one 2D image. Each 2D image may include a cross-sectional image of the anatomical region of interest. The processor device may also be configured to perform automatic contouring in each 2D image to extract a set of contour elements segmenting the cross-sectional image of the anatomical region of interest in that 2D image. The processor device may be further configured to match the set of contour elements to a 3D surface image of the anatomical region of interest to determine a motion of the anatomical region of interest and to control radiation delivery based on the determined motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical receiver for digital signals in the visible range, with a photodetector consisting of a two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes (APD), connected in parallel and with an output representing the sum of the individual responses of each APD. The photodetector requires a low on incidence power and therefore allows to detect specific optical signals in a very well-defined range of powers and frequencies, in real high intensity back light conditions without the requirement of optical filters, which allows a great advance in the utility and applicability of communication with visible light with digital modulation techniques.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for visualizing thermal ablation lesions by imaging specific chemical compounds that are created during thermal ablation procedures, such as cardiac ablation procedures. When a cardiac ablation procedure is performed, a central area of coagulative necrosis is created at the treatment site. This necrotic region is surrounded by layers of tissues with ultra-structural and electrophysiological changes. Two particular changes include the denaturation of proteins and the formation of ferric iron containing chemical compounds, such as methemoglobin and metmyoglobin. The formation of and distribution of such chemical compounds can be imaged with the appropriate systems and methods. Accordingly, these chemical compounds can be utilized as biomarkers that indicate the presence and physical characteristics of thermal ablation lesions. Imaging can be performed using magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging, or photoacoustic imaging, as examples.

Abstract: A coil arrangement for generating a configurable 3D magnetic field vector inside a cavity, comprises a solenoid forming the cavity and having a first axis, a first pair of coils having a second common axis, and a second pair of coils having a third common axis, the three axes intersecting in a point where a chip to be tested is to be located. A test arrangement further comprises a container for holding a liquid and having at least one opening for providing access to the at least one cavity. A test system further comprises an electrical unit with a plurality of current sources, and a mechanical positioning mechanism for placing and holding the chip to be tested.

Abstract: An end effector of a robotic surgery system that includes a fixed plate for attaching an end of a robotic arm, a shaft extending from the fixed plate, a sliding plate moveable relative to the fixed plate along an axial direction of the shaft, a hub assembly mounted to the sliding plate and operatively engaged with the shaft. The hub assembly includes an idler hub, and an inner bearing moveable relative to the idler hub and operatively engaged with the shaft, whereby rotation of the inner bearing moves the sliding plate along the axial direction of the shaft. The end effector further includes a pulley that includes a driven wheel connected to the inner bearing operatively engaged with a motor, whereby rotation of the driven wheel drives rotation of the inner bearing.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and compositions for antimicrobial treatment. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of antimicrobial treatment. The method includes at least one of exposing at least one microbe to a magnetic field, and contacting the at least one microbe with at least one nanoparticle including iron.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is conducted with a probe having a plurality of sensors. The heart is displayed as a first graphic image. Signals from the sensors are processed according to a predefined algorithm to generate respective outputs, A region on the first graphic image that is less than all of the first graphic image is selected according to locations of the sensors, and values derived from outputs of the sensors are displayed on the selected region as a second graphic image. Thereafter, the second graphic image is removed and replaced by an updated version.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for location of the disposition of a medical probe in a subject are disclosed. An array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, each set having two or three dimensionally oriented drive coils, a sensor coil being electromagnetically communicative with the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, a discrete core wire providing response to electrical stimuli of the subject, and a system controller communicative with and adapted to energize one or more of the electromagnetic coils in the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets are disclosed. The energizing of the one or more of the electromagnetic coils including one or more of energizing the coils singly, or in pairs of x-y and y-z or x-z coils while measuring the response of the sensor coil, whereby the system uses the measurements of the responses of the sensor coil to calculate the location of the sensor coil relative to said drive coil sets.

Abstract: A content management method uses a portable multifunction device 202 to detect human-inaudible acoustic signals 210, when that signal is heard from the surrounding environment by a device microphone 113 or is output by the device's audio circuitry 100. The device 202 extracts a code from the inaudible signal and supplies the code via wired or wireless communication 232, along with additional optional data regarding the device and/or its user, to a content management system 200. Upon receipt of the code, indicating the received inaudible signal 210 from the portable multifunction device 202, the content management system 200 may provide particular content or a pointer to that content to the portable multifunction device 202, the content being selected based on the particular inaudible signal received. Additional threshold triggers 502 may be delivered to require additional actions to unlock the content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patch guide method including acquiring a 3-dimensional scan model including the head of an object by using a depth camera, by a computer, acquiring a 3-dimensional brain MRI model of the object, matching the scan model and the brain MRI model to acquire a matched model, acquiring an image captured by photographing the head of the object by using the depth camera, and matching one location of the captured image and one location on the matched model.

Abstract: A system and method of coordinated motion includes a device with one or more movable elements and one or more processors. The device is configured to discover a second device, determine a desired type of coordinated motion based on the discovery of the second device, request a movement token of a first type from a token service, the first type being selected based on the desired type of coordinated motion, receive the movement token from the token service, receive configuration data, kinematic data, or planned motion data for the second device, plan a first motion for a movable element of the movable elements based on the first type of the movement token and the configuration data, the kinematic data, or the planned motion data for the second device, and execute the first motion while the device holds the movement token. The device and the second device are different heterogeneous devices.

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthesis includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthesis is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery of linear accelerator radiotherapy in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging in which components of a linear accelerator may be placed in shielding containers around a gantry, may be connected with RF waveguides, and may employ various systems and methods for magnetic and radio frequency shielding.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array configured to transmit an ultrasound pressure field and receive an echo pressure field for a contrast-enhanced scan, and generate an electrical signal indicative of the received echo pressure field. The system further includes a signal processor configured to process the electrical signal and generate at least contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) data indicative of nonlinear signal in the electrical signal. The system further includes a microbubble processor configured to process the CEUS data and generate microbubble data based on a predetermined contrast-agent microbubble size, shape and adjacency for microbubbles of interest. The system further includes a display configured to display a microbubble image indicative of the microbubble data.

Abstract: A respiratory motion signal generation method operates on emission data (22) of an imaging subject in an imaging field of view (FOV) acquired by a positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging device (10). An array of regions (32) is defined in the imaging FOV without reference to anatomy of the imaging subject. For each region of the array of regions defined in the imaging FOV, an activity position versus time curve (54) is computed from the emission data acquired by the PET or SPECT imaging device. Frequency-selective filtering of the activity position versus time curves is performed to generate filtered activity position versus time curves. At least one motion signal (66) is generated by combining the filtered activity position versus time curves of at least a selected sub-set of the regions.

Abstract: An ultra-dense electrode-based brain imaging system with high spatial and temporal resolution. A Sparsity and Smoothness enhanced Method Of Optimized electrical TomograpHy (s-SMOOTH) based reconstruction technique to improve the spatial resolution and localization accuracy of reconstructed brain images is described. Also described is a graph Fractional-Order Total Variation (gFOTV) based reconstruction technique to improve the spatial resolution and localization accuracy of reconstructed brain images.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches methods and related systems for imaging the coronary arteries in high spatiotemporal resolution for the assessment of coronary stenosis. In some embodiments, the method teaches the use of a 3D radial k-space trajectory, continuous acquisition, retrospective cardiac and respiratory self-gating, and non-rigid cardiac and respiratory motion correction to reconstruct any arbitrary cardiac phase with minimal motion artifacts and high image quality.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting cardiac cycle parameters from a respiration signal is disclosed. The technique comprises an array of piezoelectric sensors planted on the chest. The chest membrane exhibits the characteristics of bulky attenuator with certain time delay. Contractions and expansions of the heart and lungs muscles model a mechanical load and produce a relative induced strain on the piezoelectric sheet which in turn causes the piezoelectric material to generate a corresponding conformal voltage signal that is mapped with the heart actions. The resultant voltage signal is therefore used to extract and model the corresponding heart parameters utilizing piezoelectric as well as signal processing theories. a direct relationship is established between the output voltage produced by the piezoelectric transducer under hold breathing and the respiration signal collected by the same transducer with respiration.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cells loaded with bi-functional magnetic nanoparticles (nanoparticle-loaded stem cells (NLSC)) that both: a) heat in an alternating magnetic field (AMF); and b) provide MRI contrast enhancement for MR-guided hyperthermia. The nanoparticles in the NLSC are non-toxic, and do not alter stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the nanoparticles do however, become heated in an alternating magnetic field, enabling therapeutic applications for cancer treatment. Due to the fact that circulating stem cells home to tumors and metastasis, and participate in neovascularization of growing tumors, the NLSC of the present invention allows tracking of the tissue distribution of infused stem cells and selective heating of targeted tissues with AMF. NLSC can deliver hyperthermia to hypoxic areas in tumors for sensitization of those areas to subsequent treatment, thus delivering therapy to the most treatment-resistant tumor regions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surgical tracking comprises an imaging device that generates an image of a tissue volume; an electromagnetic (EM) sensor that creates a reference frame for EM tracking in three dimensions; at least one EM sensor adapted to be attached to the tissue to track local deformation and movement of the tissue volume; a processor that registers the image with the EM-tracked tissue volume and surgical tool in real time, and produces an output; and a feedback device that provides feedback about the location of the surgical tool relative to the tissue volume, based on the processor output. Embodiments are particularly useful in soft tissue, such as breast, where deformation before and during a procedure such as tumor resection complicate tracking of the tissue volume and a surgical tool.

Abstract: A method for high spatial and temporal resolution dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using a random subsampled Cartesian k-space using a Poisson-disk random pattern acquisition strategy and a compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm incorporating magnitude image subtraction is presented. One reconstruction uses a split-Bregman minimization of the sum of the L1 norm of the pixel-wise magnitude difference between two successive temporal frames, a fidelity term and a total variation (TV) sparsity term.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coil assembly of an MRI device. The MRI device may be configured to perform an MR scan on a subject. The coil assembly may include one or more coil units, a substrate, and a sensor mounted within or on the substrate. The one or more coil units may be configured to receive an MR signal from the subject during the MR scan. The substrate may be configured to position the one or more coil units during the MR scan. The one or more coil units may be mounted within or on the substrate. The sensor may be configured to detect a motion signal relating to a physiological motion of the subject before or during the MR scan.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a system for visualizing an image object relating to an instrument (3), particularly a medical instrument, in an extracorporeal image. The image object may comprise a representation of the instrument (3) or an intracorporeal image (40) acquired using the instrument (3). The system comprises an extracorporeal image acquisition device (1) for acquiring extracorporeal images with respect to an extracorporeal image frame and a tracking arrangement (2) for tracking the instrument (3) independent of the extracorporeal images with respect to a tracking frame. Further, the invention relates to a method carried out in the system.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient. In one aspect, a method for adjusting a magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment plan with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and an ultrasound system includes: (1) identifying a location in a subject that is to receive treatment; (2) applying pulses of focused ultrasound to the identified location with the ultrasound system in order to modulate a level of naturally occurring hormones; (3) concurrently with applying the pulses of focused ultrasound, acquiring with the MRI system functional image data from the subject; (4) obtaining a series of functional images of the subject using the functional image data, the functional images indicative of the modified neuronal activity; and (5) adjusting one or more parameters of the MRgFUS treatment plan using the reconstructed series of functional images.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a visualization system for deep brain stimulation. The visualization system comprises a camera system, a display system, and an information analyzer. The information analyzer is configured to display a group of electrodes for the deep brain stimulation on a head of a patient on the display system such that a visualization of the group of electrodes is displayed overlaid on the head of the patient in real time in a position corresponding to an actual position of the group of electrodes in a brain in the head of the patient. An operation of the group of electrodes sending an electrical signal into the head of the patient is displayed in the visualization, enabling visualizing a physical reaction of the patient to the deep brain stimulation in conjunction with the visualization of the operation of the group of electrodes.

Abstract: Improved cross-calibration between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coordinates and optical tracking coordinates is provided. Initial calibration is performed with a calibration tool that includes wireless active markers that can be tracked using the MRI scanner, and an optical marker that can be tracked using the optical tracking system. Data from one or more poses of this tool are used to provide an initial cross-calibration. In use, this initial calibration is corrected to account for differences between actual camera position and the reference location. Here the reference location is the camera location at which the initial calibration was performed.

Abstract: A method for human motion analysis, an apparatus for human motion analysis, a device, and a storage medium. The method includes: acquiring image information captured by a number of photographing devices, where at least one of the number of photographing devices is disposed above a shelf; performing human tracking according to the image information captured by the plurality of photographing devices, and determining position information in space of at least one human body and identification information of the at least one human body; acquiring, according to the position information in space of a target human body of the at least one human body, a target image captured by the photographing device above a shelf corresponding to the position information; and recognizing an action of the target human body according to the target image and detection data of a non-visual sensor corresponding to the position information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for observing the insular cortex activity by using electroencephalograms. A method for sampling cerebral insular cortex activity includes: recording electroencephalograms (EEGs) provided by a plurality of EEG electrodes; creating a three-dimensional model in the form of a mesh in which a subject's brain is decomposed into a plurality of sites according to the subject's brain structure and positioning the plurality of EEG electrodes by reference to an image representing the subject's brain and head structure; creating a forward model by modeling a correlation between the activities of the respective brain sites of the three-dimensional model and an electroencephalogram distribution of the positioned EEG electrodes; and associating, by reference to information about a region of interest measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and the forward model, data about the electroencephalograms recorded with the cerebral activity of the region of interest.

Abstract: A registration system including a bone pin guide and a bone pin clamp. The bone pin guide may include a guide body, a first guide including a first guide through-hole having a first longitudinal axis, and a second guide including a second guide through-hole having a second longitudinal axis. The bone pin guide may guide first and second bone pins into a bone via the first and second guides. The bone pin clamp may include a clamp body, first, second, and third clamp through-holes extending through the clamp body, a plurality of registration indents defined on the clamp body, and a clamping mechanism including at least one adjustable fastener. The bone pin clamp may receive the first and second bone pins in the first and third clamp through-holes and guide a third bone pin into the bone via the second clamp through-hole.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (100, 600) that generates information indicative of a fluid flow in accordance with a pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) method. The MRI system may include at least one controller (104, 610) configured to generate a pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) pulse sequence (200) including at least a first gradient (GR) pulse sequence (207) having a sinusoidal waveform including a plurality of cycles, and a second radio frequency (RF) pulse sequence (205) including a half-wave rectified sinusoidal waveform having a plurality of cycles and which is synchronous with the first GR pulse sequence; label at least part of the fluid flow in a labeling region during a labeling mode using the pCASL pulse sequence; acquire label and control image information of the fluid flow at an imaging region proximal to downstream of the labeling region; and/or generate image information in accordance with a difference of the acquired label and control image information.

Abstract: The subject matter discussed herein relates to the automatic, real-time registration of pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to intra-operative ultrasound (US) data (e.g., reconstructed images or unreconstructed data), such as to facilitate surgical guidance or other interventional procedures. In one such example, brain structures (or other suitable anatomic features or structures) are automatically segmented in pre-operative and intra-operative ultrasound data. Thereafter, anatomic structure (e.g., brain structure) guided registration is applied between pre-operative and intra-operative ultrasound data to account for non-linear deformation of the imaged anatomic structure. MR images that are pre-registered to pre-operative ultrasound images are then given the same nonlinear spatial transformation to align the MR images with intra-operative ultrasound images to provide surgical guidance.