With Means For Positioning Patient Or Body Part Patents (Class 600/415)
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Patent number: 8452374Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for substantially immobilizing a breast for use in medical imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for substantially immobilizing a breast is provided, including a first support member connected to a first and second base, the bases capable of engagement with the torso of a patient, the first support member defining an inner area substantially covered by a first membrane. A corresponding second support member, defining a second inner area substantially covered by a second membrane, is engageable to the first support member such that the inner areas are substantially aligned to substantially immobilize a breast, the membranes defining a pocket to receive a breast.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Kayan Ma, Gal Sela, Cameron Piron
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Publication number: 20130131497Abstract: A platform configured to be mounted onto a body support. The platform includes a body portion having an underside and an opposite top side. The underside is configured to face the body support, and the top side is configured to support a patient. The body portion also has a coil-receiving recess along the underside. The coil-receiving recess is configured to form a coil-receiving gap when the platform is mounted onto the body support. The coil-receiving gap is sized and shaped to permit a radio-frequency (RF) coil to be positioned therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: ANTON M. LINZ, PETER S. CRANDALL, GARY V. MCBROOM
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Patent number: 8447380Abstract: In a method for diagnosing functional lung illnesses, image exposures of the lungs are obtained at various phase points in time of the respiration of a subject, such as at maximum inhalation and maximum expiration, and the image exposures are segmented and at least two of the image exposures are compared on a segment-by-segment basis to identify a change in tissue density between the compared segments, as an indicator of lung functioning.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Kuth, Sabine Rupprecht, Thomas Rupprecht, Maren Zapke
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Publication number: 20130123610Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining force versus deformation data for tissue in vivo includes a displacement system that cycles an anatomical member, for example, a foot, repeatedly through a loading/unloading cycle while using a gated imaging procedure such as magnetic resonance imaging to obtain the deformation response of tissues in the foot. The imaging is conducted during the loading/unloading cycle, such that a rate-dependent deformation response is imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Michael J. Stebbins, Peter R. Cavanagh, Baocheng Chu, Michael Fassbind, David R. Haynor, William R. Ledoux
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Patent number: 8442617Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Imris Inc.Inventors: Gordon Scarth, Steven Robbins, Brendan Guyot
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Patent number: 8433392Abstract: The present invention provides an MRI system for imaging of a subject over extended field-of-view (FOV) that employs both accelerated data acquisition, which is employed while the subject is stationary, and traditional data acquisition, which is employed while the subject is moved through the MRI system. This approach provides improved spatial resolution and time efficiency compared to traditional extended FOV imaging techniques.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventor: Stephen J. Riederer
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Publication number: 20130102882Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for using an electro-pneumatic insufflator for magnetic resonance imaging, such as for virtual colonoscopy. Embodiments of the invention further provide a MRI imaging suite and a method for distension of a body part to be imaged. As an alternative to the complete redesign of an electro-magnetic insufflator, embodiments of the current invention utilize a standard electro-pneumatic insufflator that operates in a location impervious to electromagnetic radiation using an electromagnetically inactive connection tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.Inventor: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
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Patent number: 8428690Abstract: A system and method to display a four-dimensional (4D) model of an imaged anatomy is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe can acquire generally real-time, 3D image data relative to a direction of image acquisition along an imaging plane. The system also includes a tracking system in communication with the controller. The tracking system includes at least one tracking element integrated with the imaging probe. The system is operable to process the generally real-time, 3D image data acquired by the imaging probe relative to generally real-time tracking information acquired by the tracking system so as to display the 4D model of the imaged anatomy.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher A. Nafis, Douglas G. Wildes, Vernon T. Jensen
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Publication number: 20130096417Abstract: A setup shell device for setting up and/or positioning young children and/or babies for a medical imaging examination, including a body setup unit for accommodating and/or setting up the body of a young child and/or baby and a head setup unit for accommodating and/or setting up the head of a young child and/or baby. The head setup unit has a width that is less than the width of the body setup unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: DAGMAR HERING
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Patent number: 8423120Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for positioning a biopsy needle relative to lesion tissue. A desired imaging modality can be used to image the human or animal tissue to locate lesion tissue. Such an image can be referred to as a diagnostic image. In a specific embodiment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be utilized to locate one or more lesions in a human breast. An interventional instrument, such as a means for effecting a biopsy of the lesion tissue can then be positioned proximate the lesion tissue based of the location information about the location of the lesion tissue obtained from the diagnostic image. The desired imaging modality can then be used to confirm the accuracy of the position of the means for effecting a biopsy with respect to the lesion. In a specific embodiment, MRI can be utilized to confirm the accuracy of the position of a biopsy needle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas E. Tynes, Bernd Kümmerlen, Jens Breitenborn, Hartmut Jürgens, Sven Kohle, Jessica Brandt
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Patent number: 8406844Abstract: A method of contoured-anatomy dose repositioning (CADR) as a means to automatically reposition a patient to better recover the planned dose distribution without reoptimizinq the treatment plan. CADR utilizes planning CT images, the planned dose distribution, and on-line images for repositioning dose distribution on a given day. Contours are also placed upon the images using manual, automatic, template-based, or other techniques. CADR then optimizes the rigid-body repositioning of the patient so that the daily dose distribution closely matches the planned dose distribution.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Tomotherapy IncorporatedInventors: Kenneth J. Ruchala, Gustavo H. Olivera, Jeffrey M. Kapatoes, Paul J. Reckwerdt, Weiguo Lu, John H. Hughes
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Patent number: 8401615Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a system for magnetic resonance imaging that includes a fixture for housing an antenna such that the position of a portion of a patient's anatomy remains fixed relative to the antenna as the patient moves between a first and a second position for imaging.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Fonar CorporationInventors: John Alberghina, Jevan Damadian
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Patent number: 8401612Abstract: A method for detecting Chiari malformations. The method generally comprises positioning a patient in an upright orientation in a patient-receiving space of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the upright orientation. The method further comprises positioning the patient in a recumbent orientation in the patient-receiving space of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the recumbent orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Fonar CorporationInventors: Ki-Cheung Chu, Raymond V. Damadian, Daniel Culver
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Publication number: 20130060129Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and a control method thereof reduce the preparation time for MRI photographing a patient. A patient table has a transfer unit for moving a patient inside the magnet assembly. A fixing unit includes a signal transmitting unit. A signal receiving unit is installed on a diagnosis area of the patient or a radio frequency (RF) coil attached to a diagnosis area of the patient, and a patient position determination system calculates position information of the diagnosis area of the patient or the RF coil if the signal receiving unit detects a signal output from the signal transmitting unit when the transfer unit transfers the patient to inside the magnet assembly and to transfer the diagnosis area of the patient to an optimum photographic area inside the magnet assembly based on the position information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ju Hyung LEE, Oh Soo KWON
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Publication number: 20130053684Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.Inventor: Hologic, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130053683Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system obtains a magnetic resonance image of a patient by obtaining a body profile of the patient, transferring the patient inside a magnet of the MRI system based on the obtained body profile, and using a magnetic field of an RF coil based on the obtained body profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin-young HWANG, Woo-sup HAN, Oh-soo KWON
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Patent number: 8374676Abstract: A RF coil array is provided for imaging a chest wall of a patient including a breast. The RF coil array includes a rigid cup-shaped element and a flexible, substantially flat portion. The rigid cup-shaped element is sized and dimensioned to receive a small breast, such as a post mastectomy breast or a male breast, and the flexible portion is configured to be conformed to the patient adjacent the breast to allow for imaging of the breast, and adjacent areas while facing the chest wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Cameron Anthony Piron, Han Wang, Mariana Garcia Coni, Joshua Richmond, Jakub Jankowski, Chris Luginbuhl
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Patent number: 8369929Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. The RF posterior coil portions for the head and for the chest can be inserted into and removed from an operating position underneath the head and chest of the patient while patient remains supported. The chest coil is inserted from one edge in a cavity in the mattress which is reinforced by a sleeve. The signal communication cable from the chest coil is routed in front of the mattress and over the mattress so as to not to be exposed at the sides. The head coil is carried on a base plate of the patient support alongside the head support which remains in place.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Imris Inc.Inventors: Gordon Scarth, Alexander Shvartsberg, Franjo Vugrin, Wybrandus T. Schellekens
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Publication number: 20130030284Abstract: A thigh compression device and technique to control, time, delay and/or prevent excessive early venous enhancement relative to arterial enhancement and thereby improve and/or enhance MRA images, including peripheral MRA images, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention uses a curved strip of material which is longer on the superior edge and shorter along the inferior edge. When wrapped around the conical shape of the thigh of a subject, for example, a human, the thigh compression device more uniformly conforms to and/or fits around the thigh, providing more even/uniform compression as well as reducing, minimizing and/or eliminating significant movement of the thigh compression device towards the knees of the subject. A snug fit on the thighs may also enable the thigh compression device to be inflated with less fluid, which is faster and less cumbersome for the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Martin R. Prince
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Publication number: 20130023754Abstract: In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus wherein the magnetic resonance device has a movable patient bed, in a first overview measurement, a first image data record of a patient is acquired, and patient information and/or information of a treatment region of a patient is/are determined from the acquired first image data record. In a second overview measurement, dependent on the patient information and/or on the positioning information of the treatment region of the first image data record, a second image data record is acquired. In a planning step a layer planning for the image data acquisition is implemented from the acquired second image data record. Image data for a medical and/or diagnostic issue and/or examination are recorded. The first image data record of the first overview measurement is recorded with a lower spatial resolution than a spatial resolution of the second image data record of the second overview measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Martin HARDER, Dominik PAUL, Raphael SCHWARZ
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Patent number: 8359084Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke PHilips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Alan Love, King C. Li
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Publication number: 20120330130Abstract: An imaging device for imaging an anaesthetized animal such as a rodent (rats or mice or other animals), with the device having a split array coil capable of providing at least two channels for use in a restraining assembly with animal bed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the animal in real-time in a non-destructive manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: RAPID Biomedical GmbHInventors: Titus Lanz, Michael Sauer, Frank Resmer
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Patent number: 8332013Abstract: Method for delivering a stent coupled with a catheter, to a selected position within a lumen of the body of a patient, the method includes the procedures of: selecting a single image of the lumen, among a plurality of images of an image sequence of the lumen, receiving a position input associated with the selected image and respective of the selected position, the position input is defined in a coordinate system respective of a medical positioning system (MPS), detecting the current position of the stent in the coordinate system, according to position data acquired by an MPS sensor attached to the catheter in the vicinity of the stent, superimposing on at least one maneuvering associated image of the lumen, at least one stent representation respective of the current position, and at least one marking representation respective of the position input, according to a real-time organ timing signal of an inspected organ of the body, maneuvering the catheter through the lumen, toward the selected position, accordingType: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: MediGuide, Ltd.Inventor: Gera Strommer
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Publication number: 20120283550Abstract: A local coil for an imaging system includes a support cushion including a volume filled with a fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: Daniel Driemel
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Patent number: 8301221Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for determining a position of an orthopedic prosthesis includes a patient support platform, a sensor array coupled to the patient support platform, and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor array. The sensor array is configured to generate data signals in response to an output signal of a signal source(s) coupled to the orthopedic prosthesis and/or a bone of the patient. The controller is configured to determine a position of the orthopedic prosthesis and/or the bone of the patient based on the data signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. DiSilvestro, Jason T. Sherman, Jose F. Guzman, Edward J. Caylor, III
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Publication number: 20120271156Abstract: A system for Non-Contrast Agent enhanced MR imaging includes an MR image acquisition device for acquiring imaging datasets comprising one or more image slabs individually comprising multiple image slices. An image data processor processes data representing an acquired image slice to detect a predetermined anatomical feature of a patient by detecting an edge of the anatomical feature in response to detection of pixel luminance transitions. A patient support table controller automatically moves a patient table at a velocity adaptively and dynamically determined by, selecting data modifying table velocity from predetermined information associating an anatomical feature with table velocity modification data in response to detection of the anatomical feature and adaptively determining a table velocity using the modification data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Xiaoming Bi, Christopher Glielmi, Peter Schmitt, Peter Weale, Michael Zenge, Sven Zuehlsdorff
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Publication number: 20120265053Abstract: A patient support structure for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a base and a first and a second arm pivotally connected to the base. The patient support structure supports an anatomical region being imaged and positions an antenna array around the anatomical region. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around the anatomical region being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Christopher Salimes, Leslie Wagner, Venkat Goruganti, Brian Brown
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Publication number: 20120265052Abstract: A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Christopher Salimes, Leslie Wagner, Venkat Goruganti, Brian Brown
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Patent number: 8290569Abstract: A patient support structure for positioning a selected anatomy of interest for imaging in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is disclosed. The structure includes a receptacle for receiving a removable tray that includes connectors for connecting local RF coils housed in the array to the MRI scanner, and connectors for positioning the local RF coils adjacent an area of interest to be imaged. A structure for elevating the patient support is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Cameron Piron, Han Wang, Joshua Richmond, Jakub Jankowski, Chris Luginbuhl
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Patent number: 8281663Abstract: A driver for applying an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a medical imaging procedure, such as with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), includes a passive driver located in the bore of the magnet and in direct contact with the skin of the subject. A remotely located active driver includes a linear motor and a sealed diaphragm that produces acoustic pressure waves in response to an applied current. The pressure waves are directed through a tube and into a chamber formed within the passive driver. Vibrations produced in response to the pressure waves create shear waves that are directed into the subject to aid in the imaging procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Richard L. Ehman, Phillip J. Rossman
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Patent number: 8280487Abstract: In a method for operation of a magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient positioning table with a tabletop as well as a control device by which the displacement of the tabletop relative to a homogeneous magnetic field (generated by a magnetic field generation device) and the acquisition of images of an anatomical subject of the patient in a field of view within the homogeneous magnetic field are controlled, the control device determines a suitable stepped displacement of the tabletop using information about the patient size, information about the subject to be acquired and information about the size of the homogeneous magnetic field and/or field of view present relative to the table displacement direction, and the control device controls the tabletop displacement as needed according to the determination result.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Katrin Wohlfarth
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Patent number: 8276225Abstract: Methods and systems for patient positioning in an imaging system are provided. A palette for an imaging system is provided that includes a base portion movably connected to the imaging system and an extender portion removably connected to the base portion. The extender portion together with the base portion supports an object to be imaged by the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Kogan, Alexander Vaisburd, Danny Hausner, Yaron Hefetz
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Publication number: 20120245454Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a magnetic structure having two opposite and spaced apart poles and a column or wall transverse to the poles and connecting the poles; the poles defining two opposite walls delimiting a patient-imaging space, the two opposite walls extending along substantially parallel planes which are substantially parallel to a vertical plane; and a patient positioning table which is slidably connected to a supporting frame between the two poles; the table being positioned with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the two opposite parallel walls of the poles and the table being oriented with its transverse axis perpendicular to at least one of the two opposite walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: ESAOTE, SpAInventors: Alessandro TREQUATTRINI, Fabio Rezzonico, Eugenio Biglieri, Luigi Satragno
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Patent number: 8264225Abstract: A bore tube for use in an imaging apparatus has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is a complete cylinder of electrically conductive material; and the second tube is segmented into separate elements, each separately attached to the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Siemens PLCInventor: Marcel Jan Marie Kruip
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Patent number: 8260397Abstract: In a method to determine a kidney function parameter of kidneys of an examination person with the aid of magnetic resonance tomography, at least one magnetic resonance measurement is implemented for an examination region of the examination person that comprises a urinary bladder of the examination person, to acquire magnetic resonance data from the examination region that include at least image data. The concentration of a urophanic substance in the urinary bladder of the examination person is automatically determined based on the acquired magnetic resonance data. A volume of the urinary bladder is automatically determined based on the acquired image data. A kidney function parameter of the kidneys of the examination person is automatically determined on the basis of the determined concentration of the urophanic substance in the urinary bladder and of the specific volume of the urinary bladder.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan Ruff, Stefan Roell, Sebastian Schmidt
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Patent number: 8226651Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame for attaching to a patient. The present invention also relates to a stereoguide and a member for attaching to a patient. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the frame, member and stereoguide of the present invention. The frame, member and stereoguide are constructed from a composite material comprising a matrix material and electromagnetically inert fibers.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Elekta ABInventors: Steven Streatfield Gill, Andrew Paul Godbehere
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Patent number: 8224423Abstract: During preprogrammed medical treatment and remote controlled surgery tracking the movements of the body being treated and integrating those tracked movements with the preprogrammed/remote controlled treatment to arrive at an integrated modified treatment track and following that modified track during the treatment. The treating instrument may be a solid scalpel or high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, ultra sound, laser beams or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Boulder Innovation Group, Inc.Inventor: Ivan Faul
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Patent number: 8195272Abstract: An MRI-compatible patch for identifying a location includes a flexible base layer, a flexible substrate and at least one of MRI-visible fiducial element. The flexible base layer is mountable on and substantially conformable to a patient's body surface. The base layer has opposed upper and lower primary surfaces. The flexible substrate is releasably attached to the upper primary surface of the base layer and substantially conformable to the patient's body surface. The at least one MRI-visible fiducial element is defined by or secured to the flexible substrate. The patch may include a plurality of the MRI-visible fiducial elements arranged in a defined pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Piferi, Raffaele Mazzei, Alex Diener, Brady Steele
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Patent number: 8195273Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a magnetic structure having two opposite and spaced apart poles and a column or wall transverse to the poles and connecting the poles; the poles defining two opposite walls delimiting a patient-imaging space, the two opposite walls extending along substantially parallel planes which are substantially parallel to a vertical plane; and a patient positioning table which is slidably connected to a supporting frame between the two poles; the table being positioned with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the two opposite parallel walls of the poles and the table being oriented with its transverse axis perpendicular to at least one of the two opposite walls.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: ESAOTE S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Trequattrini, Fabio Rezzonico, Eugenio Biglieri, Luigi Satragno
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Patent number: 8190236Abstract: There are many inventions described herein as well as many aspects and embodiments of those inventions. A thigh compression device and technique to control, time, delay and/or prevent excessive early venous enhancement relative to arterial enhancement and thereby improve and/or enhance MRA images, including peripheral MRA images. In one embodiment, the present invention uses a curved strip of material which is longer on the superior edge and shorter along the inferior edge. When wrapped around the conical or conal-like shape of the thigh of a subject (for example, a human), the thigh compression device more uniformly conforms to and/or fits around the thigh, providing more even/uniform compression as well as reducing, minimizing and/or eliminating significant movement of the thigh compression device towards the knees of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Martin R. Prince
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Patent number: 8190235Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Imris Inc.Inventors: Gordon Scarth, Steven Robbins, Brendan Guyot
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Patent number: 8190234Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system having a patient support arranged for pivoting movement about a pivot axis and linear or sliding motion along a support axis transverse to the pivot axis is provided with a device for measuring the location of a patient feature to be imaged. The measured location is used to define coordinates for positioning the patient support. These coordinates desirably are used to automatically move the patient support from a loading position to an imaging position where the feature will be properly aligned with the field axis of the imaging magnet. The system simplifies patient positioning.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Fonar CorporationInventors: Charles A. Green, Mark Gelbien, John Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 8185335Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus is operated with continuous movement of an examination subject through a measurement volume of the apparatus. At each successively-occupied position of the examination subject within the measurement volume during the continuous movement, magnetic resonance data are acquired with system parameters, each having system parameter values. Contemporaneously with each data acquisition at each position, the acquired data are evaluated as to the effect produced by the system parameter values employed to acquire the data. The system parameter values are then adapted to cause the effect to correspond to a target value, and the adapted system parameters are then used to acquire data at the next-successive position occupied by the examination subject in the continuous movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Arnold, Swen Campagna
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Publication number: 20120123244Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Dune Medical Devices Ltd.Inventors: Dan Hashimshony, Gil Cohen, Iddo Geltner
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Patent number: 8177835Abstract: A method as a workflow for imaging for a heart valve implant procedure includes positioning the patient and an articulated imaging apparatus relative to one another, inducing rapid ventricular pacing in the patient, and imaging a region of the patient's heart to obtain image date for a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional data is used to construct a three-dimensional image of the region of the patient's heart an the three-dimensional image is displayed for use in the implanting of the replacement heart valve. Optional steps may include obtaining a real time two-dimensional image of the patient's heart and superimposing the real time two-dimensional image with the constructed three dimensional image. The replacement valve is moved into position in the patient's heart during rapid ventricular pacing and breath hold using the superimposed two-dimensional and three-dimensional image information.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Alois Noettling, Jan Boese, Matthias John, Volkmar Falk, Thomas Walther
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Patent number: 8175892Abstract: External beam radiotherapy treatment workflow scheduling and optimization. The system and method provides for determining a workflow metamodel, receiving a treatment plan, determining a treatment schedule corresponding to the workflow metamodel and treatment plan, taking into account safety by determining alternative treatment schedules, computing a safety index, and selecting one alternative treatment schedule that satisfies a safety threshold and that provides an optimal schedule.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Agile Planet Inc.Inventors: Chetan Kapoor, Edwin Jung
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Publication number: 20120108952Abstract: Methods and systems for patient alignment for nuclear medicine imaging are provided. One method includes activating a proximity sensor system associated with imaging detectors of the diagnostic imaging system, wherein the imaging detectors are in an L-mode configuration. The method also includes initiating movement of a patient table of the diagnostic imaging system and using a sensed proximity of a patient on the moving patient table by the proximity sensor system to automatically adjust a height of the patient table on which the patient is supported to a patient table height scanning position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Eli Stern, Deborah Ruth Zelnik, Ruth Katz
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Patent number: 8166586Abstract: A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William J. Bridge, Robert Grams, Thomas K. S. Schaefer, Eric Stepanovich, Scott Wollenweber
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Patent number: 8160674Abstract: The invention relates to an upper body MRI scanner comprising a magnet arrangement for producing a horizontally oriented homogeneous main magnetic field, said magnet arrangement being designed to examine the upper body of a standing patient. An image acquisition unit is provided for continuously creating upper body image of the standing patient. A quality checking unit is designed for automatically determining a quality metric characterizing the quality of the upper body images. An imaging controller connected to the image acquisition unit and the quality checking unit is provided for activating the image acquisition unit and outputting signals for influencing the position and/or behavior of the patient as a function of the characteristic quality metric. An output unit connected to the image acquisition unit is used for displaying and/or storing at least some of the upper body images.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Kuth, Sebastian Schmidt
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Patent number: 8146189Abstract: A patient alignment device includes a table and a rotatable member positioned to rotate relative to the table. The rotatable member may be a head-support plate or a board which supports substantially all of a patient's body. A motor moves the board or plate so as to align the patient's body, or a part of the body, in a desired direction. The board may be formed in two segments, the segments being selectively connectable to each other, the segments also being selectively connectable to the table by pins, at various possible pivot points. Positioning of the pins determines the mode of rotation of the board. The invention allows an operator to align the patient's body with precision, by remote control, and without interrupting the medical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventors: Jun Yang, Jing Feng