Abstract: To connect conventional or laparoscopic instruments to a robot that can be used for medical applications, there can be a device that has a first and a second circular cylinder segment having a continuous center bore is connected with the angled first segment affixed to the free end of a robot arm. This connection can be by way of an articulated joint that can be rotated by 180°. On one end surface of the second segment, there can be a third segment in the form of a flange, having a bore that is coaxial with the continuous center bore in the second segment. There is also a rolling joint which can be used to allow the device to rotate. Around the bore of the flange, there can be supply technology and data technology connection elements and a locking mechanism for coupling end effectors on and off.

Abstract: A surgical instrument adaptor comprises a member that defines a longitudinal axis. The member is configured for connection to an image guide that is configured to generate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. The member extends between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of an actuator. The second end includes a second mating part configured for releasable engagement with a mating part of the surgical instrument. Systems and methods are described.

Abstract: An apparatus is utilized for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a main body and a disposable cartridge. The main body includes a imaging device attachment, wherein the imaging device attachment is utilized to secure an image capturing instrument to the main body; a cartridge carrier coupled to the imaging device attachment, wherein the cartridge carrier is adjustable to achieve a target insertion depth; and a first motor coupled to the cartridge carrier, wherein the first motor adjust the cartridge carrier to achieve the target insertion depth. The disposable cartridge is attached to the cartridge carrier and houses a sheath, needle, or guidewire to be inserted into the vessel to the target insertion depth.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic induction system and an operating method for it in which the magnetic force can be made to act deeply and widely in any desired direction. The magnetic induction system of the invention contains multiple magnetic field generation means formed of a superconductive bulk magnet, a drive means for arranging the magnetic field generation means at a desired site and angle, and a drive control means for driving the driving means and controlling the position and the angle of the multiple magnetic field generation means so that a magnetic complex can be inducted to the desired position in a body by the synthetic magnetic field formed by the multiple magnetic field generation means, whereby the magnetic complex is inducted to be concentrated in the cartilage defected part.

Abstract: A head-mounted display (HMD) device is provided with reduced motion blur by reducing row duty cycle for an organic light-emitting diode (LED) panel as a function of a detected movement of a user's head. Further, a panel duty cycle of the panel is increased in concert with the decrease in the row duty cycle to maintain a constant brightness. The technique is applicable, e.g., to scenarios in which an augmented reality image is displayed in a specific location in world coordinates. A sensor such as an accelerometer or gyroscope can be used to obtain an angular velocity of a user's head. The angular velocity indicates a number of pixels subtended in a frame period according to an angular resolution of the LED panel. The duty cycles can be set, e.g., once per frame, based on the angular velocity or the number of pixels subtended in a frame period.

Abstract: Information layering is provided in medical imaging. Two or more types of information are provided in one image. A three-dimensional surface is formed for two-dimensional scanning and/or imaging. The depth or third dimension is mapped to one type of data. Variation in values of this type of data causes variation in the surface away from flat. Data of another type is mapped to the surface, such that each location having a color or gray scale value based on the other type and a depth based on the one type. The surface is rendered using three-dimensional rendering to show the depth information even though both types of data represent a scanned plane. Stereoscopic viewing may allow the user to better visualize the depth information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing sweat production via, for example, the removal, disablement, and incapacitation of sweat glands in the epidermis, dermis and subdermal tissue regions of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient is provided which involves identifying a patient having a condition of excessive sweating, positioning an energy delivery device proximate to a skin tissue of the patient and delivering energy to sweat glands to halt secretion of sweat. The energy delivery device may include microwave delivery devices, RF delivery devices, and cryogenic therapy devices. Some embodiments may include using a cooling element for avoiding destruction of non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize treatment at specific portions of the skin fold.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system (10) for guidance of a shaft or needle (16) to a target (14) of a subject (12) is provided. The system includes a user interface (76). The user interface (76) includes a frame (78) positioned on a surface of the subject (12). The frame (78) includes an opening (82) over an entry point of a planned trajectory for the shaft or needle (16). The planned trajectory extends from the entry point to the target (14). The user interface (76) further includes one or more visual indicators (80) arranged on the frame (78) around the opening (82). The one or more visual indicators (80) at least one of: 1) visually indicate deviation of the shaft or needle (16) from the planned trajectory; and 2) visually indicate a current position of a real-time slice of real-time MR images.

Abstract: A robotic arm especially suited for laparoscopic surgery, having a torsional joint and a flexural joint forming serially arranged joints is described. The joints provide respective degrees of freedom for the arm, which further receives drive means for such joints. The robotic arm also has transmission means placed between the drive means have and the joints. The transmission means a first and a second assembly of three gear wheels, preferably conical gear wheels, and a train of three additional gear wheels, preferably straight-cut gear wheels, which couple the first and second assembly to form a differential mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a biopsy plate, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils. The biopsy plate is removable without removing either of the MRI coils.

Abstract: Effective systems and methods for improving neural communication impairment of a vertebrate being and affecting motor activity of a peripheral body part including a first signal-providing component configured to provide pulsed peripheral stimulation signals at the peripheral body part, a second signal-providing component configured to provide a pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal to a motor cortex area, a substantially DC signal-providing component configured to provide direct current spinal stimulation signal at a neural spinal junction and a controller component configured to control timing of the pulsed peripheral stimulation signals and the pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal.

Abstract: An inventive medical imaging marker includes a base (2) composed of a non-imageable material, three spherical members (10, 11, 12) provided in a predetermined positional relationship in the base (2) and each composed of an imageable material, and auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) provided in the base (2) and composed of the imageable material. The auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) respectively have linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) which are disposed parallel to straight lines extending through center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) and each have a predetermined length sufficient to serve as a mark. The center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) can be correctly identified in a captured image with reference to the linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) of the auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) of the inventive medical imaging marker. Thus, reference axes can be correctly defined in the image.

Abstract: Devices, kits, assemblies systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate guide cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an open axially extending lumen. The proximal end includes a connector. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends, the needle having a connector that is configured to attach to the guide cannula connector and is attached to or attachable to a length of flexible tubing, wherein the elongate needle is configured to be slidably inserted into the guide cannula lumen so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the distal end of the guide cannula a suitable distance.

Abstract: An image-guided system and method for performing needle biopsy on a moving lung nodule of a body is provided. CT images of the lung nodule are obtained to generate a motion model, based on which an optimal needle advancing path is determined. The motion of the lung nodule and the motion of a fiducial marker attached to the body are correlated. The motion of the fiducial marker is tracked and monitored by a camera to determine a position of the lung nodule based on the correlation. A time for advancing the needle is determined based on a motion attribute of the reference. The needle is advanced by a robotic needle manipulator at the predetermined time along the path to accomplish the needle placement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing method of determining at least one operating parameter of a medical imaging device, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring entity geometry data comprising entity geometry information describing a geometry of a corporeal entity to be considered in a medical procedure; b) acquiring imaging device operability data comprising imaging device operability information describing a mode of operation of the medical imaging device; c) determining, based on the entity geometry data and the imaging device operability data, operating parameter data comprising operating parameter information describing a value of at least one operating parameter of the medical imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a main body and a disposable cartridge. The main body includes a imaging device attachment, wherein the imaging device attachment is utilized to secure an image capturing instrument to the main body; a cartridge carrier coupled to the imaging device attachment, wherein the cartridge carrier is adjustable to achieve a target insertion depth; and a first motor coupled to the cartridge carrier, wherein the first motor adjust the cartridge carrier to achieve the target insertion depth. The disposable cartridge is attached to the cartridge carrier and houses a sheath, needle, or guidewire to be inserted into the vessel to the target insertion depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a reusable handheld device and a disposable cartridge. The reusable handheld device includes a imaging device attachment utilized to secure an image capturing instrument, an arm coupled to the imaging device attachment, and a depth scale coupled to the arm, wherein the depth scale provides a scale indicating an insertion depth. The disposable cartridge attaches to the reusable handheld device. The disposable cartridge includes a sheath, needle or guidewire coupled to the disposable cartridge. The sheath or needle extends to the insertion depth when fully advanced, thereby allowing the sheath, needle, or guidewire to access the lumen of a vessel.

Abstract: A trajectory frame for use with surgical navigation systems includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including an optical tracking probe (which may be a universal tracker) detectable by a camera-based tracking system or an EM probe detectable by an EM navigation system, a microelectrode probe driver adapter, a drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and a catheter guide.

Abstract: A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid.

Abstract: A diagnostic endoscopic imaging support apparatus includes a three-dimensional image data obtaining section that obtains three-dimensional image data of a subject, a tubular tissue shape data obtaining section that extracts and obtains tubular tissue shape data representing a shape of a tubular tissue in the subject from the three-dimensional image data obtained by the three-dimensional image data obtaining section, an endoscope route data obtaining section that obtains endoscope route data representing a route of an endoscope inserted into the subject, and a matching section that performs matching between the tubular tissue shape data and the endoscope route data.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, a tracking system, an MRI system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions for simultaneous imaging and tracking are presented. A designated signal and one or more characteristics corresponding to a plurality of imaging gradient waveforms are received. Further, a tracking pulse sequence is synchronized with an imaging pulse sequence at a determined point based on the designated signal. The tracking pulse sequence is then applied simultaneously with the imaging pulse sequence for acquiring corresponding response signals from an interventional device that includes at least one tracking coil and a tracking source configured to generate response signals at a tracking resonant frequency different from an imaging resonant frequency. A location of the tracking coil within or outside body of a subject is determined based on the response signals received from the tracking source and the characteristics corresponding to the imaging gradient waveforms.

Abstract: Implementations described herein relate to an anatomical referencing system and associated methods for surgical navigation that include referencing shapes and features on excised target tissue back to the wound or cavity in the body from which it was removed. Such an anatomical referencing system can comprise an expandable structure operably coupled to a controller assembly. The expandable structure can have a port in communication with an interior cavity and a surface adapted for measuring having a plurality of navigation markers. The controller assembly can operate to communicate with the expandable structure through the port and can have a means for expanding the expandable structure to a selected pressure against the cavity. The expandable structure can be adapted to conform to the geometry of the cavity in which it is placed upon expansion by the controller assembly. The controller assembly can include a means for recording the dimensions of the interior cavity of the expanded structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for superimposing known patterns, characteristic of a region, on (real) images of said region. The device comprises , a memory in which patterns are stored, which are representative of a selected region, of known position and orientation with relation to a common reference and processing means, for determining a pattern representative of the selected portion in the memory, on receipt of the designation of at least one portion of an observed image of the selected region, taken at a selected angle and at least one representative attribute of said region, taking account of the attribute selected, then superimposing the determined pattern on the selected portion of the image taking account of the selected angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale particle for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the particle, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the particle by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D particle, and the use of the particle in in-vivo or in-vitro applications. The particle can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations. The particle is coated with a biocompatible metal, e g gold, or polymer e g parvlene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the particle are made of any metal or polymer combinations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparing apparatus for preparing an influencing procedure for influencing a subject. The preparing apparatus (1) comprises a subject coil (3) for generating a magnetic resonance image of he subject (7), an instrument guide device (5) for guiding an instrument (6) for influencing the subject (7), a marker (9) being visible in the magnetic resonance image, and an attaching element for attaching the instrument guide device (5) to the subject coil (3) in a known spatial relationship. Since the spatial relationship between the instrument guide device (5) and the subject coil (3) is known, if they are attached to each other, a time consuming registration procedure for registering an influence trajectory, which has been planned based on the magnetic resonance image, and the instrument guide device (5) can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing external magnetic fields in implantable medical devices are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for sensing magnetic fields. An apparatus embodiment includes a sensing circuit with at least one inductor having a magnetic core that saturates in the presence of a magnetic field having a prescribed flux density. The apparatus embodiment also includes an impedance measuring circuit connected to the sensing circuit. The impedance measuring circuit is adapted to measure impedance of the sensing circuit and to provide a signal when the impedance changes by a prescribed amount. According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit includes a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The impedance measuring circuit includes a transthoracic impedance measurement module (TIMM), according to an embodiment. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An interventional or a non-interventional instrument like a catheter, a surgical device, a biopsy needle, a pointer, a stent or another invasive or non-invasive device, like a position marker, or a surface or local coil like a head coil is disclosed, wherein these instruments are provided with an MR-safe RF transmission line or cable (2, 3) for connecting the instrument with related RF transmit/MR receive units or other signal processing units for operating the instrument during an MR imaging or MR examination of an examination object. Basically, MR safety is obtained or increased by means of a plurality of fuses (6) which are serially connected into the transmission line or cable (2, 3).

Abstract: A system and a method of performing a frameless image-guided biopsy uses imaging, a six-dimensional robotic couch system, a laser guidance system, an optical distance indicator, and a needle control apparatus. A planning CT scan is made of the patient with stereotactic fiduciary markers to localize and produce digitally reconstructed radiographs. Two stereoscopic images are generated using an imaging device to visualize and identify a target tumor. The images are fused with the digitally reconstructed radiographs of the planning CT scan to process tumor location. The tumor location data are communicated to the movable robotic couch to position the target tumor of the patient at a known isocenter location. A biopsy needle is guided with a laser alignment mechanism towards the isocenter at the determined depth using a needle positioning apparatus and an Optical Distance Indicator, and a biopsy sample of the target tumor is obtained.

Abstract: A system and method includes a medical device configured to be inserted into a subject having an imaging coil coupled thereto and configured to be inserted into the subject during a medical procedure to provide tracking information regarding a position of the medical device. A circuit is connected to the imaging coil to switch the circuit between an energy harvesting configuration and an image data acquisition configuration. The circuit includes an energy harvesting path and an imaging data path connected to the imaging coil that are electrically distinct. An energy storage device is connected to receive power delivered along the energy harvesting path when the circuit is in the energy harvesting configuration. An amplifier is connected to receive power from the energy storage device and receive imaging data signals from the imaging coil over the imaging data path to thereby amplify the imaging data signals.

Abstract: A trajectory guide for providing access to a target site of a living subject along a desired path comprises a baseplate including a clamp lock, a guide member at least partially contained within the baseplate and having a channel therein, a plurality of adjustable legs each including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the baseplate, and a leg lock coupled to each adjustable leg and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position in order to set a desired length of the adjustable leg, wherein the adjustable legs and the guide member are structured to be adjusted to provide an infinite number of trajectories in three-dimensional space extending through the channel in the guide member toward a target.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method is administered in combination with localized internal ionizing radiation therapy.

Abstract: A system and method include a shape sensing enabled device too (102) having an optical fiber (126). An interpretation module (115) is configured to receive optical signals from the optical fiber within a structure and interpret the optical signals to determine a shape of the device. An image generation module (140) is configured to receive the shape of the device, register the shape with an image volume of the structure and generate a curved Memory multi-planar reconstruction (CMPR) rendering based on the shape.

Abstract: Methods, devices (such as computer readable media), and systems (such as computer systems) for defining and executing automated movements using robotic arms (such as robotic arms configured for use in performing surgical procedures), so that a remotely-located surgeon is relieved from causing the robotic arm to perform the automated movement through movement of an input device such as a hand controller.

Abstract: Provided is an intra-subject medical system which includes a body-insertable device and a physical quantity generator. The body-insertable device is to be introduced into a subject, is covered by a capsule-shaped exterior member, and includes a physical quantity detecting member which has a directivity to detect a predetermined physical quantity; at least one functional member which has a necessary function for examining or treating inside the subject; and a switch control unit which controls an on/off state or operation mode of the at least one functional member when the physical quantity detecting member detects a physical quantity. The physical quantity generator has a physical quantity emitting unit which emits a temporary physical quantity inside the subject; and a physical quantity direction changing unit which changes an emission direction of the physical quantity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for visualizing renal tumors and for staging cysts during an operation by use of a fluorescent dye.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a biopsy plate, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils. The biopsy plate is removable without removing either of the MRI coils.

Abstract: An MR compatible deflectable catheter and method of using the same is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a patient and an interventional device includes a base, a trajectory guide frame, and a mounting device. The base is configured to be secured to a body of the patient. The trajectory guide frame includes a targeting cannula. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough, defining a trajectory axis, and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The trajectory guide frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. A plurality of patient engagement structures are provided on the base and are configured to penetrate tissue of the body and to space the base apart from the tissue. The system further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the base to the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positioning a therapeutic device relative to a target displaced on a platform. A base member has a first track extending along a length of the platform for defining a first pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. A curved frame is slidably mounted on the base member through the first track. The curved frame has a second track along an interior wall of the curved frame for defining a second pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. A housing is disposed in the second track of the curved frame and configured to receive the therapeutic device. The housing is extendible at least along a radial direction of the curved frame for defining a third pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. Applications of the systems and methods may include image-guided thermal therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, a tracking system, an MRI system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions for simultaneous imaging and tracking are presented. A designated signal and one or more characteristics corresponding to a plurality of imaging gradient waveforms are received. Further, a tracking pulse sequence is synchronized with an imaging pulse sequence at a determined point based on the designated signal. The tracking pulse sequence is then applied simultaneously with the imaging pulse sequence for acquiring corresponding response signals from an interventional device that includes at least one tracking coil and a tracking source configured to generate response signals at a tracking resonant frequency different from an imaging resonant frequency. A location of the tracking coil within or outside body of a subject is determined based on the response signals received from the tracking source and the characteristics corresponding to the imaging gradient waveforms.

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 trajectory frame for use with an MRI-guided interventional system includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. The base is configured to be secured to the body of a patient. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide distal end portion is positioned proximate the patient access aperture. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including a targeting cannula, drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and catheter guide.

Abstract: A catheter (10) comprising a catheter tip (14) that is adapted to have deflection of an associated spring (22) detected by imaging techniques and to have that deflection be translated into an estimation of the tip (14) contact force.

Abstract: A fiducial marker system (210a-c) comprises a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is patient affixable and comprises a partly spherical inner surface having a first center point that is adapted to receive a touch probe measurement head for measuring the spatial position of the center point. The second unit is releasably attachable to an outer surface of the first unit, and has a second center point, wherein the first center point and the second center point are substantially identical when the second unit is attached to the first unit. For stereotactic therapy, a patient is imaged with the first and second unit assembled. Then the second unit is detached. A stereotactic frame (300) is attached to the first units via arms. Thus frameless imaging is provided in a frame based stereotactic surgery system with high precision. Repeated assembly of the frame (300) to the first units, remaining in the patient, provides advantageous fractionized stereotactic radiotherapy.

Abstract: A registration device (1) for patient registration comprises at least one reference marker (2) adapted to be sensed by an imaging system (5) and/or at least one position element (3) adapted to be localized by a position sensing system (6), and fixation means (4) for positioning the registration device (1) in a patient's body cavity at a location comprising soft tissue. The registration device (1) is adapted to be introduced into and positioned in the patient's body cavity, particularly in the viscerocranium such as the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx, the ear canal(s) and/or the neurocranium such as a cerebral ventricle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medical device which can be detected by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The medical device is characterized by having mechanically stably attached a coating comprising paramagnetic ions which are directly and strongly encompassed by the coating polymers. The medical device comprises a modified envelope polymer providing chemically active free functional groups and a coating covalently bonded to the free functional groups of the envelope polymer at its surface. The coating contains statistically encompassed paramagnetic ions to render it MR visible.

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: A traceable surgical tool is positioned, monitored and displayed in real-time directly with pre-scanned three dimensional CT/MRI slices of a patient. The tool positioning and inclination is obtained by real time combined ultrasound (US)/RF transmissions between at least four transmitting units (TUs) and a mobile unit (MU) attached to or included in the tool. No more than three of the TUs may be coplanar. In some embodiments, at least one TU includes two US transmitters transmitting at different frequencies. Image space coordinates of the CT/MRI scanned patient are mapped by a one-to- one transformation onto real space coordinates of the patient undergoing a surgical procedure. The mapping is aided by, in the real space environment, touching once each of at least three markers fixedly attached to the patient and pre-scanned with the patient in the image space.

Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.