Using Detectable Material Placed In Body Patents (Class 600/420)
  • Patent number: 8670817
    Abstract: A liquid injector (400) injects a medical liquid into a patient whose fluoroscopic image data is to be picked up, and generates injection history data corresponding to the injection. A control box (500) allocates identification data associated with the fluoroscopic image data to the injection history data, and PACS (300) stores the fluoroscopic image data and the injection history data allocated with the identification data. The injection history data is also stored in association with the fluoroscopic image data to be stored, and hence the injection history data can also be confirmed when viewing the fluoroscopic image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Resource One Inc, Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Goto, Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8670818
    Abstract: A marker delivery device is configured for deploying a tissue marker. The marker delivery device includes a handle having a chamber, and a cannula. According to one aspect, the cannula has a flexible portion formed by a slot arrangement having of a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel peripheral slots extending through the side wall of the cannula to the lumen. A marker introducer rod is movably disposed in the lumen of the cannula for deploying the mark, and has a flexible region that corresponds to the flexible portion of the cannula. According to another aspect, a retraction mechanism is mounted to the handle and is configured to facilitate a complete retraction of both the cannula and the marker introducer rod into the chamber of the housing of the handle upon an actuation of the retraction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Himanshu Ranpura, Chad C. Van Liere
  • Publication number: 20140066751
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ARkival Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Weiss, Robert Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20140066752
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for directing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents to a target volume, or for guiding magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents from a first target volume to a second target volume, at a distance using a magnetic field, to enable the treatment of diseased areas including areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: The Government of the United States of America as Represented by the Department of Health and Human, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: Benjamin Shapiro, Michael R. Emmert-Buck
  • Publication number: 20140058249
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique and optionally software—collectively referred to as the “shutter-speed” model—to analyze image data of cancer patients. Embodiments provide a minimally invasive, yet precisely accurate, approach to determining whether tumors are malignant or benign by distinguishing the characteristics of contrast reagent activity in benign and malignant tumors. Exemplary embodiments provide MRI measured biomarkers for tumor malignancy determination, effectively eliminating or limiting the false positives suffered by existing MRI techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: Xin Li, Charles S. Springer, William D. Rooney, Wei Huang, Jingang Xu, Ian J. Tagge
  • Patent number: 8658129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to agents capable of binding to myelin basic protein in a subject. Also provided are methods for the detection of myelin-associated neuropathy comprising identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, administering to a subject an agent that binds specifically to myelin basic protein, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting the agent present in the subject. A kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rong Zhang, Tiberiu Mircea Siclovan, Cristina Abucay Tan Hehir, Victoria Eugenia Cotero, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140051981
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Mordechay Schlesinger, Long Jian Liu, James R. Ewing, Stephen L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8655040
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for generating a diagnostic three dimensional image for a patient. Some example technologies may obtain a sequence of multiple images of the patient using an imaging modality device. The technologies may estimate a registration vector for each image based on a motion function and an image transformation function. Each image may be defined by a measurement noise added to the image transformation function operating on the registration vector with respect to a reference image. The registration vector may be a function of a breathing motion of a prior registration vector added to a transition noise value. The technologies may estimate motion parameters based on the registration vector. The technologies may iteratively refine the registration vector and the motion parameters. The technologies may generate the diagnostic three dimensional image of the patient using the registration vector for each image and the motion parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Henry Leung
  • Patent number: 8655432
    Abstract: A method is proposed for simple and quick setting of an injection pump for image recording. In at least one embodiment of the method, patient-specific and appliance-specific input parameters are entered and a contrast agent protocol is created from the patient-specific and appliance-specific input parameters, by computer, by way of a functional relationship, and the contrast agent protocol is output to the injection pump. Furthermore, a computer unit is provided in at least one embodiment, with the aid of which the method is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eckhard Hempel, Matthias Niethammer
  • Patent number: 8649843
    Abstract: A method automatically scores calcium in the aorta and other arteries of the body using calcium plaque definitions that include subject specific in vivo blood/muscle density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2D and 3D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The images are optionally calibrated with external phantoms or internal reference tissue. Aortic calcium is identified automatically without manual marking. Potential false plaques from bone are automatically excluded. A 3D coordinate system provides the specific coordinates of the detected plaques, which are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20140039300
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, apparatus, and computer based systems for identifying benign and malignant tumors in tissues such as soft tissues and particularly breast tissue using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imagining (DCE-MRI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DSC) imagining of the tumors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sunnmore MR-Klinikk AS
    Inventors: Kjell-Inge GJESDAL, Endre GRØVIK
  • Patent number: 8644568
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing information for surgical planning based on automated biomechanical analysis of a bone-implant system using finite element analysis of a patient's 3D medical image, including automated biomechanical analysis of bone-implant systems for use in surgical planning both pre-operatively and intra-operatively and for use in research and development studies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: O.N.Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Hoffmann, Tony M. Keaveny, David L. Kopperdahl
  • Patent number: 8630694
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Publication number: 20140012129
    Abstract: An NMR experiment on hyperpolarizable magnetic nuclei of substrate molecules in a living human or animal body, involves polarizing the substrate molecules by non-hydrogenating para-hydrogen induced polarization (=NH-PHIP) into a singlet/pseudo singlet state in low magnetic field and injecting the substrate molecules into the living body, the body or a part thereof being previously located inside a magnet at low magnetic field. The magnet is switched on to high magnetic field, and in at least part of the substrate molecules, the singlet state/pseudo singlet state is converted into observable magnetisation. An MRI or MRS measurement is carried out with the living body or the part thereof, collecting data from the substrate molecules. The NMR experiment is well applicable on hyperpolarized nuclei within a patient, with reduced losses of magnetization due to relaxation processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Joost Lohman, Simon Benedict Duckett, Gary George Green, Antonio Giuseppe Gianotti
  • Patent number: 8623327
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of imaging blood flow in a region of interest of a subject using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided. The method includes introducing an imaging agent into the subject, the imaging agent including a compound having at least one hyperpolarized nucleus having a T.sub.1 greater than 15 seconds and a water-octanol partition coefficient between ?1 and 1, providing at least one excitation signal to the region of interest, the at least one excitation signal configured to invoke a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) effect at least in the introduced imaging agent, and detecting an NMR signal emitted by the region of interest in response to the at least one excitation signal. In another aspect, the imaging agent includes a carbon-13 enriched alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alsop, Elena Vinogradov, Aaron K. Grant, Robert E. Lenkinski
  • Patent number: 8626269
    Abstract: An intracorporeal marker includes a fibrous unitary marker body having bioabsorbable fibers compressed into a compressed configuration, and bound in the compressed configuration by a polymer binding agent. The intracorporeal marker may be incorporated into an intracorporeal marker delivery device having a delivery cannula which has a distal tip, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in communication with the inner lumen. The compression and binding occur prior to insertion of the fibrous unitary marker body into the inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The fibrous unitary marker body is slidably disposed within and pushable through the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula proximal to the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Jones, Paul Lubock, Lloyd H. Malchow
  • Patent number: 8626270
    Abstract: The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Senorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Paul Lubock, Michael L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8617072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a general composite compartmental model and a compartmental analysis procedure to extract non-invasively the concentration (Cp) of the imaging agent in plasma (301), in metabolites (304, 504) and in blood elements (303) (like red cells, platelets, plasma protein etc.) from time signal curves measured within a reference tissue region (200). This is made possible by deploying an injection function (SINJ(t)) as input which models the amount of imaging agent administered to the patient as a function of time. The invention allows the presentation of the plasma input function to the medical practitioner without the need for invasively drawing blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Dragos-Nicolae Peligrad, Lothar Spies, Timo Paulus
  • Patent number: 8617515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for myelin basic protein detection comprises identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, parenterally administering to the subject the agent, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting binding to myelin basic protein. Methods for the detection of myelin and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using an agent with specific binding to myelin basic protein are also provided as is a kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cristina Abucay Tan Hehir, Tiberiu Mircea Siclovan, Nicole Evelyn Barnhardt, Kenneth Michael Fish, Randall Lee Carter, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
  • Patent number: 8620406
    Abstract: Medical devices that are visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optionally, other imaging techniques, are described. In some embodiments, a medical device adapted for insertion into the body includes an elongated shaft and an electrically conductive path extending spirally about a portion of the shaft. The conductive path is capable of being connected to a current source. The medical device can further include one or more contrast agents (such as MRI contrast agents, radiopaque materials, and/or ultrasound visible materials), which can be arranged in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Smith, Steven E. Walak, Lixiao Wang, Jan Weber, Sheng-Ping Zhong
  • Publication number: 20130345548
    Abstract: Injection systems and related methods including an injection device, an operator interface, and modules to determine operational parameters during an MRA imaging procedure. Such parameters may be used to optimize and/or maximize signal intensity during an MRA imaging procedure. The injection system may include a target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration determination module that determines a target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration at least partially based on contrast agent type and MRA imager parameters. The injection system may include a contrast agent injection rate determination module that determines a contrast agent injection rate at least partially based on the target in-bloodstream contrast agent concentration, an initial contrast agent concentration, and a cardiac output rate of a patient to be imaged. The injection system may include a diluent injection rate determination module that determines a diluent injection rate at least partially based on the contrast agent injection rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael R. Hynes, Dennis A. Moore, William J. Neubert
  • Publication number: 20130338489
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for implementing a fully quantitative non-injectable contrast proton MRI technique to measure spatial ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) matching and spatial distribution of ventilation and perfusion. In one aspect, a method using MRI to characterize ventilation and perfusion in a lung includes acquiring an MR image of the lung having MR data in a voxel and obtaining a breathing frequency parameter, determining a water density value, a specific ventilation value, and a perfusion value in at least one voxel of the MR image based on the MR data and using the water density value to determine an air content value, and determining a ventilation-perfusion ratio value that is the product of the specific ventilation value, the air content value, the inverse of the perfusion value, and the breathing frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Gordon Kim Prisk, Susan Roberta Hopkins, Richard Bruce Buxton, Rui Carlos Pereira De Sá, Rebecca Jean Theilmann, Matthew Vincent Cronin
  • Patent number: 8611989
    Abstract: A method of generating an image of a segment of a lumen structure comprises acquiring volumetric image data that comprises image data representative of a longitudinal segment of a lumen structure, extracting the segment of lumen structure from the volumetric image, calculating a thickness of planar MPR slab that at least encompasses the longitudinal segment of lumen structure, and rendering a planar MPR slab image based on the thickness and the volumetric image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Roberts
  • Patent number: 8611981
    Abstract: An embodiment in the MRI-CEST field is proposed for analyzing a body-part, which includes a CEST agent providing a magnetization transfer with a bulk substrate of the body-part. A corresponding diagnostic system includes input means for providing an input map including a plurality of input elements each one for a corresponding location of the body-part; each input element is indicative of a spectrum of a magnetic response of the location, which spectrum includes the magnetic response at an agent frequency of resonance of the contrast agent (with the agent frequency that is at an agent offset of frequency from a bulk frequency of resonance of the bulk substance), and at a reference frequency at the opposite of the agent offset from the bulk frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bracco Imaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvio Aime, Daniela Delli Castelli, Dario Livio Longo, Joseph Stancanello, Enzo Terreno, Fulvio Uggeri
  • Patent number: 8611982
    Abstract: One or more light beam endowed with photonic orbital angular momentum generating devices are mounted at preselected locations on an insertable instrument to hyperpolarize nuclear magnetic dipoles in a region of interest. The hyperpolarized nuclear magnetic dipoles are caused to resonate, generating magnetic resonance signals. A controller controls gradient coils to induce a magnetic field gradient across the region of interest, such that the frequency of the resonance signals is indicative of spatial positions. A frequency-to-position decoder converts the resonance signal frequencies into spatial positions. A video processor combines the spatial positions and a portion of a diagnostic image from a diagnostic image memory into a combined image which depicts the location of the region of interest or a portion of the instrument marked on the diagnostic image and displays the combined image on a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Elgort, Lucian Remus Albu
  • Publication number: 20130317350
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for enhancing contrast of magnetic resonance imaging and a method for treating tumor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Haiming Fan, Jun Ding
  • Publication number: 20130317349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful in connection with magnetic resonance imaging. In various embodiments, the invention employs the PASADENA polarization technique to prepare contrast agents that target complementary molecules in the body and/or that are processed through predetermined, natural metabolic pathways. The invention includes methods of using the contrast agents and kits including the same. In one embodiment, a diagnostic and prognostic method relating to Alzheimer's disease is described. Further embodiments relate to medical devices including the contrast agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTINGTON MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES
    Inventor: HUNTINGTON MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES
  • Patent number: 8588888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a CT and MRI synchronous detection positioning needle. The needle comprises a silicone tube which is internally provided with a guide needle; the two sides of the guide needle are provided with hollow cavities; each hollow cavity is internally provided with membranes dividing the hollow cavity into a plurality of small chambers which are filled with liquid, wherein a CT contrast agent is filled in a plurality of small chambers at one side of the guide needle, and an MRI contrast agent is filled in a plurality of small chambers at the other side of the guide needle. In the invention, specially designed silicone positioning needles are implanted in vivo, and synchronous comparison of different image data and pathological data is implemented by means of multi-plane reconstruction technology, so the CT and MRI synchronous detection positioning needle can be widely applied to experimental study on tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shandong University
    Inventors: Dedong Ma, Wei Xiao, Qingshi Zeng, Ying Xing, Hongxiu Lu
  • Patent number: 8583213
    Abstract: A novel method and system for employing device tracking with a magnetic resonance imaging system. In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a method for tracking the location of a device and generating an image using magnetic resonance imaging includes applying a combined imaging and tracking pulse sequence, in the presence of a magnetic field gradient, wherein the combined imaging and tracking sequence comprising a radiofrequency excitation pulse. The method further includes collecting tracking data based on a magnetic resonance tracking signal resulting from the radiofrequency excitation pulse, wherein the magnetic resonance tracking signal is returned from a tracking coil mounted in the device. The method also includes collecting imaging data based on a magnetic resonance imaging signal resulting from the radiofrequency excitation pulse, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging signal is returned from an imaging coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Dumoulin, Patrick Gross, W. Thomas Dixon
  • Publication number: 20130289388
    Abstract: An embodiment of a post-biopsy cavity treatment implant includes a first portion including a first porous matrix defining a first controlled pore architecture or crosslinking density, and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion includes a second porous matrix that defines a second controlled pore architecture or a second crosslinking density that is different from the first controlled pore architecture or the first crosslinking density, causing the second portion to swell in a different manner than the first portion when the implant is placed in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ary S. Chernomorsky, James W. Vetter, Simon Chernomorsky
  • Patent number: 8570027
    Abstract: A method of magnetic imaging at long detection ranges. In one embodiment the method comprises introducing a magnetic sample having magnetic particles into a detection field; detecting weak magnetic field signals of the magnetic particles; forming an image from the detected signals; and determining the location and quantity amount of the magnetic particles. The method further comprises introducing a magnetic sample to a human or other organism's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Shoujun Xu, Li Yao
  • Publication number: 20130281831
    Abstract: A system and method for creating at least one angiographic image using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring, with the MRI system and using parallel imaging techniques, a pre-contrast image data set and a post-contrast image data set of a portion of a subject having a vascular structure extending therethrough and subtracting the pre-contrast and the post-contrast image data set to generate a difference angiogram data set. The method includes reconstructing the difference angiogram data set into at least one aliased angiogram, creating a region of interest (ROI) mask from an image of the portion of the subject, and indicating a masking border surrounding the vascular structure and substantially excluding tissues surrounding the vascular structure. The method then includes de-aliasing the at least one aliased angiogram using the ROI mask to create an angiogram of the portion of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen J. Riederer
  • Patent number: 8564288
    Abstract: A method for sample preparation for magnetic resonance measurements using Hyperpolarization by Dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization, involves preparation of frozen beads of a first kind containing paramagnetic substances in addition to the solute under investigation; insertion of the frozen beads into a polarizing magnet; creation of enhanced polarization of nuclei in a magnetic field; heating of the sample to room temperature; transfer of the sample to an MR magnet; and carrying out an MR measurement. In addition, frozen beads of a second kind containing a reducing agent are prepared and inserted into the polarization magnet together with the frozen beads of the first kind. By this method, longitudinal and transverse relaxation times in NMR are extended and free radicals in hyperpolarized solutions are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Bruker BioSpin AG, Ecole Polytechniqye Fédérale de Lausanne (EDFL)
    Inventors: Sami Jannin, Pascal Mieville, Geoffrey Bodenhausen
  • Patent number: 8565557
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate more efficient free view generation in Ray-Space by way of a Radon transform. The architecture can render virtual views based upon original image data by employing Ray-Space interpolation techniques. In particular, the architecture can apply the Radon transform to a feature epipolar plane image (FEPI) to extract more suitable slope or direction candidates. In addition, the architecture can facilitate improved block-based matching techniques in order to determine an optimal linear interpretation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Kiu Sha Management Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Oscar Chi Lim Au, Ling Hou
  • Publication number: 20130274592
    Abstract: A method for acquiring a volumetric scan from at least a portion of a body of a subject suspected of exhibiting an observable manifestation of a disease or adverse health condition comprises, with the aid of a radio frequency (RF) source of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, applying a first RF pulse to the at least the portion of a body of the subject. A detector coil of the MRI system can then detect magnetic resonance (MR) signals from the at least the portion of the body of the subject. The MR signals can be detected upon a time delay subsequent to the application of the first RF pulse. The MR signals can be stored in a memory location as non-Cartesian data in k-space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Taehoon SHIN, Bob Hu
  • Patent number: 8558543
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a coil control device that controls a transmission coil and a gradient coil such that (A) a longitudinal magnetization adjustment pulse sequence for setting a longitudinal magnetization component positive in value of a first body fluid smaller than a longitudinal magnetization component positive in value of a second body fluid is executed on the first and second body fluids, (B) a longitudinal magnetization reverse pulse for reversing the longitudinal magnetization components of the first and second body fluids is transmitted, and (C) a data acquisition pulse sequence for acquiring data of the first body fluid when an absolute value of the longitudinal magnetization component of the first body fluid flowing through an imaging area is larger than an absolute value of the longitudinal magnetization component of the second body fluid, is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20130267828
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a noninvasive quantitative method for detecting extent and/or types of fibrosis in the heart. In embodiments, information pertaining to the extent and/or types of fibrosis may aid in the diagnosis of specific cardiac diseases and heart failure and/or may assist in determining suitable treatment options. Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for determining the extent of fibrosis in viable and nonviable myocardium, which may then be correlated to heart disease and failure. Thus, in an embodiment, a method of screening individuals for the purpose of heart disease or heart failure prevention may be provided using the detection methodology described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Jerosch-Herold, Sumeet S. Chugh
  • Patent number: 8554305
    Abstract: Prior approaches have delivered 17O2 to a subject by inhalation, but the relationship between local signal changes and metabolism has been complicated by H217O created in non-cerebral tissues. During a brief pulse of 17O2 inhalation, this arterial input function for H217O is negligible due to convective transport delays. Additional delays in the arterial input function due to restricted diffusion of water makes pulsed inhalation of 17O2 even more effective. Accordingly, ventilator system are provided to deliver 17O2 as a brief pulse to a subject. Subsequent MR imaging demonstrates delayed appearance of H217O in the cerebral ventricles, suggesting that the arterial input function of H217O is delayed by restricted water diffusion in addition to convective transit delays. Delivery as a brief pulse therefore offers significant advantages in relating MR signal changes directly to metabolism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Dharmesh R. Tailor, James E. Baumgardner, Ravinder Reddy
  • Patent number: 8548562
    Abstract: An imaging and diagnostic system and method to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant tissue of a prostate and surrounding region. The system acquires imaging data from the prostate and surrounding proximal region, and processes the data to differentiate areas of tissue malignancy from non-malignant tissue. A sectioning device or ablative device is provided. The ablative device is operable by automation for receiving the imaging output coordinates and defining the trajectory and quantity of energy or power to be delivered into the malignant tissue. A control system determines calculated energy or power to be deposited into the malignant tissue during ablation, to minimize destruction of the non-malignant tissue within the prostate and surrounding tissue. The system operates on generated ablative device output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: John Trachtenberg, Masoom A. Haider, Brian Campbell Wilson
  • Patent number: 8544162
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent sealed within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Breast-Med, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Bolan, Michael G. Garwood, Michael T. Nelson, Daniel A. Halpern
  • Publication number: 20130253308
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various methods and systems for performing magnetic resonance studies. In accordance with many embodiments, image or other information of interest is derived from super radiant pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: MILLIKELVIN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Neal Kalechofsky
  • Patent number: 8538506
    Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed for generating successive tomograms of an object. In at least one embodiment, the imaging device includes a radiation source, a detector, a positioning unit and a control unit for controlling the positioning unit and for evaluating the recorded data of the detector. In at least one embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is set up for matching a contrast medium protocol, in which parameters for contrast medium administration are stored, provided for examinations in a contrast medium device, to a scan protocol provided for the examination, in which operating parameters for generating successive tomograms are stored, for preventing unnecessary administration phases. This provides for a contrast medium examination with the least possible contrast medium administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gabriel Haras, Ute Feuerlein, Matthias Niethammer
  • Publication number: 20130237808
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: MALLINCKRODT LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Patent number: 8532739
    Abstract: Evaluating tissue characteristics including identification of injured tissue or alteration of the ratios of native tissue components such as shifting the amounts of normal myocytes and fibrotic tissue in the heart, identifying increases in the amount of extracellular components or fluid (like edema or extracellular matrix proteins), or detecting infiltration of tumor cells or mediators of inflammation into the tissue of interest in a patient, such as a human being, is provided by obtaining a first image of tissue including a region of interest from a first acquisition, and obtaining a second image of the tissue including the region of interest during a second, subsequent acquisition. The subsequent acquisition may be obtained after a period of time to determine if injury has occurred during that period of time. Such a comparison may include comparison of mean, average characteristics, histogram shape, such as skew and kurtosis, or distribution of intensities within the histogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: William Gregory Hundley, Craig A. Hamilton, Kimberly Lane, Tim Morgan, Frank Torti
  • Publication number: 20130225978
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system (500) comprising: a magnet (502) for generating a magnetic field; a radio frequency system (516) for acquiring magnetic resonance data; a magnetic field gradient coil (510) for spatial encoding of the magnetic spins of nuclei within the imaging volume; a magnetic field gradient coil power supply (512) for supplying current to the magnetic field gradient coil; an anesthesia system interface (532) for sending control messages to an anesthesia system (524) for controlling the delivery of inhalation gases to a subject and a computer system comprising a processor (534) and a memory (538, 540), wherein the memory contains instructions (542, 544, 546, 548, 550, 552) for execution by the processor, wherein execution of the instructions causes the processor to: control (100, 200, 300, 400) the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire magnetic resonance data, and to send (102, 202, 302, 402) control messages to the anesthesia system via the anesthesia system inte
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Stefanie Remmele, Christian Stehning
  • Publication number: 20130225977
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port sad at least one delivery catheter tor placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Femasys Inc.
    Inventor: Femasys Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130225979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for colon screening by using Magnetic Particle Imaging comprising the steps of: (a) generating an imaging magnetic field with a spatial distribution of the magnetic field strength such that the area of examination in the colon consists of a first sub-area of the colon with lower magnetic field strength, where the magnetization of a magnetic particle which was pre-delivered to the colon is not saturated, and a second sub-area of the colon with a higher magnetic field strength, where the magnetization of said magnetic particle is saturated; (b) changing the spatial location of both sub-areas in the area of examination so that the magnetization of said particles changes locally; (c) acquiring signals that depend on the magnetization in the area of examination influenced by this change; and (d) evaluating said signals to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the signals in the area of examination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jörn Borgert, Ingo Schmale, Jürgen Erwin Rahmer, Bernhard Gleich, Michael Harald Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20130211240
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that performs a contrast medium imaging, comprising a time management part that measures and manages a lapse time after injection of a contrast medium, a setting part that sets a start time of a second-half imaging in the form of a lapse time after injection of contrast medium, the second-half imaging being performed a predetermined idle time after a first-half imaging and the first-half imaging being performed after injection of the contrast medium, and a display part that displays at least the lapse time measured by the time management part and the start time set by the setting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130211239
    Abstract: A method for producing multiple temporal frames of a time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram from a subject using an MR contrast agent by repeatedly applying RF pulses and sampling data in the corresponding image k-space along spiral trajectories that start at the k-space center and spiral outward toward the k-space edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Yi Wang, He Zhu
  • Patent number: 8501481
    Abstract: A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Tracer Detection Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Jay Fraser