Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, products of manufacture and medical devices, and methods, using optical coherence tomography to monitor for a physiological event and/or a state prior to the physiological event. The invention also provides computer program products and computer implemented methods to capture, analyze, and display optical coherence tomography images of neural tissue to measure, detect and/or monitor for a physiological event and/or a state prior to the physiological event.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a motion correction for PET data acquired by a PET system from a volume segment of an examination object. The method includes acquisition of MR data within the volume segment by the magnetic resonance system; and determination of a motion model of a motion within the volume segment as a function of the MR data. The motion model, as a function of a respective motion state of the motion, provides a correction specification for PET data which is acquired during this motion state. During acquisition of the MR data, specific MR data is acquired in the center of the k-space or of a straight-line segment which passes through the center of the k-space. The MR data determined is converted by a mathematical function into one value, as a function of which the respective motion state is determined.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for estimating internal position information of a target in real-time based on a single gantry-mounted x-ray imager and a respiratory signal. The x-ray imaging is done periodically to limit radiation dosage. Initial parameters for the estimation model are determined in a pre-treatment session using four dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) in combination with a respiratory signal acquired from the patient. The model parameters are updated during treatment based on the periodic x-ray image data and the respiratory signal.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for imaging, and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for quantitative imaging of blood perfusion in living tissue. Some embodiments are directed to methods of obtaining quantitative imaging of blood perfusion in living tissues using Doppler optical micro-angiography (DOMAG).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus and method for performing angle-resolved imaging of scattering samples such as tissue, including the use of a pathlength multiplexing element.

Abstract: A surgical probe can include an outer cannula; an inner cannula, rotatably disposed inside the outer cannula; a rotational scanner, disposed at an end of the inner cannula and configured to receive a light beam from a delivery fiber and to scan the light beam along a loop; and an anamorphic optical element, disposed at an end of the outer cannula and configured to receive the light beam scanned along the loop and to output the light beam along an anisotropically compressed loop. A corresponding method can include providing a light beam by a light source; coupling the light beam to a rotational scanner at an end of an inner cannula; scanning the light beam by the rotational scanner along a loop; and receiving the light beam scanned along the loop by an anamorphic optical element and outputting the light beam along an anisotropically compressed loop to a target.

Abstract: A region growing algorithm for controlling leakage is presented including a processor configured to select a starting point for segmentation of data, initiate a propagation process by designating adjacent voxels around the starting point, determine whether any new voxels are segmented, count and analyze the segmented new voxels to determine leakage levels, and identify and record segmented new voxels from a previous iteration when the leakage levels exceed a predetermined threshold. The processor is further configured to perform labeling of the segmented new voxels of the previous iteration, select the segmented new voxels from the previous iteration when the leakage levels fall below the predetermined threshold, and create a voxel list based on acceptable segmented voxels found in the previous iteration.

Abstract: A method for evaluating diastolic function of a heart includes measuring a volumetric flow of blood through the heart and determining volume change rates during a diastolic flow period. A diastolic index is formulated from a combination of volume change rates and features of the volumetric change and is weighted by the index for evaluating the weighted feature at a heightened sensitivity against a preselected value. The index weighting provides a measure of diastolic filling performance specific to the weighting parameter. As a result, guidance is provided in evaluating volume changes in heart failure patients, cardiac diastolic performance, medication/titration for diastolic performance, an athletic training program, and cardiac reserve. Guidance is also provided for improving exercise capacity in patients with diastolic dysfunction without requiring the patient to be evaluated during exertion.

Abstract: The invention includes patient interface modules that guide the workflow of an intravascular medical imaging procedure. In some instances a Patient Interface Modules (PIM) connected to the imaging catheter has one or more indicators that guide the workflow. Some modules may be adapted to connect to multiple imaging devices, or an imaging device and a pressure sensing device, or other treatment device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of automatically locating in an image of a blood vessel the lumen boundary at a position in the vessel and from that measuring the diameter of the vessel. From the diameter of the vessel and estimate blood flow rate, a number of clinically significant physiological parameters are then determine and various user displays of interest generated. One use of these images and parameters is to aid the clinician in the placement of a stent. The system, in one embodiment, uses these measurements to allow the clinician to simulate the placement of a stent and to determine the effect of the placement. In addition, from these patient parameters various patient treatments are then performed.

Abstract: An inflatable mask with two ocular cavities can seal against a user's face by forming an air-tight seal around the periphery of the user's eye socket. The sealed air-tight ocular cavity can be pressurized to take ocular measurements. The mask can conform to the contours of a user's face by inflating or deflating the mask. In addition, the distance between the user and a medical device (e.g. an optical coherence tomography instrument) can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the mask. Also disclosed herein is an electronic encounter portal and an automated eye examination. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The invention is an imaging catheter chamber having a plurality of openings to allow easy passage of fluids, e.g., saline from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the catheter. The invention is useful for both IVUS and OCT imaging.

Abstract: Supports for optical sensors are described. The supports may allow for placement of the optical sensors in close proximity or contact with a subject, such as supporting the optical sensors against a subject's head. The supports may include multiple pieces that can be connected or disconnected. Mechanisms for adjusting the pressure of the optical sensors against the subject may be included with the supports.

Abstract: A probe is disclosed having a positron emission tomography sensor. An imaging system is provided having the probe and at least one external positron emission tomography detector and a data acquisition computer system for collecting data simultaneously from said positron emission sensor of said probe and said positron emission tomography detector. A method for evaluating a target organ of a patient utilizing the probe and imaging system, and performing a biopsy of the organ is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for crossing total chronic occlusions. In certain aspects, a device for imaging a vessel includes an elongate body defining a first lumen and comprising a distal end; a housing operably associated with the distal end and comprising a forward-looking imaging element; and a member at least partially disposed within the first lumen of the elongate body; the member configured to extend beyond the distal end of the elongate body to advance into an occluded vessel.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining a probability of a female subject having a cardiac event.

Abstract: Optical sensors, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject. The optical sensor may be placed in proximity to the subject and may include optical sources and optical detectors. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect signals from the subject. Analysis of the detected signals can yield information about the subject.

Abstract: Optical sensors, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject. The optical sensor may be placed in proximity to the subject and may include optical sources and optical detectors. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect signals from the subject. Analysis of the detected signals can yield information about the subject.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to processing, tracking and registering angiography images and elements in such images relative to images from an intravascular imaging modality such as, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT). Registration between such imaging modalities is facilitated by tracking of a marker of the intravascular imaging probe performed on the angiography images obtained during a pullback. Further, detecting and tracking vessel centerlines is used to perform a continuous registration between OCT and angiography images in one embodiment.

Abstract: In a radiographic image capturing apparatus, an object to be examined is compressed and secured between a compression plate and an image capturing base, at a position off-center from a central position of the image capturing base near a subject in a direction along the subject. An opening is defined in the compression plate so as to confront the object to be examined in the off-center position. The radiation source irradiates the object to be examined as well as the opening with radiation from a central angle of the radiation source, which is aligned with a vertical axis of the image capturing base, and which passes through the central position from a predetermined angle that is angularly spaced from the central angle about the central position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.

Abstract: A perfusion analysis system includes a perfusion modeller and a user interface. The perfusion modeller generates a patient specific perfusion model based on medical imaging perfusion data for the patient, a general perfusion model, and a quantification of one or more identified pathologies of the patient that affect perfusion in the patient. The user interface accepts an input indicative of a modification to the quantification of the one or more identified pathologies. In response, the perfusion modeller updates the patient specific perfusion model based on the medical imaging perfusion data for the patient, the general perfusion model, and the quantification of the one or more identified pathologies of the patient, including the modification thereto.

Abstract: An imaging work station (20) includes one or more processors programmed to receive (170) an image depicting a distribution of a radiotracer in a brain or other region of interest. The radiotracer includes at least one of [18F]-Flutemetamol, [18F]-Florbetaben, and [18F]-Florbetapir which highlights amyloid deposits. The image and a template or an MRI image of the region of interest which includes a segmented anatomical feature, such as gray matter, are registered (180) to a common space. A volume representation of the image which depicts the distribution of the radiotracer in the segmented gray matter and suppresses the radiotracer outside of the segmented anatomical feature in white matter is extracted (210).

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method and system for evaluating regional cardiac function and dyssynchrony from an imaging modality using the motion of endocardial features of the heart. In the method and system, an imaging modality such as a CT scanner is used to obtain an image sequence that is then processed using a computer program. The computer program is configured to create an endocardial mesh formed from triangular components that represents at least the region of interest of the subject's heart. From tracking the motion of conserved topological features on this endocardial mesh at least two time points a displacement map can be modeled. The displacement map can be further analyzed to determine metrics of regional cardiac function such as SQUEEZ, myocardial strain, torsion etc., and the displacement map can also be used to create visual representations of the function of the subject's heart.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fiducial-less tracking of a volume of interest (VOI) have been presented. In some embodiments, a pair of intra-operative images of a portion of a patient is generated during treatment of a target region in the patient to show a bony structure of the patient. The bony structure shown is movable responsive to respiration of the patient. Then the pair of intra-operative images is compared with a set of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) pairs, generated from volumes of four-dimensional (4D) diagnostic imaging data, to determine a location of the movable bony structure that corresponds to a particular volume of the 4D diagnostic imaging data.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to optical caps having at least one lensed surface configured to redirect and focus light outside of the cap. The cap is placed over an optical fiber. Optical radiation travels through the fiber and interacts with the optical surface or optical surfaces of the cap, resulting in a beam that is either focused at a distance outside of the cap or substantially collimated. The optical elements such as the elongate caps described herein can be used with various data collection modalities such optical coherence tomography. In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly that includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film or cover. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. The film can surround a portion of the beam director.

Abstract: A method for determining functional severity of a stenosis includes: (a) generating a simulated perfusion map from a calculated blood flow; (b) comparing the simulated perfusion map to a measured perfusion map to identify a degree of mismatch therebetween, the measured perfusion map representing perfusion in a patient; (c) modifying a parameter in a model used in calculating the blood flow when the degree of mismatch meets or exceeds a predefined threshold; (d) computing a hemodynamic quantity from the simulated perfusion map when the degree of mismatch is less than the predefined threshold, the hemodynamic quantity being indicative of the functional severity of the stenosis; and (e) displaying the hemodynamic quantity. Systems for determining functional severity of a stenosis are described.

Abstract: A mammographic system which carries out a bioptic method for inserting a bioptic needle into a breast to sample a tissue from a bioptic region includes a display unit for displaying second stereoscopic images acquired by applying a radiation to the breast while the bioptic needle is being inserted in the breast, an indicating unit for indicating a pointed end of the bioptic needle and the bioptic region in each of the second stereoscopic images, a bioptic needle position calculator for calculating a three-dimensional coordinate position of the pointed end of the bioptic needle which is indicated, a bioptic region position calculator for calculating a three-dimensional coordinate position of the bioptic region which is indicated, and an angle calculator for calculating a direction of the calculated bioptic region with respect to the calculated pointed end of the bioptic needle and displaying the calculated direction on the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of pre-planning a spherical fixed point stereotactic radiosurgery by obtaining an image from a patient having a target, the image comprising coordinates of the actual patient target in 3 dimensions on a first day; planning an optimal stereotactic radiosurgery using the patient's actual target using actual coordinates in 3 dimensions prior to the day of surgery by creating virtual radiosurgical coordinates and plans to maximize target exposure and minimize the patient's waiting time in radiosurgery, thereby allowing evaluation of several plans to maximize plan conformality and safety; and treating the patient based on the virtual stereotactic radiosurgery plans on a second day.

Abstract: Methods for determining the likelihood that a subject will be a placebo responder in a clinical study are provided. Also provided are methods for eliminating likely placebo responders from a clinical study a priori, thereby simplifying data analysis and minimizing or eliminating any confound that arises in the analysis as a result of placebo response. Databases and computer systems using the methods are also disclosed herein. Methods for assessing likelihood of a subject experiencing a response shift are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for non-invasively determining the functional severity of arterial stenosis in a selected portion of an arterial network. The method includes gathering patient-specific data related to concentration of a contrast agent within an arterial network using a coronary computed tomography angiography scan (CCTA). The data can be gathered under rest or stress conditions. Estimation of a loss coefficient (K) can be used to eliminate the need for data gathered under stress. The data is used to calculate a transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG). The data may be corrected for imaging artifacts at any stage of the analysis. TAFE is used to determine an estimate of flow velocity. Once velocity is determined, pressure gradient, coronary flow reserve, and/or fractional flow reserve can be determined through a variety of methods. These estimates can be used to estimate functional severity of stenosis.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention relates to systems and methods for altering an image to compensate for variation in one or more physical and/or supervenient properties (e.g., optical absorption and/or scattering) in heterogeneous, diffuse tissue, thereby attenuating the effects of tissue waveguiding. The methods enable the proper identification of emission image regions that evidence waveguiding of electromagnetic radiation, and enables compensation of emission images for such waveguiding. The methods preserve the depth localization accuracy of the FMT approach and improve optical reconstruction in the targeted areas while eliminating spurious components of fluorescence from the acquired data set. Calibration methods for probe concentration mapping are also presented.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of predicting bone or joint disease in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods of determining the effect of a candidate agent on any subject's risk of developing bone or joint disease.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring ganglion cells may include: a light generation unit configured to irradiate a first light signal polarized in a first direction and a second light signal polarized in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a subject; a reflected light processing unit configured to generate an amplification signal corresponding to an image of the subject using a first reflection signal, which is the first light signal reflected from the subject, and a second reflection signal, which is the second light signal reflected from the subject; and an image processing unit configured to measure ganglion cells in the subject using the amplification signal. The apparatus may be used to count the number of normal ganglion cells in the retina by measuring a phase difference of two lights polarized in different directions. The apparatus may also be used to monitor the progress of glaucoma.

Abstract: An imaging interface for diffuse optical tomography of breast includes a plurality of concentric rings. Each concentric ring can include a plurality of optical input/output apertures arranged on a radially inner surface thereof. The rings can have different inner and outer diameters from each other and can be arranged in a stacked configuration. The rings can translate independently of each other along a central axis of the stack. During imaging the breast is inserted into an inner region of the stacked rings. The rings can be translated such that the optical input/output apertures are brought into touch contact (i.e., non-compressing contact) with the surface of the breast, so as to accommodate different size breasts. The rings may be translated such that the spacing between adjacent rings is increased for large breasts and reduced for smaller breasts. Rings may be removed or additional rings added to further accommodate additional breast sizes.

Abstract: A method, consisting of generating, using a plurality of magnetic transmitters, a magnetic field in a region and introducing a field perturbing element into the region. The method includes characterizing multiple images of each magnetic transmitter in the field perturbing element, and calculating a reaction magnetic field in the region based on the characterized images. The method further includes positioning a probe in the region and measuring a perturbed magnetic field at the probe, and determining a location of the probe in response to the measured perturbed magnetic field and the calculated reaction magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating x-ray attenuation, where the x-ray attenuation compound can comprise a molecule having at least two conformational states, a first k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a first position, and a second k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a second position, where the molecule changes from a first conformational state to a second conformational state in response to an external stimulus. Additionally, a first interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the first conformational state can be within a first harmonic error of 0 to about 0.2, and a second interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the second conformational state can be within a second harmonic error of about 0.8 to 1.0.

Abstract: A method for increasing the temporal fidelity, increasing the temporal sampling density, and/or reducing the temporal noise of a series of image frames obtained with a medical imaging system is provided. The image frames are acquired with the medical imaging system. The medical imaging system may be, for example, an x-ray C-arm imaging system. A window function that is representative of a temporal fidelity window is selected and used to temporally deconvolve the image frames using a minimization technique. A temporal sampling density may also be selected and used in the temporal deconvolution. The resultant deconvolved image frames have a higher temporal fidelity to a time-varying image contrast depicted in the acquired image frames, and may also have an increased temporal sampling density and/or reduced temporal noise.

Abstract: Amplitude decorrelation measurement is sensitive to transverse flow and immune to phase noise in comparison to Doppler and other phase-based approaches. However, the high axial resolution of OCT makes it very sensitive to the pulsatile bulk motion noise in the axial direction, resulting in unacceptable signal to noise ratio (SNR). To overcome this limitation, a novel OCT angiography technique based on the decorrelation of OCT signal amplitude due to flow was created. The full OCT spectrum can be split into several narrower spectral bands, resulting in the OCT resolution cell in each band being isotropic and less susceptible to axial motion noise. Inter-B-scan decorrelation can be determined using the narrower spectral bands separately and then averaged. Recombining the decorrelation images from the spectral bands yields angiograms that use the full information in the entire OCT spectral range.

Abstract: A smallest enclosing body that encloses an abnormal region is set. A part of an organ, and the part belonging to the inside of an elliptic parabolic surface or a circular conic surface that circumscribes the set enclosing body, is extracted as a partial region. A region of a structure dominating the organ is extracted from the obtained medical image. A part of the organ, and the part including the abnormal region and being dominated by a part of the structure extending from a predetermined position in the extracted region of the structure toward the part of the organ including the abnormal region, is extracted as a dominance region. The partial region or the dominance region is determined as the excision region based on a predetermined excision region determination condition.

Abstract: The methods described herein are methods to ascertain motion contrast within optical coherence tomography data based upon intensity. The methods of the invention use logarithm operation to convert the multiplicative amplitude or intensity fluctuations (speckle) into the additive variations and recovers the motion contrasts by removing the speckle free signals (static regions) through statistical analysis.

Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first section(s) and a second section(s) which can have a cross-section that can be smaller than that of the first section. The first and second sections can be a particular section and can include memory-forming characteristics. An imaging arrangement can be in communication with the first section or the second section. The particular section can have a first shape when the particular section can be constrained, and the particular section can have a second shape when the particular section can be unconstrained. The second shape can be more curved than the first shape.

Abstract: An imaging system for achieving automatic detection of a patient's body profile and intelligent positioning of the patient. The imaging system includes at least one transmitter disposed on one side of a bore of the imaging system, and a receiver disposed on the other side of the bore of the imaging system. The at least one transmitter is configured to transmit a beam incapable of effectively penetrating a scan object. The receiver is configured to receive the beam transmitted by the at least one transmitter and to send a received signal to a processing device. The processing device is electrically connected to the receiver, and configured to determine whether the beam transmitted by the at least transmitter is blocked by the scan object according to the received signal so as to determine a position of the scan object.

Abstract: An imaging system configured to automatically detect a patient's body profile and to position the patient. The imaging system includes a scan support member configured to support a scan object, a processing device; and an identification device electrically connected to the processing device. The scan support member includes a machine identifiable code representing a distance from a position of the machine identifiable code to one end of the scan support member. The identification device is configured to identify the machine identifiable code, to decode the distance represented by the machine identifiable code and to send the distance represented by the machine identifiable code to the processing device. The processing device determines a distance from an interested location of the scan object to a scanning plane of the imaging system according to the distance represented by the machine identifiable code.

Abstract: A method for verifying a spatial registration of an anatomical region is provided. The method may track a spatial pose of at least one checkpoint defined within the anatomical region, track a spatial pose of a probe tip in proximity to the anatomical region at the checkpoint, map a spatial proximity between the probe tip and the anatomical region onto a visual representation of the anatomical region based on the tracked spatial poses, quantify a deviation between the mapped spatial proximity and an actual spatial proximity in response to a verification request where the verification request is initiated by a user and indicative of the actual spatial proximity between the probe tip and the anatomical region, and generate a graphical index indicative of a degree of accuracy of the spatial registration of the anatomical region based on the quantified deviation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes.

Abstract: A method of optimizing pre-operative procedures in the field of neurosurgery. The method facilitates the identification of essential fiber tract pathways that must be avoided when planning and performing an operation, thereby increasing surgical safety and avoiding complications. The method includes the combined use of four variables in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-Fiber Tracking (FT) of projection fibers in the brain. These variables include Jain-Brem™ fractional anisotropy constant for tractography (JB-FACT), Jain-Brem™ fiber length (JB-FL), subcentimeter size placement of regions of interest (ROI), and the placement of ROIs to cover the anatomical pathway of projection fibers. JB-FACT and JB-FL provide rapid, reproducible tracking for projection fibers in the brain.

Abstract: An imaging platform system that provides integrated navigation capabilities for surgical guidance. The system can include two robotic arm systems, one robotic arm system holding an imaging source, and the other holding an imaging sensor. These robotic arm systems are able to move and provide three-dimensional tomographic scans, static radiographic images, and dynamic fluoroscopic image sequences. A third robotic arm system can be included in the imaging platform system as a surgeon guided tool-holder to accurately implement an image-guided surgical plan. The robotic systems can manipulate imaging and surgical components into and out of the operative field as needed, enhancing the choreography between a surgical team and assistive technology. A handle can be included as part of a manual positioning control subsystem. The handle can be mounted to an imaging robotic system above and/or below an operating table, and also can be mounted to a tool-holding robotic system.