Abstract: One or more geometric markers may be created on an eye preoperatively. Two or more fiducials coupled to or formed within a patient interface may be lined up with the geometric markers. An imaging device coupled to the patient interface and having a field of view oriented through the patient interface and toward the eye of the patient may be utilized to capture one or more images that contain not only image aspects pertinent to the positions of anatomical portions of the eye, but also image aspects pertinent to the locations of fiducials coupled to or formed within portions of the patient interface. The images may be analyzed to determine a geometric relationship between the anatomy of the eye and the associated system hardware.

Abstract: A system and method to display a four-dimensional (4D) model of an imaged anatomy is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe can acquire generally real-time, 3D image data relative to a direction of image acquisition along an imaging plane. The system also includes a tracking system in communication with the controller. The tracking system includes at least one tracking element integrated with the imaging probe. The system is operable to process the generally real-time, 3D image data acquired by the imaging probe relative to generally real-time tracking information acquired by the tracking system so as to display the 4D model of the imaged anatomy.

Abstract: A marker system includes a structure having a first surface and a second surface, a first marker located on the first surface, and a second marker located on the second surface, wherein the first marker and the second marker are arranged so that they face approximately a same direction, and so that they can be simultaneously viewed by an optical device, and wherein a first distance between the first marker and the optical device is different from a second distance between the second marker and the optical device when the first and the second markers are simultaneously viewed by the optical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker to be used inside human or animal body, comprising an elongated wire of a radiation retarding and/or radioactive material, wherein the wire is arranged with at least one bending means, capable of bending the wire upon insertion in human tissue. The invention also relates to a penetration needle to be used with the marker as well as a tool for facilitating the insertion and creation of the marker according to the invention.

Abstract: An operation assisting system. When an operator manipulates an operation instrument to perform an operation for a joint surgery including a hip replacement, the operation assisting system provides the operator with information on the orientation of a bone such as a pelvis and an appropriate direction of the operation instrument relative to the bone to assist the operator so as to complete the operation in an easy and accurate manner, which ensures a high degree of operation accuracy and reduces the cost of the system.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for one or both of two- or three-dimensional location of the disposition of a sensor coil in a subject including: an array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, each set having two or three dimensionally oriented drive coils; a sensor coil being electromagnetically communicative with the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets; and, a system controller communicative with and adapted to energize one or more of the electromagnetic coils in the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, the energizing of the one or more of the electromagnetic coils including one or more of energizing the coils singly, or in pairs of x-y and y-z or x-z coils, or in triplets of x-y-z coils while measuring the response of the sensor coil; whereby the system uses the measurements of the responses of the sensor coil to calculate the location and orientation of the sensor coil relative to said drive coil sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus. The medical apparatus includes a patient support table with a patient support plate, a medical imaging device, a location and navigation facility integrated at least partially in the patient support table and/or the medical imaging device and a system controller, which is used to operate and/or control both the medical imaging device and also the location and navigation facility.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for one or both of two- or three-dimensional location of the disposition of a sensor coil in a subject including: an array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, each set having two or three dimensionally oriented drive coils; a sensor coil being electromagnetically communicative with the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets; and, a system controller communicative with and adapted to energize one or more of the electromagnetic coils in the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, the energizing of the one or more of the electromagnetic coils including one or more of energizing the coils singly, or in pairs of x-y and y-z or x-z coils, or in triplets of x-y-z coils while measuring the response of the sensor coil; whereby the system uses the measurements of the responses of the sensor coil to calculate the location and orientation of the sensor coil relative to said drive coil sets.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing an access to a cochlea of a living subject. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises the steps of operating a surgical instrument towards a region of interest of the living subject for opening an access to the cochlea of the living subject from the lateral edge of the skull of the living subject to the cochlea of the living subject, and intra-operatively monitoring at least a part of the surgical instrument so that the surgical instrument is operated substantially along a predetermined path.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient.

Abstract: A method is described for producing printed patches to provide a plurality of color markings and high-contrast markings as aligned arrangements of fiducial points. The printed color markings facilitate optical image processing and the printed high-contrast markings facilitate high-contrast image processing. These fiducial points enable a visible area of interest to be located by a person and associated with relevant high-contrast imaging data. This method includes providing a patch; printing at least one arrangement of color markings on the patch; and printing at least one arrangement of high-contrast markings on the patch. According to further features of certain embodiments the markings are aligned, can designate the same point, or can be disjointed.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-fouling hydrophobic reflective surfaces for a variety of applications which in one embodiment related to medical device applications comprises a method of performing a medical procedure using a surgical navigation system which includes the steps of placing one or more reflective spheres on a surgical instrument or apparatus, the reflective spheres comprising a hydrophobic coating on a sub-micron structured surface of the spheres, wherein the spheres substantially maintain their reflective properties after the spheres are contacted with a biological fluid; shining light on the reflective spheres; capturing reflected light from the spheres with a camera or other device; and registering and/or tracking a location and/or position of the spheres.

Abstract: A system includes a component that updates a registration between an image space coordinate system and an interventional space coordinate system. The registration update is based on interventional device position information within a patient obtained from intermediate image data indicative of the interventional device location and a position sensor that is located on an interventional device within the patient.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for implanting medical devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a flexible base member that can be flexed manually to conform to a contour of an anatomy, the base member including a radioscopic indicium that has a characteristic such that, under radioscopic imaging, passage of a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation is hindered to an extent that is distinguishable from a hindrance of the electromagnetic radiation by another portion of the base member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for performing coordinate transformation for navigation-guided procedures using an imaging diagnostic tool, especially an X-ray diagnostic tool, and a position-determining system. In the vicinity of the image receiver, the diagnostic tool has one or more three-dimensional reference structure that can be touched with a pointer of a position-determining system. From the known geometry of the three-dimensional reference structure and the coordinates of the touched points determined by the position-determining system, a coordinate transformation is created between the coordinate system of the diagnostic tool and the coordinate system of the position-determining system. Navigation for an instrument captured by the position-determining system can be performed in reconstructed images of the diagnostic tool after the registration procedure.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. A deployment line within the site marker positions at least one marker element within the body portion. The deployment line has a first end that is fixedly secured to a first end of the body portion and a second end that is secured to a second end of the body portion. The deployment line is pre-biased so as to pull the first end of the body portion towards the second end of the body portion, and thereby expand the body portion.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium for presenting imaging data related to an anatomical site. These include obtaining a first set of imaging data related to the anatomical site and tracking units at the anatomical site and, thereafter, optionally, obtaining a second set of imaging data related to the anatomical site. A deformed version of the first set of imaging data is then determined based on the relative arrangements of one or more of the tracking units at the time when the first set of imaging data is obtained and when the second set of imaging data is obtained. Then the relative emplacements of the second set of imaging data set and of the deformed version of the first set of imaging data set are determined and used, along with the second set of imaging data set and the deformed version of the first set of imaging data, as a basis for displaying image guidance data.

Abstract: An integrated radiation therapy process comprises acquiring first objective target data related to a parameter of a target within a patient by periodically locating a marker positioned within the patient using a localization modality. This method continues with obtaining second objective target data related to the parameter of the target by periodically locating the marker. The first objective target data can be acquired in a first area that is apart from a second area which contains a radiation delivery device for producing an ionizing radiation beam for treating the patient. The localization modality can be the same in both the first and second areas. In other embodiments, the first objective target data can be acquired using a first localization modality that uses a first energy type to identify the marker and the second objective target data can be obtained using a second localization modality that uses a second energy type to identify the marker that is different than the first energy type.

Abstract: A system and method for generating three dimensional CT-type information from a conventional C-arm fluoroscope imaging system. A small number of fluoroscope images are used, taken from angles whose pose is determined by means of a three-dimensional target attached to the region of interest, aided by the participation of the surgeon or an image processing routine to pinpoint known anatomical features in the region of interest of the patient. This procedure enables the reconstruction of virtual images in any desired plane, even in planes other than those accessible by the C-arm imaging process, such as the axial plane of a vertebra. Use of this system and method of marking of the feature to be treated in a small number of angularly dissimilar images, enables the generation of CT-type information which can be used to accurately align a robotically guided surgical tool with the anatomical feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the three-dimensional movement of a patient positioned on a table between an X-ray source and an image receiver of an X-ray imaging apparatus is presented. The apparatus has an X-ray source positioned opposite an image receiver, the X-ray source and the image receiver being driven in rotation about an axis. The method and apparatus has the following operation: radio-opaque markers are placed on the patient's body; at least one first radiographic image of the patient is taken for a first determined fixed position of the imaging apparatus; at least one second radiographic image of the patient is taken for a second determined fixed position; and a matrix of the three-dimensional movement of the patient is determined on the basis of the two-dimensional movements of the markers in the radiographic images, the X-ray source constituting a fixed reference frame.

Abstract: These are biopsy cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the biopsy cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a detectable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a biopsy cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a detectable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: From a sequence of images captured by an image pickup unit, images necessary for measuring placement information regarding markers and/or a sensor are automatically determined and obtained. To this end, using position and orientation information regarding the image pickup unit at the time the image pickup unit has captured an obtained image and placement information regarding detected markers, whether to use the captured image corresponding to the position and orientation is determined. Using the captured image determined to be used, the marker placement information, placement information regarding a measurement target, or the position and orientation of the image pickup unit serving as an unknown parameter is obtained so as to minimize the error between the measured image coordinates and theoretical image coordinates of each marker, which are estimated on the basis of a rough value of the parameter.

Abstract: A system for video based registration between images during a skeletal medical procedure includes a stereoscopic camera, a two dimensional image detector and a registration processor. The camera is associated with a stereoscopic coordinate system, the camera acquires a stereoscopic image pair of fiducial marks fixed onto a skeletal structure. Fiducial representations of the fiducial marks appear on the stereoscopic image pair, and a skeletal representation of the skeletal structure appears on two different 2D images. The registration processor registers a stereoscopic coordinate system with a 3D coordinate system associated with a volumetric image detector, and superimposes 3D information on at least one volumetric image. The registration processor registers the stereoscopic coordinate system with the 3D coordinate system by registering the stereoscopic coordinate system with the 2D coordinate system and by registering the 2D coordinate system with the 3D coordinate system.

Abstract: An interventional device configured for placement in or near an internal organ or tissue is provided. The interventional device includes a reference portion having three or more sensor elements. In one implementation, the interventional device and associated sensor elements provide dynamic referencing of the internal organ, tissue or associated vasculature after registration of the sensor data with images and/or volumetric representations of the internal organ or tissue.

Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.

Abstract: A tissue marking system is configured to mark a tissue sample. The tissue marking system includes an actuator portion movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and a jaw portion coupled to the actuator portion and movable between an open position and a closed position in response to movement of the actuator portion from the actuated position to the non-actuated position. The jaw portion includes a first tooth and a second tooth configured to engage the tissue sample when the jaw portion moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, sympathetic nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: (1) guidewire support/placement catheters; (2) support/placement catheters with imaging; (3) atherectomy catheters, (4) atherectomy catheters with imaging, (5) occlusion crossing catheters, and (6) occlusion crossing catheters with imaging as well as methods for using them to treat disorders (and particularly peripheral artery disease) and systems including them.

Abstract: A registration aid for medical images obtained from an examination subject respectively with different imaging modalities at separated points in time, has a carrier adapted to be reproducibly applied to an examination subject at separated points in time at a substantially identical position on the examination subject at each of the separated points in time, and at least one landmark provider carried by the carrier, the landmark provider providing a first landmark visible in a first of the imaging modalities and a second landmark, different from the first landmark, visible in a second of the imaging modalities. The landmark provider provides the first and second landmarks with a fixed spatial relation relative to each other to allow contents of an image obtained with the first of the imaging modalities to be brought into registration with contents of an image obtained with the second of the imaging modalities, with the carrier being applied to the examination subject while each of the images is obtained.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. At least one marker element is captured within the cavity but is able to move within the cavity. The capturing prevents migration of the marker within a body. The site marker is formed into a predeployment configuration whereby the site marker is compressed into a predetermined size and shape to as to be readily positionable within a deployment device. The site marker expands from the predeployment position to a post deployment configuration upon insertion into the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for a system featuring an electromagnetic position detection system and an instrument of which the position is able to be determined in at least one electromagnetic field created with the electromagnetic position detection system, with a device distorting the electromagnetic field being located at least partly in the electromagnetic field or a device distorting the electromagnetic field being able to be brought at least partly into the electromagnetic field, and with the position of the instrument being determined taking into account the position of the device or of a part of the device in the electromagnet field and the distortion of the electromagnetic field associated with it.

Abstract: Methods and system for treatment planning for non- and minimally-invasive alteration of body adipose tissue for reduction and contouring of body fat are described herein. Treatment plans can be generated by capturing current body part data (e.g., positioning, contour/shape, thickness of adipose tissue, etc.), determining desired outcome of treatment (e.g., percent reduction of adipose tissue thickness, degree of contour change, etc.), and determining treatment parameters to achieve desired results. Algorithms can be used to determine best-fit treatment parameters to use in treatment sessions. In some embodiments, the system can provide a predictive end-result image for communication to patient and/or for determining alteration of desired outcome. In various embodiments, real-time monitoring of feedback data can be used to determine treatment plan efficacy.

Abstract: A pointing light device includes a light pointer, such as a laser pointer; and an elongated pointing member detachably associated with the light pointer. The pointing member contains at least two bead-like members. Also, a method for aligning a light pointer with a predetermined medical interventional device trajectory. The method includes attaching a pointing member to an output end the light pointer to form a movable pointing light device; imaging two or more bead-like members of the pointing member to create live projection images or shadows in the live projection image; projecting at least first and second points associated with the predetermined medical interventional device trajectory onto the live projection image; and moving the pointing light device until the live projection images of the two members are aligned with corresponding ones of the projected first and second points in the live projection image.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) includes imaging modalities such as a PET imaging system (12) and a CT scanner (14). The CT scanner (14) is used to produce a first image (62) which is used for primary contouring. The PET system (12) is used to provide a second image (56), which provides complementary information about the same or overlapping anatomical region. After first and second images (62, 56) are registered with one another the first and second images (62, 56) are concurrently segmented to outline a keyhole (76). The keyhole portion of the second image (56) is inserted into the keyhole (76) of the first image (62). The user can observe the composite image and deform a boundary (78) of the keyhole (76) by a mouse (52) to better focus on the region of interest within previously defined keyhole.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal peripheral veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's peripheral veins are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for planning volumetric treatment by percutaneous needle procedures obtains a volumetric image data set of a subject including an identifiable region requiring treatment. An effective treatment volume is defined relative to the needle position for at least one needle carrying a treatment applicator. One or more proposed inserted needle position is defined such that a effective treatment volume corresponding to the one or more proposed inserted needle position provides coverage of the region requiring treatment. The effective treatment volume for one or more needles can then be visualized in the context of slices of 3D image data. One or more entry point and corresponding virtual target are then defined relative to a frame of reference of the volumetric image data set for use in navigation of the at least one needle to the corresponding proposed inserted needle position.

Abstract: A stereotactic gamma-guided localization system for imaging a suspected cancer and guiding a physician in the removal of tissue samples for biopsy. The gamma-guided localization system includes a three step procedure including localization, correlation, and verification. The localization system includes a gamma camera with a set of slant-hole collimators for producing stereo images of a region of interest. A positioning system including a fiducial marker is placed adjacent to the object to be imaged and held rigidly in place to provide correlation of the location of the region of interest relative to the fiducial marker. A gamma emitting marker is then positioned at the calculated location of the region of interest and imaged to verify that that the calculated position corresponds to the actual location. The positioning system can then be used to accurately position and support any other hardware that needs to be positioned at the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for converting digital images of an actuated breast into an accurate description of breast surface motion from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system comprises the steps of artificially placing a high density of fiducial markers on the breast surface, whereby the fiducial markers have different qualities and are placed in different proportions according to their quality; utilizing motion invariant properties of the fiducial markers to form a global motion invariant signature; tracking the markers on the actuated breast surface from image to image in each digital camera using the global motion invariant signature; and using the cameras calibration to measure the breast surface motion.

Abstract: A novel contrast mechanism for diagnosing diseased tissue using Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasonography, Optical Coherence Tomography, or optical Doppler tomography coupled with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering physical space to image space is disclosed. The system allows for determining fiducial markers as pixels or voxels in image data. The system can correlate and register the determined fiducial points with fiducial markers in physical space.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling the pulmonary trunk in 4D image data, such as 4D CT and MRI data, is disclosed. Bounding boxes are detected in frames of the 4D image data. Anatomic landmarks are detected in the frames of the 4D image data based on the bounding boxes. Ribs or centerlines of the pulmonary artery are detected in the frames of the 4D image data based on the anatomic landmarks, and a physiological pulmonary trunk model is fit the frames of the 4D image data based on the detected ribs and anatomic landmarks. The boundary of the pulmonary trunk is detected in order to refine the boundary of the pulmonary trunk model in the frames of the 4D image data, resulting in a dynamic model of the pulmonary trunk. The pulmonary trunk can be quantitatively evaluated using the dynamic model.

Abstract: An ultrasound-detectable biopsy marker mass has a detectable in-vivo lifetime during which the marker mass remains readily detectable by ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound-detectable biopsy marker mass is formed of particles of a bio-resorbable material having bubble cavities and having a particle size between about 200 microns and about 500 microns.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system includes a head support apparatus for engaging and securing the head of a patient, and a targeting frame configured to be secured to the body of a patient. The targeting frame includes a cooperating targeting cannula that is configured to guide placement of an interventional device through a burr hole in a patient's skull in vivo. The system includes an MRI-compatible camera positioned proximate to the head support apparatus, and an MRI-compatible imaging device having one end attached to the targeting frame to provide a local field of view of the burr hole, and an opposite end in communication with the camera. The system also includes a display output module coupled to the camera for receiving electrical signals therefrom and for displaying images corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient.

Abstract: A locating guide for locating a target tissue site within a patient includes a body, a first substantially radiopaque reference marker on the body, and a second substantially radiopaque reference marker extending from a major surface of the body. The reference markers provide reference points that extend in at least two dimensions, and may be useful for registering a medical image of tissue with an actual location on or within the patient in order to more accurately and precisely locate a target tissue site within the patient. In some embodiments, the second reference marker is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the major surface of the body, and provides a guide that a clinician may reference in order to orient a medical element introducer when introducing the introducer into the patient to access a particular target tissue site.

Abstract: A fixing device for securely fixing surgical equipment to a surgical field of a human or animal body includes a first lever element including a first gripping portion and a first handling portion, and a second lever element including a second gripping portion and a second handling portion. The and second lever elements can be connected such that they can be pivoted and detached with respect to each other.

Abstract: A trajectory guide assembly that guides an instrument relative to a patient includes a mounting seat configured to be supported by the patient. The assembly also includes a trajectory member moveably supported by the mounting seat. The trajectory member defines a trajectory passage. Also, the assembly includes a cap member moveably supported by the trajectory member. The cap member defines a cap opening, and the cap member is selectively moveable to a first position relative to the trajectory member to retain the instrument in both the cap opening and the trajectory passage. Additionally, the cap member is selectively moveable to a second position relative to the trajectory member to release the instrument.

Abstract: A method and system of determining a radial distance (R), an angular position (?), and an axial position (Z) of a marker identified in a sequence of projection images. A marker three-dimensional localization module (executable by the electronic processing unit) obtains a sequence of images based on image data generated by a scanner. Each image in the sequence of images represents an angle of rotation by the scanner and includes a marker point position. The behavior of first values and second values of the marker point positions are analyzed through the sequence of images to determine the radial distance of the marker, the angular position of the marker, and the axial position of the marker allowing for rapidly detecting and localizing external markers placed on a patient in projection images.

Abstract: An interactive system for a local intervention inside a region of a non-homogeneous structure, such as the skull of a patient, which is related to the frame of reference (R2) of an operation table, and which is connected to a reference structure comprising a plurality of base points. The system creates on a screen a representation of the non-homogeneous structure and of the reference structure connected thereto, provides the coordinates of the images of the base points in the first frame of reference (R1), allows the marking of the coordinates of the base points in R2, and allows the carrying out of the local intervention with an active member such as a trephining tool, a needle, or a radioactive or chemical implant. The systems also optimizes the transfer of reference frames between R1 and R2, from the coordinates of the base points in R2 and the images in R1 by reducing down to a minimum the deviations between the coordinates of images in R1 and the base points in R1 after transfer.