Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a pulse transit time (PTT) value of a subject, comprising: measuring a first arterial pressure pulse arrival time (PAT) and measuring a second PAT value; calculating a PTT value from the difference between the first PAT value and the second PAT value; processing a sequence of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images to identify at least one region of interest (ROI); and estimating at least one of the first and second PAT value from the variation of impedance value determined from said at least one ROI. The method allows for the non-invasive and continuous measurement of the PTT value and arterial blood pressures.

Abstract: A method of conducting a medical workflow with a touch-sensitive bedside controller is disclosed. The method includes initiating a medical workflow using a graphical user interface on the bedside controller, positioning an imaging tool within a patient's body based on images captured by the imaging tools and displayed on the bedside controller, controlling the commencement and termination of a recordation of images captured by the imaging tool using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller, navigating through the recorded images to identify an image of interest using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller, and performing measurements on the image of interest using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller.

Abstract: A method for automatically displaying an organ of interest includes accessing a series of medical images acquired from a first imaging modality, receiving an input that indicates an organ of interest, automatically detecting the organ of interest within at least one image in the series of medical images, automatically placing a visual indicator in the region of interest, and automatically propagating the visual indicator to at least one image that is acquired using a second different imaging modality. A medical imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a medical device on a catheter to a selected position within a lumen of the body. A medical positioning system (MPS) acquires MPS data for points within the lumen using an MPS sensor on the catheter. Each of the points is associated with a three-dimensional coordinate system and an activity state of an organ of the patient. A user interface receives position data for the selected position. The position date is associated with an MPS representation associated with one of the points. A processor determines a plurality of temporal three-dimensional trajectory representations based on the MPS data and corresponding to the respective activity states of the organ. The processor superimposes the temporal three-dimensional trajectory representations on a two-dimensional image according to the activity states of the organ thereby enabling an operator to visually navigate the medical device toward the selected position.

Abstract: System and method of determining whether a component of a radiation therapy system is operating within a dosimetric tolerance.

Abstract: Based on generated tomographic images, a first feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes crossing the Z? axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of respective points on the Z? axis. Further, based on the generated tomographic images, a second feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes parallel to the Z? axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z? axis. A third feature quantity representative of a regularity of an array of the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z? axis, based on the calculated first feature quantity and the calculated second feature quantity. Positions of the vertebrae on the Z? axis are calculated based on the third feature quantity, which is calculated for each of respective points on the Z? axis.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes an image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system, combined with a medical ventilator, to form a closed-loop system to optimize treatment of a tumor for patients who cannot comply with a normal respiratory management procedure. The ventilator may be used to generate respiratory maneuvers to facilitate clean images for dose planning, so that clinicians can more clearly visualize a target with fewer of the image artifacts associated with respiratory motion. The combined IGRT and ventilation systems approach facilitates treatment of specific organs most susceptible to respiratory motion artifact, and helps minimize the doses to the heart in left-breast treatments. Improved positioning of the anatomical target structures for exposure to external beam radiation may be accomplished through combinations of respiratory-gating, respiratory pause, and selective right or left lung mechanical ventilator techniques.

Abstract: A system and method places a percutaneous gastrostomy device into a body cavity of a patient using a magnetic gastrostomy tube and a medical detection sensing device. The magnetic gastrostomy tube has a ferromagnetic element attached to its distal end. Various embodiments allow a needle to be passed from the magnetic detection sensing device outside the patient toward a magnetic gastrostomy tube inside the patient or, alternatively, from the magnetic gastrostomy tube inside the patient toward the magnetic detection sensing device outside the patient. After a needle makes a hole between the outside of the patient and the body cavity, a medical wire may be passed through the hole, and the medical wire can then be used to place the percutaneous gastrostomy device.

Abstract: A facility for facilitating custom radiation treatment planning is described. During a distinguished radiation treatment session for a patient, the facility collects data indicating positioning of a predefined treatment site of the patient relative to a target treatment location throughout the distinguished radiation treatment session. The facility associates the collected positioning data with data describing one or more other aspects of the distinguished radiation treatment session. The facility provides the associated data to a treatment planning facility to determine a treatment plan for future radiation treatment sessions for the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for beamforming in soft-field tomography are provided. One soft-field tomography system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning proximate a surface of an object and one or more excitation drivers coupled to the plurality of transducers and configured to generate excitation signals for the plurality of transducers. The excitation signals include at least one frequency component. The soft-field tomography system further includes one or more response detectors coupled to the plurality of transducers and configured to measure a response of the object at the plurality of transducers to the excitation applied by the plurality of transducers based on the excitation signals. The soft-field tomography system also includes a soft-field reconstruction module configured to reconstruct a property distribution based on the excitation signals and the measured response using an Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) beamformer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for medical imaging using diffusive optical tomography and fluorescent diffusive optical tomography and ultrasound are disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe comprises emitters and detectors that are inclined at an angle of about 1 to about 30 degrees to a surface of the probe that contacts tissue. In another embodiment, the scanned volume is divided into an inclusion region and a background region. Different voxel sizes are used in the inclusion region and the background region. Appropriate algorithms facilitate a reconstruction of the inclusion region to determine structural and functional features of the inclusion.

Abstract: Method and systems are disclosed for radiating a moving target inside a heart. The method includes acquiring sequential volumetric representations of an area of the heart and defining a target tissue region and/or a radiation sensitive structure region in 3D for a first of the representations. The target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region are identified for another of the representations by an analysis of the area of the heart from the first representation and the other representation. Radiation beams to the target tissue region are fired in response to the identified target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region from the other representation.

Abstract: A method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for protecting a critical structure during the administration of radiation treatment to a patient. A register receives proposed positions for one or more radiation beams with respect to a critical structure. A processor predicts a cumulative dose volume for the critical structure based on the dose distribution, and determines if the cumulative dose volume exceeds a tolerance value. If the cumulative dose volume exceeds the tolerance value, the dose distribution may be translated at least in part based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and the dose distribution position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter.

Abstract: When performing multimodal radiotherapy planning, an optimizer (36) concurrently optimizes a combined treatment plan that employs an intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) device (30) and an intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) that respectively generate a photon beam and an ion beam for treating a volume of interest (18) in a patient (34). A simulator (40) iteratively generates multiple variations of a simulation model (44) according to optimization parameters that are varied by the optimizer (36) until the simulation model (44) satisfies user-entered treatment objective criteria (48) (e.g., maximum dose, does placement, etc.

Abstract: Methods for identifying patients with ovarian neoplasms are provided herein comprising performing an assay step of detecting a metabolite in a serum sample of a patient where the metabolite is probably not produced by a tumor but could induce the development of a tumor, and the presence of the metabolite being indicative of an increased likelihood that the patient has ovarian cancer,

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy probe including a thin-profile therapy head for implementing therapeutic procedures in confined spaces. The thin-profile is achieved by incorporating a cooling fluid channel about a periphery of at least a portion of the housing. A therapy transducer is disposed in an inner volume of the housing, and fluid circulated through the peripheral cooling channel can be used to remove heat generated by the therapy transducer, without requiring bulky external cooling devices, such as balloons. The housing can include an acoustic lens portion, to enable the housing to be used with flat transducers and can also be configured to be used with concave transducers, and so that an acoustic lens is not required. Electrical connections can be made with conductors that extend through an elongate hollow handle.

Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.

Abstract: A cardiac imaging system including an imaging module including an ultrasound emitter and one or more position markers. A tracking and control system may include a position sensing system for sensing a location and orientation of the position marker relative to a predetermined reference. The tracking and control system may be operable with the imaging module to produce at least a three dimensional image of a patient's anatomy. A method of cardiac imaging may include operatively attaching one or more position markers to an imaging module including an ultrasound emitter. The method may further include sensing a location and orientation of the position marker relative to a predetermined reference, and producing at least a three dimensional image of a patient's anatomy by evaluating one or more images obtained by the imaging module and aligning the image(s) obtained by the imaging module relative to the location and orientation of the position marker.

Abstract: A method of contoured-anatomy dose repositioning (CADR) as a means to automatically reposition a patient to better recover the planned dose distribution without reoptimizinq the treatment plan. CADR utilizes planning CT images, the planned dose distribution, and on-line images for repositioning dose distribution on a given day. Contours are also placed upon the images using manual, automatic, template-based, or other techniques. CADR then optimizes the rigid-body repositioning of the patient so that the daily dose distribution closely matches the planned dose distribution.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurate positioning of a needle guide is disclosed. The apparatus provides a means for taking as input the position vector for the point of insertion of the needle into the body. This point of insertion can be selected from images produced by a Computer Tomography system. Similarly, the apparatus has a means for taking as input the point of target. A controller determines the directional vector between point of insertion and point of target. A guide manipulator accurately positions the needle guide in line with the directional vector, such that the needle can easily be inserted through the guide to the point of target. The positioning of the guide manipulator in accordance with the directional vector is done with the help of motors.

Abstract: A system and method for blood vessel stenosis visualization and navigation is disclosed. The CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive a patient, an x-ray source positioned on the rotatable gantry to project x-rays toward a region-of-interest (ROI) of the patient that includes a plurality of blood vessels, an x-ray detector positioned on the rotatable gantry to receive x-rays emitted by the x-ray source and attenuated by the ROI, and a DAS operably connected to the x-ray detector. The CT system also includes a computer programmed to obtain CT image data for the ROI, reconstruct a 3D image of the plurality of blood vessels from the CT image data, automatically detect pathologies in the plurality of blood vessels, and identify the pathologies in the plurality of blood vessels on the 3D image, with a severity of the pathology being indicated on the 3D image.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and tracking an ablation catheter tip in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. Catheter tip candidates are detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence using marginal space learning. The detected catheter tip candidates are then tracked over all the frames of the fluoroscopic image sequence in order to determine an ablation catheter tip location in each frame.

Abstract: Surgical operation supporting apparatus and method is disclosed in which based on a high-definition tomographic images of an operation site produced before surgery, a three-dimensional model of the operation site is generated, and a surface of the operation site is optically measured during the surgical operation, and further, first position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points on the surface is acquired. An unexposed portion of the operation site is measured with ultrasonic waves during the surgical operation, and second position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points in the unexposed portion is acquired. Based on the first position information and the second position information, displacement and distortion at a portion whose three-dimensional position is not known in the three-dimensional model is estimated to obtain an estimated result.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging support apparatus for supporting imaging performed by an ultrasonic probe that acquires an ultrasonic image of a subject includes a specification unit configured to specify a position inside the subject in a three dimensional image, an identification unit configured to identify a position on a body surface of the subject based on the specified position, and a display control unit configured to display a position where the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic probe is captured and the identified position on a display unit.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described for automatically generating a transformation matrix for correlating images from an ultrasound modality with images from another modality (or with ultrasound images acquired at a different point in time). Ultrasound volumetric data and volumetric data yielded from another image modality are examined to identify and/or extract features. The transformation matrix is automatically generated, or populated, based at least in part upon common features that are identified in both the ultrasound volumetric data and the volumetric data yielded from the other image modality. The transformation matrix can then be used to correlate images from the different modalities (e.g., to display a CT image of an object next to an ultrasound image of the object, where the images are substantially similar to one another even though they were acquired using different modalities).

Abstract: Macroscopic imaging data, such as from a CT, MR, PET, or SPECT scanner, is obtained. Microscopic imaging data of at least a portion of the same tissue is obtained. To align the microscopic imaging data with the macroscopic imaging data, intermediate data is also obtained. For example, photographic data is acquired at an intermediary stage of a process of preparing tissue for microscopic scan. The macroscopic and microscopic data are registered to the intermediary photographic data. Once registered to the intermediary data, the spatial relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic data is known and may be used for imaging or quantification.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for assisting a percutaneous intervention, comprising an imaging system for tomographic imaging, a robot registered therewith and devices for capturing movements of the patient. A processing unit registers a 4D image dataset recorded before the intervention with a 2D or 3D image dataset of the patient which was recorded immediately before the intervention by the imaging system at a defined respiratory position. From this image data, the access path is transmitted to the robot as a function of the movements captured during recording the 4D image dataset and registration, said robot in turn, depending on the instantaneous movement data, holding the instrument on a predetermined target path and preventing the instrument from being advanced by the person if and as long as the instantaneous movement data does not match the previously recorded movement data. The arrangement reduces the risk of puncture errors.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a method of identifying the source of arrhythmia, e.g. reentrant ventricular tachycardia, in a patient. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating or preventing reentrant ventricular tachycardia in a patient. In still other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides systems for identifying the location of a candidate ablation site in a patient. In some embodiments, the patient has suffered from a myocardial infarction or has undergone structural remodeling of the heart caused by, e.g., cardiac fibrosis or the presence of dense trebeculation, resulting in nonviable areas with border zones (BZ).

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: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a body of patient and an interventional device includes a base and a targeting cannula. The base is configured to be secured to the body of the patient. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough and an inlet and an outlet at opposed ends of the guide bore. The guide bore defines a trajectory axis extending through the inlet and the outlet and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. The inlet tapers from an outer diameter distal from the guide bore to an inner diameter proximate the guide bore to guide and facilitate insertion of the interventional device into the guide bore.

Abstract: In a medical apparatus for implementation of operative procedures on a patient, an image acquisition device and a position determination device combined and permanently associated in the medical apparatus. The position determination device serves for determination of the position of at least one medical instrument within an operation region.

Abstract: A synthesis image in which medical images captured using different medical image capturing apparatuses are registered is generated by mapping the medical images to each other. The synthesis image may be used for image guidance while a diagnosis or a robotic surgery of a patient is being performed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the effect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy. Planning therapy may include generating one or more physical models.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present description provide a medical apparatus for use in supporting a patient lying in a supine position during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. More particularly, embodiments of the present description provide an arm board a patient's arm during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. The arm board is a substantially planar member having a support surface on which the patient's arm can be stabilized during a catheterization procedure. Desirably, the arm board has both a radiolucent portion and a radiopaque portion, thereby reducing and/or eliminating a doctor's exposure to radiation during radial cardiac catheterization procedures without impairing the ability to obtain the necessary medical images. Also provided is a medical apparatus and a method for its use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the position of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode which finds the position of the DBS electrode with respect to a deep brain target region, by using a first volume data set containing information on the deep brain target region and a second volume data set containing information on the DBS electrode implanted toward the deep brain target region, and which includes: a first step of generating a subvolume of the deep brain target region from the first volume data set, and also generating a subvolume of the DBS electrode from the second volume data set; and a second step of overlapping and displaying the subvolume of the deep brain target region and the subvolume of the DBS electrode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescent albumin nanoparticles having a structure selected from a core structure or a core-shell structure. Also disclosed are a process of preparing these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles, and a method of in vivo detection of pathologies, in particular cancer pathology, by using administering these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles to a patient.

Abstract: A method for integrating multiple data sources into an X-ray image referential includes generating an X-ray image of a subject. The method also includes collecting information from sensors of a catheter disposed within the subject. The method further includes generating the X-ray image referential on a coordinate system by merging a model of an anatomy and the collected information from the sensors of the catheter to the X-ray image, wherein the X-ray image referential includes a display of a trace of a catheter. In addition, the method includes displaying the X-ray image referential on a display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for medical imaging using diffusive optical tomography and fluorescent diffusive optical tomography are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for medical imaging comprises, scanning a tissue volume with near-infrared light to obtain structural parameters, wherein the tissue volume includes a biological entity, scanning the tissue volume with near-infrared light to obtain optical and fluorescence measurements of the scanned volume, segmenting the scanned volume into a first region and a second region, and reconstructing an optical image and a fluorescence image of at least a portion of the scanned volume from the structural parameters and the optical and fluorescence measurements. In another embodiment an apparatus for medical imaging is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an image diagnosis apparatus and an image diagnosis method using the same. The image diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray image tomosynthesis device fixing an object using an object fixing unit, the X-ray image tomosynthesis device generating an image tomosynthesis signal by irradiating a plurality of X-rays into the object, a photoacoustic image device fixing the object using the object fixing unit, the photoacoustic image device generating an ultrasonic signal by scanning the object using a photoacoustic light source, an image processing device for processing image signals transmitted from the X-ray image tomosynthesis device and the photoacoustic image device to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image, and a display device for displaying the 3D image generated from the image processing device. The image diagnosis apparatus may realize internal tissues of the object into a clear 3D image.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment relates to a method and/or a device for automatically differentiating types of kidney stones using computed tomography. The method provides two image data records of two computed tomography pictures of an object area including the kidney stones that have been recorded in the context of a different spectral distribution of the X-radiation. For each voxel of a slice of the object area that has X-ray attenuation values typical of kidney stones there is calculated from the two image data records a ratio r that is yielded from X-ray attenuation values of the voxel and prescribed X-ray attenuation values of pure urine in the context of the different spectral distributions of the X-radiation. The respective voxel is assigned to one of at least two types of kidney stones as a function of the variable r.

Abstract: In a method and device for generating a tomosynthetic 3D x-ray image, a number of digital x-ray images of an examination subject are acquired at respectively different projection angles, within a limited angle range, using an x-ray source and a digital x-ray detector. At an initial position for a selected projection angle, a spatially-fixed reference point is projected onto a partial region of the acquisition surface of the x-ray detector. For each further projection angle, a corresponding partial region on the acquisition surface is automatically determined. The tomosynthetic 3D image is reconstruction exclusively using image data from the respective partial regions.

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: A computer-implemented method for temporal up-to-date representation of a moving section of a body is provided. A first x-ray image data record is provided containing the moving section in a specific movement phase and a first 2D x-ray image and a 3D x-ray image superimposed and registered with one another. 2D x-ray images are repeatedly recorded each containing the moving section. 3D ultrasound images are repeatedly recorded each containing the moving section. Extended 2D x-ray images are created from the 2D x-ray images using the first x-ray images data record. The 3D ultrasound images are used as intermediaries for movement correction. The extended 2D images are displayed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal jugular veins (IJV) or azygous veins (AZV). 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 IJV or AZV veins are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an integrated tri-modality system includes a fluorescence tomography subsystem (FT), a diffuse optical tomography subsystem (DOT), and an x-ray tomography subsystem (XCT), where each subsystem is combined in the integrated tri-modality system to perform quantitative fluorescence tomography with the fluorescence tomography subsystem (FT) using multimodality imaging with the x-ray tomography subsystem (XCT) providing XCT anatomical information as structural a priori data to the integrated tri-modality system, while the diffuse optical tomography subsystem (DOT) provides optical background heterogeneity information from DOT measurements to the integrated tri-modality system as functional a priori data.

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.