Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging system and method for monitoring a body. The system and method provides a first image acquisition means allowing a volumetric three-dimensional image to be acquired in combination with a second two-dimensional image acquisition means.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus, for use in an assisting apparatus for surgical opertions, includes a position indicating apparatus for indicating a position and a direction of a tool, and three-dimensional position measuring apparatus for measuring a position and a direction of a surgical field and also the position and the direction of the tool. The position indicating apparatus and the three dimensional position measuring apparatus are unified in one body in the relative position thereof, so that a position for assistance of surgical operation is indicated in the form of an intersection line or an intersection point of the laser beams, irrespective of the position of the position measuring apparatus.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a combination of a haptic device with a computer-assisted surgery system. The haptic device may be used as an input device, allowing information to pass from the user to the computer-assisted surgery system, and providing functionality similar to common user interface devices, such as a mouse or any other input device. When used as an input device, it may be used for defining anatomical reference geometry, manipulating the position and/or orientation of virtual implants, manipulating the position and/or orientation of surgical approach trajectories, manipulating the positions and/or orientation of bone resections, and the selection or placement of any other anatomical or surgical feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for co-registering, displaying and quantifying images from numerous different medical modalities, such as CT, MRI and SPECT. In this novel approach co-registration and image fusion is based on multiple user-defined Regions-of-Interest (ROI), which may be subsets of entire image volumes, from multiple modalities, where the each ROI may depict data from different image modalities. The user-selected ROI of a first image modality may be superposed over or blended with the corresponding ROI of a second image modality, and the entire second image may be displayed with either the superposed or blended ROI.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively and accurately localizing and treating a target within a patient are provided. A three dimensional mapping of a region surrounding the target is coupled to a surgical intervention. Two or more diagnostic beams at a known non-zero angle to one another may pass through the mapping region to produce images of projections within the mapping region in order to accurately localize and treat the target wherein the images are captured using one or more image recorders.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for estimating C-arm fluoroscope pose. The method involves introducing a coordinate system into a C-arm image, and applying intensity-based 2D/3D registration without segmentation to the coordinate system C-arm image and an image or known model of the coordinate system, wherein the intensity-based 2D/3D registration yields the C-arm pose. The coordinate system may be provided by introducing one or more markers or a fiducial into an image.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: A robotic arm and control system includes a robotic arm which moves in response to one or more command signals. One or more “active” fiducials are located on the arm, each of which emits its own light. A 3D camera having an associated field-of-view is positioned such that at least one fiducial and a target object to be manipulated are in the FOV. To determine their spatial positions, the arm fiducials are activated and the target object is preferably illuminated with a scanning laser; the camera produces output signals which vary with the spatial locations of the fiducials and target object. A controller receives the output signals and uses the spatial position information as feedback to continuously guide the arm towards the target object. Multiple active fiducials may be employed, each having respective characteristics with which they can be differentiated.

Abstract: The present invention related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, a method and a computer program for evaluating images of the heart that have been captured by means of a medical imaging method. According to said method, at least two data records containing functional values, which describe the ventricular wall activity, are produced in a random format, are converted into a uniform format and the data records in the uniform format are compared with one another or calculated.

Abstract: A system, method and device for positioning a target located within soft tissue in a path of an instrument inserted into the soft tissue includes: a manipulation system including a plurality of force applicators positioned around the soft tissue containing the target; an image acquisition system including an imaging probe for obtaining data for generating an image of the soft tissue containing the target; a detection means for detecting deflection of the target using the data from the imaging probe; and a control means for actuating the plurality of force applicators to apply forces on the soft tissue in response to a detected deflection of the target to move the target back in line with the path of the instrument. In an exemplary embodiment, the soft tissue is a breast, the imaging probe is an ultrasound imaging probe, and the instrument is a biopsy needle.

Abstract: A CT imaging system (12) generates structural data of a first FOV which is reconstructed by a CT reconstruction processor (52) into a CT image representation. A nuclear imaging system acquires functional data from a second FOV which is smaller than the first FOV. A first PET reconstruction processor (60) reconstructs the functional data into a PET image representation. A fusion processor (64) combines the PET image representation with a map extracted from the CT image representation to generate an extended FOV image representation. A spill-over correction unit (66) and a backscatter correction unit (68) derive spill-over correction data and backscatter correction data from the extended FOV image representation. A reconstruction processor (70) generates a spill-over and backscatter corrected functional image representation based on the spill-over correction data, the backscatter correction data, and the functional data.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) comprises a data device (30), which controls radiation data acquisition from a subject positioned in an examination region (18) for an examination. A rebinning processor (40) bins the acquired data periodically into a histogram (42). A transform (70) transforms the histogram (42) into individual independent or uncorrelated components, each component including a signal content and a noise content. A stopping determining device (52) compares an aspect of at least one selected component to a predetermined threshold (TH) and, based on the comparison, terminates the data acquisition.

Abstract: A method for guiding nanoparticles to a target location by a magnetic gradient field and/or holding them at the target location is proposed. The magnetic gradient field is generated by a magnet system with at least one magnet. A focus of the magnet system is registered with an X-ray device. At least one three-dimensional image dataset showing the target location is captured by the X-ray device. The position of the target location is determined manually and/or automatically in the image dataset or in an image dataset determined therefrom and is positioned automatically based on the registration of the focus so that the focus coincides with the position of the target location.

Abstract: In a method, a system and a computer readable storage medium encoded with programming instructions, as well as a calculation module for three-dimensional presentation of at least two separate surgical objects within a medical procedure, access to three-dimensional models for the surgical objects takes place based on an acquired two-dimensional x-ray image with the surgical objects. The accessed three-dimensional models are integrated into the acquired two-dimensional x-ray image in order to be shown as a modified x-ray image. The modified x-ray image includes position information, relative positions and orientations of the surgical objects.

Abstract: A probe assembly includes a forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe having a field of view and an instrument, adjacent to the probe, for performing manipulations at least within the OCT field of view.

Abstract: A fiber-optic multimodal multi-spectral (MS), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), photoacoustic (PA) endoscope with beam scanning by a two-dimensional Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanner present in the endoscopic head, combined in a synergetic way in a single endoscopic system. The PA, OCT and MS light sources are coupled to the endoscopic head through an optical switcher. Using a single optical endoscopic head and an electro-optical switch the endoscope of the invention is capable of sequential or parallel MS, OCT and PA imaging. The endoscope provides real-time imaging with a rate of 5 to 60 frames per second for each of the three imaging modalities.

Abstract: An electrode carrier includes multiple electrodes, each electrode having a contact located at a different position along a distal end of the carrier, and multiple optical fibers, each associated with one of the electrodes and having an end face proximate to the contact of the associated electrode. Each optical fiber end face may capture optical information from tissue adjacent to the associated contact. The electrode carrier may be used for interfacing with an OCT system and a neural signal system.

Abstract: A method for guiding stent deployment during an endovascular procedure includes providing a virtual stent model of a real stent that specifies a length, diameter, shape, and placement of the real stent. The method further includes projecting the virtual stent model onto a 2-dimensional (2D) DSA image of a target lesion, manipulating a stent deployment mechanism to navigate the stent to the target lesion while simultaneously acquiring real-time 2D fluoroscopic images of the stent navigation, and overlaying each fluoroscopic image on the 2D DSA image having the projected virtual stent model image, where the 2D fluoroscopic images are acquired from a C-arm mounted X-ray apparatus, and updating the projection of the virtual stent model onto the fluoroscopic images whenever a new fluoroscopic image is acquired or whenever the C-arm is moved, where the stent is aligned with the virtual stent model by aligning stent end markers with virtual end markers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic therapeutic device and an ultrasonic therapeutic system including the ultrasonic therapeutic device and guided by an imaging device are provided. The ultrasonic therapeutic device includes an ultrasonic therapeutic applicator that comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a box which contains the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator and the couplant liquid, a moving unit which extends through the wall of the box and connects the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator, and compensating units which set on opposing sides of and incorporate with the box and holds the level of the liquid when the moving unit drives the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator to move. Stabilization of the liquid level in the box consequently decreases the interference to imaging results of an imaging device due to the level changing of the couplant liquid and improves the diagnostic accuracy of the imaging device.

Abstract: A method for planning the placement of a device in a body includes analyzing information of at least part of the internal structure of the body of a patient to determine if at least one specific or critical region or structure lies within a region of interest, said region of interest within a predetermined distance of the planned trajectory of the device in the body. Then, a level of risk is assessed to the at least one specific or critical region or structure that is within the region of interest.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for stimulating and monitoring biological tissue. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for stimulating and monitoring tissue, the system including a first energy source, a second energy source, and an imaging device, in which the system is configured such that the first and second energy sources target the same region of tissue and the combined effect of the first and second energy sources stimulates the region of tissue.

Abstract: A drug-eluting tissue marker for marking a site in a tissue mass comprises a drug-eluting portion having a drug for timed release to the site and a material that can be imaged using an imaging technique.

Abstract: A surgical navigation apparatus and a method of operating the surgical navigation apparatus are disclosed. The surgical navigation apparatus includes: a first aligning unit configured to align a position of a patient with reference image data by using patient position data and the reference image data of the patient generated by image-taking before surgery; a second aligning unit configured to align the patient position data and comparative image data in real time, where the comparative image data is received from an image-taking unit; and an image processing unit configured to align the comparative image data and the reference image data in real time by using the patient position data. The surgical navigation apparatus can provide in real time images of the lesion taken during surgery, so that these images may be compared with those taken before surgery, to enable more accurate surgery and also provide greater convenience for the surgeon.

Abstract: An animal management system and scanning access device are disclosed. The scanning access device accesses RFID label disposed on/in animal body, and the information of the accessed RFID label is subsequently processed and transmitted to the animal management system via a communication transmission module for comparison.

Abstract: A method for performing a procedure on a patient, includes obtaining a biometric image representative of the patient and performing the procedure on the patient in accordance with the biometric image. The patient has an iris and the biometric image comprises an iris biometric image and the procedure comprises a medical procedure. First and second iris biometric images; are obtained and the first and second iris biometric images are compared to provide a biometric comparison result. A patient is identified in accordance with the biometric comparison result. The patient has at least one feature and the feature is represented within at least one of the first and second iris biometric images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-integrated surgery aid system for minimally invasive surgery and a method for controlling the same. The system includes a surgery planning system for creating three-dimensional information from two-dimensional images obtained by means of biplanar fluoroscopy so that spinal surgery can be planned according to the image information and a scalar-type 6 degree-of-freedom surgery aid robot adapted to be either driven automatically or operated manually.

Abstract: A system for use during a medical or surgical procedure on a body. The system modifies a reference image data set according to a density image of a body element during a procedure, generates a displaced image data set representing the position and geometry of the body element during the procedure, and compares the density image of the body element during the procedure to the reference image of the body element. The system also includes a display utilizing the displaced image data set generated by the processor to illustrate the position and geometry of the body element during the procedure. Methods relating to the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery includes the steps of: (1) producing and displaying three-dimensional geometrical models of first and second bones, the first and second bones forming a joint; (2) identifying a zone of impingement between the first bone and the second bone on at least one of the bones; and (3) generating and displaying a color map of at least one surface of at least one bone, the at least one surface being within the zone of impingement, the color map including different colors representing different depths of bone to be removed in order to achieve an increased range of motion between the first and second bones.

Abstract: Characterization of carotid atherosclerosis and classification of plaque into symptomatic or asymptomatic along with the risk score estimation are key steps necessary for allowing the vascular surgeons to decide if the patient has to definitely undergo risky treatment procedures that are needed to unblock the stenosis. This application describes a statistical (a) Computer Aided Diagnostic (CAD) technique for symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaque automated classification of carotid ultrasound images and (b) presents a cardiovascular risk score computation. We demonstrate this for longitudinal Ultrasound, CT, MR modalities and extendable to 3D carotid Ultrasound. The on-line system consists of Atherosclerotic Wall Region estimation using AtheroEdge™ for longitudinal Ultrasound or Athero-CTView™ for CT or Athero-MRView from MR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-modality imaging system and a method for dual-modality imaging of an imaged object, wherein a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus for acquiring MRI data and at least one optical imaging detector for acquiring optical imaging data are arranged to acquire the MRI data and the optical imaging data of the imaged object (10) simultaneously, the at least one optical imaging detector being a non-contact optical imaging detector.

Abstract: In a medical system, at least one medically operative member (10, 12, 100) is configured to interact with or acquire data from a subject (74) disposed in an examination region. An array of photosensors (70, 170) is disposed on the at least one medically operative member. The array of photosensors is arranged to view the examination region. A position-determining member (82, 82a, 82b) is configured to determine a position of at least one optically detectable marker (72, 172) disposed with the subject in the examination region based on light from the at least one optically detectable marker sensed by the array of photosensors.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly 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 affect 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a medical imaging system for acquisition of image data of the heart using a medical imaging procedure during an intervention on the heart, while the heart is stimulated by a pacing signal from an external heart pacemaker, the acquisition and/or reconstruction of the image data being controlled, in particular triggered, by the pacing signal.

Abstract: A method for imaging a body, including scanning the body so as to generate a tomographic image thereof, and analyzing the tomographic image to determine a location of a region of interest (ROI) (38) within the body. The method includes providing single photon counting detector modules (40), each of the modules being configured to receive photons from a respective direction and to generate a signal in response thereto. The method further includes coupling each of the modules to a respective adjustable mount (54), adjusting each of the adjustable mounts so that the direction of the module coupled thereto is aligned with respect to the location so as to receive radiation from the ROI, operating each of the modules to receive the photons from the ROI, and, in response to the signal generated by each of the modules, generating a single photon counting image of the ROI.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for adapting a movement model based on an image captured during radiation treatment of a patient. The movement model may, for example, be used in radiotherapy to treat lung cancer. The movement model is typically based on a series of images of a patient captured over a period of time. The movement model and/or one or images included therein may be used to generate a reference image of the patient. The reference image is compared with an image of the patient optionally captured during treatment. The result of this comparison is used to adapt the movement model to conditions during the treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to track non-linear internal target movement based on movement of an external marker.

Abstract: Some embodiments include receiving a radiation treatment plan for delivering at least a portion of a prescribed radiation dose to a target volume in a series of individual treatment beams, each individual treatment beam defined by a segment including start angle and a stop angle, and delivering a portion of the prescribed radiation dose to the target volume over each of the segments, the segments arranged in a contiguous manner on an arc.

Abstract: A probe assembly for examining a sample, the assembly including a probe, a fiber optic cable for communicating signals to and/or from the probe, an emitter for emitting radiation to irradiate the sample and an electro-magnetic radiation detector for detecting radiation which is transmitted or reflected from the sample. The emitter includes a frequency conversion member which emits radiation in response to being irradiated with input radiation which has a different frequency to that of the emitted radiation. At least one of the emitter or detector is located in the probe. The probe is particularly for use as an endoscope or for imaging teeth. The invention also extends to a method of imaging teeth, and apparatus for imaging diseased teeth, for example, teeth with caries or suffering from periodontal disease.

Abstract: A device for medical imaging is provided. The device includes an X-ray acquisition means configured to acquire data representative of an object. The X-ray acquisition means includes; an arm comprising a radiation source; a radiation detector; a planar object support; and a pad. The device further includes an ultrasound probe capable of being shifted manually by a user; a processor configured to produce at least one image of the object from data acquired by the X-ray acquisition means; and determine a path between a position of the ultrasound probe and a position in the object corresponding to a selected zone in said image; and a guide of the ultrasound probe configured to facilitate shifting the ultrasound probe along the path between a position of the ultrasound probe and the position in the object corresponding to the selected zone in the at least one image.

Abstract: A substrate configured for placement on an internal organ or tissue is provided. In certain embodiments, the substrate conforms to and moves with the internal organ or tissue. Three or more sensor elements are integrated on the substrate. In one implementation, the substrate and associated sensor elements provide dynamic referencing of the internal organ or tissue after registration of the sensor data with images and/or volumetric representations of the internal organ or tissue.

Abstract: There is obtained a particle beam therapy system in which the beam size is reduced. There are provided an accelerator 14 that accelerates a charged particle beam; an irradiation apparatus that has a beam scanning apparatus 5a, 5b for performing scanning with the charged particle beam and irradiates the charged particle beam onto an irradiation subject ; and a beam transport apparatus 15 that has a duct for ensuring a vacuum region or gas region that continues from the accelerator 14 to a beam outlet window 7 disposed at a more downstream position than the beam scanning apparatus 5a, 5b, and that transports the charged particle beam exiting from the accelerator 14 to the irradiation apparatus.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stimulating the trigeminal nerve of a patient in order to reduce the heart rate of the patient for recording image information from the heart of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, optical and/or chemical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus including at least one such device and a unit for registering the heart rate of the patient, which unit interacts with the device. Furthermore, at least one embodiment moreover relates to a method for reducing the heart rate of a patient in order to record image information from the heart of the patient, in which method the trigeminal nerve of the patient is stimulated by at least one such device in order to lower the heart rate of the patient.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning and/or repositioning system, such as a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy. Patient positioning constraints optionally include one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are preferably movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning, repositioning, and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: A wearable ultrasound probe apparatus includes a wearable membrane. An ultrasound transducer is also included that is integrated into the wearable membrane and configured to maintain a substantially consistent contact with a surface of an object to be imaged when the object has the wearable membrane disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for utilizing radio frequency signals to dynamically determine the location of a medical device throughout a procedure and to improve navigation of the medical device. For these purposes, a plurality of RF receivers are mounted at operative locations in the operating room and operate on the same clock signal. The system also utilizes a diagnostic medical image such as an MRI, and overlays the position feedback signal on the image. This allows, for example, a surgeon to pick a desired spot on the diagnostic image, and then cause a robotic arm driven device to be moved to that particular spot inside the human body.

Abstract: A region of interest is automatically evaluated. The automatic evaluation is based on assessments of one or more characteristics. The one or more characteristics of the region of interest are assessed in a plurality of image data sets acquired by a respective plurality of imaging modalities. In some embodiments, the evaluation is based on assessments of one or more characteristics for each region of interest derived from a combination of structural and functional image data. In one embodiment, the set of structural image data is a set of CT image data and the set of functional image data is a set of PET image data. The one or more lesions may be detected in the structural and/or functional image data by automated routines or by a visual inspection by a clinician or other reviewer.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a surgical device, configured to be manipulated by a user to perform a procedure on a patient, and a computer system. The computer system is programmed to implement control parameters for controlling the surgical device to provide at least one of haptic guidance to the user and a limit on user manipulation of the surgical device, based on a relationship between an anatomy of the patient and at least one of a position, an orientation, a velocity, and an acceleration of a portion of the surgical device, and to adjust the control parameters in response to movement of the anatomy during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing and preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone formation are disclosed. The invention additionally provides methods of diagnosing a predisposition to bone loss. The methods mathematically combine the information provided by imaging tests with the information provided by biomarkers to provide an index value. The index value is used for diagnosis of bone diseases, and to assess the progress of treatment of bone diseases.