Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for correcting motion in imaging during a medical intervention, by which method a 3D tomographic image of a target area for the intervention is first recorded while there are one or more medical instruments in the target area that will remain there during the intervention. During the intervention 2D fluoroscopic images of the target area are recorded and registered with the 3D image. The registration is therein adjusted for each 2D fluoroscopic image in realtime based in each case on the one or more instruments. The 2D fluoroscopic images are then in each case visualized with representations, concurring in terms of perspective, of the 3D image. Virtually error-free overlaying of the 3D image with in each case one 2D fluoroscopic image can be implemented using the present method and associated device.

Abstract: An image-guided radiosurgery method and system are presented that use 2D/3D image registration to keep the radiosurgical beams properly focused onto a treatment target. A pre-treatment 3D scan of the target is generated at or near treatment planning time. A set of 2D DRRs are generated, based on the pre-treatment 3D scan. At least one 2D x-ray image of the target is generated in near real time during treatment. The DRRs are registered with the x-ray images, by computing a set of 3D transformation parameters that represent the change in target position between the 3D scan and the x-ray images. The relative position of the radiosurgical beams and the target is continuously adjusted in near real time in accordance with the 3D transformation parameters. A hierarchical and iterative 2D/3D registration algorithm is used, in which the transformation parameters that are in-plane with respect to the image plane of the x-ray images are computed separately from the out-of-plane transformation parameters.

Abstract: A method for detecting and analyzing candidate lesions in a magnetic resonance image of a breast. The method includes the steps of: accessing a plurality of temporal magnetic resonance images of the breast; identifying candidate lesions by performing a temporal pattern analysis of the plurality of images to produce temporal features based on an uptake phase and a washout phase; performing a morphological operation on the candidate lesions to produce morphological features; and classifying the candidate lesions using the morphological features and temporal features to produce classified candidate lesions.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a target tissue region (e.g., malignant tissue) is provided. A hyperthermic probe is placed into contact with the target tissue region, and the target tissue region is exposed to a therapeutic x-ray radiation beam. The probe is operated to increase the temperature of the target tissue region, thereby facilitating a therapeutic effect of the radiation beam. Image data of the probe containing a fiducial datum is acquired while in contact with the target tissue region, a position of the target tissue region within a treatment coordinate system is determined based on the fiducial datum, and the radiation beam is spatially adjusted relative to the target tissue region based on the determined position of the target tissue region.

Abstract: There is provided a device for generating a frame of reference and tracking the position and orientation of a tool in computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system. A first curvature sensor including fiducial markers is provided for positioning on a patient prior to volumetric imaging, and sensing the patient's body position during surgery. A second curvature sensor is coupled to the first curvature sensor at one end and to a tool at the other end to inform the computer-assisted image guided surgery or therapy system of the position and orientation of the tool with respect to the patient's body. A system is provided that incorporates curvature sensors, a garment for sensing the body position of a person, and a method for registering a patient's body to a volumetric image data set in preparation for computer-assisted surgery or other therapeutic interventions. This system can be adapted for remote applications as well.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient comprises directing radiation from outside the patient toward one or more target treatment regions of the heart so as to inhibit the atrial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A physiology system is provided that includes an ultrasound beamformer that is configured to receive signals from an ultrasound probe that is located proximate the region of interest. The system includes an ultrasound processor module for generating an ultrasound image, based on the ultrasound data, that is representative of an anatomical structure of a portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A physiology signal processor module is also provided and configured to receive physiology signals from a catheter located proximate the region of interest. The physiology signal processor module produces physiology data representative of the physiology activity of the portion of the region of interest contained in the scan plane. A display processor module forms a display image combining the ultrasound image and physiology data.

Abstract: During preprogrammed medical treatment and remote controlled surgery tracking the movements of the body being treated and integrating those tracked movements with the preprogrammed/remote controled treatment to arrive at an integrated modified treatment track and following that modified track during the treatment. The treating instrument may be a solid scalpel or high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, ultra sound, laser beams or the like.

Abstract: A medical accelerator system consisting of coplanar and non-coplanar beams, on line magnetic resonance anatomic and functional imaging and cone beam computed tomographic imaging for single session image guided all field simultaneous radiation therapy and radiosurgery is provided. This system enables single session simulation, field-shaping block making, treatment planning, dose calculations and treatment of tumors. The radiation exposure time to the tumor and the normal tissue is reduced to a few seconds to less than a minute. In filed intensity modulated radiation is rendered by combined divergent and pencil beam, multiple smaller fields within a larger field, selectively varying beam's energy, dose rate and beam weight. Since all the treatment fields are treated simultaneously the dose rate at the tumor site is the sum of each of the converging beam's dose rate at depth. This super-high biological dose rate impairs the lethal and sublethal damage repair.

Abstract: A method of controlling a remote navigation system that remotely orients the distal end of the medical device in order to navigate a medical device through a body lumen, the method comprising: displaying an exterior image of the body lumen; superimposing an indicator of the current position of the medical device in the body lumen; displaying a plurality of segment labels; receiving oral commands and recognizing one of the spoken displayed segment labels; and causing the remote navigation system to orient the distal end of the device in a preselected direction associated with the segment corresponding to the displayed segment label.

Abstract: A method for planning a bone implant ascertains a condition of a bone to be treated, and identifies a dysfunctional part of the bone. A free-form area then can be ascertained and registered, wherein the free-form area lies below the dysfunctional part. A control data set then is produced that forms the basis for ablating the bone on the ascertained free-form area.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cardiac roadmapping technique is provided, that does not rely on the prerequisite of a phase-centric pairing of the angiogram and life images. Instead, both the pairing and accurate registration of the images are combined within a single operation, for example by using a multi-device map. This may provide for robust and precise cardiac roadmapping.

Abstract: Method for pre-interventional planning of a 2D fluoroscopy projection for an interventional entry using a fixed instrument, comprising the following steps: a) Recording a 3D data set, b) Planning the intervention, c) Planning the optimum projection direction, d) Registering the 3D data set with a navigation system and a 2D fluoroscopy system, e) Transmission of the intervention data to the navigation system, f) Computing the position of the fluoroscopy system, and g) Executing the interventional entry under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a device to excite mechanical waves in elastic tissue, a device for measuring the resulting tissue motion at a plurality of locations interior to the tissue at a number of time instances, a computing device to calculate the mechanical properties of tissue from the measurements, and a display to show the properties according to their location. A parameter identification method for calculating the mechanical properties is based on fitting a lumped dynamic parametric model of the tissue dynamics to their measurements. Alternatively, the mechanical properties are calculated from transfer functions computed from measurements at adjacent locations in the tissue. The excitation can be produced by mechanical vibrators, medical needles or structures supporting the patient. The measurements may be performed by a conventional ultrasound imaging system and the resulting properties displayed as semi-transparent overlays on the ultrasound images.

Abstract: A method of operating a remote navigation system to that orients a medical device in a selected direction includes operating the remote navigation system to orient the medical device toward a point identified by the user on a two-dimensional map of a three-dimensional surface adjacent the medical device.

Abstract: Device for carrying out rotablation, comprising a rotablation catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and also an image processing unit, which is embodied for the creation of combined 2D or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a plurality of field generators, which generate electromagnetic fields at different, respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and a radio frequency (RF) driver, which radiates a RF driving field toward the object. A wireless transponder is fixed to the object. The transponder includes at least one sensor coil, in which a signal current flows responsive to the electromagnetic fields, and a power coil, which receives the RF driving field and conveys electrical energy from the driving field to power the transponder. The power coil also transmits an output signal responsive to the signal current to a signal receiver, which processes the signal to determine coordinates of the object.

Abstract: A method and appertaining system permit a co-registration between points in a three-dimensional model of a vessel and vascular images obtained by an imaging catheter within the vessel at the respective points. The three-dimensional model is created by utilizing information from at least two external two-dimensional images produced by, e.g., one or more x-ray devices. The three-dimensional model is displayed on an analysis workstation, and a user may view the vascular images at particular points by selecting the appertaining points on the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A patient's lesion is localized for the purpose of administering radiation treatment by obtaining a beam shape representation along one or more beam directions of a radiation treatment device. An image corresponding to the lesion is obtained from each beam direction, and the beam shape and image are fixed to a common coordinate system to facilitate alignment.

Abstract: An installation for image-assisted shockwave therapy has a C-arm x-ray unit that is orbitally movable around an isocenter, and that carries an x-ray imaging system thereon. The installation also has a shockwave head and a carrier device for the shockwave head that is disposed stationarily relative to the x-ray C-arm. A boom that extends toward the x-ray C-arm is carried by the carrier device, the boom having a free end at which the shockwave head is mounted. The boom is movably guided by the carrier device so that the shockwave head is arbitrarily movable to any position and can be arbitrarily aligned to the isocenter within a minimum range of 180° delimited by the top table position and the bottom table position of a patient table.

Abstract: An image system, notably an X-ray system and an ultrasound system, is provided in which images or sequences of images are generated and used to automatically change or optimize the operational behavior of individual image system components. Measurement fields are defined in the images of an image sequence by means of a data processing unit. Information is extracted from the measurement fields in order to adapt the system components. More specifically, in the course of a sequence of images the measurement fields are adapted or shifted in conformity with the motion of objects.

Abstract: A surgery system comprising at least one smart instrument, a computer system, and a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the computer system, wherein the sensor system includes a sensor array and the sensor array includes at least three linear CCD cameras and at least one infrared transceiver.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a medical imaging device, a medical imaging control subsystem, and an activation unit. The medical imaging control subsystem includes a processing unit and a monitor. The processing unit is in communication with the medical imaging device and the monitor. The activation unit is operatively connected to the medical imaging device and the medical imaging control subsystem, wherein the activation unit is operable to deactivate the medical imaging device and the medical imaging control subsystem.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for performing image guided interventional and surgical procedures, including various procedures to treat sinusitis and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, ears, nose or throat.

Abstract: A nuclear medical diagnostic equipment wherein radiation which is emitted by a nuclide administered into the body of a patient is detected as projection data by a gamma camera, and an image which indicates the distribution of the nuclide within the body of the patient is obtained on the basis of the projection data. The equipment comprises a rotation unit which rotates the radiation detector round the patient, a respiration identification unit which identifies breathing of the patient and non-breathing thereof based on breath holding, a data storage unit in which the radiation detection data acquired by the radiation detector are stored in an identifiable manner on the basis of a result of the identification by the respiration identification unit, and an image generation unit which generates the image from the radiation detection data stored in the data storage unit on the basis of the result of the identification by the respiration identification unit.

Abstract: Featured are methods for reconstruction of images acquired from any of a number of scanning devices or apparatuses known to those skilled in the art which methods are established so as to provide a mechanism for compensating for motion of an object being imaged. Such methods of the present invention are such as to allow the clinician to select one or more specific methodologies that is appropriate for the expected motion, severity or complexity of the motion and efficient processing of projection data. Also feature are systems, apparatuses, software code and computer readable media which embody such methodologies.

Abstract: An online Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent (BOLD)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for functional clinical guidance or monitoring a therapeutic modality involving treatment by a sensitizer which, upon excitation by the appropriate sensitizing radiation, initiates local oxygen consumption, comprising: (i) generating a BOLD-weighted MR-image of the target region of interest within the patient's body (time t0); (ii) administering said sensitizer to the patient; (iii) irradiating the target region while the patient is subjected to continuous MR imaging; (iv) generating a sole or a plurality of T2* weighted sequential BOLD MR-images during and/or after irradiation (time t); (v) processing the data generated at time t0 and time t and generating a color-coded difference or ratio map on a pixel by pixel basis; and (vi) analyzing the processed data. The method is preferably applied to photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the representation of a predeterminable region (3) in multidimensional data sets (2). The data sets (2) are especially made of three or four dimensional image data of an object which is to be examined. The image data is produced by means of one or several receiving elements of the object and especially at least one two-dimensional cut (S) is located and displayed through the predeterminable region (3). The cut (S) is defined by at least one vector plane and/or indicator plane (E1, E2), which are arranged in the multi-dimensional data set (2), by means of a vector (4). Said vector or indicator is fixed by manipulation in the multidimensional data set (2) and/or on, particularly, the two-dimensional cut planes (S1, S2) of the multi-dimensional data sets (2) on at least one vector plane (E1, E2) and the vector and/or indicator (4).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.

Abstract: A system and method for registering pre-operative magnetic resonance (MR) images with intra-operative MR images is disclosed. A pre-operative MR image of an object is received. A set of intra-operative MR images of the object is received. The pre-operative MR image is rigidly registered with the initial intra-operative MR image. The subsequent set of intra-operative images is deformably registered. The pre-operative MR image undergoes both rigid and deformation transformation to match specification of each image with in intra-operative MR image set.

Abstract: Disclosed are an imaging method and an arrangement for the computer-assisted evaluation of projected object trajectories obtained from a computer-tomographic measurement. According to the inventive method, the trajectories are arranged in a previously known sequence into a projection matrix as traces of the respective voluminous elements, and the following steps are iterated until a sufficient reconstruction quality has been attained; (a) at least one of the traces is selected; (b) a reconstructed element that is true to the original position is formed from each of the selected traces so as to be added to a reconstructed image; (c) the selected traces are removed from the projection matrix.

Abstract: A method of preplanning for guided medical procedures includes obtaining a first 3D diagnostic dataset for a region of interest of a subject. This first dataset can be a non-stereotactic dataset and provide sufficient contrast to identify target tissue in the region of interest. A treatment preplan is developed to treat the target tissue using the first dataset exclusive of stereotactic data. The treatment preplan includes placement locations for a plurality of initial radiation beams and their respective dose intensities. A second, stereotactic 3D dataset can be obtained for the region of interest. A registered dataset can then be created by registering the first dataset to the second dataset. The treatment preplan can be modified using data associated with the registering step to generate a stereotactic treatment plan including a plurality of radiation treatment beams with respective placement positions based on the registered dataset to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: A diagnosis apparatus in which a lesion in the large intestine can be diagnosed with high precision by detecting pits is provided. A three-dimensional optical tomographic image is obtained by the configuration of an apparatus using an endoscope and an optical probe, images in X-Y planes perpendicular to the depth direction of a living body tissue are cut out at a plurality of depth positions, based on the three-dimensional tomographic image data, and a pit pattern shape highlighted image is generated from their average image to perform diagnostic support.

Abstract: A method and system for managing at least one animal is disclosed. The method can include imaging, such as ultrasound imaging, a lung of a live animal, such as a ruminant animal or bovine animal. The imaging can be performed to determine a degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used to select at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal. For example, the information can be used to select the amount or type of feed provided to the animal at a feedlot. The information also can be used to select how long the animal should be housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, information about its degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used to select the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment.

Abstract: A system for navigating an image-guided object through an imaged subject supported on table in relation to an image acquired by an image detector is provided. The system includes a first tracking element attached to the patient, and a second tracking element attached at the table. The first and second tracking elements define first and second coordinate systems. A controller is operable to register the second coordinate system with a third coordinate system defined by the image detector, measure a spatial relation between the first tracking element and the second tracking element, register the first coordinate system with the third local coordinate system defined by the image detector based on the spatial relation between the first and second tracking elements, and generating a composite image comprising a virtual image of the object in spatial relation to the image of the imaged subject acquired by the image detector.

Abstract: An interface apparatus (20) for tracking by a tracking system (40) of an object(s) in space for position and orientation and for interacting with the tracking system (40). The interface apparatus (30) comprises passive detectable devices (12,14,16,22) trackable for position by the tracking system (40). A mounting device (10,24) receives the passive detectable devices (12,14,16,22) in a known geometry, and is secured to the object(s) such that a position and orientation of the object(s) is calculable by the tracking system (40) as a function of a tracking of the known geometry of the passive detectable devices (12,14,16,22). One of the passive detectable devices (22) is displaceable with respect to the object(s). A displacement of the passive detectable device (22) with respect to the object(s) is detectable to initiate an interaction with the tracking system (40) while maintaining the tracking of the object(s).

Abstract: An ablation and monitoring system comprises a catheter, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, and an ablation generator. The catheter comprises one or more optical fibers to transmit a light beam to a tissue material and collect a reflected light from the tissue material. The OCT system is in optical communication with the catheter via the one or more optical fibers, providing the light beam to the one or more optical fibers and receiving the reflected light from the one or more optical fibers. The ablation generator is in electrical communication with the OCT system and with the catheter. The ablation generator provides radio frequency energy to the catheter for ablating the tissue material, monitors and assesses the ablation based on an information signal received from the OCT system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for registering intra-operative image data set with pre-operative 3D image data set, including: spatially calibrating an optical 3D sensor system with an intra-operative imaging modality, intra-operatively detecting the surface of an examination area of interest with the 3D sensor system to produce an intra-operative surface mask, intra-operatively recording the area of interest for examination with the intra-operative modality at least partly containing the intra-operative surface mask to obtain an intra-operative image data set, computing the same surface from the pre-operative 3D image data set containing the detected surface to obtain a pre-operative surface mask, registering the intra-operative and pre-operative surface mask with each other, determining a mapping specification between pre-operative 3D image data set and intra-operative image data set based on the calibration and the registration, and overlaying the intra-operative image data set with the pre-operative

Abstract: A method enabling a destroyed part of a joint or joint cartilage to be extracted accurately and at a high speed with a good repeatability and enabling quantitative and simple 3D analysis of the joint and the destroyed part, that is, a method of 3D image processing comprising filling in a medullary cavity region, comprised of a hollow region inside a joint, of a digitalized image of a cross-section of the examined joint using the Expansion and Shrinkage method, performing 3D labeling by a 3D image obtained by stacking digitalized images of cross-sections of the examined joint generated at a step of extracting a contour of the cross-sectional image of the joint or digitalized images of cross-sections of the examined joint not pre-processed, and defining the joint image to be evaluated.

Abstract: A CT scanner and method are designed to scan a preselected portion of a patient's lower abdomen. The scanner may include a source and detector array designed to rotate about a rotation axis oriented substantially parallel to or coincident with the hips of the a patient so that a scanning plane does not pass through the patient's pelvic bones Higher-resolution image CT images can be achieved by using a detector array of the type used for digital radiography. The presence of prostatic cancer can be detected by first injecting the patient with a material including a high contrast material for X-ray imaging and a material for binding the high contrast material to a specific biological site if present in the preselected portion of the lower abdomen of the patient; and generating a CT image of the preselected portion of the lower abdomen.

Abstract: A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole.

Abstract: A particle beam irradiation system includes a particle beam irradiation apparatus, which is free of a gantry structure, having a particle beam irradiator for irradiating an affected area of a patient with a particle beam, the particle beam irradiator being housed in a chamber, a CT scanner installed in the chamber, for positionally confirming the affected area of the patient, a drive unit for moving the patient from a detection range to an irradiation range, a patient fixing device for fixing the patient in position, the device being mounted on the drive unit for rotation, and a housing unit having a structure housing the drive unit with the patient fixing device mounted and the CT scanner, the housing unit being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane including a direction in which the particle beam is applied and a direction in which the drive unit moves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a triple-modality imaging system, wherein an optical imaging detector for acquiring optical tomography imaging data, a single photon emission computered tomography (SPECT) detector for acquiring SPECT data, and an x-ray source and detector for acquiring x-ray data are arranged to acquire optical imaging data, SPECT data, and x-ray data of an imaged object simultaneously, the optical imaging detector, the SPECT detector, and the x-ray detector having spatially over-lapping fields-of-view (FOV).

Abstract: A unified quality assurance technique to verify alignment of a radiation treatment delivery system. In one embodiment, a radiation treatment source is instructed to move to a preset source position. An image of the radiation treatment source at its actual source position is generated and compared against a reference image to determine whether the radiation treatment source correctly achieved the preset source position. In one embodiment, a positioning system is instructed to move a target detector to a preset target position. An image of the target detector at its actual target position is generated and compared against a reference target image to determine whether the positioning system correctly achieved the preset target position.

Abstract: A radiotherapy clinical treatment machine is described having a rotatable gantry and an imaging device with articulating robotic arms to provide variable positioning and clearance for radiation treatment applications. According to one aspect of the invention, a first and a second robotic arms are pivotally coupled to the rotatable gantry, allowing the robotic arms to maneuver independently from the rotatable gantry.

Abstract: An image guided navigation system comprises a memory, a locator, a processor and a display. The memory stores a plurality of CT images and a software program. The locator is capable of indicating a direction to a surgical area, and the indicated direction of the locator is defined as a first direction. The processor is electrically connected to the memory and the locator. At least one corresponding image corresponding to the first direction is obtained from the plurality of CT images by the processor executing the software program. The at least one corresponding image comprises at least one simulated fluoroscopic image. The display is capable of showing the at least one corresponding image.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for frameless guidance of image-based medical procedures such as stereotactic radiotherapy and surgery. Devices including custom fitting subject-specific articles include contoured surfaces that provide spatial reference to the location of target regions within the subject. The devices are attached exclusive of fasteners anchored to the tissue of the subject and reside on the front of a head of the subject when attached. The devices and articles can be fabricated using computer-directed fabrication technology.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, is provided, comprising a first device, for obtaining a first image, by a first modality, selected from the group consisting of SPECT, PET, CT, an extracorporeal gamma scan, an extracorporeal beta scan, x-rays, an intracorporeal gamma scan, an intracorporeal beta scan, an intravascular gamma scan, an intravascular beta scan, and a combination thereof, and a second device, for obtaining a second, structural image, by a second modality, selected from the group consisting of a three-dimensional ultrasound, an MRI operative by an internal magnetic field, an extracorporeal ultrasound, an extracorporeal MRI operative by an external magnetic field, an intracorporeal ultrasound, an intracorporeal MRI operative by an external magnetic field, an intravascular ultrasound, and a combination thereof, and wherein the apparatus further includes a computerized system, configured to construct an attenuation map, for the first image, based on the second, structural image.