Abstract: The present invention is directed to instruments and instrumental techniques for locating cancer cells in lymph nodes which utilize a radiation detector operatively connected to an ultrasound probe for locating the exact position of radiation tagged tissue, particularly in sentinel lymph nodes followed by placement of a biopsy device. Also described are unique new interoperative radiation detection probes for use in these techniques which include structure for placement of a biopsy device or biopsy needle into the located lymph node and procedures for removal of small portions of detected radiation emitting sentinel lymph nodes for evaluation in a pathology laboratory by measurement of expressed genes located in the removed tissue. The instruments and instrumental techniques also facilitate the subsequent delivery of materials to reverse the unfavorable immune response or environment conducive for metastasis in the sentinel lymph node once cancer cells are located therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: In a computerized workflow method for stent planning and conducting a stenting procedure, characteristics of a lesion to be stented are determined from a 3D planning image of the region and selection of an actual stent for stenting the lesion is made with computer-assisted analysis of the lesion based on the characteristics. A virtual stent is electronically generated based on the actual stent, and, using the virtual stent, a best position for the actual stent, for effectively stenting the lesion, is determined. A real time 2D image of the lesion-containing region is displayed during the stenting procedure, with the virtual stent included therein at the aforementioned best position. A physician manually guides the actual stent relative to the lesion during the stenting procedure until the position of the actual stent, as seen in the displayed real time 2D image, coincides with the virtual stent in that image.

Abstract: With the aid of an X-ray CT (5, 6), the spatial position (r) of a body cavity that is filled with blood is determined, which for example can be a part of the aorta or of the left ventricle of the heart of a patient (1). Subsequently, a TOF-PET unit that includes two detector elements (3a, 3b) is positioned to place a predefined volume element (2) in the blood filled body cavity. From pairs of annihilation quanta received from the volume element (2) a concentration of the tracer in this volume element (2) and thus in the blood is determined. This concentration can for example be used within the framework of pharmaco-kinetic examinations which are carried out on the patient (1) with the aid of a three-dimensional PET unit (4).

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 system and method of automatically processing data relating to a radiation therapy treatment plan. The method includes the acts of acquiring image data of a patient, generating a treatment plan for the patient based at least in part on the image data, the treatment plan including a calculated radiation dose to be delivered to the patient, acquiring an on-line image of the patient in substantially a treatment position, delivering at least a portion of the calculated radiation dose to the patient, and automatically recalculating the radiation dose received by the patient.

Abstract: A system and method of predicting a radiation dose to be delivered to a patient. The method includes the acts of generating a first image of at least a portion of the patient, defining a treatment plan for the patient, generating a second image of at least a portion of the patient while the patient is substantially in a treatment position, updating the patient profile with the second image, and predicting the radiation dose to be delivered to the patient based upon the patient profile and the treatment plan.

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 method and apparatus for performing a calibration and navigation of a member. The member may be calibrated relative to a selected portion, such as a sensor on an instrument. The calibrated member may then be navigated with a selected system. The calibration technique can be infinitely flexible and not rigid or designed for specific components. Moreover, the calibration may occur when the member is interconnected to an end of the instrument that is non-co-axial with another end of the instrument.

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 method of treating discogenic back pain in a patient includes the steps of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the patient's spine, locating the spinal disc causing the back pain, and identifying a treatment volume encompassing at least a portion of the spinal disc. The method further includes prescribing a radiation dose to be delivered to the treatment volume, providing a radiation therapy machine, positioning the patient in the radiation therapy machine, programming the radiation therapy machine to deliver the radiation dose to the treatment volume, and delivering the radiation dose to the treatment volume.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is disclosed that allows a surgeon to invert the three-dimensional perspective of the instrument to match their perspective of the actual instrument. A data processor is operable to generate a three-dimensional representation of a surgical instrument as it would visually appear from either of at least two different perspectives and to overlay the representation of the surgical instrument onto an image data of the patient. The image data and the representations can be displayed on a display.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation system that can orient the distal end of a medical device in a selected direction to navigate the medical device through a network of body lumens in an operating region in a subject that includes identifying a path through the network of body lumens in the operating region; displaying a two-dimensional image of the operating region including the path through the body lumens; determining at least one location on the path; and operating the navigation system to orient the distal end of the medical device in a direction substantially aligned with the path at the at least one location and advancing the distal end of the medical device.

Abstract: An electrical parameter imaging apparatus and method includes the acquisition of a charge distribution pattern on an array of electrodes that surround an object being imaged. In addition the exterior boundary, or contours of the object is measured by an array of light beams and associated light sensors. The contour measurement is employed to provide a first estimate of the object geometry needed to compute an electrical parameter image from the acquired charge distribution pattern.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically classifying plaque lesions. A plaque classification application applies a plaque classification criterion to at least one graphical image, comprising a map of spectrally-analyzed characterized tissue of a vessel cross-section, to render an overall plaque classification for the slice or set of slices, covering a 3D volume. The plaque classification is based upon the amount and location of each characterized tissue type (e.g., necrotic core—NC). In an exemplary embodiment the set of potential plaque classifications, not to be confused with characterized tissue types—from which the plaque classifications are derived—include, for example: adaptive intimal thickening (AIT), pathological intimal thickening (PIT), fibroatheroma (FA), thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), and fibro-calcific (FC).

Abstract: A method of determining the size and placement of screws in pedicles in a selected spinal area comprising, hollowing out the vertebra in a three-dimensional image of the spine with cortical wall thicknesses selected by a surgeon; determining the isthmus within each pedicle; generating a straight line starting at the center of the isthmus and extending inwardly to a point centered within the anterior cortex so that it is positioned concentrically within the pedicle without touching the walls thereof, the line terminating a predetermined distance from the anterior inner cortical wall and extending outwardly in the opposite direction to penetrate the posterior pedicle cortex; expanding the line concentrically and radially to a cross sectional size that is less than that of the isthmus, the line being expanded into a cylinder that stops growing when any portion thereof contacts the inner cortical wall of the hollowed out vertebral body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for production of computer-tomographic scans via a CT system of a patient during an intervention with an instrument. An X-ray tube is moved on a rotation plane around the patient in order to produce a beam cone, and a detector with a plurality of detector elements measuring the radiation intensity after passing through the patient. Computer-tomographic scans are reconstructed from the measured values in a computation unit. The central direction of the beams of the scanning beam cone is set at an angle to the intervention axis, and at least one slice plane which differs from the rotation plane of the beam cone is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An image-guided radiation treatment system includes a robotic positioning system and a tracking system that enables a radiation target to be imaged and aligned at one location and treated at another location by transferring positional data from the imaging system to the positioning system and the radiation treatment system.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system includes: a waveguide, an adjustable waveguide, and a non-reciprocal circuit element. The waveguide transmits a high-frequency wave from a high-frequency power source to an acceleration tube. The adjustable waveguide is included in said waveguide and transforms a part of said waveguide. The non-reciprocal circuit element is provided between said acceleration tube and said adjustable waveguide in said waveguide. Said acceleration tube accelerates charged particles for generating therapeutic radiation by using said high-frequency wave.

Abstract: A device for guiding a magnetic element has magnet holders that can be pivoted about vertical axes from an operating position to a rest position, such that a patient to be examined can be examined using imaging devices, having X-ray radiation sources and X-ray detectors respectively attached to C-arms.

Abstract: A method for providing measuring data for the precise local positioning of an ablation catheter comprises the recording of electrophysiological potential curves in a plurality of positions of the ablation catheter with regard to a potential measurement on a reference catheter. An x-ray image is recorded in each of the positions and the position of the ablation catheter in each instance on the x-ray image is characterized by a marker. The electrophysiological potential curves are coupled in a data-related manner with the markers. When a marker on the screen displaying the x-ray image is clicked on, the associated electrophysiological potential curves appear highlighted on another screen, if necessary in color or with increased brightness. Conversely, the x-ray image with the marker is queried, i.e. displayed and the marker highlighted when the potential curve is activated on a screen displaying the potential curve.

Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes aligning a patient table with a first examination axis, and rotating the patient table around a substantially fixed pivot axis from the first examination axis to a second examination axis using a predetermined angular velocity profile.

Abstract: A method for assisting the planning of an interventional biventricular pacing procedure includes segmenting an image dataset of a heart of a patient to extract a surface of a left ventricle (LV) and a LV myocardium of the patient's heart, utilizing the segmented image dataset to divide the LV into myocardial segments or into a plurality of short axis slices, and detecting wall motion of each short axis slice of phases of a cardiac cycle of the patient's heart with respect to a reference phase. The method also includes localizing a region most recently attaining maximum displacement and a region most recently attaining maximum velocity, and generating 2D or 3D renderings including renderings indicating at least one of time delays of contraction, a maximum displacement, or a maximum velocity.

Abstract: A system, tracker, program product, and methods to facilitate and verify proper target alignment for radiation delivery are provided. The system includes a radiation delivery apparatus having a radiation emitter, a rotating assembly controlled by a controller, and an application computer which provides treatment delivery instructions to the controller. The system also includes a trackable body having a trackable body reference point to be positioned adjacent a surface point of a patient to determine a position of such surface point. The system also includes an apparatus to track a trackable body which has a trackable body detector to detect a position of indicators carried by the trackable body and a trackable body determiner to determine a position of the trackable body reference point.

Abstract: Methods for ascertaining, and responding to, a tissue characteristic of a surface region of patient tissue are disclosed. A scanned beam device is used to transmit a beam of sensing radiation to impinge on the surface region and to measure the reflectance of the surface region from the collected radiation returned from the surface region. The tissue characteristic of the surface region is determined from the measured reflectance, wherein the tissue characteristic is different from but related to the measured reflectance. In a first method, an indication of the determined tissue characteristic is provided, wherein the indication is other than a displayed image of the surface region. In a second method, wherein the patient tissue is undergoing medical treatment, the medical treatment is automatically modified as a function of the determined tissue characteristic. A scanned beam device having a scanning beam unit, a collector, and a controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing surgical planning provide enhanced planning of entry port placement and/or robot position for laparoscopic, robotic, and other minimally invasive surgery. Various embodiments may be used in robotic surgery systems to identify advantageous entry ports for multiple robotic surgical tools into a patient to access a surgical site. Generally, data such as imaging data is processed and used to create a model of a surgical site, which can then be used to select advantageous entry port sites for two or more surgical tools based on multiple criteria. Advantageous robot positioning may also be determined, based on the entry port locations and other factors. Validation and simulation may then be provided to ensure feasibility of the selected port placements and/or robot positions. Such methods, apparatus, and systems may also be used in non-surgical contexts, such as for robotic port placement in munitions diffusion or hazardous waste handling.

Abstract: A system or apparatus 2 for visually displaying and treating a treatment volume 100 located in a human or animal body 1 is disclosed wherein the treatment volume 100 is detected by a location finding imaging instrument 10 and displayed on a monitor 12 and a treatment instrument 20 is preferably oriented in response to the visual display to direct a treatment path 25 which is visually displayed superimposed onto the treatment volume 100.

Abstract: A compact and mobile gantry for 3-dimensional Application Specific Emission and/or Transmission Tomography (ASETT) imaging of the breast in single photon or coincidence emission modes, and single photon, or coincidence, or x-ray transmission modes. While the ASETT gantry was designed, built and evaluated for imaging metabolically active lesions in the pendant breast, it can also be used to image other organs and objects. This system overcomes physical constraints associated with imaging a pendulous breast in prone patients, while simultaneously satisfying sampling criteria for sufficient data collection in the pendulous breast reference frame. When combined with an offset cone-beam tomographic x-ray transmission imaging system, this dual modality ASETT system could provide simultaneous and coregistered structural and functional information about large or dense breasts, breasts with indeterminate x-ray mammography, and could also be used to accurately 3-dimensionally guide biopsy or surgical resection.

Abstract: A combined PET and X-Ray CT tomograph for acquiring CT and PET images sequentially in a single device, overcoming alignment problems due to internal organ movement, variations in scanner bed profile, and positioning of the patient for the scan. In order to achieve good signal-to-noise (SNR) for imaging any region of the body, an improvement to both the CT-based attenuation correction procedure and the uniformity of the noise structure in the PET emission scan is provided. The PET/CT scanner includes an X-ray CT and two arrays of PET detectors mounted on a single support within the same gantry, and rotate the support to acquire a full projection data set for both imaging modalities. The tomograph acquires functional and anatomical images which are accurately co-registered, without the use of external markers or internal landmarks.

Abstract: A targeting system, which provides an adjustable optical assembly, for use with imaging systems having a penetrating beam source, a penetrating beam receiver. The optical assembly has a targeting marker in the path of a penetrating beam emitted by the source. The targeting marker is at least partially opaque to the penetrating beam emitted by the source, and the targeting marker indicates a targeting point on a target axis. The optical assembly further includes a sensible targeting beam device that is capable of providing a sensible targeting beam coaxial and collinear with the target axis. In addition, there is provide a method of aligning the targeting system, such as the system described above, and a method of targeting an area of interest. One advantage of the system and method is that it requires only a two point alignment.

Abstract: A composite system for radiation therapy includes a CT scanner for checking the position of an affected portion of a patient to be irradiated, an irradiation apparatus for disposing, on the basis of positional information of the affected portion checked by the CT scanner, the patient at a specific position at which the affected portion is aligned to an irradiation position, and performing irradiation to the affected portion, a common bed used for the CT scanner and the irradiation apparatus, in a state that the patient lies on the common bed and moving means for moving the patient from the CT scanner to the specific position of the irradiation apparatus.

Abstract: A device is presented including a medical device adapted to be inserted in an anatomy. The medical device has many target markers. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system will not detect or will disregard the medical device as noise without information obtained on the plurality of target markers prior to insertion of the medical device into the anatomy. Also presented a method including inserting a medical device into an anatomy. The medical device has many target markers. Scanning a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the anatomy. Processing the scanned image by a MRI processor connected to a memory. Determining a location and orientation of the medical device in relation to the anatomy based on the target markers. And displaying a precise image of the medical device within the anatomy. The medical device is not detectable or disregardable as noise for MRI systems.

Abstract: A method for producing a virtual forecasted model of a breast augmentation subject, comprising, receiving a preoperative subject's scanned image, wherein the scanned image comprises a three dimensional image, converting the scanned image from a scanned image format to a VRML image format, importing the converted VRML image into a VRML image editor, receiving, from a breast implant database, at least one modeled virtual breast implant, wherein the received virtual breast implant is selected based on a desired actual breast implant that is to be implanted in the preoperative subject, and embedding the received virtual breast implant in the preoperative subject's converted VRML image.

Abstract: A biological observation apparatus according to the present invention includes a sound wave radiating unit that radiates a sound wave into an object to be examined in living tissue, a light radiating unit that radiates light into the object, a light interfering unit that makes the light radiated from the light radiating unit interfere with light reflected from an area where the sound wave reaches and radiates interference light, a light detector that detects the interference light radiated from the light interfering unit and outputs an interference signal corresponding to the interference light, and a calculation unit that calculates the amount of frequency modulation of the radiated light based on the interference signal outputted from the light detector and calculates a difference value between the two adjacent amounts of frequency modulation in sequence.

Abstract: A target positioner including a radiation source disposed in a source housing, the radiation source adapted to emit a radiation beam, a target holder adapted to be attached to and generally immobilize a target organ, the target holder being rotatingly attached to a bearing assembly, a patient support table for supporting a patient thereon, a rotator for turning the patient support table about a rotation axis, and a source arm fixedly attached at one portion thereof to the source housing and at another portion thereof to the bearing assembly, such that when the target holder is attached to a target organ and the rotator turns the patient support table about the rotation axis, the target holder constrains the target organ from translating with respect to the radiation source and the source housing, and wherein the target holder permits the target organ to rotate by means of the bearing assembly relative to the source housing while experiencing slight translations with respect to the patient support table, so th

Abstract: A method of imaging an object using a medical imaging system is provided. The imaging method acquires a stream of sinogram data. Changes in the stream of sinogram data corresponding to movement of the object are detected. The method selects portions of the stream of sinogram data. An image of the object based on the selected portions of the sinogram data is generated.

Abstract: An input device of a teleoperator system can be operatively associated with an image of a surgical worksite. Movement of the image may correspond to movement of the input device so that the worksite image appears substantially connected to the input device. The operator can manipulate the worksite into a desired position, typically by repositioning of an image capture device. Dedicated input devices may be provided for a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system and method of adapting a radiation therapy treatment plan. The method includes the acts of preparing a treatment plan for a patient, acquiring images of the patient, performing deformable registration of the images, acquiring data relating to a radiation dose delivered to the patient, applying a biological model relating the radiation dose delivered and a patient effect, and adapting the radiation therapy treatment plan based on the deformable registration and the biological model.

Abstract: A method and system to assist in a planning and navigation of procedure. Generally, the system allows for image acquisition of a selected area of the anatomy. The images may then be used to mark various points to determine true anatomical definitions and planes. The definitions may assist in positioning a prosthesis.

Abstract: A system and method of placing constraints on a deformation map. The method includes the acts of generating a deformation map between two images, identifying a defined structure in one of the images, applying the deformation map to relate the defined structure from the one image onto the other image to create a deformation-based defined structure, modifying the deformation-based defined structure, and updating the deformation map in response to the step of modifying the deformation-based defined structure.

Abstract: A method for planning atrial fibrillation (AF) intervention for a patient includes obtaining acquisition data from a medical imaging system, and generating a 3D model of the left atrium and pulmonary veins of the patient. One or more left atrial anatomical landmarks are identified on the 3D model, and saved views of the 3D model are registered on an interventional system. One or more of the registered saved views are visualized with the interventional system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.

Abstract: method A first image of a moving object is acquired by of a first imaging method, e.g by PET or SPECT imaging. The first image contains artifacts caused by object motion. From two further images acquired by a second imaging method, e.g. C.T. or M.R., and representing the object in respective states of motion, a motion model is formed. The information contents of either the first image or a combination image, formed from the first image and the two further images, and the motion model is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for real-time cardiac visualization includes acquiring fluoroscope imagery from two planes. The location of at least one electrophysiology (EP) device is marked within the fluoroscope imagery from each of the two planes. The location information for the at least one EP device is combined within each of the acquired fluoroscope images from the two planes to determine a 3D location for the at least one EP device. The fluoroscope imagery from at least one of the two planes is displayed with a visual aid superimposed thereon. The visual aid is based on the 3D location of the EP device.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of tissue is provided. An electronic control unit is configured to generate displays signals used to create a graphical user interface. The display signals are generated in response to a first set of position signals indicative of the position of an electrophysiology mapping electrode relative to the tissue and a second set of position signals indicative of the position of a treatment device, such as a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer, that is configured to generate a beam of energy towards a selected region in the tissue. The graphical user interface displays an electrophysiology map of the tissue and an image of at least one of the treatment device and the beam of energy which may be superimposed on the electrophysiology map.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the regeneration of injured nerves has the step of administering an effective exposure of pressure pulses or acoustic shock waves in a pulse or wave pattern to the zone of injury of the nerve during the regeneration process. The inventive method may include enhancing the stimulation of neuronal cell growth or regeneration by administering an effective exposure of pressure pulses or acoustic shock waves in a pulse or wave pattern to stimulate neuronal cell growth or regeneration, wherein the administering of the treatment is applied to a patient who has a pathological condition where neuronal repair can be facilitated including peripheral nerve damage caused by injury or disease such as diabetes, brain damage associated with stroke, and for the treatment of neurological disorders related to neurodegeneration, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral, sclerosis multiple sclerosis and disseminated sclerosis.

Abstract: A method of treatment for a tissue organ or entire body of a patient prior to or after exposure to chemicals or radiation or both comprises the steps of activating an acoustic shock wave generator or source to emit acoustic shock waves; and subjecting the tissue, organ or entire body to the acoustic shock waves stimulating said tissue, organ or body wherein the tissue, organ or body is positioned within a path of the emitted shock waves.

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: A method for planning a needle path is provided. The method includes displaying a restricted region on a display, the restricted region being defined by spatial limitations of an imaging system and a location of a selected target point; and selecting a skin entry point outside the restricted region.