Combined With Therapeutic Or Diagnostic Device Patents (Class 600/427)
  • Publication number: 20140135623
    Abstract: An imaging assembly is provided including a paddle assembly, an X-ray detection unit, an ultrasound module, and a control module. The paddle assembly includes first and second plates that are articulable with respect to each other and configured to receive and compress an object to be imaged. The X-ray detection unit is mounted proximate to at least one of the first and second plates. The ultrasound module is configured to acquire ultrasound information of the object to be imaged and includes an ultrasound transducer articulably mounted to at least one of the first and second plates. The control module is configured to position the ultrasound transducer to scan a region of interest identified using X-ray information received from the X-ray detection unit, while not scanning at least a portion of the object outside of the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph John Manak, Kai Thomenius, Robert Wodnicki, Scott Zelakiewicz, Ying Fan, Andrea Schmitz, Weston Blaine Griffin
  • Patent number: 8725235
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying a portion of an image data is disclosed. The image data can include image data of an anatomy, such as a brain of a patient. The identified portion can be used for planning a procedure. The identified portions can include anatomical landmarks that can be used to determine anatomical targets of the patient. The plan can include a path or trajectory to reach the anatomical target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Frank Hertel, Peter Gemmar, Peter Appenrodt
  • Publication number: 20140128731
    Abstract: Systems and methods automatically locate optical surfaces of an eye and automatically generate surface models of the optical surfaces. A method includes OCT scanning of an eye. Returning portions of a sample beam are processed to locate a point on the optical surface and first locations on the optical surface within a first radial distance of the point. A first surface model of the optical surface is generated based on the location of the point and the first locations. Returning portions of the sample beam are processed so as to detect second locations on the optical surface beyond the first radial distance and within a second radial distance from the point. A second surface model of the optical surface is generated based on the location of the point on the optical surface and the first and second locations on the optical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Javier Gonzalez, Bruce Woodley
  • Publication number: 20140128730
    Abstract: An image of an object is synergistically reconstructed using two or multiple imaging modalities. A first reconstructed image, showing structural information of the object is produced using a first imaging modality. The first reconstructed image is segmented, and known optical properties of the object are then mapped to the first reconstructed image. Optical signal emissions from the object are detected and registered with the first reconstructed image. A second reconstructed image volume is then produced using a second imaging modality, based on the mapped optical properties after registration between the first image and the data from the second modality. The second reconstructed image depicts some optical property, such as a bioluminescent source distribution, or optical properties, such as, attenuation and scattering properties, of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Eric Hoffman, Geoffrey McLennan
  • Publication number: 20140121508
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Cassandra LATIMER, William H. NAU, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140121509
    Abstract: A dependency-based startup method in a multi-modality medical processing system that includes receiving initialization information about a plurality of executable components to be started, the plurality of executable components including an executable modality component configured to communicate with a medical device communicatively coupled to the multi-modality medical processing system. The method also includes receiving dependency information about the executable modality component, the dependency information identifying one or more of the executable components upon which the executable modality component depends and transforming the initialization information and the dependency information into a dependency map that represents the dependencies between the plurality of executable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Mansker, Michael A. Echeverria
  • Publication number: 20140121494
    Abstract: A method for targeting. The method includes determining skin characteristics in a region of a patient. An in-treatment optical scan is performed on a region of a patient, wherein the in-treatment optical scan comprises a near infrared (NIR) energy source. A plurality of detected signals is detected from the optical scan. The skin characteristics are filtered out from the plurality of detected signals. Skeletal anatomy positioning associated with the region is determined from the plurality of signals that is filtered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. ADLER,, JR., Agam SHARDA
  • Publication number: 20140121507
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: WILLIAM H. NAU, JR.
  • Patent number: 8712506
    Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe having an optical encoder integrated therewith for accurately measuring or estimating the rotational velocity near the distal end of the medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rotational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Nigel Robert Munce, Amandeep Singh Thind, Victor Xiao Dong Yang, Francis Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 8712502
    Abstract: A target tracking device for tracking a moving target, based on X-ray fluoroscopic images from a plurality of directions, the target tracking device may include a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopic devices, an image processing unit, and a position determining unit. The X-ray fluoroscopic devices obtain a plurality of images from a plurality of directions, each of the images in a given direction having a different sensitivity. The image processing unit identifies a position of a target image based on pattern matching between the plurality of images and an image of the target. The position determining unit determines a 3D position of the target based on the position of the target image in the plurality of images from the plurality of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventor: Masayori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8712503
    Abstract: A device for registering in a medical navigation system a position and/or orientation of a patient's pelvis includes a pelvic registration frame. A plurality of positioning elements are arranged on the pelvic registration frame so as to define a plane, wherein the plurality of positioning elements are movable with respect to each other to enable placement of the positioning elements at defined pelvic points of the patient's pelvis. At least one position transmitter is arranged in an unambiguously defined position and/or orientation relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventor: Stefan Henning
  • Patent number: 8712500
    Abstract: An image-monitoring method for an electroporation treatment with an electroporation appliance is provided. The electroporation appliance comprises at least two treatment electrodes and an image-monitoring appliance. At least one image monitoring measurement is performed by the image-monitoring appliance after the administration of a contrast agent and after the electroporation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian Schmidt, Anke Weissenborn
  • Publication number: 20140114182
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: LightLab Imaging, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8706197
    Abstract: A planning method and device for knee implants, wherein spatial data on the configuration of a patient's genicular anatomy, in particular of at least a part of the femur and/or the patella and/or the tibia, are captured in order to be inputted into a computer-assisted planning station; the movement of the parts of the genicular anatomy is recorded using a tracking and/or motion capturing method; the captured anatomical and movement data are made available to the computer-assisted planning station; a part of the patient's genicular anatomy is virtually replaced in the planning station by a sample implant and movements of the knee together with the sample implant are simulated; contact and impingement between the non-replaced parts of the genicular anatomy and the implant during the virtual movement is ascertained according to its magnitude; and wherein an adjustment of the positioning, shape or orientation of the implant or of a number of these parameters is determined until the contact and impingement become
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Stefan Henning, Monika Hobelsberger, Jörg Hächler, Michal Slomczykowski
  • Patent number: 8706186
    Abstract: The end-effector (150) includes a sheath (152) and a medical device or needle carrier (154) that is disposed within the interior compartment (160) of the sheath. Aperture (162) is located in a portion of the sheath proximal a distal end of the sheath that is inserted into a natural or artificial cavity. This device is guided by a real-time imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Gabor Fichtinger, Ergin Atalar, Louis L. Whitcomb, Robert Charles Susil, Axel Krieger, Attila Tanacs
  • Publication number: 20140107477
    Abstract: A method of compensating for breathing and other motions of a patient during treatment includes periodically generating internal positional data about an internal target region. The method further includes generating external positional data about external motion of the patient's body using an external sensor and generating a correlation between one or more positions of the internal target region and one or more positions of an external region using the external positional data of the external sensor and the internal positional data of the internal target region. The method further includes predicting the position of the internal target region at some later time based on the correlation model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Achim Schweikard
  • Patent number: 8700131
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present description provide a medical apparatus for use in supporting a patient lying in a supine position during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. More particularly, embodiments of the present description provide an arm board a patient's arm during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. The arm board has a base member having a substantially planar support surface on which the patient's arm can be stabilized during a catheterization procedure and at least one shield member affixed to the base member and extending away from the support surface. Desirably, the base member has both a radiolucent portion and a radiopaque portion and the shield member is a radiopaque material, thereby reducing and/or eliminating a doctor's exposure to radiation during radial cardiac catheterization procedures without impairing the ability to obtain the necessary medical images. Also provided is a medical apparatus and a method for its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Goff, L. Van Thomas Crisco
  • Patent number: 8700124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Arkival Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Weiss, Robert Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8696584
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter. In a method of determining a fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter, the method comprises the steps of obtaining measurements of an inner luminal organ diameter proximal to, at, and distal to a stenosis and a length of the stenosis, obtaining a pressure drop measurement at the stenosis, calculating a volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, and determining a stenotic pressure drop at the stenosis corresponding to dimensions of the guidewire as a function of the calculated volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, wherein the stenotic pressure drop is indicative of a fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 8696658
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of a trial 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 a trial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: CyberHeart, Inc.
    Inventors: Michail Pankratov, Federico Benetti, Judie Vivian
  • Publication number: 20140100455
    Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Ron Goldman, Stephen Conlon, Vincent Luciano, Fred Wood
  • Patent number: 8694075
    Abstract: A navigation system for use during a surgical procedure is provided. The navigation system is configured to use electromagnetic tracking data produced by electromagnetic tracking devices and 2D image data produced by a fluoroscope to intra-operatively register 2D images of a patient to a pre-operative 3D image of the patient. In some implementations, a surgeon may be able to perform an interventional or surgical procedure guided by the navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Eduardo Groszmann, Vernon Thomas Jensen, Vianney Pierre Battle
  • Publication number: 20140094697
    Abstract: In part, the invention relates to methods, apparatus, and systems suitable for determining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) and variations of modifications thereof One embodiment relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining a corrected FFR in a vessel having a stenosis. In one aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for measuring corrected FFR of a vessel having a stenosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a probe comprising an optical coherence tomography assembly and a pressure assembly; and a processor in communication with the optical coherence tomography assembly and the pressure assembly. In one embodiment, the pressure assembly measures values of pressure in predetermined locations the vessel and communicates them to the processor. In one embodiment, a dual guidewire is used to reduce the interference in the pressure measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Petroff, Joseph Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20140094683
    Abstract: A medical apparatus (600, 700, 800) including a high intensity focused ultrasound system (602), a signaling device (628) for generating a discomfort signal during the sonication of the sonication volume, and a processor (634) for executing instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive (102) a set of sonication points (658, 904). At least one of the set of sonication points is identified as a test location (908, 912). The instructions further cause the processor to perform for each sonication point: determine (106) if it is a test location; perform (108) a test sonication (204, 304, 404, 504) if it is a test location; repeatedly test (110) for the discomfort signal during the test sonication; sonicate (114) the sonication point if it is not a test location or if the discomfort signal was not detected; and abort (112) the sonication if the discomfort signal was detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Erkki Tapani Vahala
  • Patent number: 8688197
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Yegorovich Balakin
  • Publication number: 20140088406
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an admixture comprising CO2 to a subject to reach a predetermined PaCO2 in the subject to induce hyperemia, monitoring vascular reactivity in the subject and diagnosing the presence or absence of coronary heart disease in the subject, wherein decreased vascular reactivity in the subject compared to a control subject is indicative of coronary heart disease. The invention also provides methods for increasing sensitivity and specificity of BOLD MRI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Rohan Dharmakumar, Debiao Li, Sotirios A. Tsaftaris
  • Publication number: 20140088404
    Abstract: A patient positioning device has an electromagnetically transparent transfer plate for positioning an examination subject, and at least one patient bed. The electromagnetically transparent transfer plate can be disposed on the patient bed for imaging an examination region of the examination subject with a first imaging device. For imaging the examination region of the examination subject with the second imaging device that has an electromagnetic localization device, the electromagnetically transparent transfer plate is disposed above the electromagnetic localization device. An imaging system and a corresponding method for medical imaging make use of such a patient position device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Gross
  • Patent number: 8682414
    Abstract: A radiation control method includes: calculating degrees of similarity corresponding to matching target areas; calculating a specific image position where a specific image area corresponding to a maximum value of the degrees of similarity out of the matching target areas is positioned in a radiographic image; and calculating a drive amount with which a therapeutic radiation ray irradiation device is driven, based on the specific image position. Further, calculating one degree of similarity corresponding to one matching target region out of the degrees of similarity includes: referring to a template table in which the matching target areas are associated with sets of templates to calculate a set of templates corresponding to the one matching target area out of the sets of templates; and detecting, from the set of templates, a similar template most similar to a matching target image displayed in the one matching target area of the radiographic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nishimoto, Takanobu Handa, Kunio Takahashi, Masahiro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140081122
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a PET image data record or a SPECT image data record of an at least partially moved examination object. The method includes recording or calculation of at least one first PET start image data record or one first SPECT start image data record; recording of at least one first anatomy image data record with an imaging facility imaging anatomical features; recording of at least one second anatomy image data record with the imaging facility imaging the anatomical features; determination of at least one transformation requirement from the first and second anatomy image data record; and generation of at least one PET image data record or one SPECT image data record by the application of the at least one transformation requirement onto the PET start image data record or the SPECT start image data record respectively. An embodiment further relates to an imaging facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Sebastian SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 8676299
    Abstract: An OCT system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment, the system includes an interferometer; a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photoreceiver having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photoreceiver, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photoreceiver signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lightlab Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Schmitt, Christopher Petroff
  • Patent number: 8676298
    Abstract: Generating, with respect to each of the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional comparison image, a plurality of tomographic images orthogonal to a central axis of each vertebra of the subject along the central axis, calculating a first characteristic amount representing a profile in a direction orthogonal to the central axis at each point on the central axis based on the tomographic images, calculating a second characteristic amount representing a profile in a direction of the central axis at each point on the central axis based on the tomographic images, calculating a third characteristic amount representing regularity of disposition of each vertebra at each point on the central axis based on the calculated first and second characteristic amounts, and aligning positions of the third characteristic amount calculated from the three-dimensional image and the third characteristic amount calculated from the three-dimensional comparison image along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Caihua Wang, Keigo Nakamura, Satoshi Ihara
  • Publication number: 20140073917
    Abstract: Impaired intraocular blood flow within vascular beds in the human eye is associated with certain ocular diseases including, for example, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A reliable method to quantify blood flow in the various intraocular vascular beds could provide insight into the vascular component of ocular disease pathophysiology. Using ultrahigh-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new 3D angiography algorithm called split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) was developed for imaging microcirculation within different intraocular regions. A method to quantify SSADA results was developed and used to detect perfusion changes in early stage ocular disease. Associated embodiments relating to methods for quantitatively measuring blood flow at various intraocular vasculature sites, systems for practicing such methods, and use of such methods and systems for diagnosing certain ocular diseases are herein described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: David Huang, Yali Jia, Jason Tokayer, Ou Tan
  • Patent number: 8670816
    Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system receives emplacement information of medical devices within a predetermined area. The system calculates a viewing angle in a virtual 3D space of a plurality of virtual medical devices corresponding to the plurality of medical devices. The system also causes a display device to display the plurality of virtual medical devices based at least on the calculated viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: InnerOptic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Caroline Green, Brian Heaney, Sharif Razzaque, Andrei State
  • Publication number: 20140066755
    Abstract: A simultaneous imaging and particle therapy treatment system including a means for generating a particle beamline, a treatment bed to receive and support a patient having a treatment volume, a gantry to receive the particle beamline from the generating means and to redirect the beamline to the patient's treatment volume, the gantry rotating about the treatment bed with an axis of rotation substantially coplanar with the treatment bed and redirecting the beamline to encounter the treatment volume substantially perpendicular to the gantry's axis of rotation, and an image scanner having a plurality of detector arrays radially positioned around the treatment bed to capture images of the treatment volume; whereby the scanner and gantry simultaneously capture images of and treat the treatment volume with particle therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ProNova Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Matteo, Tony Brun, Terry Douglass
  • Publication number: 20140066756
    Abstract: A low cost molded optical probe with astigmatic correction, fiber port, low back reflection, and highly reproducible in manufacturing quantities is provided. The molded optical probe, includes a fiber receiving portion defining a groove defined along a longitudinal axis for receiving an optical fiber; a spacer portion having a spacer portion surface non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove, the spacer portion surface configured to cooperate with a distal end of the optical fiber; a prism portion positioned adjacent the spacer portion and having a prism surface non-parallel to the spacer portion surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and configured to reflect light transmit through the optical fiber off perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a lens portion positioned adjacent the prism portion and having a lens surface configured to focus light received through the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: NinePoint Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Sinclair, Mason L. Riley, Narissa Y. Chang, Eman Namati
  • Patent number: 8663209
    Abstract: A clearing module is provided that includes a main body configured and dimensioned to be received within a vessel or duct of a patient, adjacent a surgical target area in the patient. The main body includes: an instruction receiving unit configured to receive wireless instructions from an instruction transmitter located outside the patient's body while the module is located inside of the patient's body; a positioning element configured to be monitored by a system external of the patient's body while the positioning element is inside the patient's body; and a destructive energy emitter configured to emit destructive energy from the module toward the surgical target area according to instructions received from the instructions receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: William Harrison Zurn
  • Patent number: 8666476
    Abstract: Provided is a surgery assistance system to perform relatively fast and accurate alignment between three-dimensional surface shape data acquired by measurement using a three-dimensional surface shape scanner and three-dimensional internal shape data acquired in advance, even when the position of the patient and the surface shape of the skin of the patient change during the surgery. A surgery assistance system (1) includes a three-dimensional surface shape scanner (20) for acquiring three-dimensional surface shape data by measuring a three-dimensional surface shape of a patient (60) and a computing device (40) for processing the data from the three-dimensional surface shape scanner. The computing device stores therein three-dimensional internal shape data of the patient that is acquired in advance by measurement using a three-dimensional tomography scanner (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Seiji Yamamoto, Toshihisa Takai, Etsukazu Hayashimoto, Akira Miura
  • Publication number: 20140058246
    Abstract: A method and system of electroanatomical mapping comprises bringing a patient's image such as a fluoroscopic image and intracardiac signals into a computer based mapping system. Electroanatomical mapping or superimposing of cardiac electrical activity on fluoroscopic image is provided by placing visual indicators on electrode pairs of various catheters including standard catheters and ablation catheter. Visual indicators are coupled or linked to underlying electric signals from those electrode pairs via software coding, whereby electrical activity sequence of the heart is provided and updated in real-time on fluoroscopic image. A combination of fluoroscopic image and CT or MRI may also be used. The mapping system further comprises various algorithms for aiding in cardiac mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Birinder Robert Boveja, Angely Widhany
  • Patent number: 8660633
    Abstract: In a small animal imaging system (10) at least one modality (12) and a docking station (36) are provided. The docking station (36) provides a workspace (47) and docking ports (48) for preparation and holding of anesthetized animals that are awaiting imaging. For the duplication of positions, a subject mold (26) is provided that holds the subject in a reproducible position on a subject bed (16). Vital signs monitoring is also provided for subjects awaiting scans. The bed (16) includes fiducials (28) to aid in registration of like modality images and different modality images. A capsule (14) can encapsulate a single bed (16), or for tandem imaging, the capsule can encapsulate multiple-bed configurations, such as two, three, or four beds (16). For better positioning and ease of user access, a positioner (34) positions the capsule (14) from the rear of the modality (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lyubomir Zagorchev, Andrew Buckler, Eric Jean, Antonio T. Latto
  • Patent number: 8657809
    Abstract: A surgical navigation system is disclosed including a camera that is fixedly attached to a patient. The camera space merges with the patient space and thereby eliminates the need for a separate patient tracker. The surgical navigation system calculates the position of a surgical tool with a tracking device in view of the camera and shows on a display device the position of the surgical tool with respect to the patient superimposed and in correlation with a scan image of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Hans Schoepp
  • Patent number: 8660635
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing a computer assisted procedure is provided. A method and apparatus for performing a procedure is also provided. Data can be accessed and processed to optimize and perform a procedure. The data can be augmented or supplemented with patient specific data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Simon, Mark S. Lent, Ruchika Singhal, Andrew N. Csavoy
  • Publication number: 20140051995
    Abstract: An imaging system having an imaging device for imaging at least a portion of an animal. The imaging device may be of an X-ray computed tomography (CT) type, a positron emission tomography (PET) type, a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) type, or a fluorescence and phosphorescence microscopy (FPM) type. The system also includes: a photon transmitter that transmits photons and that is introducible within the body of an animal; at least one imaging photon detector that detects fluorescence excited within the animal by the transmitted photons; and an image processor that superimposes an imaging device image and a photon detector image so as to yield a combined image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ASPECT IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Uri RAPOPORT, Aryeh BATT
  • Patent number: 8655431
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub
  • Publication number: 20140046180
    Abstract: An inclined PET device is provided in which the cut plane of a detector ring upon which a plurality of PET detectors are disposed is inclined so that it does not intersect perpendicularly with the long axis of a bed that carries a subject to be examined and in which an open space that passes through the bed in a direction perpendicular to the long axis thereof is formed, in order to enable access to the subject to be examined. The PET detectors are disposed and stacked in a direction parallel to the long axis of the bed. Thereby, the number of PET detectors is reduced and device cost is reduced, while the detector ring as well as the device can be miniaturized. At the same time, the open space that passes through the bed in a direction perpendicular to the long axis can be preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K., NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
    Inventors: Taiga Yamaya, Hideaki Tashima, Mitsuo Watanabe, Eiichi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140037048
    Abstract: A prone CT breast x-ray imaging system is described that can image a full breast to create a conventional two-dimensional digital image in very high resolution (e.g., ?25 micron pixels). The system is capable of imaging the entire breast in three-dimensional based on multiple projection views from a one-dimensional or two-dimensional detector. Data can be acquired and reconstructed with a limited number of views from limited angles or with conventional cone beam CT algorithms. The resulting three-dimensional image enables the detection and diagnosis of fine micro calcifications and small masses as may be distributed throughout the breast, thus allowing radiologists to make an improved determination of malignancy as opposed to conventional two-dimensional digital mammography. In addition, the injection of intravenous contrast in conjunction with or without pre and post contrast subtraction imaging provides a radiologist with morphologic information on the existing tumor burden in the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Fischer Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald B. Shores, Morgan Nields, David E. Gustafson, Michael Tesic
  • Patent number: 8644908
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in performing imaging a region of a patient's body including a first imaging system for acquiring first imaging information including a first region of interest using a first imaging modality, a second imaging system for acquiring second imaging information including a second region of interest using a second imaging modality, a first drive system for selectively moving at least a portion of one of the first and second imaging systems relative to an imaging reference frame, wherein the first drive system is operative to move one of the first and second imaging systems independent of movement of the other of the first and second imaging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hologic Inc
    Inventors: Jasjit Suri, Cara Coad, Idris A. Elbakri, Timothy J. Danielson, Roman Janer
  • Patent number: 8641592
    Abstract: A method and device for image guided dynamic radiation treatment of prostate cancer and other pelvic lesions including: 1) a unique fan geometry of radiation sources; 2) a special collimation method and apparatus to sculpt the radiation borders; 3) an integrated three-dimensional imager and a special tissue interface imaging system to locate and track critical boundaries in real-time; 4) a dynamic patient support system, which is shared by the said imager and the irradiation system; and 5) motorized custom shielding filters to further protect neighboring normal tissues such as the kidneys and femoral heads. The fan geometry utilizes a plural number of radiation sources arranged specifically for irradiating tumors in the human pelvis while not harming critical structures, and the collimation sculpts the radiation borders using motorized shields for different sensitive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Xinsheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20140024910
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, a systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various locations within the associated chamber of the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Christoph Scharf
  • Publication number: 20140024931
    Abstract: In part, the invention relates to systems, methods, and devices that store and retrieve information associated with an imaging probe such as an ultrasound probe, an optical coherence tomography probe, a multimodal probe and other probes. The information that is stored relates to one or more measurable properties for a specific imaging probe. Thus, when each probe is manufactured there can be variations in its length, brightness, angular alignment of its constituent elements, and various other probe specific measurements. In turn, these measurements can be used to calibrate or otherwise use a given probe with a system that collects, stores, or otherwise processes information collected using each probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: David Winston, Paul Murray, Victor Grinberg, Marc Davidson
  • Patent number: 8634898
    Abstract: A method of compensating for breathing and other motions of a patient during treatment includes periodically generating internal positional data about an internal target region. The method further includes continuously generating external positional data about external motion of the patient's body using an external sensor and generating a correlation model between the position of the internal target region and the external sensor using the external positional data of the external sensor and the internal positional data of the internal target region. The method further includes predicting the position of the internal target region at some later time based on the correlation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Achim Schweikard