Abstract: MRA data is acquired from a large region of interest by translating the patient through the bore of the MRI system as a three-dimensional MRA data set are acquired. The pulse sequence is altered during the scan to change the lateral FOVL of the acquired image to better match the size of the region of interest along its length. Patient table movement is controlled to track a bolus of contrast agent as it passes through the region of interest. A seamless image of the entire region of interest is reconstructed after the acquired data is resampled in regions where the lateral FOVL is altered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for reconstructing a 3D image data set of a moving object from a set of projection images, which were recorded at least partially one after the other from different projection directions. The projection images are hereby assigned by ECG gating to a motion phase of the object in each instance and an incomplete 3D image of the object is computed in this motion phase from these few projection images using local tomography. Motion fields are determined from these 3D images and are used during the final 3D image reconstruction for motion correction.

Abstract: A stereotactic navigation system for navigating an instrument to a target within a patient may include a stereotactic head frame, an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller and a display. The stereotactic head frame is coupled to the patient and is used to assist in guiding the instrument to the target. The imaging device captures image data of the patient and of the stereotactic head frame. The tracking device is used to track the position of the instrument relative to the stereotactic head frame. The controller receives the image data from the imaging device and identifies the stereotactic head frame in the image data and automatically registers the image data with navigable patient space upon identifying the stereotactic head frame, while the display displays the image data.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a cardiac image from a patient having a paced heart rhythm, an abnormal EKG, or an irregular heartbeat, is disclosed. A gated electrocardiogram signal having local maxima and minima values and trigger points is received. For a period of time, the time between each trigger point and the associated local maxima or minima is determined. In response to the trigger point occurring at the associated local maxima or minima, a zero time differential for a corrected trigger for gating is calculated, and in response to the trigger point not occurring at the associated local maxima or minima, a time differential for the corrected trigger for gating based on the time difference between the trigger point and the associated local maxima or minima is calculated.

Abstract: A system and method is provided directed to improved real-time image guidance by uniquely combining the capabilities of two well-known imaging modalities, anatomical 3D data from computer tomography (CT) and real time data from live fluoroscopy images provided by an angiography/fluoroscopy system to ensure a more efficient and safer intervention in treating punctures, drainages and biopsies in the abdominal and thoracic areas of the human body.

Abstract: A method of creating 3D models to be used for cardiac interventional procedure planning. Acquisition data is obtained from a medical imaging system and cardiac image data is created in response to the acquisition data. A 3D model is created in response to the cardiac image data and three anatomical landmarks are identified on the 3D model. The 3D model is sent to an interventional system where the 3D model is in a format that can be imported and registered with the interventional system.

Abstract: A method for selecting images for coronary analysis using time stamps to correlate cardiovascular images to corresponding physiological or hemodynamic monitoring, e.g., ECG, data. The method uses time stamps that are intrinsic to a distributed network clock synchronization protocol for correlation of images and data. A coronary analysis system is employed to correlate images with physiologic data, e.g., using time stamp data as well as offset data derived using the distributed network clock synchronization protocol.

Abstract: A computer is supplied with at least three 2-D projections of a subject that are offset from one another by difference angles. A position in the projection surface and a respective surface data value per projection are allocated to the respective surface elements of the projection surface. On the basis of the supplied projections, the computer determines binary volume data values for a number of volume elements, a position in space being allocated to the volume elements, so that their totality represents a 3-D image of the subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an internal target region during treatment without implanted fiducials is presented. The method comprises producing a plurality of first images that show an internal volume including the internal target region, then producing a live image of the internal volume during treatment and matching this live image to one of the plurality of first images. Since the first images show the internal target region, matching the live image to one of the first images identifies the position of the target region regardless of whether the second image itself shows the position of the target region. The first images may be any three-dimensional images such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. The live image may be, for example, an x-ray image. The invention may be used in conjunction with a real-time sensor to track the position of the target region on a real-time basis.

Abstract: The level of a respiration signal obtained from a laser sensor or the like is indicated on a respiration monitor according to an output condition set by synchronizing signal output control device. While the level of the respiration signal is indicated on the respiration monitor, a synchronizing signal output device outputs a synchronizing signal according to the output condition and the respiration signal to an X-ray control device, which controls a high-voltage generating device to energize an X-ray source to apply X-rays to an examinee.

Abstract: An X-ray computerized tomographic apparatus comprising a gantry which scans a patient with X-rays in order to acquire data on the patient, a decision unit which decides completion of the acquisition of the data on the basis of an electrocardiac waveform of the patient, and a scan controller which controls the gantry in order to end the scan or irradiation with the X-rays when the completion of the data acquisition has been decided.

Abstract: A method for reducing mis-registration during multiple energy scanning on computed tomographic (CT) imaging systems or multiple energy electron beam tomographic (EBT) systems includes scanning a portion of a patient including a cyclically moving body part using a multiple energy computed tomographic (CT) imaging system or multiple energy electron beam tomographic (EBT) system having at least two different energies, monitoring the cyclically moving body part, and gating the multiple energy CT imaging system or multiple energy EBT system in accordance with the monitored cyclically moving body part so that acquisitions are acquired at at least two different kVps. The data acquired at the different kVps are then utilized to generate material decomposition images of the cyclically moving body part.

Abstract: In a method and device for, generating computed tomography images of a periodically moving organ of an organism, the organ having regions with rest phases and movement phases and the rest phases of different regions ensuing at different points in time, an x-ray source is moved around the body of the organism to be examined to generate projections serving for the image generation during at least one rotation of the x-ray source around the subject to be examined and during a duration that is at least equal to a period of the motion. The projection data are analyzed as to whether the data were acquired during a rest phase or movement phase of a respective region of interest of the organ, and an image of the organ is reconstructed using only data acquired during a rest phase of a respective region of interest of the organ.

Abstract: An integrated respiratory monitor and imaging device apparatus (10) is provided. The apparatus is useful for establishing pre-operative and intra-operative breath hold congruency in patients and for other interventional work. The apparatus (10) includes a respiratory monitor system (12) and an imaging device (14). The respiratory monitor system is adapted to engage a patient and generate a respiratory signal representative of a breath hold level of the patient during a breath hold. The imaging device (14) is adapted to scan the patient during the breath hold and generate a volumetric image data set of the patient. The respiratory sensor and imaging device are operatively connected to associate the respiratory signal representative of the breath hold level of the patient together with the volumetric image data set of the patient. A data storage device (64) is provided for storing a set of respiratory signals in association with a corresponding set of volumetric image data sets in the subject apparatus (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a hybrid three dimensional reconstruction of a vascular structure affected by periodic motion is disclosed. At least two x-ray images of the vascular structure are acquired. Indicia of the phases of periodic motion are obtained and correlated. Images from a similar phase of periodic motion are selected and a three dimensional modeled segment of a region of interest in the vascular structure is generated. A three dimensional volumetric reconstruction of a vascular structure is generated that is larger than the modeled segment. The modeled segment of interest and the volumetric reconstruction of the larger vascular structure are combined and displayed in human readable form.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” method and apparatus for lengthening the usable echo-train duration and reducing the power deposition for imaging is provided. The method explicitly considers the t1 and t2 relaxation times for the tissues of interest, and permits the desired image contrast to be incorporated into the tissue signal evolutions corresponding to the long echo train. The method provides a means to shorten image acquisition times and/or increase spatial resolution for widely-used spin-echo train magnetic resonance techniques, and enables high-field imaging within the safety guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration for power deposition in human MRI.

Abstract: A method for anatomical imaging includes acquiring image data representative of three-dimensional volume segments of an image volume of interest in a subject. The image data are acquired in synchronism with corresponding physiological cycles of the subject. Each volume segment contains image data distributed in three dimensions. Acquiring image data includes selecting a sequence of scan lines for each respective volume segment configured to minimize an occurrence of motion artifacts throughout the image volume. The image data representative of the volume segments is combined to produce a representation of a three-dimensional anatomical image of the image volume.

Abstract: A method of cardiac radiological examination for coronarography comprises the steps of: a) introducing contrast medium simultaneously in the left coronary artery and in the right coronary artery from the aortic root and, in parallel, b) acquiring a sequence of dynamic images of the propagation of the contrast medium in the left and right coronary arteries with a displacement of the image plane, during the acquisition of said images, along a determined trajectory (E28). The contrast medium can be introduced in a cyclic manner during the acquisition of dynamic images, each cycle of introduction corresponding to a phase of closure of the aortic valve in the cardiac rhythm. 3D and 4D images with optimal efficiency can be obtained in the use of contrast medium. An injection device for producing the above cycles is synchronized with the introduction of the contrast medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for computed tomography (CT) imaging of a cyclically moving organ includes a positional state monitor (24, 40) that monitors a positional state of the cyclically moving organ such as the heart. A cone-beam CT scanner (10) acquires image data at least within a plurality of time windows. Each time window is centered about an occurrence of a selected positional state of the organ. A window analyzer (38) selects a data segment within each time window such that the data segments combine to form a complete data set covering a selected angular range. A reconstruction processor (44) reconstructs the selected data segments into an image representation.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance cardiac imaging method for imaging during a cardiac cycle interval includes monitoring an electrocardiographic signal (90) associated with the imaged heart for a first trigger event (102). Responsive to the first trigger event, a data acquisition sequence (112, 120) is applied, including a first preparation sequence block (114), a first imaging sequence block (116) having at least one readout interval (228) that collects first data (118), a second preparation sequence block (122), and a second imaging sequence block (124) having at least one readout interval (228) that collects second data (126). The data acquisition sequence (112, 120) occupies an acquisition time interval which is less than the cardiac cycle interval of the imaged heart.

Abstract: A method and CT scanner are proposed for the production of tomographic section images, in particular X-ray CT images, of a periodically moving object with periodically changing movement and rest phases. For scanning, a number of focus detector combinations with flat detectors are moved on coaxial spiral paths and movement signals from the moving object are measured at the same time in order to detect movement and rest phases. Further, the time correlation between the movement data and the detector output data stored and axial segment image stacks are then reconstructed independently of one another from sub-segments of the spiral paths using the detector output data from each detector which represent a rest phase of the moving object. Additionally, segment image stacks from the n spiral paths of the n focus detector combinations at the correct time are added up in a complementary angle form and in layers to form 180° tomography section images.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method comprises forming 2-dimensional X-ray images of an object to be examined, for example the coronary vascular system of a patient, and reconstruction of a 3-dimensional volume thereof. With a relatively long run length of a scan rotation over substantially 180° of at least 15 sec. and preferably about 20 sec. A sufficient number of images is obtained to perform a more accurate volume reconstruction. This reconstruction method may be combined with existing modelling techniques.

Abstract: MRA data is acquired from a large region of interest by translating the patient through the bore of the MRI system as a three-dimensional MRA data set are acquired. Patient table movement is controlled to track a bolus of contrast agent as it passes through the region of interest. Fluoroscopic images may be acquired during the scan to enable accurate bolus tracking. A seamless image of the entire region of interest is reconstructed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for three-dimensional imaging of a moving examination subject, particularly heart imaging with an examination apparatus having at least one C-arm with a radiation source and a radiation receiver, the C-arm rotates around the examination subject at least once through 180° plus the radiation fan angle during the time span in which a contrast agent is in the examination subject for the registration of the two-dimensional projection images, on the basis of which a three-dimensional image reconstruction ensues.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the filling of a lung, wherein the movement of an anatomical structure which moves with breathing, or one or more points on the moving anatomical structure whose movement trajectory is highly correlated with lung filling, is detected with respect to the location of at least one anatomical structure which is not spatially affected by breathing, and wherein each distance between the structures is assigned a particular lung filling value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus in which measuring data of a patient is acquired along a helical trajectory by means of a conical radiation beam. The size of the detector window is then a factor of 3, 5, 7 . . . larger than the distance between neighboring turns of the helix. In order to select from among the acquired redundant data the data which is suitable for completely filling the Radon domain so as to achieve exact reconstruction, in accordance with the invention it is proposed to provide a cardiac motion signal detection device for the detection of a cardiac motion signal representing the cardiac motion and to arrange the reconstruction unit so as to select such measuring data from among the measuring data regionally redundantly filling the Radon domain that the Radon domain is completely and homogeneously filled with measuring data from cardiac motion phases with as little motion as possible.

Abstract: The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for treating moving target regions in a patient's anatomy by creating radiosurgical lesions. CT scan data representative of a pre-operational diagnostic image of a target region are generated. The plurality of x-rays are generated with an x-ray source. Based on the CT scan data, a treatment plan is generated that defines the requisite beam intensities and paths. The position of the target region is determined in near real time. The composite motion of the target region, due to respiration and heartbeat, is tracked. Signals representative of the change (caused by the composite motion) in the position of the target region at a current time, compared to the position of the target region in the CT scan, are generated. In response, the relative position of the x-ray source and the target is adjusted, so as to account for the composite motion of the target. This process is repeated throughout the treatment.

Abstract: A trigger generator for supplying a trigger signal to a medical device. The generator includes a respiratory signal device associated with the subject that generates a respiratory signal representing the flow of gas into and out of the subject's lungs during the subject's breathing cycle. A trigger generator integrates the respiratory signal and generates a trigger signal when the integrated respiratory signal has a value representing a selected point in the subject's breathing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for acquiring cardiac images having minimized motion artifact by triggering an image-acquisition scan at a point during the quiescent segment of each cardiac cycle. The method of the present invention comprises: measuring the length of the R-R interval of a cardiac cycle; calculating the R-T segment length based on gender and R-R interval length; identifying an optimal scan starting point of the cardiac cycle based on R-R interval length, R-T segment length and scan speed; and triggering the image-acquisition scan at this starting segment. The method is implemented by an apparatus, namely a cardiac imaging device that has image-acquisition speeds of about 15-300 ms. The apparatus comprises a transmitter that generates the image-acquisition signal, an input console, and an ECG gating device that synchronizes the trigger of image-acquisition scans with the starting points determined by the above method.

Abstract: A method for retrospective internal gating is provided. The method includes scanning a patient to obtain projection data, generating images from the projection data, generating a signal representing information regarding a physiological cycle of an object within the patient, specifying at least one target phase based on which the images can be sorted, and sorting the images based on the target phase within a cycle of motion of the object to generate at least one series of images.

Abstract: A method for generating one or more images includes collecting data samples representative of a motion of an object, acquiring image data of at least a part of the object over a time interval, synchronizing the data samples and the image data to a common time base, and generating one or more images based on the synchronized image data. A method for generating one or more images includes acquiring image data of at least a part of an object over a time interval, associating the image data with one or more phases of a motion cycle, and constructing one or more images using the image data that are associated with the respective one or more phases.

Abstract: A method and system of gating for a medical imaging system includes utilizing a non-electrical sensor to acquire information for gating. A sensor assembly usable in the method and system of gating may include a non-electrical sensor coupled to one side of a patient-sensor interface, the other side adapted for securing to a patient.

Abstract: An image guided navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of a patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the instrument in a region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representative of the instrument onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the instrument. The display displays the image with the superimposed instrument. The images and a registration process may be synchronized to a physiological event. The controller may also provide and automatically identify an optimized site to navigate the instrument to.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a method and system for measuring and imaging local lung function. The method includes triggering an image scan of at least a lung cross-section of a patient, scanning the lung cross-section during at least one of an inspiration and an expiration of air by the patient to obtain lung image data and measuring a lung function during at least one of an inspiration and an expiration of air by the patient to obtain lung function data. The method may also include performing a preview scan of the patient to identify the lung cross-section for imaging. Additionally, the lung image data and lung function data may be combined for use in diagnosis of the patient. The lung image data and lung function data may also be output. The method may further include processing the lung function data to generate a plot of lung attenuation versus time.

Abstract: A method for anatomical imaging includes acquiring image data representative of three-dimensional volume segments of an image volume of interest in a subject. The image data are acquired in synchronism with corresponding physiological cycles of the subject. Each volume segment contains image data distributed in three dimensions. Acquiring image data includes selecting a sequence of scan lines for each respective volume segment configured to minimize an occurrence of motion artifacts throughout the image volume. The image data representative of the volume segments is combined to produce a representation of a three-dimensional anatomical image of the image volume.

Abstract: A method for breath compensation in radiation therapy, particularly radiotherapy/radiosurgery, wherein the movement of the target volume inside the patient is detected and tracked in real time during radiation by a movement detector. Adaptation to the movement of the target volume inside the patient is achieved by one or more components of a radiotherapy apparatus to compensate for or take into consideration the movement during treatment.

Abstract: A respiration control apparatus connected to a controlled body includes a respiration circuit having an inhalation circuit and an exhalation circuit. The inhalation circuit includes a first solenoid-operated valve and a first check valve. The exhalation circuit includes a vent valve, a dehumidifying chamber, a pressure detector, a second check valve, and a second solenoid-operated valve. A central processor closes the first solenoid-operated valve and the second solenoid-operated valve based on a respiration control signal supplied from a synchronizing signal output control device, disconnecting the respiratory system of the controlled body from the outside of the respiration control apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for associating ECG waveform data with medical imaging data using ECG gating for dose reduction and image improvement by generating the ECG waveform data using an electrocardiogram device. The ECG data is first validated and then QRS complexes are detected using a detection function. An underlying cardiac rhythm based on the detected QRS complexes is analyzed and an even number N of substantially normally shaped consecutive QRS complexes are selected. An RR interval between consecutive QRS complexes is computed to yield N−1 intervals. Duration of a representative cardiac cycle by averaging at least a plurality of the N−1 intervals is determined. Once a representative cardiac cycle is determined, a method to control power and improve image quality with the presence of patient's having arrhythmias is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of locating and visualizing a medical catheter that has been introduced into an area of examination within a patient

Abstract: In the black blood method using a double inversion pulse, images in the systole of the cardiac cycle can be captured in a reliable manner even in the presence of a cycle-to-cycle variance in the heart beat cycle. A pulse sequence of the black blood method composed of a double inversion pulse DIV and an imaging pulse train SEQima is used. This sequence is applied in sync with an ECG signal of a subject to be imaged, and magnetic resonance imaging is thereby performed. The double inversion DIV is applied in sync with an R-wave:R1 appearing on the ECG signal at a given timing, with a first delay time td1 (fixed value), and the imaging pulse train SEQima is applied in sync with the following R-wave:R2 with a second delay time td2 (fixed value: set in accordance with the systole). A variance of the cardiac cycle is absorbed in an inversion time BBTI.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, attractive haptic objects are associated with a target region for performing a medical procedure and repulsive haptic objects are associated with anatomical features to be avoided during the medical procedure. A surgeon may perform surgical planning by moving the haptic device around. The surgeon moves the haptic device until a pose is found where haptic cues from the attractive haptic objects are active indicating that a medical device if attached to the haptic device would reach the target region, and haptic cues from the repulsive haptic objects are inactive indicating that the medical device would not penetrate any of the anatomical features to be avoided. During the planning process a virtual tool may be displayed on a display device to indicate the position and/or movement of the medical device if the medical device had been coupled to the haptic device.

Abstract: The level of a respiration signal obtained from a laser sensor or the like is indicated on a respiration monitor according to an output condition set by synchronizing signal output control device. While the level of the respiration signal is indicated on the respiration monitor, a synchronizing signal output device outputs a synchronizing signal according to the output condition and the respiration signal to an X-ray control device, which controls a high-voltage generating device to energize an X-ray source to apply X-rays to an examinee.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. According to an aspect, the invention comprises the use of an optical or video image system to measure regular physiological movement of a patient's body. The image data can be used to quantify voluntary or involuntary motion of the patient that may affect the delivery of radiation to a target tissue. A gating signal can be generated to suspend delivery of radiation upon certain threshold event detected in the physiological movement.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for haptic sculpting of a physical object using a haptic device comprises defining a haptic object for aiding in the sculpting of the physical object, dynamically modifying a configuration of the haptic object in response to a medical device coupled to the haptic device being in proximity to the haptic object, and providing haptic cues to guide a user of the medical device in sculpting at least a portion of the physical object corresponding to the haptic object.

Abstract: A technique is provided for positioning a reconstruction window in a CT cardiac image data set. The technique uses ECG data, either concurrently acquired or derived from statistical data sets in conjunction with the patient's heart rate, to allow the placement of reconstruction windows at a desired cardiac phase of interest as selected by an operator. The technique can be used in combination with information about the motion or position of a cardiac feature to optimally image the cardiac feature, such as the right coronary artery. In addition, the technique allows unacceptable data from a cardiac cycle to be discarded to improve the final image quality. By using the ECG data to position the reconstruction window, phase misregistration artifacts may be minimized.

Abstract: To accurately measure wave intensity as an evaluation value using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a measurement line is set in a tomogram and anterior and posterior walls of a blood vessel are tracked on the measurement line, so that a change waveform concerning a blood vessel diameter is prepared. A tracking gate S is set on the measurement line, so that a blood velocity change waveform is prepared based on echo data concerning a part within the tracking gate S, the change waveform indicating averaged blood velocity. Wave intensity is calculated based on the blood vessel diameter change waveform and the blood velocity change waveform. Prior to the calculation of wave intensity, the blood vessel diameter change waveform is calibrated based on the maximum and minimum blood pressure values into a blood pressure waveform. A beam for Doppler measurement may be set intersecting with the displacement measurement beam.

Abstract: A method for associating EKG waveform data with computed tomography image data using a data synchronization scheme including generating the EKG waveform data using an electrocardiogram device, operating a computed tomography imaging system so as to create the computed tomography image data, communicating an exposure marker-in signal to the electrocardiogram device such that the exposure marker-in signal is associated with the EKG waveform data and processing the computed tomography image data, the EKG waveform data and the exposure marker-in signal, so as to correlate the EKG waveform data with the computed tomography image data. Also claimed is a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for associating EKG waveform data with image data generated by an imaging system using a data synchronization scheme, the medium including instructions for causing controller to implement the aforementioned method.