Abstract: A method for generating vapour bubbles in an object comprises introducing a composition into the object, the composition comprising carbon-based nano- or microparticles that can couple with a photon wave of electromagnetic radiation. The method also comprises irradiating said object using electromagnetic radiation. The irradiation thereby is adapted for using a set of carbon-based nano- or microparticles for subsequently forming first vapour bubbles and at least second vapour bubbles using the same carbon-based nano- or microparticles.

Abstract: A method and system of correcting alignment of catheter relative to a target including receiving signals from an inertial measurement unit located at a distal end of a catheter, determining movement of the distal end of the catheter caused by physiological forces, receiving images depicting the distal end of the catheter and the target, identifying the distal end of the catheter and the target in the images, determining an orientation of the distal end of the catheter relative to the target and articulating the distal tip of the catheter in response to the detected movement to achieve and maintain an orientation towards the target such that a tool extended from an opening at the distal end of the catheter would intersect the target.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating assessment of blood flow in a tissue volume of a subject are disclosed. In some variations, the method may include: after a predetermined amount of a fluorescence agent has been administered to the subject, exciting the fluorescence agent in the tissue volume such that the excited fluorescence agent emits fluorescent light, acquiring fluorescence data based on the fluorescent light emitted during blood flow through the tissue volume, estimating a molar concentration of the fluorescence agent in the blood flowing through the tissue volume, and generating an assessment of blood flow in the tissue volume based at least in part on the fluorescence data and the estimated molar concentration of the fluorescence agent. The estimated molar concentration may be based on the predetermined amount of the fluorescence agent and an estimated circulating blood volume of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating quantitative histological features of a subject's tissue based on medical images of the subject are provided. For instance, quantitative histological features of a tissue are estimated by comparing medical images of the subject to a trained model that relates histological features to multiple different medical image contrast types, whether from one medical imaging modality or multiple different medical imaging modalities. In general, the trained model is generated based on medical images of ex vivo samples, in vitro samples, in vivo samples or combinations thereof, and is based on histological features extracted from those samples. A machine learning algorithm, or other suitable learning algorithm, is used to generate the trained model. The trained model is not patient-specific and thus, once generated, can be applied to any number of different individual subjects.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a functional index for stenosis assessment of a vessel is provided. The apparatus comprises an input interface (40) and a processing unit (50). The input interface is configured to obtain image data (30) representing a two-dimensional representation of a vessel (6). The processing unit (50) is configured to determine a course of the vessel (6) and a width (w1, w2) of the vessel along its course in the image data and is further configured to determine the functional index for stenosis assessment of the vessel based on the width of the vessel in the image data.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetic navigation in dental implant placement may include an electromagnetic tracking system that may be configured to track positions and orientations of a plurality of electromagnetic sensors. An exemplary electromagnetic tracking system may include a field generator that may be attached to a dental unit utilizing a positioning arm. An exemplary system may further include a control unit that may be coupled to the electromagnetic tracking system and the positioning arm. The control unit may be configured to receive the tracked positions of the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors from the electromagnetic tracking system and to adjust at least a position or an angular orientation of the field generator to maintain the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors within a volume of interest within the tracking volume.

Abstract: A system comprising a biopsy needle device comprising a cannula comprising a distal end configured to sever a tissue sample, and a trocar disposed within the cannula comprising a notch configured to retain a tissue sample, wherein at least one of the cannula and the trocar is divided into at least two segments including different echogenic coatings, an ultrasound probe, and a processor configured and arranged to collect images from the ultrasound probe and color code the at least two segments based on at least one characteristic relating to different echogenic coatings, surface textures, surface contours and dimensions of the biopsy device.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a headset system that includes a transducer, a camera configured to capture image data of a subject, and a controller configured to detect one or more fiducial markers placed on the subject using the captured image data, and register the transducer with respect to the subject based on the detected fiducial markers.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an illumination device for illuminating a target. A surgical microscope receives light from the target, the surgical microscope comprising at least one optical output port at which at least a portion of the received light is provided as an output from the surgical microscope. A tunable filter receives the portion of the received light provided as the output from the surgical microscope, the tunable filter being tunable to pass a filtered portion of the received light, the filtered portion of the received light having a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter and provided as output from the tunable filter. A high-resolution, broad-bandwidth electronic camera receives the light of a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter, the electronic camera converting the light of a plurality of wavelengths selected by the tunable filter to a plurality of electrical signals. A processor processes the plurality of electrical signals to form an image of the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for extension of dynamic range and contrast of a video capture under fluorescence imaging conditions using a single detector. For this purpose, the system (100) comprises of a light engine (107) which sequentially switches between a high-intensity fluorescence excitation light mode (107A), a low-intensity fluorescence excitation light mode (107B) and NIR reflectance light (107C). Correspondingly, a detector (103) captures three data streams—High Intensity Fluorescence Data (105A), Low Intensity Fluorescence Data (105B) and NIR Reflectance Data (105D). A scene processing unit (105) then processes the three data streams and generate two additional data streams—a Wide Dynamic Range Fluorescence Data Stream (105C) and an Enhanced Vascular Index Data Stream (105E). The system also uses a Selective Visualization Unit (106) to allow the user to visualize any of five data streams.

Abstract: A microelectrode assembly for in vivo neurotransmitter monitoring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a microelectrode part formed of a single strand; and a polymer coating layer surrounding the microelectrode part, wherein a portion of the microelectrode part may protrude from the polymer coating layer, neurotransmitters in vivo may be sensed by the protruding portion of the microelectrode part, and plasmonic nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microelectrode part.

Abstract: In one embodiment a medical tracking system, including a catheter to be inserted into blood vessels of a body-part of a living subject, and including a flexible shaft having a deflectable distal end, and a location tracking transducer in the distal end configured to output a signal indicative of a location of the transducer, a tracking subsystem to track locations of the distal end over time responsively to the signal, a display, and processing circuitry to add the tracked locations of the distal end to a movement log, and render to the display an image of at least part of the body-part with a representation of a length of the shaft of the catheter in at least one blood vessel of the body-part, with respective positions along the length of the shaft being located in the image responsively to respective ones of the tracked locations from the movement log.

Abstract: A method for processing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or computed tomography (CT) images for reduced radiation exposure to a DSA or CT subject includes receiving, as input, a plurality of captured DSA or CT image frames of a contrast agent flowing through a volume of interest in a subject. The method further includes fitting a mathematical model to measured contrast agent density of individual voxels of the captured DSA or CT image frames to produce a mathematical model of contrast agent flow across the captured DSA or CT image frames. The method further includes sampling the mathematical model of contrast agent flow for the individual voxels to produce reconstructed DSA or CT image frames. The method further includes outputting at least one of the reconstructed CT or DSA image frames.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cranial CT-based grading method and a corresponding system, which relate to the field of medical imaging. The cranial CT-based grading method as disclosed solves the problems of relatively great subjective disparities and poor operability in eye-balling ASPECTS assessment. The grading method includes: extracting target areas from to-be-processed multi-frame cranial CT data; performing infarct judgment on each target area included in the target areas to output an infarct judgment outcome regarding the target area; and outputting a grading outcome based on infarct judgment outcomes regarding all target areas. The grading method and system as disclosed may eliminate or mitigate the diagnosis disparities caused by human factors and imaging deviations due to different imaging equipment, and shorten the time taken by human observation, consideration, and bared-eye grading, thereby serving as a computer-aided method to provide reference for medical studies on stroke.

Abstract: Methods of delivering a prosthetic aortic heart valve are disclosed.

Abstract: Control apparatus (1) for controlling the dosing of a chromophoric agent (100) in a corneal tissue (101), comprising: a first source (2) for irradiating the corneal tissue (101) with at least a first electromagnetic radiation (21); first measurement means (3) for measuring a first spectroscopic parameter (31), such as the fluorescence intensity or the diffused intensity; a processing unit (4) configured to calculate a factor (C) representative of the concentration of the chromophoric agent (100) inside the corneal tissue (101) in response to at least two measurements of the first spectroscopic parameter (31), of which one measurement is indicative of the energy perturbation caused by the first electromagnetic radiation (21) in the corneal tissue (101) without the chromophoric agent (100) and the further measurement is indicative of the energy perturbation caused by the first electromagnetic radiation (21) in the corneal tissue (101) containing the chromophoric agent (100).

Abstract: A fluid injection system including a graphical user interface, a fluid control module operatively connected to the graphical user interface, a monitoring control module provided in at least one of the graphical user interface and the fluid control module, a fluid injector operatively connected to the graphical user interface and the fluid control module, at least one fluid path set in fluid communication with the fluid control module, and a hemodynamic monitoring system operatively connected to the fluid path set and the monitoring control module. The hemodynamic monitoring system may be configured to receive electrical signals regarding pressure waves formed in medical fluid directed through the fluid path set based on a location of the fluid path set in a patient's vasculature, to convert the electrical signals to pressure wave form information, and to send the pressure wave form information to the monitoring control module.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device having a reservoir for holding a medicament, a pressurizing system that dispenses the medicament from the reservoir when operating, a hollow cannula for insertion into a patient, and a fluid delivery path disposed between the pressurizing system and the hollow cannula and communicating the medicament therebetween. The medicament delivery device also has a pressure sensor external to the pressurizing system, sensing a back pressure in the fluid delivery path, and providing an indication when the back pressure drops below a predetermined threshold after the pressurizing system ceases operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for multimodal imaging during a medical procedure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Raman optical imaging which involves administering an MRI imaging contrast agent that a chemical structure having charge-transfer electronic transitions. The tissue is imaged using and MRI device and the tissue is illuminated with excitation light that has spectral components that are approximately tuned close to one of the charge-transfer electronic transitions thereby producing enhanced Raman optical signals which are analyzed to produce Raman imaging data followed by registering the MRI and Raman imaging data. The present disclosure also provides a method for ionizing laser plumes through atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is described that comprises an heating element configured to apply at least one heating pattern element to a material to locally heat the material; a sensor configured to capture the position of the heated material a predetermined time after the application of the heating pattern element; and circuitry configured to determine the change of the heating pattern applied to the material based upon the captured position of the heated material after the predetermined time.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus includes controller hardware, a diaphragm pump, a positive displacement pump, and a fluid conduit extending between the diaphragm pump and the positive displacement pump. During operation, and delivering fluid to a downstream recipient, the controller hardware draws fluid into a chamber of the diaphragm pump from a fluid source container. The controller hardware applies pressure to the chamber of the diaphragm pump to output the fluid in the chamber of the diaphragm pump downstream through the fluid conduit to the positive displacement pump. During application of the pressure to the chamber and outputting the fluid in the chamber of the diaphragm pump downstream, the controller hardware activates the positive displacement pump to pump the fluid from the positive displacement pump to the downstream recipient.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds useful for imaging granzyme B. An exemplary compound provided herein is useful as a radiotracer for position emission tomography (PET) and/or single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging. Methods of imaging granzyme B, combination therapies, and kits comprising the granzyme B imaging agents are also provided.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to obtain quantitative values of a plurality of types of tissue properties relating to a region of interest of a subject, and generate a diagram of the region of interest based on the quantitative values.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus includes controller hardware, a diaphragm pump, a positive displacement pump, and a fluid conduit extending between the diaphragm pump and the positive displacement pump. During operation, and delivering fluid to a downstream recipient, the controller hardware draws fluid into a chamber of the diaphragm pump from a fluid source container. The controller hardware applies pressure to the chamber of the diaphragm pump to output the fluid in the chamber of the diaphragm pump downstream through the fluid conduit to the positive displacement pump. During application of the pressure to the chamber and outputting the fluid in the chamber of the diaphragm pump downstream, the controller hardware activates the positive displacement pump to pump the fluid from the positive displacement pump to the downstream recipient.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method includes processing acquired projection data of a monitoring area of a subject to measure a first contrast signal of a contrast agent administered to the subject via a first injection, initializing a contrast scan of the subject according to a fallback scan prescription, determining when each of a plurality of zones of the contrast scan are estimated to occur based on the contrast signal, generating a personalized scan prescription for the contrast scan based on when each of the plurality of zones are estimated to occur, and performing the contrast scan according to the personalized scan prescription after a second injection of the contrast agent.

Abstract: Described herein is a computer implemented method of measuring the determining the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of a patient. The S Wave, P Wave, R Wave and T Wave are continually measured using an ECG apparatus. The LVEF is computed as a function of S Wave, P Wave, R Wave and T Wave. The system described herein includes an ECG apparatus and an analytical computing device for computing the LVEF.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium of: providing feature data of at least one organ at risk or target volume of said patient from a database of non-transitory data stored on a data storage device of prior patients data; generating, using a data processor, a distribution of dose points of the at least one organ at risk or target volume of said patient based on said feature data; calculating, using the data processor, at least one of (i) a probability of toxicity for the at least one organ at risk or (ii) a probability of treatment failure for the at least one target volume, based on said distribution of dose points; assessing, using the data processor, a dosimetric-outcome relationship based on the calculated probability; and automatically formulating, using the data processor, a treatment plan using the dosimetric-outcome relationship to minimize the at least one treatment-related risk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying, isolating, and enabling downstream analysis of circulating tumor cells comprising contacting a blood or blood serum sample of a subject with a composition comprising a phospholipid ether analog bound to a luminescent molecule or a magnetic bead and subjecting the blood or blood serum sample of the subject to fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry or magnetic isolation.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for classifying a soft tissue condition within a region of interest of a subject. The diagnostic system comprises a spectrometer system configured to irradiate a soft tissue within a region of interest of a subject, and configured to generate spectral data by acquiring at least a portion of the reflected or emitted light from the region of interest. The diagnostic system further comprises a thermal detection system including at least one thermal sensor that is configured to acquire thermal detection data from the region of interest. A computer system is then used to build a classification model based on input thermal detection and spectral data. The classification model is then applied to an unknown soft tissue condition to classify the condition (e.g., classifying cellulitis from pseudocellulitis).

Abstract: A skin condition measuring module according to the present invention can be designed to effectively diagnose a user's skin condition while being installed within or connected with: a kiosk; a skin condition measuring mirror; a vending machine for performing skin condition measurement and providing cosmetic products; or a module-embedded skin condition measuring device.

Abstract: A biopsy marker having a spring-loaded anchor. The biopsy marker includes an insertion orientation and an anchored orientation. The lateral span/cross-sectional area of the marker is configured to change when transitioning between the insertion orientation and the anchored orientation. In an embodiment, the spring-loaded anchor is configured to spring about a predefined rotational axis. An embodiment of the biopsy marker may be comprised of a single wire construction.

Abstract: A system (e.g., an ultrasound imaging system) is provided. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to acquire three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound data of a volumetric region of interest (ROI). The system further includes a display, a memory configured to store programmed instructions, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit includes one or more processors. The controller circuit is configured to execute the programmed instructions stored in the memory. When executing the programmed instructions, the controller circuit performs a plurality of operations. The operations includes collecting the 3D ultrasound data from an ultrasound probe and identifying a select set of the 3D ultrasound data corresponding to an object of interest within the volumetric ROI. The operations further include segmenting the object of interest from the select set of the 3D ultrasound data, generating a visualization plane of the object of interest, and displaying the visualization plane on the display.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension of gas-filled microvesicles by reconstituting a freeze-dried product and a suspension obtained according to said method, where the freeze-dried product has been subjected to a thermal treatment.

Abstract: An image fusion method includes acquiring a trigger signal for flat-field correction, controlling a first image acquisition device to start a flat-field correction function to perform a flat-field correction process on the first image acquisition device according to the trigger signal for the flat-field correction, and obtaining a fused image in the flat-field correction process according to an infrared image acquired by the first image acquisition device and a visible light image acquired by a second image acquisition device. The first image acquisition device does not output infrared images during the flat-field correction process.

Abstract: An implant can include a flexible body made of a non-bioresorbable hydrogel material. The implant can also include a radiopaque marker located within the flexible body, where the body and the radiopaque marker can be implanted in a body cavity to mark the cavity in a radiographic image of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an optically detectable and retro-reflective medical tracking marker, wherein electromagnetic energy is applied to at least one section of a retro-reflective surface of a marker structure in an amount that is sufficient to alter the material properties of the retro-reflective surface, such that the capability of reflecting electromagnetic radiation of the at least one section is reduced to a second capability of reflecting electromagnetic radiation. The present invention further relates to a corresponding retro-reflective medical tracking marker and a corresponding use thereof.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes obtaining circuitry, detecting circuitry, deriving circuitry, and controlling circuitry. The obtaining circuitry is configured to obtain image data of a patient. The detecting circuitry is configured to detect each of a plurality of sites of the patient from the image data. The deriving circuitry is configured to derive information about a structuring member in the patient, on the basis of a detection result obtained by the detecting circuitry. The controlling circuitry is configured to determine an injection condition for a contrast agent to be administered to the patient for a contrast-enhanced scan, on the basis of the information about the structuring member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method for a computing device communicatively coupled to an imaging system includes, selecting a scan protocol, displaying an adaptive scan protocol graphical user interface (GUI) on a display device coupled to the computing device, adjusting one or more parameters of the scan protocol in response to user input to the adaptive scan protocol GUI, updating a visual representation of the scan protocol displayed via the adaptive scan protocol GUI in correspondence to the adjustment of the one or more parameters of the scan protocol, and storing the adjusted scan protocol in memory of the computing device.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and related vectors and compositions allowing for noninvasive control of neural circuits. In particular, the methods and systems herein described utilize acoustically targeted chemogenetics to achieve a noninvasive neuromodulation in specifically selected cell-types among spatially selected brain regions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit, an identifying unit, and a display controller. The acquiring unit acquires volume data indicating the state of a three-dimensional region including a mass portion and a plurality of blood vessels derived from the mass portion in a subject. The identifying unit specifies a region corresponding to the mass portion and the blood vessels in the volume data as a region of interest. The identifying unit identifies the mass portion and each of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The display controller assigns a different display mode to at least one of the mass portion and the blood vessels.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical system is configured to 1) access a plurality of surgical site scenes captured entirely outside a structure within a patient, each surgical site scene in the plurality of surgical site scenes being captured from reflected light of a different waveband of a plurality of wavebands, each waveband of the plurality of wavebands being reflected by structure tissue of the structure and non-structure tissue outside the structure; 2) detect a difference between spectral reflectances of each of the surgical site scenes in the captured surgical site scenes, and 3) identify, based on the detected difference between the spectral reflectances of each of the surgical site scenes in the captured surgical site scenes, pixels in the captured surgical site scenes that correspond to the structure tissue and pixels in the captured surgical site scenes that correspond to the non-structure tissue outside the structure.

Abstract: When imaging an imaging subject, a pixel value is maintained in a state of small fluctuation of the pixel value over an entire expected duration. A generation device includes: an imaging information acquiring unit acquiring information of an imaging site of an imaging subject; a subject information acquiring unit acquiring information of the imaging subject; and a protocol generation unit generating an injection protocol for a contrast medium based on the information of the imaging site and the information of the imaging subject, wherein the protocol generation unit generates the injection protocol including a first phase in which an injection rate decreases with a first acceleration, and a second phase which follows the first phase and in which the injection rate decreases with a second acceleration, and the injection rate at a start of the second phase is higher than the injection rate at an end of the first phase.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, software, systems and devices for detecting the presence of an abnormality in an organ, tissue, body, or portion thereof of a subject by analysis of the electromagnetic fields generated by the organ, tissue, body, or portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases and/or improving cognitive function, in particular those associated with protein oligomers, aggregates or deposits, using acoustic energy, such as ultrasound. An 5 example of such a neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides a method of improving cognitive function and/or memory in an individual with impaired memory and/or executive function, the method including the steps of identifying a region of the brain of the individual to be treated with acoustic energy, applying a clinically safe level of acoustic energy to the region, thereby 10 saturating or substantially saturating the region with acoustic energy, thereby improving memory in the individual.

Abstract: A device (1) for producing a solution of at least one liquid first medium and at least one second medium has a first container (2) for the first medium and a second container (3) for the second medium. Each container (2, 3) is connected to a supply line of a static mixer (9) via a pump (4, 5) that can be regulated by a controller (6). A sensor (10) is connected to the controller (6) downstream of the static mixer (9) in the flow direction. A branching valve (17) is downstream of the static mixer (9) in the flow direction and is controlled by the controller (6). A sterile filter (11) is downstream of the static mixer (9) and has an RFID tag (15) that stores process-relevant data to at least be read by the controller (6). A method also is provided for producing a solution using the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method includes, upon an injection of a contrast agent, processing acquired projection data of an anatomical region of interest (ROI) of a subject to measure a contrast signal of the contrast agent, determining when each of a plurality of zones of a contrast scan are estimated to occur based on the contrast signal, updating a scan prescription for the contrast scan based on when each of the plurality of zones of the scan protocol are estimated to occur, and performing the contrast scan according to the updated scan prescription.

Abstract: A medical image processing device includes circuitry configured to: analyze a blood flow flowing in an observation object based on a medical observation image obtained by capturing an image of the observation object; and generate a difference result between a simulation result of a blood flow flowing in a 3D model acquired in advance for the observation object and an analysis result of a blood flow flowing in the observation object.

Abstract: A delivery system for the delivery of embolic agents to a patient includes a control valve assembly interconnecting first, second, third and fourth conduits, wherein the control valve assembly selectively moves between first, second, and third states under the control of a medical professional. In the first state, the first conduit communicates with the second conduit for transmitting a solution of embolic agents between a first syringe secured to the first conduit and a second syringe secured to the second conduit. In the second state, the second conduit communicates with the third conduit for transmitting the solution of embolic agents from the second syringe to a delivery catheter secured to the third conduit. In the third state, the third conduit communicates with the fourth conduit for flushing the delivery catheter via a third syringe, which is filled with saline, connected to the fourth conduit.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.