Abstract: A medical image-processing apparatus according to embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires volume data in which a blood vessel including a plurality of branch vessels leading to a plurality of target areas, respectively, is imaged. The processing circuitry extracts a blood vessel structure of the blood vessel included in the volume data. The processing circuitry sets a plurality of the target areas in the volume data. The processing circuitry acquires a plurality of delivery points that are points at which a drug is given to the target areas from a catheter moved inside the blood vessel based on the blood vessel structure of the blood vessel and a positional relationship between the respective target areas and the respective branch vessels in the volume data. The processing circuitry outputs the delivery points.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a radiopharmaceutical compound in a medical image is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining the medical image from a medical imaging device through an interface. The method also includes identifying a region of interest in the medical image. The method further includes generating a feature vector associable with the region of interest. Additionally, the method includes detecting an uptake of the radiopharmaceutical compound in the region of interest. Furthermore, the method includes identifying a type of the radiopharmaceutical compound in the region of interest based on the feature vector and a biological information associated with the region of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a non-linear compartmental model using PET-derived data to predict, on a patient-specific basis, the optimal therapeutic dose of cargo carrying antibody (e.g., huA33) such as radiolabeled antibody, the antigen occupancy, residency times in normal and malignant tissues, and the cancer-to-normal tissue (e.g., colorectal cancer-to-normal colon tissue) therapeutic index. In addition, the non-linear compartmental model can be readily applied to the development of strategies such as multi-step targeting (MST) designed to further improve the therapeutic indices of RIT.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to the acquisition and processing of projection data using temporal characteristics of the imaged volume, such as the uptake and clearance of a contrast agent within the volume. Such temporal aspects may be used in the acquisition process, such as to differentially acquire images based on the propagation of the contrast agent. In addition, such temporal aspects may be used in the processing of projection data to generate differential projections (e.g., first or second order subtraction projections), compound projections synthesized using the absolute or relative maximum opacity values observed over time for a region of interest, or interpolated projections synthesized using observed opacity values at known or fixed time intervals and a derived peak opacity time.

Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains image data rendering a blood vessel of patient. The processing circuitry performs a fluid analysis on the obtained image data and calculates an index value related to a blood flow in the blood vessel with respect to each of a plurality of positions in the blood vessel. With respect to the index values to be calculated, the processing circuitry selects a position in which a first value is to be obtained from among the plurality of positions or selects a value serving as the first value from among the index values exhibited in positions. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the first value in a predetermined display region thereof used for displaying the first value.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an afterglow detection device and an afterglow detection method. The afterglow detection device comprises: an X-ray tube for emitting an X-ray beam; a first reading circuit for receiving a first detected signal from a to-be-detected detector to form and output a first measurement signal according to the first detected signal, the to-be-detected detector being connected to the first reading circuit and disposed on a beam-out side of the X-ray tube to receive radiation of the X-ray beam and outputting the first detected signal to the first reading circuit at the time of detection; a residual ray detector disposed on a beam-out side of the X-ray tube; a second reading circuit connected to the residual ray detector for receiving a second detected signal from the residual ray detector to form and output a second measurement signal according to the second detected signal.

Abstract: A method of planning a patient-specific cardiac procedure according to an embodiment of the current invention includes receiving three-dimensional imaging data of a patient's heart, simulating at least one of electrophysiological or electromechanical activity of at least a portion of the patient's heart using the three-dimensional imaging data, and planning the patient-specific cardiac procedure based on the simulating. The cardiac procedure is for providing a preselected alteration of at least one of electrophysiological or electromechanical behavior of the patient's heart.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and device for performing three-dimensional blood vessel reconstruction using angiographic images. The method includes an acquisition step that acquires a first two-dimensional image of the blood vessel in the first projection direction and a corresponding reconstructed three-dimensional model of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A frequency agile gyrotron for use in combination with an NMR system is disclosed. The frequency agile gyrotron combined with EPR-NMR magic angle spinning resonators and cryogenic sample cooling may increase the sensitivity of solid state NMR with DNP.

Abstract: Detector module designs for radiographic imaging include first and second layers of scintillator rods or pixel arrays oriented in first and second directions. The first and second directions are transversely oriented to define a light sharing region between the first and second layers. Encoding features may be disposed in, on or between the first and second layers, and configured to modulate propagation of optical signals therealong or therebetween.

Abstract: Techniques for automated surgeon performance evaluation include dressing an operator with colored surgical gloves. A first glove for a dominant hand has a first color and a second glove for the other hand has a different second color. Video data that views the operator's hands is captured during a surgical procedure on a subject. For each of multiple frames of the video data, a minimum rectangle of pixels, called a first rectangle, which encloses pixels having the first color, is determined automatically on a processor. A first time series for a representative property of the first rectangle at the multiple frames, and a first measure of entropy based on the first time series, are also automatically determined on a processor. A metric of operator performance based at least in part on the first measure of entropy is stored, e.g., for subsequent display.

Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing a thermoacoustic image that utilizes the steps of directing radio frequency (RF) energy pulses generated by an RF source into a tissue region of interest; detecting, at each of a plurality of views along a scanning trajectory of a transducer element array about the region of interest, acoustic signals generated within the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses and generating thermoacoustic data; applying at least one correction kernel to the thermoacoustic data; and after the at least one correction kernel has been applied to the thermoacoustic data, reconstructing a thermoacoustic image therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a NIR fluorescent probe comprising an aza-bicycloalkane based cyclic peptide labelled with a Cy5.5 dye moiety in the fluorescence-guided surgery of pathologic regions and to an optical imaging method that comprises using this fluorescent probe for the identification and demarcation of tumor margins during the surgical resection.

Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for estimating the volume of a medium comprising a contrast agent injected to a hollow organ through a catheter during an injection event, the method comprising the determination of the duration of injection during the injection event, the determination of the flow rate based on the procedure type, acquisition type, organ, specificities of the user controlling the injection, patient characteristics, concentration of an contrast agent in the medium, administration route, type of catheter, the size of the catheter, and/or any pre-sets provided, and the calculation an estimate for the volume of medium injected based on the duration of injection and the flow rate.

Abstract: The present approach provides a non-invasive methodology for estimation of coronary flow and/or fractional flow reserve. In certain implementations, various approaches for personalizing blood flow models of the coronary vasculature are described. The described personalization approaches involve patient-specific measurements and do not assume or rely on the resting coronary flow being proportional to myocardial mass. Consequently, there are fewer limitations in using these approaches to obtain coronary flow and/or fractional flow reserve estimates non-invasively.

Abstract: A streak image enhancing unit subjects an ultrasound image representing a blood vessel to processing using a two-dimensional filter that is longer in the long axis direction of the blood vessel than in the short axis direction thereof so as to enhance a streak image corresponding to the long axis direction. A trace line candidate extracting unit extracts from the ultrasound image with the enhanced streak image a plurality of trace line candidates on the basis of the output values of the two-dimensional filter. A trace line selecting unit selects two trace lines corresponding to the inner boundary of the tunica intima and the boundary between the tunica media and the tunica externa of the blood vessel out of the plurality of trace line candidates on the basis of an evaluation value relating to continuity acquired for each trace candidate.

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: The present invention relates to a method for automatic road mapping for heart valve replacement and an examination apparatus for automatic road mapping for heart valve replacement. In order to provide the cardiologist or surgeon with better information during PHV implantation, an examination apparatus for automatic roadmapping for heart valve replacement is provided, that comprises at least one X-ray image acquisition device (10), a calculation unit (18) and a display device (20). The image acquisition device is adapted to acquire (32) at least one X-ray image of a vessel root region of a heart with injected contrast agent and to acquire (46) at least one current fluoroscopy image of the vessel root region with a replacement valve inserted into the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring concentration of known components in gas samples using an acoustic resonance technique. A system includes a resonant chamber, a sound generator positioned at and acoustically coupled to an opening of the resonant chamber, and an audio sensor positioned proximate to and in sound communication to the opening and configured to measure an acoustic spectrum. During operation, the sound generator produces a white noise such that the soundwaves of the white noise passes through a gas sample positioned in the resonant chamber. As the soundwaves pass through the gas sample, the audio sensor monitors the frequency spectrum and identifies any resonant frequency that, if present, would correspond to a specific component and the concentration of this component. Specifically, the component concentration is determined from the frequency response.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting healthy lumen radius and calculating a vessel lumen narrowing score. One method of identifying a lumen diameter of a patient's vasculature includes: receiving a data set including one or more lumen segmentations of known healthy vessel segments of a plurality of individuals; extracting one or more lumen features for each of the vessel segments; receiving a lumen segmentation of a patient's vasculature; determining a section of the patient's vasculature; and determining a healthy lumen diameter of the section of the patient's vasculature using the extracted one or more features for each of the known healthy vessel segments of the plurality of individuals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device, a system, and a computer-readable medium for calculating vessel flow parameters based on angiography. In one implementation, the device includes a processor and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the following operations: selecting a plurality of template frames from the angiographic images to generate a 3D model for a vessel; determining a start frame and an end frame in the plurality of angiographic images showing a contrast filling process; determining corresponding locations of front ends of the contrast in the start frame and the end frame in the 3D model of the vessel; calculating a vessel volume between the determined locations of the front ends in the 3D model; and determining an average blood flow rate based on the calculated volume, and a time interval between the start frame and the end frame.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for obtaining measurements of both tissue perfusion and permeability with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system after the administration of a single dose of contrast agent. To this end, the MRI system is directed to acquire T2*-weighted data, during which the acquired signal values are monitored for a trigger event. When the trigger event occurs, the MRI system is directed to switch from acquiring the T2*-weighted data to acquiring T1-weighted data. The systems and methods of the present invention can thus be used for a fully automated, single acquisition of perfusion and permeability measurements using only a single dose of contrast agent.

Abstract: A system or method for designing optical systems includes generating a mathematical model of an imaging system; tracing a plurality of light rays from a source through the model of the imaging system in a forward direction and a backward direction incident upon an arbitrarily defined detector location; calculating the total light rays incident upon the arbitrarily defined detector location in response to the plurality of light rays; tracing a series of calibration images first through the computational or compressive imager mathematical model; measuring an output set of parameters based on a plurality of detected rays calibration images at the defined detector location; storing the output set of parameters in software, and determining an estimated system transfer function.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus comprises a position acquisition unit, a data acquisition unit, an alignment unit, a decision unit, and a data generation unit. The position acquisition unit acquires the position of a medical tool in an imaging region with respect to the imaging region at the time of obtaining the medical image. The data acquisition unit acquires volume data corresponding to a three-dimensional region including the imaging region. The alignment unit decides the position of the volume data. The decision unit decides the position of the medical tool with respect to the volume data based on the position of the medical tool and the position of the volume data. The data generation unit generates support volume data by adding support information indicating the position of the medical tool to the volume data.

Abstract: In general aspect, a white excitation light generating device can include a fluorescent excitation light source that generates fluorescent excitation light, a first light source that generates first monochromatic light of a first wavelength different from a wavelength of the fluorescent excitation light, a second light source that generates second monochromatic light of a second wavelength different from the wavelength of the fluorescent excitation light and the first wavelength, a spectrophoto sensor that measures tristimulus values of at least one of the fluorescent excitation light, the first monochromatic light, and the second monochromatic light, and a controller that adjusts an output of at least one of the fluorescent excitation light source, the first light source, and the second light source on the basis of the measured tristimulus values.

Abstract: A registration device for patient registration comprises at least one reference marker adapted to be sensed by an imaging system and/or at least one position element adapted to be localized by a position sensing system, and fixation element for positioning the registration device in a patient's body cavity at a location comprising soft tissue. The registration device is adapted to be introduced into and positioned in the patient's body cavity, particularly in the viscerocranium such as the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx, the ear canal(s) and/or the neurocranium such as a cerebral ventricle.

Abstract: Techniques for imaging radioactive emission in a target volume include collecting from each of multiple detectors in a Compton camera, within a coincidence time interval, location and deposited energy from an interaction associated with each high energy particle source event in a target volume, for N source events. A cone of possible locations for each source event is determined based on the locations and deposited energies collected. A SOE algorithm is initiated by selecting a random location on the cone and generating a histogram that indicates, a count of the selected locations that occur inside each voxel of the target volume. N solution locations for the N source events are determined after L iterations by updating the selected location on a corresponding cone based at least in part on values of the counts in the histogram excluding the current source event. A solution is presented on a display device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for receiving into at least one processor a set of images of blood vessels of a subject. A road map of the subject's blood vessels is generated, by automatically (a) deriving at least one image from the set of images of the blood vessels, based upon visibility of at least a portion of the blood vessels in the set of images, and (b) in the derived image, determining a location of edge lines of at least some of the portion of the blood vessels in the image. An output is generated by the processor, based on the road map. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A cord can be affixed to an annulus or adjacent tissue using anchors distributed about the cord to anchor respective regions of the cord to the annulus or adjacent tissue. Anchor launchers (which are supported by support arms) launch the anchors to embed them in the annulus or adjacent tissue. Flexible radio-opaque protrusions protrude distally beyond the anchor launchers. Progressive advancement of an anchor launcher in a distal direction beyond a point at which a protrusion makes contact with the annulus or adjacent tissue results in progressive deflection of the protrusion. This deflection can be visualized using fluoroscopy to ensure that the cord is positioned correctly before the anchors are launched. Some embodiments use an open loop of cord, in which case the cord can subsequently be used to constrict the annulus. Other embodiments use a closed loop of cord to prevent expansion of the annulus.

Abstract: A biopsy marker may include three shaped portions arranged sequentially along an axis, each shaped portion having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface. A first narrow portion connects a first of the three shaped portions to a second of the three shaped portions. A second narrow portion connects the second of the three shaped portions to a third of the three shaped portions. The first narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the first shaped portion is at a first angle to the first surface of the second shaped portion. The second narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the second shaped portion is at a second angle to the first surface of the third shaped portion.

Abstract: Endoscopic identification and dissection of a blood vessel in tissue during endoscopic harvest can be enhanced by injecting a bolus of ICG into the bloodstream, illuminating the target vessels with excitation light capable of exciting fluorescence in the ICG, and locating the vessel to be harvested by observing the ICG fluorescence. Moreover, collapsed blood vessel may be harvested by inserting an endoscope into the collapsed blood vessel, injecting into the collapsed blood vessel a bolus containing ICG to re-inflate the blood vessel, illuminating the target vessels with excitation light capable of exciting fluorescence in the ICG; and locating the re-inflated blood vessel by observing the ICG fluorescence.

Abstract: An embryo replacement catheter has a flexible extruded shaft of a transparent polyurethane with a bore extending along its length. Gas bubbles of a diameter in the range 5? to 10? are incorporated into the thickness of the wall of the shaft by adding gas during extrusion. The bubbles are selected to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound imaging whilst still enabling material flowing along the catheter to be seen.

Abstract: A system has a parameter generation system that includes a processor, an input system and a memory system in which an algorithm is stored. Upon execution by the processor, the algorithm is used to determine parameters of at least one phase of an injection procedure to be performed on a patient based at least in part upon the type of injection procedure selected via the input system. The volume of a pharmaceutical to be delivered to the patient during the injection procedure is determined at least in part on the basis of the concentration of a contrast enhancing agent contained in the pharmaceutical and at least in part on the basis of a function that depends upon and varies with a parameter of the patient such as the weight, the body mass index, the body surface area or the cardiac output of the patient.

Abstract: An image registration device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires plural images captured in time series; a pixel value change acquisition unit that acquires a pixel value change at the same position of each of the images for plural positions of each image; a clustering unit that clusters the pixel value changes acquired for plural positions of each image into plural classes; a region division unit that divides each of the images into plural regions based on information of the class of each pixel of each image and a pixel value of each pixel of each image; and a registration processing unit that performs registration processing on each image based on information of plural regions of each image.

Abstract: A first light source emits near-infrared radiation with a wavelength near 810 nm, which is excitation radiation for exciting indocyanine green, a second light source emits a violet light with a wavelength of 410 nm that is excitation radiation for exciting PpIX, and a third light source emits white light. An imaging portion comprises a first imaging element able to capture visible light, a second imaging element able to capture red light that is emitted by the PpIX, and a third imaging element able to capture near-infrared light emitted by the indocyanine green.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for use in reducing infections associated with post-operative surgical incision and/or a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter, that is disposed within the surgical incision. Such a barrier system may include: a barrier device having a skin-contacting surface and a catheter-receiving surface; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin, the barrier device, and/or the catheter so as to form a barrier at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin. A tensioning anchor and associated system of two or more tensioning anchors is provided for post-operative wound closure. A method for applying and removing the barrier device and tensioning anchors is also provided.

Abstract: To provide a polymer having a high ratio of the amount thereof present in a tumor to the amount thereof present in blood (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as a tumor/blood ratio). The polymer has phosphorylcholine (derivative) as a side chain and has a dye (near-infrared dye) having absorption in the near-infrared wavelength region bound to the polymer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for medical imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more image reconstruction parameters defining an image reconstruction process for reconstructing one or more images from medical imaging data, identifying a target hardware allocation based on the one or more image reconstruction parameters, and reconstructing, via computing device hardware as specified by the target hardware allocation, one or more images from the medical imaging data according to the image reconstruction process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for diluting a dose of a substance to be delivered to a patient and for determining a maximum deliverable dose of the substance and/or a partial fluid volume to be delivered to the patient to provide a desired dose amount are provided. The method includes the step of providing a first substance within a fluid reservoir having an initial unit value. The method also includes diluting the first substance with a second substance to produce the diluted solution. Once the first substance is diluted, a total volume (VTotal) of the diluted solution is measured. A concentration of the diluted solution is then calculated based on the initial unit value and the total volume (VTotal). A fluid delivery system including a fluid reservoir and fluid delivery device, which is configured to perform the method, is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with an ultrasound scanner, wherein an estimate value (particularly, a power level of the ultrasound scanner that is required to apply a desired acoustic pressure level to the body-part, the acoustic pressure level that is actually applied to the body-part when a specific power level is set, an acoustic attenuation that occurs within a patient between a transducer of the ultrasound scanner and the body-part and/or the acoustic attenuation that occurs within the patient between different body-parts) is determined according to a comparison between measurement data (based on a measurement response comprising a non-fundamental component of a measurement echo signal received in response to a measurement excitation signal) and corresponding reference data. Corresponding computer program product, system, therapeutic method, and diagnostic method are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment includes receiving a first request for first video content and a first video player from a client; in response (a) (i) obtaining first source code for the first video player, (a)(ii) obtaining a first configuration file for the first video player, (a)(iii) obtaining a first player module corresponding to the first video player, and (a)(iv) communicating same to the client. The first video player comprises code to play video via a graphical user interface. The first player module comprises code that, in response to the first player module subscribing to a first event bus of a pub/sub system, performs a first routine in response to: (b)(i) a first publication to the first event bus from an additional player module that corresponds to the first video player, and (b) (ii) execution of a first callback function corresponding to the first publication.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric procedure includes an elongate tube and a cannulated plug coupled to the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate tube defines a lumen along a length thereof. The proximal end portion defines an opening in communication with the lumen. The elongate tube includes a blunt tip and an outer surface. The blunt tip is formed on the distal end portion. The outer surface defines a side opening in communication with the lumen. The cannulated plug includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a vacuum source. The distal end is configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen.

Abstract: A multilayer board includes a base including insulating layers stacked in a stacking direction, and a mounting surface at an end of the base in a first direction along the stacking direction, an electronic component inside the base, and a first heat dissipator extending through at least one of the insulating layers from a surface of the electronic component located at an end of the electronic component in the first direction to the mounting surface. When a section of the first heat dissipator is defined as a first section, and a section of the first heat dissipator located farther in a second direction along the layer stacking direction than the first section is defined as a second section, there is a combination of a first section and a second section in which the second section extends farther outward than the first section when viewed from the layer stacking direction.

Abstract: A medical device and methods for locating the device include a structure having a length dimension and a surface (102). A volume (106) is associated with the surface and extends along a portion of the length dimension. Nanomaterials (108) are incorporated in the volume and configured to be responsive to an excitation signal such that the excitation signal generates a response from the nanomaterials to enable location of the structure within a subject.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a subject are presented. The system includes a sensing device including at least one magnetic source to generate a magnetic field and an array of magnetic sensors disposed within the magnetic field. The sensor array obtains a plurality of magnetic field measurements at a plurality of locations along a vessel carrying a fluid including one or more magnetic particles. Further, the system includes a processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the sensing device, where the processing subsystem determines variations in the measurements caused by magnetization-relaxation of the magnetic particles based on a coupled model that defines behavior of the fluid in the varying magnetic field based on principles of magnetization-relaxation, bulk motion of the magnetic particles towards a determined gradient of the magnetic field, magnetostatics, and conservation of momentum. The processing subsystem estimates values of one or more desired parameters based on the determined variations.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for spectral unmixing of in vivo light data. The spectral unmixing separates image data according to spectra from multiple internal light sources in an effort to isolate one or more spectrum of interest. The spectral unmixing obtains images with a combination of different and known excitation and emission limits. The spectral unmixing then uses an iterative solution process to separate spectra for the multiple fluorescent light sources, and provides a spectrum and/or a spatial distribution map for at least one of the internal light sources.

Abstract: One or more medical devices may be provided that may be used, for example, in bariatric surgery including a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Occlusion devices can be integrated with a catheter or tube to occlude one or more proximal or distal landmarks of a stomach and a stapling guide may be used to occlude a lateral boundary of the stomach to define a cavity. A volume of the potential resultant sleeve may be determined by inserting fluid or gas into the catheter or tube, measuring pressure, and calculating the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for quantification of absolute blood flow in tissue using near-infrared fluorescence angiography in conjunction with photoplethysmography (fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography). The method and system of the present invention provide absolute, real-time measurements of flow in terms of volume/time/area based upon measurement of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: Provided is a cassette unit suitable for use with an auto-injector having an electrically powered drive unit. The cassette unit has a housing defining a cassette unit housing cavity and a needle projection aperture. The cassette unit housing cavity is arranged for receipt of a syringe. The syringe has a barrel for containing a volume of a liquid drug formulation, the barrel defining a flange at the rear end thereof and a forward shoulder at the forward end thereof; a hollow needle at a front end of the barrel, the hollow needle defining a needle tip; and a plunger that is axially movable within the barrel. The cassette unit includes, in contact with the plunger and axially movable within the barrel, a plunger slaving part arranged such that when a drive load is applied to a rear drive-receiving face thereof the drive load is evenly transmitted to the plunger.