Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition including nanoparticles configured for enhanced phagocytosis by phagocytic cells and labeled with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe bound to the outer surface thereof, and uses thereof in the detection of activated immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject.

Abstract: Devices and approaches for monitoring time based photo active agent delivery or photo active marker presence in an eye. A monitoring system is provided for measuring the presence of a photo active marker by illuminating the eye so as to excite the photo-active marker and then observing characteristic emission from the photo active marker. Example systems incorporate Scheimpflug optical systems or slit lamp optical systems to observe cross sectional images of an eye to monitor instantaneous distribution, diffusion pattern, and rate of uptake of a photo active agent applied to an eye. Systems and methods further allow for utilizing the monitored distribution of photo active agent in the eye as feedback for a cross-linking system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining, planning, and/or administering a therapy of a selected material from a catheter to a selected specific region of an anatomy is disclosed. The catheter can be used to deliver a drug to the patient to achieve a volume of efficacy (VOE) within a selected target, region, or volume. The drug delivered can be used for treating at least a symptom in the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.

Abstract: Methods for assessing blood flow in vasculature in a portion of tissue in an animal may include administering a fluorescent dye to the animal such that the fluorescent dye enters the portion of tissue, exciting the fluorescent dye within the portion of tissue with a source of illumination such that the fluorescent dye emits radiation, capturing the radiation emitted by the fluorescent dye with a camera capable of capturing a series of angiographic images within the portion of tissue, and evaluating the series of angiographic images to assess blood flow in the vasculature in the tissue portion.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has a predetermined shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and has a density less than or equal to about 1.03 g/cc. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it causes the cavity to conform to the predetermined shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its density being less than that of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: Methods for assessing perfusion in a portion of tissue in an animal may include administering a fluorescent dye to the animal such that the fluorescent dye enters the portion of tissue, exciting the fluorescent dye within the portion of tissue with a source of illumination such that the fluorescent dye emits radiation, capturing the radiation emitted by the fluorescent dye with a camera, and obtaining at least one image of the fluorescence radiation emitted from the portion of tissue

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has an imageable shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and may contain permanent metallic elements to aid in its imaging. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it can cause the cavity to conform substantially to a known imageable shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its attenuation properties being different from those of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: Described is a method and products for testing patients having difficulty swallowing specialized capsules. Capsules of various sizes are manufactured. One group of capsules, gels or tablets is manufactured containing s non-active composition and the second group of capsules, gels or tablets are manufactured using an X-Ray imaging agent. The method comprises testing the patient swallowing difficulty utilizing each group of products.

Abstract: A torsional support apparatus is disclosed for craniocaudal rotation of test animals to enable multiple-view imaging. The animal is supported in a U-shaped loop of optically transparent material and the loop is moved to apply torsion to the animal to rotate it about its craniocaudal axis. Methods of imaging also are disclosed that use the torsional support technique.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for enhancing target therapy, and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an inputter configured to receive a command for setting, in a first ultrasound image, a target area of an object to which target therapy is to be applied, the first ultrasound image showing a lesion to which ultrasound contrast agents including therapeutic agents have been bound within the object; and an image processor configured to compare the first ultrasound image to a second ultrasound image acquired after ultrasonic waves have been irradiated to a target part corresponding to the target area, and to detect at least one of an area into which the therapeutic agents have been delivered and an amount of the therapeutic agents delivered into the area.

Abstract: A contrast agent can be infused into a subject and a determination can be made of a VOD and/or a concentration gradient of the contrast agent in the VOD. The contrast agent can be infused in the subject using selected parameters. A correlation to a selected material can be made to determine parameters for infusion the selected material.

Abstract: A system enables determination of at least one parameter for an injection procedure to be performed on a patient in connection with a diagnostic imaging procedure. The system includes a processor and one or more algorithms. Embodied within the algorithm(s) is a model descriptive of the propagation of a fluid within the patient from a site of injection thereof to each of at least two regions of interest thereof. The algorithm(s) permits one discrete data point from each of at least two time enhancement curves, derived via a test bolus, to be input into the model to determine values of physiological parameters associated with the patient, preferably those related to cardiopulmonary function. The algorithm(s) also allows the values of the physiological parameters to be input into the model wherein the parameter(s) of the injection procedure that will be performed on the patient at issue are determined.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of radiation emitted from an in-vivo administered radioactive analyte. The system employs a sensor having a scintillation material to convert gamma radiation to visible light, which enables embodiments of the sensor to be ex vivo. A light detector converts the visible light to an electrical signal. This signal is amplified and is processed to measure the captured radiation. Temperature of the sensor may be recorded along with this radiation measurement for temperature compensation of ex vivo embodiments. The sensor enables collection of sufficient data to support separate application to predictive models, background comparisons, or change analysis.

Abstract: The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated medical device for rapid delivery of a therapeutic agent to a tissue in seconds to minutes. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent, a contrast agent, and an additive.

Abstract: A method and a device for tracking a contrast medium by scanning are provided. The method includes: obtaining a relationship between a contrast medium concentration and time according to concentration values of the contrast medium obtained by previous scannings; predicting a time interval from a current time point to a time point when a target concentration value reaches according to the relationship between the contrast medium concentration and time; and starting a routine examination at the end of the time interval. In the present disclosure, a routine examination may be performed in time.

Abstract: An overlay of anatomy is created for a fluoroscopy image. Anatomy detected in angiographic images is used to locate anatomy in the fluoroscopy image. For each cardiac phase, the anatomy is detected multiple times from different cardiac cycles using angiographic images. The fluoroscopic overlay for each cardiac phase is formed from a combination of angiographic candidates fit from the different cardiac cycles to the fluoroscopic image. To further enhance the combination, prediction of the anatomy position from one phase to the next phase is used.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an overlay image of an implant during a surgical procedure using a mobile computing device are provided herein. The implant may include radio-opaque internal markers adjacent to and defining edges of the implant. The method may include: capturing an image of a imaging display device screen; estimating a pose of the implant based on the relationship between the 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers and the 3-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers; retrieving or generating a 3-D model image of the implant at the determined pose using the 3-D implant data; and overlaying the 3-D model image onto the image of the implant. The captured image may include the implant and at least two of the radio-opaque internal markers being visible as fiducial markers within the image. The fiducial markers may be 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers in a 2-D plane.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof using a chlorotoxin conjugate. Also provided are chlorotoxin peptides and variants thereof conjugated to a detectable label for use in detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (108) that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and imageable drug eluting beads in tissue of interest located therein, a spectral detector array (110) detects radiation traversing the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof, spectral processing circuitry (117) that spectrally resolves the signal based on a plurality of thresholds (122), and a reconstructor (128) that generates spectral volumetric image data corresponding the imageable drug eluting beads based on the spectrally resolved signal.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining contrast enhanced perfusion imaging data of at least two vessel regions, one downstream from the other, and at least one tissue of interest, which receives blood from the circulatory system, of a scanned subject. The method further includes determining a blood flow time difference between contrast material peaks of the at least two vessel regions based on the image data. The method further includes determining an absolute perfusion of the tissue of interest based on the image data. The method further includes computing a standardized perfusion value based on the absolute perfusion and the time difference. The method further includes displaying the standardized perfusion value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining the orientation of a catheter (2). The system comprises a catheter (2), an asymmetric marker (11) attached to the catheter (2), and an imaging unit (25) for generating a projection image of the asymmetric marker (11), wherein the imaging unit (25) comprises a radiation source for generating radiation for projecting the asymmetric marker (11) in a projection plane and a detection unit for generating the projection image of the asymmetric marker (11) projected in the projection plane. The system comprises further an orientation determination unit for determining the orientation of the asymmetric marker (11) from the projection image of the asymmetric marker (11) and for determining the orientation of the catheter (2) from the determined orientation of the asymmetric marker (11). The asymmetric marker (11) is adapted such that the orientation of the asymmetric marker (11) is determinable from the projection image of the asymmetric marker (11) alone.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection device comprises: a plurality of light sources that apply an excitation light from an outside of a living body toward fluorescent dye previously injected into the living body; and a plurality of detectors that detect fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye by the excitation light, and output the detected fluorescence as an electric signal. The plurality of light sources and the plurality of detectors are arranged in at least one line. At least one detector is placed between two light sources, and at least one light source is placed between two detectors.

Abstract: An injection catheter for infusing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart comprises a catheter body and a tip section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable within the tip section so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle. The catheter further comprises an electrode lead wire having a first end electrically connected to the injection needle and a second end electrically connected to a suitable monitoring apparatus or to a source of ablation energy. The injection needle can thus be used for mapping or ablation in addition to introducing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for real-time, transcranial monitoring of safe blood-brain barrier opening include determining an approach angle for targeted blood-brain barrier opening proximate a predetermined region in a brain of a patient, and positioning an ultrasound transducer to generate a focused ultrasound signal at the determined approach angle to the predetermined region in the brain.

Abstract: A liposome comprising a lipid bilayer, a hydrophobic active ingredient, and an imaging agent, a pharmaceutical composition including the liposome, and a method of delivering an active ingredient to a target site in the body of a subject using the liposome.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits comprising core-satellite nanocomposites useful for photothermal and/or MRI applications (e.g., tumor treatment and/or imaging). In certain embodiments, the core-satellite nanocomposites comprise: i) a core nanoparticle complex comprising a biocompatible coating surrounding a nanoparticle core, and ii) at least one satellite component attached to, or absorbed to, the biocompatible coating. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle core and satellite component are composed of near-infrared photothermal agent material and/or MRI contrast agent material. In further embodiments, the satellite component is additionally or alternatively composed of near-infrared optical dye material.

Abstract: A method for displaying a position of a medical device, such as a catheter, during insertion thereof into a patient. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first set of detected position data relating to a location marker, such as a permanent magnet, then determining a possible first position thereof. A first confidence level relating to a match between the first set of detected position data and a first set of predicted position data is assigned. A determination is made whether the first confidence level meets or exceeds a first threshold. If the first confidence level meets or exceeds the first threshold, a determination is then made whether the first position of the location marker is within a first detection zone. If the first position of the location marker is within the first detection zone, the first position of the location marker is displayed.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent scaled within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for monitoring total delivered dose of an analyte of interest, such as an iodine containing contrast media used during intravascular procedures. The device includes a flow rate measuring capability, and an analyte concentration measuring capability. Total cumulative delivered dose of the analyte can be determined, without regard to the number of sources of analyte and variations in concentration of the analyte delivered over the course of an intravascular procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for compositions including organic, water-soluble NIR-II fluorescent agent that emit radiation at about 1.0 to 1.7 ?m, methods of making the composition, methods of imaging a disease and related biological events, methods of imaging, monitoring and/or assessing a disease and related biological events, and the like.

Abstract: A dual medical endoscope system can be constructed including a first and a second medical endoscope, where the first endoscope comprises an accessory channel with a proximal mounting port providing access thereto, and where the second endoscope comprises a handle body that is securely and removably attached to the proximal mounting port. An endoscope, which may be the second endoscope, can include an elongate, manipulable shaft with a distal-end visualization element and a handle body comprising at least one control surface for manipulating a distal region of the shaft, where the handle body includes a passage through which a length of the shaft is passable, and where the handle body includes a connection structure configured for securely and removably mounting the handle to a channel of another endoscope in a manner axially aligning the passage with the channel to provide a path of communication for the shaft.

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: An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass includes a handle having a grip portion and a base. The grip portion is slidably mounted to the base. The base has a keyway. A cannula is movable relative to the handle between an insertion position and a retracted position. A localization wire is positioned to extend from the handle and into the cannula lumen. An actuator is coupled to the cannula and is configured to operate between a charged condition and a discharged condition to retract the cannula. A collar is mounted to the cannula. The collar includes a key having a key projection. The key projection is not aligned with the keyway when the actuator is in the charged condition and the key projection is aligned with the keyway to facilitate retraction of the cannula toward the retracted position to effect the discharged condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-serial, substantially simultaneous or simultaneous tissue sampling and placement of multiple markers/fiducials in a non-linear, distributed or three dimensional configuration. The systems and methods can be applicable to other forms and combinations of distributed/3 dimensional/spherical localization which may include a single procedure or combination of procedures that may include 3D biopsy, fiducial placement, brachytherapy seed placement, injection/infusion of bioactive materials (e.g., chemotherapy, small molecules, cellular materials, cells, caustic materials, proteolytics, embolic material, glue, etc.), thermally or electrically derived ablation.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to the monitoring of biological substances, such as non-invasive monitoring of such substances in animal, for examples biomarkers and metabolites. Specifically, the invention further relates to such monitoring using rare earth tagged marker compounds. The invention further relates to such monitoring using laser spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. The invention further relates to the use of such monitoring in disease states, such as stroke, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a device capable of determining whether or not cancer has metastasized to a sentinel lymph node, such as the axillary lymph node, thickly covered with fat, safely and in a simple manner without confirmation by biopsy or extirpation. Fluorescence generated in a sentinel lymph node upon the excitation of protoporphyrin (a photosensitizing substance) derived from 5-ALA administered to a subject can be detected by passing a hollow tube, into which a small-diameter optical fiber for launching light and the small-diameter optical fiber for receiving light are inserted, through the lymph vessel to identify the presence or absence of the metastasis of cancer cells even before the surgery of cancer or during prognosis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes an imaging unit, an image generation unit, and a display unit. The imaging unit images a subject injected with blood vessel contrast enhancement particles and diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles. The blood vessel contrast enhancement particles have the first particle size larger than the gap of vascular endothelial cells under the EPR effect. The diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles have the second particle size smaller than the gap. The image generation unit generates a medical image associated with an imaging region of the subject based on output data from the imaging unit. The display unit displays the medical image.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of the anatomy of a patient such as, for example, the prostate. The invention includes a plurality of lumens therein and a balloon portion or other fixating portion. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a lumen for introducing a contrast agent visible to an imaging modality external to the anatomy of the patient. Image space data of the catheter within the anatomy of the patient may be obtained using the imaging modality. The catheter also includes at least a lumen for inserting a registration device for obtaining patient space data regarding the anatomy of the patient. Other lumens and/or other elements visible to the imaging modality may be used. The image space data may be registered to the patient space data for use during an image guided procedure to the anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices and methods for capturing embolic debris. An embolic protection device includes a pigtail catheter having a lumen for housing a guidewire. The distal portion of the catheter has one or more apertures in fluid communication with the lumen and one or more radiopaque markers on the distal-most section. The device includes a self-expanding filter coupled to a side of the catheter and a movable outer sheath surrounding the catheter. The outer sheath holds the filter in a collapsed configuration when surrounding the filter. The outer sheath is proximally retracted to deploy the filter. A method of capturing embolic debris includes inserting a guidewire into a body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, retracting the guidewire, positioning the device using the radiopaque marker, retracting the outer sheath and deploying the filter, performing a procedure, and advancing the outer sheath to recapture the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technology for delivering electromagnetic (EM) energy to nanoparticles (nanos) utilized in the treatment of either existing or potential medical conditions. Nanotechnology is increasingly being used to deliver various types of treatments and remedies for existing medical conditions. Potentially, nanotechnology may be used in an inoculation mode to protect a patient from incurring future medical conditions. Such treatments, either real-time or proactive, may require a method of energizing nanoparticles or nanodevices (collectively referred to as nanos) energized in a noninvasive manner. Similarly nanodoctors or nanosurgeons operating in situ (within the human body) may require a method of being energized.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles comprising an organic photovoltaic semiconductor polymer and a phospholipid, the semiconductor polymer being near-infra red absorbing and generating a detectable photoacoustic signal and a fluorescent emission when irradiated by an incident activation energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein determine an objective metric for analyzing health of a patient's liver. In some embodiments, the system may include a scanner that can detect radiation counts responsive to administration of radioactive compound to a patient. Further, the system may include an image detection module that can access image data responsive to the detected radiation counts by the scanner. The image detection module can programmatically identify a first region of interest corresponding to a liver of the patient from the image data. A parameter calculator module can programmatically determine a first attribute associated with the first region of interest and calculate a first parameter indicating health of the liver of the patient based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first region of interest.

Abstract: A microbubble used as a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging burst due to high intensity of ultrasound, and the burst microbubble effectively acts as a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging. Based on this point, a new apparatus and method for combined photoacoustic and ultrasound diagnosis are provided.