Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. The invention further provides to binding agents and kits for us e.g., in such methods. The present invention further relates to compositions, methods of making said compositions and methods of using the same, including use in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, including lung, lymphoma, liver, thyroid and bladder cancer. Compositions of the present invention useful in the treatment of cancer include anti-sense and small inhibitory RNAs (siRNA).

Abstract: A radiation measuring system includes a whole-body counter having upper and lower radiation detectors that are located in front of a measurement space, which has an inlet passage and is located in a housing, and that detects respective internal radiations of a measurement target and first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to one of a thyroid gland, a lung, a whole body, or a hypogastrium, and a processor controlling determination of an internal radioactive contamination location of the measurement target, based on a ratio of the first and second internal radiations, applying the optimal measurement geometry corresponding to the ratio of the first and second internal radiations, and detecting the first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to the internal radioactive contamination location.

Abstract: A radiation targeting system is provided. The system can include an introducer and an implant. The implant can be disposed within a cannula of the introducer and the implant can include a wire stem and multiple different wire branches each extending outwardly from a proximal portion of the wire stem. A radiation source can then be used to target the implant so that radiation therapy can be delivered to a patient. Optionally, a loader and a trocar can be included with the system.

Abstract: A system for calculating a position of a radioactivity emitting source in a system-of-coordinates, the system comprising (a) a radioactive emission detector; (b) a position tracking system being connected to and/or communicating with the radioactive emission detector; and (c) a data processor being designed and configured for receiving data inputs from the position tracking system and from the radioactive emission detector and for calculating the position of the radioactivity emitting source in the system-of-coordinates.

Abstract: A fiducial marker for use in a gamma-guided stereotactic localization system for imaging a suspected cancer and guiding a physician in the removal of tissue samples for biopsy. The fiducial marker includes a fiducial source that can be accurately located in a positioning system and used to correlate the location of the positioning system with the detector and therefore the region-of-interest. The fiducial can be made radioactive such that it can be seen by the gamma camera. The fiducial marker enables the accurate positioning of other hardware in proximity to the object to be viewed.

Abstract: A nuclear probe and ultrasound transducer are interconnected, such as being in a same hand-held housing. The interconnection aligns the coordinate systems in a known spatial relationship. The ultrasound data is used to detect transducer offset or change in position without a tracking sensor. The radiation detected by the nuclear probe may be reconstructed into an image based on the detected transducer position since the nuclear probe moves with the ultrasound transducer. Both anatomical and functional imaging may be provided together without the complications of calibration and tracking. Where a therapeutic transducer is included, therapy may also be provided. The anatomical and functional information identifies the regions for treatment. The same device, already positioned correctly based on the functional and anatomical imaging, is then used for treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound.

Abstract: An aspect of an embodiment of the invention, relates to an imaging capsule for scanning inside a living body with a fail-safe radiation mechanism that prevents the emission of radiation from the imaging capsule until the imaging capsule is instructed to emit radiation and power is available to activate a motor to unblock the emission of radiation. Optionally, when power is not available the imaging capsule automatically, blocks the emission of radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) provides enhanced tumor analysis and, optionally, a real-time biopsy guidance. The system includes a detector head including a gamma ray detector and a multisegment collimator in a collimator frame. The collimator contains multiple collimation sections that have respectively different collimating characteristic and that are individually repositionable with respect to the detector. An image of the tissue acquired with the system may include spatially separate image portions containing image information about the same portion of the imaged tissue. A system of mounting the multisegment collimator in the detector head includes a collimator tray that is laterally moveable within the frame and/or slidable in and out of the frame.

Abstract: A hybrid magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system reduces likelihood of artifact distortion in PET images attributable to MR local coil cables and connectors in the patient table. MR local coil cables coupling the MR scanner and the MR local coil connectors are oriented so that they are outside the scanner field of view when performing PET scans.

Abstract: Image reconstruction techniques for a medical imaging system are provided that include receiving pixel data from a gamma camera of an imaging system, and calculating a subsequent voxel value from the pixel data by subtracting an expected pixel value from a measured pixel value of the pixel data to produce a difference and correcting a previous voxel value by adding a weighted value of the difference to the previous voxel value. An imaging system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic axis of a body structure includes generating at least two two-dimensional recordings of an area of the body structure; comparing each of the at least two recordings of the area with a generic model of the area in question, said generic model containing information on the position of the characteristic axis; ascertaining a mapping protocol for mapping the respective generic model onto the respective recording of the area; using the ascertained mapping protocol to map the respective position of the characteristic axis in the respective generic model to obtain the respective position of the characteristic axis in the two-dimensional mapping of the body structure; and using rear projection to determine a three-dimensional position of the characteristic axis from the at least two characteristic axes in the two-dimensional mappings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining attenuation values for PET data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes detecting at least one accessory of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and detecting the position and/or alignment of the accessory by way of an imaging measuring method; comparing the detected accessory with data from a database; and assigning an attenuation map, which is contained in the database, to attenuation values of the detected accessory and adapting the attenuation map to the detected position and/or alignment of the accessory.

Abstract: A apparatus particularly well suited for use in medical imaging includes radiation sensitive detectors (40, 50) which detect gamma radiation indicative of radionuclide decays in an examination region (30). The detectors (40, 50) are supported by generally c-shaped support (70) for rotation about a detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) is farther attached to a pivot joint (77) which allows adjustment of the detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) may also be translated in two degrees of freedom to so that the detectors (40, 50) orbit the examination region (20) in a non-circular orbit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breast imaging are provided. One includes a gantry, a first nuclear medicine detector mounted to the gantry and having a multi-bore collimator coupled thereto, and a second nuclear medicine detector mounted to the gantry and having a multi-bore collimator coupled thereto. The first and second nuclear medicine detectors are configured to be independently titled with respect to a breast therebetween.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for real-time tracking of a target in a human body. In one embodiment of the invention, positron emission marker may be implanted into a target, the positron emission marker having a low activity positron isotope. In one embodiment, annihilation gamma rays associated with the low activity positron isotope may be detected using a plurality of position-sensitive detectors. In another embodiment, the target may be tracked in real-time based on a position of the positron emission marker.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device includes detector elements (16) for detecting y-rays indicative of nuclear decay events. Pairs of concurrently detected ?-rays define lines of response (LORs) which are collected, time stamped, and compiled in list-mode. In tissue perfusion studies, it is beneficial to use the data that concurrently maximizes contrast and signal-to-noise ratio in the reconstructed images. Using the list-mode data, events in an adjustable temporal window (33) are reconstructed and the reconstructed images are analyzed to determine a figure of merit based on contrast and signal-to-noise properties of the image. By iteratively adjusting the temporal window, extending its start point (36) backwards in time, and repeating the reconstructing, analyzing, and adjusting steps, an image with an optimal figure of merit is obtained.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a hybrid medical imaging unit including a first imaging device of relatively high spatial resolution and a second nuclear medicine imaging device of relatively high sensitivity that respectively acquire imaging measurement signals from a common examination volume. In at least one embodiment, the method includes determining the duration of the measurement signal acquisition of one imaging device as a function of the duration of the measurement signal acquisition of the other imaging device, which is defined by the occurrence of a specific truncation criterion.

Abstract: When detecting and classifying hypo-metabolic regions in the brain to facilitate dementia diagnosis, a patient's brain scan image, generated using an FDG-PET scan, is compared to a plurality of hypo-metabolic region patterns in brain scan images associated with a plurality of types of dementia. In a fully automated mode, the patient's scan is compared to all scans stored in a knowledge base, and a type of dementia associated with a most likely match is output to a user along with a highlighted image of the patient' s brain. In a semi-automated mode, a user specifies two or more types of dementia, and the patient's scan is compared to scans typical of the specified types. Diagnosis information including respective likelihoods for each type is then output to the user. Additionally, the user can adjust a threshold significance level to increase or decrease a number of voxels that are included in hypo-metabolic regions highlighted in the patient' brain scan image.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method, a device and/or a computer program product for creating a (three- or four-dimensional) model from a number of different image datasets from a number of modalities. To this end, in at least one embodiment, the image datasets are fitted into a representation provided, the different image datasets being automatically enriched with contour lines and integrated into the representation. The model is created from this.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker to be used inside human or animal body, comprising an elongated wire of a radiation retarding and/or radioactive material, wherein the wire is arranged with at least one bending means, capable of bending the wire upon insertion in human tissue. The invention also relates to a penetration needle to be used with the marker as well as a tool for facilitating the insertion and creation of the marker according to the invention.

Abstract: An index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw in orthodontic treatment, an index for deciding disharmony of the maxilla and mandible in dental treatment, and an index for deciding dentofacial deformity. The distance (S?A) between S and A, the distance (S?B) between S and B and the distance (Go?Me) between Go and Me are measured by the cephalometric radiography of a patient. By using the distances, P=((S?B)+(Go?Me))/(S?A) is calculated by a processor. P is used as an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw in orthodontic treatment, an index for deciding disharmony of the maxilla and mandible in dental treatment, or an index for deciding dentofacial deformity. Instead of P, Q=(P?[P])×1000 ([ ] denotes Gauss's symbol) (where 2.000?P<3.000) or Q=(P?([P]+1))×1000 (where P<2.000) may be calculated by a processor and used.

Abstract: A method of detecting and/or analyzing a radioactive source emitting charged or neutral particles in a biological tissue, consisting essentially in using scintillating fibers having particular ratios of length or diameter to range of the particles emitted by the source; scanning the surface of the material with the detection rod; collecting by means of a SiPM, the scintillation light output generated by the particles having interacted with the scintillating fibers and emitted at the outlet end; optionally selecting signals corresponding to the particles entering the scintillating fibers in a substantially axial direction, that eliminates the particles from certain angles between the axis of the scintillating fiber and the direction of the particles entering the scintillating fiber, correlating the scintillation light output and the selected signals to the presence of a source of radiation located in the material to be analyzed; and optionally communicating these data to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a PET-MRI combination apparatus which can extend transaxial and axial fields of view (FOV) by transmitting an output signal from a photo sensor to the outside of an MRI bore using cable. The PET-MRI combination apparatus includes an MRI bore for capturing an MR image of an object. A PET detector is installed inside imaging space of the MRI bore, and is configured such that a plurality of scintillation crystal arrays, each having scintillation crystals arranged in a ring shape, is arranged in a longitudinal direction so as to extend a axial field of view (FOV). A PET circuit unit is installed outside the MRI bore to prevent the PET circuit unit from being influenced by a magnetic field in the MRI bore, and is configured to include a signal amplification circuit and a signal processing circuit. A cable is configured to connect the PET detector to the PET circuit unit.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described for automatically generating a transformation matrix for correlating images from an ultrasound modality with images from another modality (or with ultrasound images acquired at a different point in time). Ultrasound volumetric data and volumetric data yielded from another image modality are examined to identify and/or extract features. The transformation matrix is automatically generated, or populated, based at least in part upon common features that are identified in both the ultrasound volumetric data and the volumetric data yielded from the other image modality. The transformation matrix can then be used to correlate images from the different modalities (e.g., to display a CT image of an object next to an ultrasound image of the object, where the images are substantially similar to one another even though they were acquired using different modalities).

Abstract: In a medical system, at least one medically operative member (10, 12, 100) is configured to interact with or acquire data from a subject (74) disposed in an examination region. An array of photosensors (70, 170) is disposed on the at least one medically operative member. The array of photosensors is arranged to view the examination region. A position-determining member (82, 82a, 82b) is configured to determine a position of at least one optically detectable marker (72, 172) disposed with the subject in the examination region based on light from the at least one optically detectable marker sensed by the array of photosensors.

Abstract: Biocompatible sensors configured for implantation include a first body in communication with a plurality of remote sensor bodies to detect physiological parameters in vivo.

Abstract: A variable focus collimator device and method for functional neurological screening. The variable focus collimator uses sets of corresponding holes in two plates of gamma shielding material, arranged so that only gamma rays emitted from a defined focal region detected. If a suitable radio-labeled tracer has been administered to the patient, this may be used to obtain and compare basal and stimulated data from a small number of regions in the brain to diagnose the presence or absence of dementias. The regions of the brain observer are typically about a cm cubed in volume, and their activity is monitored using small doses (<2 mCi) of radio-labeled, brain perfusion agents. The regions used are easily and repeatably located relative to well-known anthropological and radiological fiducials. By simply use of symmetry, ratios and cortical to cerebellar comparisons, rapid (˜15 minute) screening for dementia may be accomplished.

Abstract: A data processing process and embodiment for optimizing the signal path for multi-modality imaging is described. The embodiment and process optimizes the signal to noise ratio in a positron emission tomography (PET) signal path utilizing scintillation crystals, avalanche photo diodes, and charge sensitive preamplifiers in a dual modality MRI/PET scanner. The dual use of both and analog pole zero circuit and a digital filter enables higher signal levels or a fixed ADC input range and thus a higher possible signal to noise ratio in the presence of significant pileup caused by high positron activity. The higher signal to noise ratio is needed in the PET signal architecture, because of the presence of non-modal time varying electromagnetic fields from the MR, which are a significant source of noise for the wideband PET signal modality.

Abstract: A probe for detecting K-alpha photon emissions. A housing has an aperture at an end. A detector crystal is situated within the housing adjacent to the housing aperture. An energy conversion device is situated within the housing between the detector crystal and the aperture. The energy conversion device is made from a predetermined material configured to convert energy directed through the housing aperture from a source of primary photon emission radiation to a corresponding secondary K-alpha emission within a predetermined emission energy acceptance window. A power supply is coupled to the detector crystal and is configured to establish a polarized electrical field between the anode and the cathode of the detector crystal. The detector crystal receives the K-alpha emission and generates an electrical signal representative of the amount of target emissions received through the housing aperture.

Abstract: A medical examination and/or treatment device for performing image acquisitions and/or radiation- or instrument-based treatments in an examination or treatment region is provided, The device may include an image acquisition means and/or a treatment means and a patient table, wherein a detection means for determining the position of a patient located on the patient table is provided, the detection means including a radiation emitter which irradiates the patient in at least one region and emits terahertz radiation, at least one radiation receiver detecting reflected terahertz radiation, and a processing means processing the receiver signals supplied by the radiation receiver, wherein the processing means can generate an image showing the surface of the irradiated patient region on the basis of the receiver signals and the position of the patient region relative to the examination or treatment region can be determined on the basis of said image.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.

Abstract: A holder of a magnetic storage apparatus is suggested that can efficiently absorb the shock when a vibration or shock is applied to the magnetic storage apparatus. A plurality of holding members (first shock absorbing material foam rubber 340 and second shock absorbing material foam rubber 350) that hold at least two corner parts of the magnetic storage apparatus 320 is included. The holding members are configured in a way that a total sum of holding power to hold one of opposite angles of the magnetic storage apparatus 320 and a total sum of holding power to hold the other of opposite angles are different. The first shock absorbing material foam rubber 340 is disposed on one of opposite angles, and the second shock absorbing material foam rubber 350 is disposed on the other of the opposite angles. The first shock absorbing material foam rubber 340 has greater hardness than the hardness of the second shock absorbing material foam rubber 350.

Abstract: The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm.

Abstract: The strontium-rubidium infusion system has a container with eluent, a strontium-rubidium generator with a filter and pressure sensor, an eluate infusion unit, which are connected via a transporting system having pipes and two three-way valves, radioactivity measuring means and a control and operating unit. An eluent container is connected to a syringe pump via the first and second ports of the first three-way valve, the first port of the second three-way valve is connected with pipes via the second filter to the eluate infusion unit, the second port is connected to a waste receptacle. The third and fourth three-way valves, the first and second air bubbles detectors are connected to the control and operating unit connected with a computer. The third three-way valve is connected with its first and second ports via pipes to the third port of the first three-way valve and the input of the generator, respectively.

Abstract: A method for in-situ monitoring both the balloon/cavity and the radioactive source in brachytherapy treatment utilizing using at least one pair of miniature gamma cameras to acquire separate images of: 1) the radioactive source as it is moved in the tumor volume during brachytherapy; and 2) a relatively low intensity radiation source produced by either an injected radiopharmaceutical rendering cancerous tissue visible or from a radioactive solution filling a balloon surgically implanted into the cavity formed by the surgical resection of a tumor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining and displaying at least one piece of information on a target volume, especially in a human body, the information being obtained from an image record. At least one embodiment of the method includes: a first and at least one second image record of a target zone encompassing the target volume are recorded, the first image record having a higher contrast regarding the boundaries of the target volume, and the first and the second image record being registered together; the target volume is segmented in the first image record; target volume image data.

Abstract: A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: There are provided new iodo- and bromo-compounds, and their use as diagnostic agents and imaging agents for diseases and disorders wherein S1P receptor expression is altered.

Abstract: A computer system and a computer-implemented method are provided for interactively displaying a three-dimensional rendering of a structure having a lumen and for indicating regions of abnormal wall structure. A three-dimensional volume of data is formed from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the three-dimensional structure. An isosurface of a selected region of interest is created by a computer from the volume of data based on a selected value or values of a physical property representing the selected region of interest. A wireframe model of the isosurface is generated by the computer wherein the wireframe model includes a plurality of vertices. The vertices are then grouped into populations of contiguous vertices having a characteristic indicating abnormal wall structure by the computer. The wireframe model is then rendered by the computer in an interactive three-dimensional display to indicate the populations of abnormal wall structure.

Abstract: Methods and system for treatment planning for non- and minimally-invasive alteration of body adipose tissue for reduction and contouring of body fat are described herein. Treatment plans can be generated by capturing current body part data (e.g., positioning, contour/shape, thickness of adipose tissue, etc.), determining desired outcome of treatment (e.g., percent reduction of adipose tissue thickness, degree of contour change, etc.), and determining treatment parameters to achieve desired results. Algorithms can be used to determine best-fit treatment parameters to use in treatment sessions. In some embodiments, the system can provide a predictive end-result image for communication to patient and/or for determining alteration of desired outcome. In various embodiments, real-time monitoring of feedback data can be used to determine treatment plan efficacy.

Abstract: The radiation imaging device acquires incident position information of radiation for each detector by setting the size of a through-hole such that at least one pixel is arrayed in a plane view from a direction perpendicular to the detector plane; arranges a septa in displacing from a boundary line between a detector pair in a plane view from a direction perpendicular to the detector plane; further arranging the septa so as to be orthogonal to the boundary line between the detector pair in a plane view from a direction perpendicular to the detector plane; arranges the top of the through-hole in a plane view from a direction perpendicular to the detector plane, in displacing from the boundary line of the detector pair; and arranges the top of the detectors in a plane view from a direction perpendicular to the detector plane so as to be visible through the through-hole.

Abstract: A probe (14; 14?), comprising an ultrasonic probe (56a,56b; 74a,74b) and a pixellated radiation detector (16) with discrete detecting elements (50a,50b,50c) for detecting a predefined radiation. The probe (14) is adapted to be located at least partially within a body cavity. Also, an imaging method, comprising employing such a probe (14) to form an image while located within a body cavity, and a dosimetry method, comprising employing such a probe (14) to conduct dosimetry while located within a body cavity.

Abstract: A method of fluorescence imaging is provided. The method provides for simultaneously acquiring image data at a plurality of phases and a plurality of frequencies from a region of interest, identifying at least one desired signal and at least one background signal in the acquired image data associated with the region of interest, constructing a digital filter based upon the at least one desired signal and the at least one background signal, wherein the digital filter is configured to enhance image contrast and applying the digital filter to the acquired image data associated with the region of interest to enhance image contrast in the acquired image data. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also provided.

Abstract: A stereotactic gamma-guided localization system for imaging a suspected cancer and guiding a physician in the removal of tissue samples for biopsy. The gamma-guided localization system includes a three step procedure including localization, correlation, and verification. The localization system includes a gamma camera with a set of slant-hole collimators for producing stereo images of a region of interest. A positioning system including a fiducial marker is placed adjacent to the object to be imaged and held rigidly in place to provide correlation of the location of the region of interest relative to the fiducial marker. A gamma emitting marker is then positioned at the calculated location of the region of interest and imaged to verify that that the calculated position corresponds to the actual location. The positioning system can then be used to accurately position and support any other hardware that needs to be positioned at the region of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed provide for guiding a tool using a source of radioactivity. The method includes implanting a source of radioactivity at a position having a geometric relationship to a target tissue, determining at least an indication of a location of the source using at least one radioactivity detecting position sensor, and positioning a tool at a desired relative location with respect to the target tissue based on the determined location.

Abstract: An ECG-prep scan is used to set an optimum time phase in both systole and diastole of the heart. At each of the different time phases, an imaging scan is started to acquire a plurality of sets of echo data. An artery/vein visually separated blood flow image is produced from the echo data. The imaging scan uses a half-Fourier technique, for example. This provides high-quality blood flow images with shorter scan time, without injecting a contrast medium. Additionally, with a readout gradient pulse applied substantially parallel with a direction of slowly flowing blood, a scan is performed in synchronism with an optimally determined cardiac time phase. The readout gradient pulse has a dephasing pulse for enhancing differences in a flow void effect depending on blood flow velocities. This enables slow-speed flows, such as blood flows in the inferior limb, to be depicted without fail.