Abstract: A solid fiduciary marker for registering at least two images when imaging the same subject using distinct imaging devices is disclosed. The solid fiduciary marker is visible in at least two of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Planar gamma camera, X-ray CT, planar X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and optical imager. The marker includes at least two of various doping compounds to be detected by the various imaging systems. The doping compounds include a positron emitting nuclide, a gamma emitting nuclide, a doping compound, metal, and a silicone-based polymer is used in association with an MRI device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent of Formula I V-L-Z Formula I where V is a non-peptidic vector having affinity for the Angiotensin II receptor, L is a bond, a spacer or a linker moiety and Z represents a moiety detectable in an in vivo imaging procedure of a human or animal body.

Abstract: A low-density sensor panel assembly system is provided for use with remote marker assemblies that generates a marker signal and for use with a radiation therapy source that generates a radiation beam during radiation therapy. The system includes a sensor array having a layer of sensor coils arranged in a selected pattern and configured to receive the marker signal from the remote marker. A support panel is connected to the sensor array and retains each of the sensor coils in a substantially fixed and unmoving position relative to the other sensor coils. The sensor panel and sensor array define a low-density panel structure configured to dwell in the radiation beam during the radiation therapy.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determination of positron-emission measurement information about a body area which is affected by at least one periodic movement process of an examination object during the course of positron-emission tomography. In at least one embodiment, the method includes a positron-emission measurement being carried out in the body area to be examined of the examination object in order to determine functional positron-emission measurement information, and recording, at the same time as the positron-emission measurement, anatomical measurement information about the body area to be examined is recorded, restricted to one recording plane, for at least one measurement time period, using an anatomical imaging method with high time resolution, in particular using a computed-tomography method.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-accessible medium having executable instructions capable of directing a processor to generate a spatio-temporal maximum-intensity projection from a respiratory phase separated series of images; generate a phase separated four-dimension series of images of various modalities, generate a radiation therapy structure set, and generate a radiation therapy plan, store the spatio-temporal maximum-intensity projection, the respiratory phase separated series of images, the phase separated four-dimension series of images of various modalities, the radiation therapy structure set, and the radiation therapy plan in a memory, receive a selection of a custom range of phase separated series, display a four-dimension phase cine of the custom range of phase separated series having the spatio-temporal maximum-intensity projection, identify a desired phase series for diagnosis and treatment planning, and store the radiation therapy structure set and the radiation therapy plan in the memory.

Abstract: A facility for performing patient localization for radiation therapy is described. The facility activates two or more discrete software modules, and performs interactions between the activated software modules. Based upon the performed interactions, the facility performs patient localization for a radiation therapy session.

Abstract: The design of a compact, handheld, solid-state and high-sensitivity imaging probe and a micro imager system is reported. These instruments can be used as a dedicated tool for detecting and locating sentinel lymph nodes and also for detecting and imaging radioactive material. The reported device will use solid state pixel detectors and custom low-noise frontend/readout integrated circuits. The detector will be designed to have excellent image quality and high spatial resolution. The imaging probes have two different embodiments, which are comprised of a pixelated detector array and a highly integrated readout system, which uses a custom multi-channel mixed signal integrated circuit. The instrument usually includes a collimator in front of the detector array so that the incident photons can be imaged. The data is transferred to an intelligent display system. A hyperspectral image can also be produced and displayed. These devices are designed to be portable for easy use.

Abstract: A method of removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides systems and methods for multi-modal imaging with light and a second form of imaging. Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object. A camera obtains a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the light emitted from the surface of the subject. Software operated by a computer in communication with the camera may then convert two-dimensional spatial distribution data from one or more images into a three-dimensional spatial representation. The second imaging mode may include any imaging technique that compliments light imaging. Examples include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer topography (CT). An object handling system moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and the second imaging system, and is configured to interface with each system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using ultrasound data backscattered from vascular tissue to estimate the transfer function of a catheter (including components attached thereto—e.g., IVUS console, transducer, etc.). Specifically, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a computing device is electrically connected to a catheter and used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). The backscattered ultrasound data is then used, together with an algorithm, to estimate the transfer function. The transfer function can then be used (at least in a preferred embodiment) to calculate response data for the vascular tissue (i.e., the tissue component of the backscattered ultrasound data). In a second embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a catheter and a computing device and is used to acquire RF backscattered data from a vascular structure.

Abstract: A method for processing slice images wherein information indicative of at least one quantitative measure is formed from image sets. The image sets are acquired from at least two imaging directions. At least two of the image sets relating to the imaging directions are used for forming the information. A method for reducing misalignments, a module, a system and a computer program product for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for detecting Alzheimer's disease using positron emission tomography. A normal population mean is obtained using PET. The normal population mean is obtained through the assimilation of a number of normal brain scans. Non-AD images and AD images are compared to observe differences in the uptake of FDG. PET scan results are expressed as relative uptake intensities and indexed by Brodmann's areas. An image is tested by comparing the distance of each mean for each Brodmann's area from the normal distribution. A Receiver Operating Characteristic curve is plotted based on the variation of deviation for the total population of both normal and probable Alzheimer's brain images. Variations in FDG uptake in a brain image as compared to the normal distribution confirms the probability of AD.

Abstract: A method of generating images of a portion of a body includes introducing a contrast agent into the body, generating a first set of image data using radiation at a first energy level after the contrast agent is introduced into the body, generating a second set of image data using radiation at a second energy level after the contrast agent is introduced into the body, and creating a volumetric composite image using the first and the second sets of image data.

Abstract: A method for retrospectively correcting data prior to image reconstruction using an imaging system, wherein the method includes acquiring a first sinogram of a first slice of an object at a first axial field of view and a second sinogram of the first slice of the object at a second axial field of view different than the first axial field of view, determining at least one boundary of the object in the first sinogram and the second sinogram at the first slice, measuring a shift between the first sinogram and the second sinogram using the determined boundaries, and generating a corrected image using the measured shift.

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: A computerized system 40 for locating a device. System 40 includes a sensor module 20 and a CPU 42. A radioactive source 38, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. Module 20 includes a radiation detector 22 capable of receiving a signal from source 38 attached to the device. Module 20 produces an output signal 34. CPU 42 receives output signal(s) 34 and translates output 34 into directional information relating to a position of source 38.

Abstract: Device that can be implanted into the brain, in particular that of a small animal (16), for the detection of radiation emitted by disintegration of a radioisotope, characterized in that it comprises an implantable detector (10) made of a semiconductor material and comprising a number of individual detectors (22), the device also including a system (14) of amplification, shaping, counting and wireless remote transmission circuits that are connected to the individual detectors (22) and are intended to be worn by the animal (16), the latter being awake and free to move.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for superposed MRI and PET imaging and includes an MRI tube that has a first field of view along its longitudinal direction, and a multiplicity of PET detection units arranged opposite one another in pairs about the longitudinal direction. In at least one embodiment the many PET detection units define a second field of view along the longitudinal direction, and their arrangement density along the longitudinal direction is optimized such that the second field of view substantially corresponds to the first field of view.

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 diagnostic system for carcinogenicity diagnoses a risk of developing cancer due to a radioactive material deposited in a human body. The system includes a detecting apparatus that detects radiations emitted from the radioactive material; and a determining apparatus that obtains a dose of the radiations detected by the detecting apparatus and determines the risk based on the dose.

Abstract: Oncology monitoring systems include: (a) a first plurality of radiation sensors configured to reside proximate a target tumor treatment site of a patient, the sensors being configured to provide radiation data associated with the tumor treatment site; and (b) a first portable receiver in communication with the plurality of sensors. The receiver is configured to obtain radiation data from the sensors at a plurality of different times. The receiver is in communication with a local and/or remote computer that tracks variation in the radiation data to provide dynamic tumor site information.

Abstract: A readout electronics scheme is under development for high resolution, compact PET (positron emission tomography) imagers based on LSO (lutetium ortho-oxysilicate, Lu2SiO5) scintillator and avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays. The key is to obtain sufficient timing and energy resolution at a low power level, less than about 30 mW per channel, including all required functions. To this end, a simple leading edge level crossing discriminator is used, in combination with a transimpedance preamplifier. The APD used has a gain of order 1,000, and an output noise current of several pA/?Hz, allowing bipolar technology to be used instead of CMOS, for increased speed and power efficiency. A prototype of the preamplifier and discriminator has been constructed, achieving timing resolution of 1.5 ns FWHM, 2.7 ns full width at one tenth maximum, relative to an LSO/PMT detector, and an energy resolution of 13.6% FWHM at 511 keV, while operating at a power level of 22 mW per channel.

Abstract: An efficient method and system of contouring target volumes and normal tissues at risk using an expert case as interactive tutorial reference for radiation therapy treatment plan is disclosed. Target volume contours based on guidance from a disease-matched expert case is selected by the user. The second imaging data set of a new patient is then displayed and linked with expert's case in a the slice-by-slice and side-by-side fashion and at comparable field-of-view angles. Users can generate the target volume contours on the new patient using expert case as tutorial guidance or overlaying the expert contours onto the new patient's imaging data set followed by reforming the target volume contours to fit the anatomical terrain of the patient. Users can then modify the target volume contours of their patient using expert case as tutorial guidance linked in a the slice-by-slice and side-by-side fashion and at comparable field-of-view angles.

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: The present invention relates to devices for detection of active atheromatous plaque and/or thin-capped fibro-atheroma (“vulnerable plaque”) using selectively targeted radiolabeled compositions, such as beta-emitting compositions.

Abstract: An object is to easily and reliably reach an examination site. The present invention provides an examination method of carrying out in-vivo examination using an in-vivo examination apparatus capable of fluorescence examination and reflected-light examination and includes the steps of setting a reference position so as to set an examination site by carrying out reflected-light examination, switching from reflected-light examination to fluorescence examination, and moving from the reference position to the examination site.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating external beam radiation therapy delivered to a subject include: (a) placing at least one wireless implantable sensor in a first subject at a target location; (b) administering a first dose of radiation therapy into the first subject; (c) obtaining radiation data from the at least one wireless implantable sensor; and (d) calculating a radiation dose amount received by the first subject at the target location based on the radiation data obtained from the at least one wireless sensor during and/or after exposure to the first administered dose of radiation to determine and/or verify a dose amount of radiation delivered to the target location.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) is provided, including a capsule (50), adapted to be swallowed by a subject (54), the capsule (50) including (a) at least one radiation source (60), adapted to emit radiation having an energy of at least 10 keV, and (b) at least one photon detector (62), adapted to detect photons generated responsively to the emitted radiation, the photons having an energy of at least 10 keV. The apparatus (40) additionally includes a control unit (64), adapted to analyze data regarding the photons in order to generate information useful for identifying a clinically-relevant feature of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract (72) of the subject (54).

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating external beam radiation therapy delivered to a subject include: (a) placing at least one wireless implantable sensor in a first subject at a target location; (b) administering a first dose of radiation therapy into the first subject; (c) obtaining radiation data from the at least one wireless implantable sensor; and (d) calculating a radiation dose amount received by the first subject at the target location based on the radiation data obtained from the at least one wireless sensor during and/or after exposure to the first administered dose of radiation to determine and/or verify a dose amount of radiation delivered to the target location.

Abstract: An image reconstruction method for structuring planar images into three-dimension images is disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A time-of-flight PET nuclear imaging device (A) includes radiation detectors (20, 22, 24), electronic circuits (26, 28, 30, 32) for processing output signals from each of detectors (20), a coincidence detector (34), a time-of-flight calculator (38) and image processing circuitry (40). A calibration system (48) includes an energy source (50, 150) which generates an electrical or optical calibration pulse. The electrical calibration pulse is applied at an input to the electronics at an output of the detector and the optical calibration pulse is applied to a preselected point adjacent a face of each optical sensor (20) of the detectors. A calibration processor (52) measures the time differences between the generation of the calibration pulse and the receipt of a trigger signal from the electronic circuitry by the coincidence detector (34) and adjusts adjustable delay circuits (44, 46) to minimize these time differences.

Abstract: A three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging system uses dye markers. Thermoacoustic signals are produced by the dye markers when light from an external source is absorbed by the dye. Thermoacoustic images with and without dye stimulation may be generated using excitation frequencies both inside and outside the frequency band of fluorescence of the dye marker, and these may be combined, and/or combined with conventional ultrasound images for image enhancement. An apparatus for carrying out this method on mice, uses a commercially available array of transducers positioned opposite to the body of the mouse, which is immersed in a coupling media. A source of illumination such as a laser directs light to the mouse through the coupling media, and resulting acoustic waves are captured by the array and reconstructed to form an image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-phase cardiac CT imaging includes an adaptive, selective reconstruction process that, when possible, implements an image or non-phase location driven reconstruction process to reconstruct cardiac CT images. If the hardware parameters support an image location driven reconstruction for the particular imaging session then the image location driven reconstruction is implemented. However, if image location driven reconstruction is not supported, a default phase location driven reconstruction is employed. Image location driven reconstruction improves system throughput and improves image quality as more cardiac phase locations can routinely be generated to better “freeze” the motion of the heart of a patient.

Abstract: Intraoperative radiation detection probes and cameras for use in surgical or transcutaneous procedures or procedures incorporating probes inserted through body orifices to aid in the location, detection and removal of radiation labeled cells, abnormal tissue or deposits thereon incorporate solid state or silicon photomultiplier (SSPM, or SiPM) devices to provide safe, highly sensitive and compact beta and gamma probes or cameras for use in locating the radiation labeled sites within the human body or abnormal labeled sites within the body. The probes may include both gamma and beta detecting components as well as means for enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of the beta detectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating external beam radiation therapy delivered to a subject include: (a) placing at least one wireless implantable sensor in a first subject at a target location; (b) administering a first dose of radiation therapy into tile first subject; (c) obtaining radiation data from the at least one wireless implantable sensor; and (d) calculating a radiation dose amount received by the first subject at the target location based on the radiation data obtained from the at least one wireless sensor during and/or after exposure to the first administered dose of radiation to determine and/or verify a dose amount of radiation delivered to the target location.

Abstract: A dedicated mobile PET imaging system to image the prostate and surrounding organs. The imaging system includes an outside high resolution PET imager placed close to the patient's torso and an insertable and compact transrectal probe that is placed in close proximity to the prostate and operates in conjunction with the outside imager. The two detector systems are spatially co-registered to each other. The outside imager is mounted on an open rotating gantry to provide torso-wide 3D images of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs. The insertable probe provides closer imaging, high sensitivity, and very high resolution predominately 2D view of the prostate and immediate surroundings. The probe is operated in conjunction with the outside imager and a fast data acquisition system to provide very high resolution reconstruction of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

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: Apparatus is provided for use with at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, the apparatus including a container (22) containing the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, and a portable computer-communicatable data carrier (120, 24) associated with the container (22), the data carrier (120, 24) containing imaging protocol information for use with the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting clinically-relevant features of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject are disclosed. The apparatus includes a capsule to be swallowed by a subject and passing through the GI tract of the subject, a capsule housing, a radiation source emitting radiation, a rotatable collimator configured to rotate with respect to the housing and to collimate the radiation emitted by the radiation source, and a radiation detector configured to detect particles, such as photons, gamma radiation, beta radiation and electrons photons generated responsive to the emitted radiation. The apparatus also includes a control unit configured to analyze data regarding the photons. Movement of the capsule in the GI tract can be detected from a comparison between at least two images acquired with the apparatus. The radiation source, radiation detector and control unit may advantageously be integrated inside a single housing.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance tomography apparatus for evaluation of a cinematographic image series of the heart during a heart cycle, wherein the image series is acquired with an acquisition unit, and in the image series healthy heart muscle tissue is presented as differentiable from damaged heart muscle tissue, at least two individual images of the image series are processed in a data processing unit, with at least one region of the healthy heart muscle and/or of the damaged heart muscle being detected in each of the individual images by a pattern recognition algorithm, and at least one descriptive quantity is measured that describes a geometric property of the region that has been detected by the pattern recognition algorithm, a dynamic change of the descriptive quantity is detected, and medically-relevant information that is acquired from the dynamic change of the descriptive quantity is made available as an output.

Abstract: In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes first means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, and second means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image. The first imaging mode is selected from the group: x-ray mode and radio isotopic mode. The second imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode and dark-field mode. A removable phosphor screen is employed when the first image is captured and not employed when the second image is captured. The phosphor screen is adapted to transduce ionizing radiation to visible light. The phosphor screen is adapted to be removable without moving the immobilized object. The system can further include means for generating a third image comprised of the first and second image.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting a disease state in a targeted organ is described using nuclear medicine techniques. In preferred embodiments, a radiotracer with specific uptake for diseased portions of the targeted organ is administered to a patient. A gamma ray counter with at least one gamma ray detector is used to count gamma rays emitted by the radiotracer. By placing the gamma ray detector over the location of the targeted organ, the gamma ray counter can provide a quick yes or no answer on whether the disease state exists in the targeted organ.

Abstract: A radiotherapeutic system including non-invasive and real-time tumor tracking includes: a signal detector for detecting radioactive rays emitted from a tumor to which the radioactive medical supply is adsorbed and generating an electrical signal; a signal processor for converting the electrical signal generated into a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate signal; a controller for generating a control signal in conjunction with the 3D coordinate signal output by the signal processor; and a radioactive-ray irradiation device for emitting radioactive rays to the tumor, wherein the amount of the radioactive rays is controlled by the controller.

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: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurements of radiation in brachytherapy accomplished through scintillating material detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during brachytherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source or providing feedback of sensed radiation. The catheter may also be a mammosite type catheter. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers. The output may then be used to measure and compute radiation distribution maps using Monte Carlo reconstruction simulation. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and to a corresponding method for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (10) and a detector system (30, 31) which comprises a detector (30) for collecting the light reflected by a specimen (1) to be examined and has a sensitivity to the light reflected by the specimen (1). In order to reduce the times required for the most reliable possible recording of interference signals provision is made such that the sensitivity of the detector system (30, 31) to the light reflected by the specimen (1) and impinging on the detector (30) is modulated with a modulation frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.