Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure using a trans-septal approach. The device includes a dilator including a proximal end, a distal end terminating in a distal tip, and a lumen extending between the dilator proximal and distal ends, and a needle device including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into the dilator lumen and terminating in a sharpened distal tip. The needle is movable relative to the dilator to selectively expose the needle device distal tip distally from the dilator lumen and advance the dilator relative to the needle device. The dilator may have a complex tapered shape on its distal tip, e.g., including first and second tapered regions. The needle device may include an inner needle including the sharpened distal tip and an outer tube including a substantially blunt distal end that slidably receives the inner needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying the position and orientation of a linear instrument (1) navigated with respect to a 3D medical image (V), wherein: said linear instrument (1) is coupled to a guide (2); the guide (2) is tracked by a navigation system with respect to the 3D image (V); a plane (4) containing the axis of the linear instrument (1) is virtually attached to the guide (2); a slice reformatted in the 3D image and containing said plane (4) is displayed. Another object of the invention is a system for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an ultrasonic probe, a display, an actuator, and a needle assembly. The display is associated with the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe is configured to send a signal to the display to generate an image on the display. The needle assembly is coupled to the actuator and is at least partially disposed within a channel defined in the ultrasonic probe. The actuator is configured to move the needle assembly in a distal direction relative to the ultrasonic probe and through the channel of the ultrasonic probe from a retracted position to a deployed position.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Iconic representations for depiction on the display of the system and relating to positional and other characteristics of the catheter or medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various approaches for calibrating the geometry of an ultrasound transducer having multiple transducer elements include providing an acoustic reflector spanning an area traversing by multiple beam paths of ultrasound waves transmitted from all (or at least some) transducer elements to a focal zone; causing the transducer elements to transmit the ultrasound waves to the focal zone; measuring reflections of the ultrasound waves off the acoustic reflector; and based at least in part on the measured reflections, determining optimal geometric parameters associated with the transducer elements.

Abstract: Retreating stop ultrasound needle guide systems are disclosed. In one example approach, a needle guide system includes a guiding component which can be positioned at different locations and angles on a mounting component, where the mounting component can be coupled to a distal end of an ultrasound probe. When positioned at the different locations and angles on the mounting component, the guiding component can guide a needle through the skin of a patient at a constant point and when the needle is advanced so that a hub of the needle reaches a stop of the guiding component, a tip of the needle is positioned directly underneath the ultrasound at a pre-selected depth.

Abstract: A system and a method for disrupting an occlusion within a blood vessel is provided The system includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first lumen. The system further includes an ultrasound transmitter extending longitudinally through the first lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system further includes a positioning mechanism located at a distal end of the catheter body. The positioning mechanism has a first retracted position and a second deployed position, and the positioning mechanism is radially expandable from the first retracted position to the second deployed position to position the catheter in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A puncture adapter according to the embodiment includes a first pressing part that has a first surface and a second surface serving as a surface opposite to the first surface; a second pressing part that has a third surface; a fixing part that fixes, when a probe body is covered with a cover, the first pressing part and the second pressing part to the probe body with the cover interposed between a cutout surface of a cutout portion of the probe body and the first surface of the first pressing part and with the third surface of the second pressing part brought into contact with the second surface of the first pressing part; and a guide groove that guides a puncture needle, and is formed on at least one of the second surface of the first pressing part and the third surface of the second pressing part.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, a system and method for use in image guided medical instrument manipulation. Embodiments describe various apparatuses having a mount operable to receive an imaging probe, a body guide and a medical instrument guide. There are also described methods and a systems for using the various apparatuses to position the apparatus and collect data relating to the position of the medical instrument relative to a target within a patient's body. Further methods include using the apparatus and system in epidural anaesthetic procedure or lumbar puncture. The apparatus may include a hand-held ultrasound probe, configured to acquire a volumetric dataset representing a 3-D depiction of a volume, which may include information about a medical instrument's position relative to the target in three dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking an interventional tool based on a spatial alignment of two or more acoustic sensors relative to the interventional tool include operating an acoustic imaging device to generate an acoustic image plane, and operating each acoustic sensor to output a composite acoustic sensing waveform derived from an acoustic sensing of the acoustic beam array. Each composite acoustic sensing waveform can include a plurality of acoustic beam sensing waveforms. The system and method can further include operating a tracking workstation to track a position of the interventional tool relative to the acoustic image plane derived from a waveform profile analysis of the composite acoustic sensing waveforms.

Abstract: There are provided an acoustic wave image generating apparatus and a control method thereof for making an insertion needle clear. A first ultrasound image is generated using ultrasound echo signals obtained from a first plurality of ultrasound transducers. From the first ultrasound image, an evaluation value indicating the discontinuity of a needle is calculated for an image of an insertion needle. In a case where the calculated evaluation value is less than a threshold value, a second ultrasound image is generated using ultrasound echo signals obtained from a second plurality of ultrasound transducers whose number is larger than the first plurality. The first ultrasound image is displayed if the evaluation value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the second ultrasound image is displayed if the evaluation value is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system (10) for inspecting an object (33) in a volume (32). The ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound image acquisition probe (14) for acquiring three-dimensional ultrasound images and providing three-dimensional ultrasound image data, comprising a tracking device (25, 27) for tracking a position of the ultrasound image acquisition probe (14) and providing a viewpoint position (128, 130) of the three-dimensional ultrasound images. By this, an improved initialization and improved co-registration and co-segmentation is enabled by providing a plurality of three-dimensional ultrasound images and their respective viewpoint positions (128, 130), and to conduct a segmentation (80) of the object (33) simultaneously out of the plurality of three-dimensional ultrasound images and taking into account the viewpoint positions (128, 130).

Abstract: Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Abstract: A tissue puncture assembly includes an ultrasound probe, a tissue puncture device, and an adjustment device. The ultrasound probe includes a probe end arranged to contact a tissue surface, the ultrasound probe being operable to determine a depth of a body cavity positioned below the tissue surface. The tissue puncture device is configured to penetrate the tissue surface to gain access to the body cavity. The adjustment device is mounted to the ultrasound probe and operable to adjust an orientation of the tissue puncture device relative to the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A needle guide device for releasable mounting on an imaging transducer or on an adaptor bracket on an imaging transducer is disclosed. The needle guide device includes a universal lockable mounting member which is configured for slidable releasable engagement with a coupling member on a specially constructed imaging transducer or on a conventional imaging transducer onto which a specially constructed adaptor is mounted. The needle guide device makes use of a slidable mounting member to cooperate with the coupling member. The needle guide device is adjustable to establish various selectable angular trajectories for a needle and has a low profile form factor to result in the creation of a minimal blind zone when mounted on the transducer and even if establishing a large angle for shallow needle penetration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an ultrasound portion configured to acquire an image of a region of interest of a subject. The apparatus further includes an instrument carrying portion configured to carry and employ an instrument to perform a procedure at the region of interest based on the image. The ultrasound and instrument carrying portions are enclosed in the same enclosure. The apparatus, including both the ultrasound portion and instrument carrying portion, is configured to be transported and operated via at least a single hand of a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus includes a capturing part configured to photograph a target site of a subject to capture a medical image. The medical image diagnosis apparatus further includes a positional information acquisition unit, a guideline generator, and a display processor. The positional information acquisition unit acquires the positional information of a puncture needle inserted into of the subject. The guideline generator generates a guideline that indicates an insertion route for the puncture needle to reach the target site based on the positional information. The guideline includes scales graduated at predetermined intervals. The display processor displays the guideline with the medical image.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe structure dedicated for guiding the puncture needle. It has a passage in the center of the structure and the diameter of the passage is equal to the outer diameter of puncture needle. The bony and non-bony tissues can be distinguished according to the strength of the echoes so that the puncture needle can be guided to avoid hitting the bony tissue before or during insertion.

Abstract: An indicator element of a percutaneous needle guide for a medical scanning device includes a pointer for pointing to a percutaneous needle entry site on an epidermis of a body, when the guide is attached to the device and the device is positioned over the epidermis for scanning. A user may orient and insert a needle into the entry site according to the direction of the pointer, by just viewing the pointer, without the needle being constrained by the pointer. The guide may include an adjustment mechanism for moving the indicator element with respect to the device, when the guide is attached to the device; the adjustment mechanism moves the indicator element, without changing an orientation of the pointer, in a direction approximately parallel to a plane that is approximately tangent with an apex of the device transducer surface and approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: To accurately generate the three-dimensional ultrasound data and/or determine the position of the ultrasound scan relative to pre-operative data, a tracking sensor is releasably connected with the ultrasound probe. The connection positions the tracking sensor near a distal end of the probe for insertion into the patient. A needle guide may be similarly releasably connected with the probe and, at least in part, inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed. The surgical instrument system may include an instrument configured to puncture the tissue of a patient and detect when the instrument has entered a lumen of the patient's body. Liquid may be present in the lumen or the lumen may be devoid of liquid or tissue. The instrument is configured to determine when the needle tip is engaged with a portion of patient's tissue and determine when the needle tip has exited that portion of the patient's tissue by detecting changes in properties of the tissue, specifically, electrical resistance.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains three-dimensional medical image data, taken by using an ultrasound probe, of a region including a heart valve of a patient and a catheter inserted into a heart chamber of the patient. The processing circuitry determines an advancing direction of a tip end part of the catheter by obtaining information on a position and a posture of the tip end part included in the three-dimensional medical image data, by using at least one selected from shape information indicating the shape of the tip end part and reflection characteristic information indicating ultrasound reflection characteristics of the tip end part. The processing circuitry generates a display image from the three-dimensional medical image data in accordance with the position and the advancing direction of the tip end part. The processing circuitry causes the display image to be displayed.

Abstract: A needle guidance apparatus is an accessory that is configured to be coupled to an ultrasound transducer probe and is configured to align and guide the placement of a needle to a target location beneath the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An medical device guide system includes a probe configured for imaging portions of a patient's body, a first guide connector extending from a first surface of the probe, the first guide connector including a first mounting surface, and a guide removably mountable to the first guide connector. The guide may include a first cavity shaped to receive the first mounting surface and a first channel disposed on a top surface of the guide opposite the first cavity, the first channel angled at a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the probe and configured to guide a medical device to a targeted depth in the patient's body.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of cut outs extending laterally into the needle body, each of the plurality of cut outs extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis from an outer surface of the needle body toward the distal end thereof so that the channel is open to an exterior of the needle body via the plurality of cut outs.

Abstract: A monitoring device can be configured to facilitate intra-tissue inspection of a probe at a target region, the monitoring device comprising a housing and a transducer coupled to and at least partially located within the housing. The transducer comprises a longitudinal transducer array aligned to scan a longitudinal cross-section of the target region and a transverse transducer array aligned to scan a transverse cross-section of the target region. The longitudinal transducer array is configured to detect a probe point depth of a probe point of the probe along the longitudinal cross-section. The longitudinal transducer array is also configured to send to a processor longitudinal data about the scan of the longitudinal cross-section to track movement of the probe point based upon at least the longitudinal data and determine the probe point depth based upon at least the longitudinal data.

Abstract: An ultrasound needle guide apparatus to aid guidance of a puncturing needle to locate blood vessel positions of a living body and perform puncturing operation includes an ultrasound detection device, a display element connected to the ultrasound detection device in a rotatable manner and a needle positioning aid element fastened to the ultrasound detection device. The display element obtains ultrasonic signals from the ultrasound detection device and displays the blood vessel positions of the living body in an image fashion. The ultrasound needle guide apparatus is directly in contact with the intended ultrasound probing position so that users can directly and intuitively observe the blood vessel position through the display element, and swivel the display element according to operating position to control adjustment of display angle, and perform blood vessel puncturing operation via the needle positioning aid element to meet use requirement.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless access system which supports a machine-type communication (MTC), and more specifically, provides a method for repeatedly transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for an MTC terminal, and an apparatus for supporting same. The method by which a base station transmits a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in a wireless access system which supports a machine-type communication (MTC), according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: generating parity bits by encoding control information included in a PDCCH; generating PDCCH encoded bits by performing rate matching on the parity bits; and repeatedly transmitting the PDCCH encoded bits in at least two subframes. The PDCCH may be transmitted for the MTC terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature distribution determining apparatus (21) for determining a temperature distribution within an object, to which energy is applied, by using an energy application element (2). A first temperature distribution is measured in a first region within a first temperature range and a model describing a model temperature distribution in the first region and in a second region depending on modifiable model parameters is provided. A second temperature distribution is estimated in the second region within a second temperature range, while the energy is applied to the object, by modifying the model parameters such that a deviation of the model temperature distribution from the first temperature distribution in the first region is minimized.

Abstract: A method of displaying a medical image includes displaying a first image that is generated by rendering volume data of an object in a first direction, displaying on the first image a viewer tool for generating a second image, wherein the viewer tool indicates a section of the object, generating the second image by rendering sub-volume data included in the volume data in a second direction which is different from the first direction and indicated by the viewer tool, and displaying at least a part of the second image.

Abstract: The nucleotomy device makes it possible to produce a nuclear space Es in an intervertebral disc Di using a transosseous approach previously pierced in the body of a vertebra Va. The device includes a tool holder (2) provided with first connection elements (3) ensuring the placement of an electric rotary driving motor (4), second connection elements (5) for the placement of a blade cutting tool (6), driving elements (7) imparting rotational and longitudinal translational movements to the cutting tool (6), and injection and suction elements (8) making it possible to evacuate the debris from the nucleus resulting from cutting when it is formed inside the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to guide insertion of invasive devices to a tissue target of a living body. The apparatus comprises a positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The positioning guide control assembly releasably houses a ultrasound transducer head and measures an insertion length and an insertion angle of an invasive device placed in the positioning guide assembly to reach the tissue target.

Abstract: System and methods for characterizing and/or detecting structural characteristics of syringes (e.g., bare syringes or syringes included in automatic injection devices) using acoustic vibrations. A transducer is positioned proximate to a syringe so that the transducer vibrates at one or more frequencies and a response of the syringe to the vibrations can be received via the receiver. The response of syringe can be processed to determine a structural characteristic of the syringe.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound system and method for providing a guide line corresponding to a pathway through which a needle is introduced or inserted. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound data acquisition unit that transmits an ultrasound signal to a living body into which the needle is inserted, receives an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the living body, and acquires ultrasound data corresponding to each of a plurality of ultrasound images, and a processor that generates the plurality of ultrasound images by using the ultrasound data, creates a mask image for detecting a position and an angle at which the needle is introduced, detects the position and angle by using the mask image, and sets a guide line of the needle on the ultrasound image by using the position and angle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for assisting or performing an image-guided prostate procedure are disclosed. A needle assembly includes a needle guide, a needle device, a position sensor and additional features. The position sensor allows for the tracking of the needle assembly. A method for performing image-guided prostate procedures includes pre-operative procedures and intra-operative procedures. The pre-operative procedures include imaging studies to model the prostate and identify targets. The pre-operative procedures models are used during a prostate procedure to track the target and the devices used for the procedure. A system for performing image-guided procedures includes the needle assembly and other components.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to stereotactically guide insertion of invasive tubular devices to a tissue object of a living body. The apparatus comprises a positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the positioning guide control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The positioning guide control assembly releasably houses a ultrasound transducer head to visualize and target the tissue object and adjusts an insertion angle of an invasive tubular device placed in the positioning guide assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of embodiments includes an ultrasound probe, a scanning controller, and a display controller. The ultrasound probe is configured to be capable of ultrasound three dimensional scanning by swinging a plurality of transducer elements in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the transducer elements. The scanning controller is configured to control the ultrasound probe to scan a plurality of intersecting cross sections while swinging the transducer elements. The display controller is configured to control such that a plurality of ultrasound images based on ultrasound scanning performed on the cross sections are displayed on a given display.

Abstract: Employed is a probe support apparatus having: a base stand; an arm connected to an upper end of the base stand so that the arm can be tilted and rotated in a horizontal direction; and a probe support section connected to a distal end of the arm at a side opposite that of a portion connected to the base stand. The probe support section is constituted by a deformable section and a non-deformable section, and the non-deformable section is connected to a distal end of the arm so that the non-deformable section can rotate about an axis parallel to a rotation axis about which the arm is tilted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining real-time imaging data of at least a sub-portion of an object and a region of interest therein. The method further includes displaying the real-time imaging data as the real-time imaging is obtained. The method further includes tracking extraction of a sample from the region of interest by an extraction device based on the real-time imaging data. The method further includes identifying an extraction location for the extracted sample based on the tracking and the real-time imaging data and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A biopsy assembly for collecting tissue samples by means of a biopsy needle when introduced in a body cavity. The biopsy assembly comprises an elongated member (101), with a longitudinal axis (102), configured with: a first needle guide (203) arranged to guide a needle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (102), and a second needle guide (204, 303) arranged to guide a needle in a direction along the elongated member (101).

Abstract: A needle guide includes an attachment means for attachment to an imaging probe that forms an image of an area, a fixed part, and a movable part movable at an angle. The movable part includes one or more needle guide elements that receive a needle in a guiding manner, and at least one rotation sensor to measure the angular rotation of the movable part. A method for determining the position of a needle attached to the needle guide relative to the imaging probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A user-configurable radiological data transformation, routing and archiving engine includes a plurality of sub-engines representing algorithms programmed to be processed by a processor, the sub-engines including a user-configurable transformation sub-engine, a user-configurable routing sub-engine, a user-configurable archiving sub-engine and a user-configurable priors puller sub-engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive surgical tools with haptic feedback are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a system includes an insertion sheath configured to be partially inserted within a patient's body, the insertion sheath configured to receive a surgical tool; a roller disposed at least partially within the insertion sheath, the roller configured to contact a surgical tool inserted within the insertion sheath; and an actuator coupled to the roller, the actuator configured to receive an actuator signal and to output a haptic effect based on the actuator signal.

Abstract: An orthopaedic fixation system includes an anchoring element, which can be anchored to a bone and can be connected to a further anchoring element by means of a stabilization element. The anchoring element may include a stabilization element seating, into which the stabilization element can be guided. The orthopaedic fixation system may also include an extension device for the anchoring element having a longitudinal extent with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section can be detachably fixed to the anchoring element. The fixation system may further include a holding device with a probe seating for an extracorporeal ultrasound probe and a coupling device for coupling the holding device to the proximal section of the extension device. A targeting device for a fixation system and an orthopaedic fixation method are also described.

Abstract: A novel ultrasound device for needle procedures is disclosed that comprises a needle with an integrated ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be part of a drop-in, self contained beacon unit that fits within the needle shaft. The transducer may alternatively include electrical leads connectable to an electrical subsystem housed within an adapter that is connectable to a handle. Alternatively, the electrical subsystem may be housed within a handle connectable to the needle by a bayonet-mount configuration, a slide-and-click configuration, or a cartridge configuration. The electrical subsystem is preferably configured to control when the transducer emits an ultrasound pulse. The handle may include all or part of a vacuum means for applying negative pressure to tissue disposed near a tissue sample aperture.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is described that may include alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for detection of tissues, e.g., a cancer, by optical biopsy comprising: a motorized computer-controlled probe holder; a needle-like probe connected to and controlled by the motorized computer-controlled probe holder, the probe comprising an optical and an ultrasound detector; and one or more detector units capable of a broadband light reflectance spectroscopy, an auto fluorescence lifetime measurement, and auto fluorescence spectroscopy measurement.