Abstract: Ferritin or iron-based image enhancement agents identify target tissue for treatment or ablation and are heated by microwave absorption. Microwave heat substrates enhance microwave hyperthermal ablation treatment, and may be percutaneously delivered and imaged by x-ray CT during placement of the microwave treatment antenna, allowing more precise positioning and more complete ablation of a tumor site. One method of treating a target tissue uses image-guided delivery of a heat substrate with a reverse-phase change polymer, and may apply energy to fix a mass of the material in the tissue. The fixed polymer may increase hyperthermia, form a thermal boundary, or blockade a vessel or passage so as to reduce or prevent undesired conductive cooling by contiguous tissue, or may deliver a localized treatment drug at the site, upon heating or as it degrades over time.

Abstract: Energy is transmitted noninvasively to a patient using electrode-based stimulation devices or magnetic stimulation devices that are designed to non-invasively stimulate nerves selectively. The devices produce impulses that are used to treat atrial fibrillation, by stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient. The devices are also used to forecast the imminent onset of atrial fibrillation and then avert it by stimulating a vagus nerve.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to stents for supporting an airway or other duct or plenum. The stents can be rapidly customized and inserted into the airway, obviating the need for subsequent intubation or for invasive procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing parallel transmission radiofrequency (RF) pulses for use in a RF treatment. The methods include selecting a target region in a subject, and providing a plurality of specific absorption rate (SAR) matrices for estimation of SAR at locations within the subject. The methods also include determining a first set of SAR matrices for locations in the target region using the provided SAR matrices, and determining a second set of SAR matrices for locations not in the target region using the provided SAR matrices. The methods further include designing a plurality of RF pulses for achieving a target power deposition in the target region by using the first set of SAR matrices and the second set of SAR matrices in an optimization that determines a set of RF waveforms that produce a target average local SAR using the first set of SAR matrices while minimizing a local SAR and a global SAR using the second set of SAR matrices.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for achieving high-specificity killing of targeted cells using Magneto-Electric Nano-Particles (MENPs). Embodiments comprise injecting into a patients body manufactured MENPs that have a higher tendency to accumulate near or attach to targeted cells through one or more physical forces and/or biological mechanisms; and applying a magnetic field to the MENPs to generate actions that are sufficient to cause death of the targeted cells.

Abstract: A method for providing SAR focusing at a target in a body using an MRI system is provided. A computed pulse is provided at a lower power to the body. A MR thermometry is performed. A map is created from the MR thermometry to determine if a hotspot aligns with the target. If the target does not align with the hotspot, then the steps are performed comprising, recomputing the computed pulse, providing the computed pulse at a lower power to the body, performing MR thermometry, creating a map from the MR thermometry to determine if a hotspot aligns with the target, and repeating these steps until the hotspot aligns with the target. The computed pulse is applied at a higher power to the body to provide the desired SAR at the target. Temperature change is monitored with MR thermometry the previous two steps are repeated until desired temperature is achieved.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition related to iron deficiency. The method includes steps of identifying a patient having a condition related to iron deficiency and administering an effective amount of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles to the patient. The biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles each contains an iron oxide core that is covered by one or more biocompatible polymers, each of which has a polyethylene glycol group, a silane group, and a linker linking, via a covalent bond, the polyethylene glycol group and the silane group.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective heating of a biological tissue comprising a plurality of gapped toroidal solenoids having a common gap area to provide a sum of magnetic fields created by the solenoids in common localization. Each solenoid comprises a toroidally configured magnetic core and an electric coil thereupon. The coil is connectable to a generator of electric pulses. The solenoid plurality is accommodated within a housing having an opening configured for emitting solenoid electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hyperthermia assembly includes: a substrate; a plurality of hyperthermia needles each having a needle portion that extends through and downwardly from the substrate and that has a needle tip distal from the substrate; and a guiding plate having a plurality of through holes. The needle portions of the hyperthermia needles respectively and removably extend through the through holes such that the guiding plate is movable along the needle portions and between the substrate and the needle tips of the needle portions. The through holes keep the needle tips spaced apart from each other at predetermined positions.

Abstract: A magnetically-guided catheter 100 includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter 100 includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing 146 that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.

Abstract: Provided are compositions for rapid detection of lymph nodes. The compositions include magnetic particles, such as iron oxide, and a solute present in an amount that results in a hypoosomotic solution. Methods for detecting lymph nodes also are provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a monitor/treatment device configured to, for example, detect hemozoin, as well as to monitor or treat a malarial infection.

Abstract: The Invasive Agent Treatment System incorporates the pairing of energy fields with nano-particles to cause a thermal effect in the nano-particles, which thermal effect is transmitted into the biological cells of the invasive agent. The energy fields are derived from at least one or a combination of the following: an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field (EM), an acoustic field, and an optical field. The Invasive Agent Treatment System provides the necessary coordination among the characteristics of the nano-particles, concentration of nano-particles, duration of treatment, and applied fields to enable the generation of precisely crafted fields and their application in a mode and manner to be effective with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A method of sensing exposure to one or more of a plurality of environmental factors includes exposing a code circuit to at least some of the environmental factors, the code circuit disposed over a substrate and including a plurality of electrically-connected sensor patches, each sensor patch susceptible to one of the environmental factors, wherein the code circuit has an electrical state. An electrical excitation signal is passed through the code circuit, and a corresponding received electrical signal detected, using a transceiver formed on a transceiver substrate separate from and disposed over the substrate, wherein the transceiver includes a controller and the received electrical signal depends on the excitation signal and the electrical state of the code circuit. Using the controller, the received electrical signal or a representation thereof is automatically stored in a memory. The checking and storing steps are automatically repeated after one or more selected time intervals.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron oxide nanoparticle gel for hyperthermia treatment of cancer includes a polysaccharide-based carrier matrix and starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. The gel has sufficient deformability to integrate into a diffuse tumor site, adheres to tissue and has sufficient mechanical properties to remain in place during hyperthermia treatment. The gel releases iron oxide nanoparticles for uptake by cancerous cells at the tumor margin.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers (MAEs) exhibiting a controlled response to a magnetic field, including a controlled mechanical response and an inductive thermal response. The MAEs have a magnetic material that exhibits inductive thermal response to the magnetic field and is embedded in a coating, such that the MAE conforms to a particular shape, e.g., hemisphere, dome or shell, chosen to produce the controlled mechanical response. A targeting moiety for specifically binding the MAE to a pathogen target is also provided. The MAEs can be bound by a flexible linker to promote the desired mechanical response, which includes interactions between MAEs that are not bound to any pathogen target for the purpose of forming spheres, spherical shells, or generally spherical dimers to contain the thermal energy produced and to thus reduce collateral healthy tissue damage during hyperthermic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a suspension of agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal nanoparticles, wherein an aqueous suspension of magnetic metal nanoparticles is incubated with alkoxysilane, wherein the incubation is carried out essentially in the absence of an organic solvent. The present invention further relates to suspension of agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal containing nanoparticles obtainable by the method of the present invention and to a composition comprising agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal nanoparticles, wherein the agglomerates have an average size of 30 to 450 nm, preferably of 50 to 350 nm and especially of 70 to 300 nm as determined by light scattering.

Abstract: Materials and methods for making small magnetic particles, e.g., clusters of metal atoms, which can be employed as a substrate for immobilizing a plurality of ligands. Also disclosed are uses of these magnetic nanoparticles as therapeutic and diagnostic reagents, and in the study of ligand-mediated interactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alternating magnetic field application device for heating magnetic or magnetizable substances in biological tissue, in particular for thermal therapy using magnetic nanoparticles, composed of a large applicator (1) having a magnetic yoke (2) and two oppositely situated pole shoes (7, 8) on the magnetic yoke (2) which are separated by an exposure gap (13), and having two magnetic coils (9, 10), which are respectively associated with a pole shoe (7, 8), for generating a substantially homogenous alternating magnetic field (12) of a given field strength in the exposure gap (13), wherein the biological tissue to be irradiated may be brought into the exposure gap (13) as an exposure target volume.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a support base and a sealing plate formed from a ferrous material. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member including a support base, an electrical jaw lead and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate includes a first layer formed from a non-stick material and a second layer having a coil formed thereon.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers (MAEs) that exhibit a controlled response to a magnetic field, including a controlled mechanical response and inductive thermal response. The MAEs have a magnetic material that exhibits the inductive thermal response to the magnetic field and is embedded in a coating, such that the MAE conforms to a particular shape, e.g., a hemisphere, a dome or a shell, that is chosen to produce the desired controlled mechanical response of the entire MAE to the magnetic field. A targeting moiety for specifically binding the MAE to a pathogen target is also provided. The MAEs are preferably bound by a flexible linker to promote the desired mechanical response, which includes interactions between MAEs that are not bound to their pathogen target for the purpose of forming spheres, spherical shells, or generally spherical dimers.

Abstract: Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of using electromagnetic field energies to reduce or arrest the growth rate and proliferation of cancer cells, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and reduce or arrest the growth and survival of foreign pathogens, relatively without significantly harming normal cells beyond their physiologic threshold of survival are provided. The methods described herein are intended to be used toward the treatment of cancer in human or animals within the context of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying heated air to a person and comprises an air-permeable inner sheet and an air-impermeable outer sheet which are connected to one another by welds in order to form a panel-like shape in the inflated state. The welds produce a main duct having, viewed at the inlet end and in the non-inflated state, a main duct width. The main duct is delimited by at least one first series of elongate first welded strips, the first intermediate spaces which are in line with one another. The length of each of these first intermediate spaces, viewed in the non-inflated state, is in each case smaller than the main duct width. The length of each first welded strip is at least 15% of the main duct width and at most 80% of the main duct width.

Abstract: A system to induce hyperthermia in a selected portion of the body utilizes permanent magnets mounted on a variable speed motor. A conductive button is positioned at a location proximate the target tissue to be heated, such as a tumor. The magnetic rotor assembly is positioned at a selected distance from the conductive button and rotated at a desired frequency to produce a changing permanent magnetic field that induces an eddy current on the surface of the conductive button. A temperature sensor may be positioned near the conductive button as a feedback mechanism to a control circuit. At higher magnetic polarity frequencies, the conductive button may be implemented in the form of metallic nanoparticles. In this embodiment, the nanoparticles may include molecular elements that selectively bind with the target tissue and thereby accumulate at the target tissue prior to the introduction of the rotating magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle includes a magnetic core and a superparamagnetic outer shell, in which the outer shell enhances magnetic properties of the nanoparticle. The enhanced magnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticle allow for highly sensitive detection as well as diminished non-specific aggregation of nanoparticles.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.

Abstract: An applicator supplying RF power for therapeutic diathermic treatment of a patient includes a radiation shielding device for shielding the applicator against misapplication of radiation to objects in the surroundings and unintended areas of the patient's body, and a coupling device for electrically coupling the radiation shielding device to at least one point of the body of a patient in a low impedance manner that reduces the potential drop from the grounded radiation shield to the body tissue.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a first interventional device and a second interventional device. The first interventional device includes an electrically conductive material. The first interventional device is adapted for implantation inside a body and for receiving an alternating current. The second interventional device comprises a magnetically conductive material. The second interventional device is adapted for implantation inside the body in close proximity to the first interventional device. With both devices placed inside the body, the second interventional device magnetically couples with the first interventional device and the second interventional device generates heat upon the application of the alternating current to the first interventional device thereby heating the body site.

Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus and methods to induce electromagnetic field in biologic tissue for thermal therapy. The apparatus comprises electromagnetic devices fitted to be releasably deployed inside a body, magnetic materials to be deployed in a body, and a magnetic centrifuge machine. An electromagnetic device includes a controllably flexible fiberoptic tubular device with a magnetic-flux-controlled electromagnetic assembly on its distal end. The electromagnetic device receives direct or alternating electric current. Implanted particulate magnetic materials in close proximity to said electromagnetic assembly form reversible magnetic vascular mold in target blood vessels by static magnetic field produced by direct electric current to said electromagnetic assembly. Implanted magnetic materials generate heat by alternating magnetic field induced by alternating electric current to said electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic thermotherapeutic system is adapted to treat a biological tissue and includes an electromagnetic thermotherapeutic apparatus and a high frequency induction heating circuit unit. The apparatus includes a needle assembly and a temperature monitor. The needle assembly is adapted to be inserted in the biological tissue and includes a flexible and bendable needle seat and a plurality of ferrous needles attached to the needle seat and having needle tips extending in a direction away from the needle seat. The temperature monitor is connected to the needle assembly. The high frequency induction heating circuit unit has an induction coil capable of producing an electromagnetic field to induce currents in the ferrous needles and to thereby heat the ferrous needles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a localized heating are provided, the method comprising: transmitting a spatially localized or shaped electromagnetic field via a plurality of coils to a subject and generating magnetic resonance signals; performing magnetic resonance imaging based on the magnetic resonance signals to generate an image of a region of interest of the subject; and controlling the plurality of the same imaging coils to radiate radio frequency (rf) energy to generate the localized heating on a region of interest. The invention provide a more efficient manner for generating localized heating and means for verifying the heating pattern without the need to measure temperature rises in the patient. This is useful to check the localization prior to the application of hyperthermia.

Abstract: A gene panel comprising genes regulated in mammalian skin in response to generation of a radio frequency current in a tissue volume of the mammalian skin sufficient to heat the tissue volume to a treatment temperature, wherein at least one gene is selected from Table 1 or Table 2 and at least one gene is selected from Table 3. Further there is a method for providing a benefit to mammalian skin, the benefit comprising inducing collagen formation and/or dermal remodeling in a dermal layer of the mammalian skin in the absence of a skin-damaging inflammatory cytokine response, the method comprising generating a radio frequency current in a tissue volume of the mammalian skin for a treatment cycle sufficient to heat the tissue volume to a treatment temperature while avoiding an upregulation in expression of genes listed in Table 3.

Abstract: To realize a body surrounding solenoid-type body heating device with small coil impedance which can generate a magnetic flux of predetermined density to one part of the living body near the affected area in the solenoid coil, a body heating device 10 includes a cylindrical solenoid coil 17 in which the body can be inserted easily, a high-frequency power supply 11 to drive the solenoid coil, and a body holder 15 which can be inserted easily in the solenoid coil 17. In the body heating device 10, an across-body direction cross section of the solenoid coil 17 has an arched-shape over a half of the solenoid coil 17 in the peripheral direction and a straight-lined shape in the rest, and a secondary solenoid coil 21 with shorter length and coiled more densely than the solenoid coil 17 is inserted in the solenoid coil 17. A magnetic core 40 which can be inserted easily in the solenoid coil 17 is installed on the body holder 15.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a first interventional device and a second interventional device. The first interventional device includes an electrically conductive material. The first interventional device is adapted for implantation inside a body and for receiving an alternating current. The second interventional device comprises a magnetically conductive material. The second interventional device is adapted for implantation inside the body in close proximity to the first interventional device. With both devices placed inside the body, the second interventional device magnetically couples with the first interventional device and the second interventional device generates heat upon the application of the alternating current to the first interventional device thereby heating the body site.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a first interventional device and a second interventional device. The first interventional device includes an electrically conductive material. The first interventional device is adapted for implantation inside a body and for receiving an alternating current. The second interventional device comprises a magnetically conductive material. The second interventional device is adapted for implantation inside the body in close proximity to the first interventional device. With both devices placed inside the body, the second interventional device magnetically couples with the first interventional device and the second interventional device generates heat upon the application of the alternating current to the first interventional device thereby heating the body site.

Abstract: A method to deliver focused ultrasound energy from a position outside a skin of a patient to a nerve surrounding a blood vessel, includes placing the patient on a table in a substantially flat position, moving a transducer into a position inferior to ribs, superior to an iliac crest, and lateral to a spine of the patient, maintaining the transducer at the position relative to the patient, and delivering focused ultrasound energy through the skin of the patient without traversing bone, wherein the direction of the focused ultrasound is directed from a lower torso to an upper torso of the patient.

Abstract: Microwave antenna assemblies incorporating a resilient insulating coupler are described herein. The microwave antenna includes a radiating portion connected by a coaxial feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Distal and proximal radiating portions of the antenna, which correspond to inner and outer conductors provided by the coaxial feedline, are separated by the resilient insulating coupler. The described coupler includes a proximal threaded portion, and an overmolded insulating portion formed from an elastomeric material. The inner conductor of the coaxial feedline is joined to the threaded portion of the coupler, and is placed under tension to draw together the distal radiating portion, the coupler, and the proximal radiating portion into a single rigid assembly. In use, the resilient coupler provides increased strength and reliability by absorbing mechanical stresses typically encountered during microwave ablation procedures.

Abstract: A system to induce hyperthermia in a selected portion of the body utilizes a variety of conductive conductive buttons positioned at a location proximate the target tissue to be heated, such as a tumor. The conductive button is exposed to a rotating permanent magnetic field that induces an eddy current on the surface of the conductive button. The conductive buttons can be implemented in a variety of different shapes and sizes. The conductive buttons can also be implemented from a variety of different metallic materials such as gold, silver, aluminum, copper or alloys. In one embodiment, the conductive buttons are partially coated with an insulating layer to direct the heat in a desired direction.

Abstract: A portable far-infrared physiotherapy equipment for thermal moxibustion may comprise at least a heating unit and a power control device connected to the heating unit for supplying power to the latter. The power control device may comprise: a charging control circuit connected to a power supply port to receive power supply from an external power source; an electricity storage unit connected to the charging control circuit to be charged; a power output control unit connecting the charging control circuit and the electricity storage unit to the heating unit respectively to enable to transfer power to the heating unit; and a micro controller unit connected to the electricity storage unit, the charging control circuit and the power output control unit to enable to control them. The present far-infrared physiotherapy equipment for thermal moxibustion is portable and convenient for users.

Abstract: A radio frequency diathermy application device, including a flexible pad and a flexible coil structure coupled to and supported by the pad The flexible coil structure has a flexible spiral-like primary winding and a flexible spiral-like secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, the primary and secondary windings each substantially lying in separate substantially parallel planes when the pad is in an unflexed state.

Abstract: A method of using a stimulation device to emit a medium to an appendicular region and/or rectal region of a user for treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder is described. The method includes placing the stimulation device into the appendicular region and/or rectal region, and delivering the medium, wherein the medium stimulates at least a portion of the enteric nervous system. Additionally, apparatus and delivery devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and method for effecting a controlled heating of tissue within the region of dermis of skin. The heater implants are configured with a thermally insulative generally flat support functioning as a thermal barrier. One surface of this thermal barrier carries one or more polymerically encapsulated heater resistor segments with a lead assemblage exhibiting a 4-point topology. Each of the encapsulated heater segments may be thermally associated with a metal thermal spreader dimensioned in correspondence with and aligned with the heater segments. The implants are located within heating channels at the interface between skin dermis and the next adjacent subcutaneous tissue layer such that the heat spreaders are contactable with the lower region of dermis. During therapy a conformal heat sink is positioned against the skin above the implants and a slight tamponade is applied through the heat sink to assure a proper form of conduction heat transfer.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for inductively heating a tissue to effect a biological response in the tissue or in a biomolecule comprising the same. The methods and devices comprise means for applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field via an inductive coil comprising an applicator to the tissue and means for monitoring feedback from the alternating magnetic field to control and/or adjust heat, for example, in the tissue, which further includes a means for cooling the tissue. Particularly, the device may be a hand held piece that incorporates or has at least an applicator, including a radiofrequency energy generator and output, an inductive coil, an impedance matching system, a cooling system, including a thermally conductive surface and a coolant housing containing a coolant that circulates through the thermally conductive surface, and a feedback monitor. Optionally, the device may comprise a tissue-shaper.

Abstract: An IV pole mountable, therapeutic infusate processing device is incorporated into a hypothermia system to receive therapeutic fluid(s), such as normal saline, peritioneal dialysis solution, or other crystalloid solution, to heat such therapeutic fluid(s) a few degrees centigrade above normal body temperature and to direct the resulting heated infusate to and through a selected anatomical portion of a patients body to raise the temperature of that body portion so as to affect any cancerous or other tumors that may be located therein. The processing device is provided with touch screen controls and visual indicators to facilitate its proper use; while the system further includes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor the hyperthermia processing to insure patient safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the spatial distribution of magnetic particles in an examination zone. According to this method a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated which includes at least one zone (301) in which the magnetization of the particles is in a non-saturated state whereas the particles in the remaining zone are in a saturated state. Shifting this zone within the examination zone produces a change of the magnetization which can be externally detected and contains information concerning the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for influencing magnetic particles in a region of action. With the help of an arrangement that has means for generating magnetic fields, a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated that has at least one zone (301) in which the magnetization of the particles is in a state of non-saturation, whereas it is in a state of saturation in the remaining zone. By displacing the said zone within the region of action, a change in magnetization is produced that can be detected from outside and that gives information on the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the region of action. Alternatively, the displacement may also be repeated so frequently that the region of action heats up. To improve the accessibility of the region of action, the said region is situated outside the arrangement having means for generating magnetic fields.

Abstract: Examining an object wherein magnetic particles are introduced into at least part of a target area of the object under examination, the target area having a first part with a magnetic field strength that keeps magnetic particles in a non-saturated state, and a second part with a second magnetic field strength that keeps the magnetic particles in a saturated state. A superposed oscillating or rotating magnetic field is generated at least partially in the first part-area to cause at least some magnetic particles to oscillate or rotate. The target area is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation and detected radiation includes reflected or scattered electromagnetic radiation, which is modulated by interaction with rotating or oscillating magnetic particles in the target area. The intensity, absorption or polarization of the detected electromagnetic radiation is determined as a function of change in rotation or oscillation of the magnetic particles due to modulation.