Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080221441 | Tumor grading from blood volume maps - An embodiment of the invention is to make possible a non-invasive grading of a tumor based on parameters determined from a frequency distribution (histogram) of values in a map representing cerebral blood volume (CBV) or cellular metabolism in the tumour. The method is especially applicable to brain tumors such as gliomas where histological grading is difficult. The invention provides a precise and consistent grading since it relies on values selected from the whole tumor (not just from hot spots); since it takes the diversity or heterogeneity of the vascularization into account by analyzing the frequency distribution (not just a mean value); and since it involves and allows for a more automated procedure wherein any subjective contributions from human operators is not critical to the resulting grading. CBV maps may be obtained by perfusion imaging using MRI or CT scanning. Cellular metabolism maps may be obtained from a glucose metabolism map obtained by positron emission tomography (PET). | 09-11-2008 |
20080221442 | Imaging for use with moving organs - Apparatus is described for imaging a portion of a body of a subject that moves as a result of cyclic activity of a body system of the subject and that also undergoes additional motion. An imaging device acquires a plurality of image frames of the portion. A sensor senses a phase of the cyclic activity of the body system. A control unit generates a stabilized set of image frames of the portion by identifying a given phase of the cyclic activity, and outputting a set of the image frames corresponding to image frames of the portion acquired during the given phase, and by image tracking at least the set of image frames to reduce imaged motion of the portion associated with the additional motion. A display displays the stabilized set of image frames of the portion. Other embodiments are also described. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228067 | Rendering Method and Apparatus - A rendering method uses volumetric data ( | 09-18-2008 |
20080234571 | Method and Apparatus For Generating Multiple Studies - Information indicative of multiple regions of the anatomy of a patient ( | 09-25-2008 |
20080242976 | Electric field tomography - Methods for evaluating motion of a tissue, such as of a cardiac location, e.g., heart wall, via continuous field tomography are provided. In the subject methods, a continuous field (e.g., an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or other field) sensing element is stably associated with the tissue location. A property of the applied continuous field is detected with the sensing element to evaluate movement of the tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 10-02-2008 |
20080242977 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LONGITUDINAL/TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF PLAQUE LESIONS - Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments detection of a change in characteristics of plaque in a longitudinal exam is automated for the purpose of assessing change in disease due to therapy, patient behavior modifications or follow-up. In some embodiments, diagnosis and treatment of arterial lesions includes obtaining a plurality of sets of computed-tomography images of at least one arterial plaque lesion, wherein each set of computed-tomography images are acquired at a different time, then storing the computed-tomography images in a database and analyzing arterial plaque variations in the sets of computed-tomography images for changes in at least one parameter. | 10-02-2008 |
20080269598 | Identifying Abnormal Tissue in Images of Computed Tomography - An imaging method for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, comprising the recording of slice images of the lung by means of X-ray radiation, recording of blood vessels, differentiation of blood vessels and abnormal tissue, segmentation of the abnormal tissue and display of the segmented abnormal tissue on an output device. In addition, a computer tomograph for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, having a radiation source for recording slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, a computer unit for differentiating the blood vessels from the abnormal tissue and for segmenting the abnormal tissue, as well as an output device for displaying the segmented abnormal tissue. Furthermore, a computer program is provided for controlling a computer tomograph for an identification of abnormal tissue in the lung by means of a radiation source, designed to record slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, to differentiate the blood vessels from abnormal tissue, to segment the abnormal tissue and to control an output device for displaying the abnormal tissue. | 10-30-2008 |
20080275336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO GENERATE AN ILLUSTRATION OF A CARDIAC REGION OF INTEREST - A system and method to generate an illustration of a cardiac region of interest of an imaged subject is provided. The method includes generating a three-dimensional model from a series of acquired images of the cardiac region of interest; measuring a series of values of at least one functional parameter of the cardiac region of interest; generating a map of a spatial relation of the plurality of values of the functional parameter in spatial relation to the three-dimensional model of the cardiac region of interest; generating a three-dimensional model of a vessel structure leading to the cardiac region of interest; generating an output image that includes combining the three-dimensional model of the cardiac region of interest, the map of the series of values of the functional parameter, and the three-dimensional model of the vessel structure in spatial relation to one another relative to a common coordinate system. | 11-06-2008 |
20080287780 | INTEGRAL BASED PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION APPLIED TO THREE DIMENSIONAL TISSUE STIFFNESS RECONSTRUCTION IN A DIGITAL IMAGE-BASED ELASTO-TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - The invention includes a method and a system for obtaining accurate patient specific parameter identification at high resolution with a minimal amount of computation as applied to breast tissue stiffness reconstruction from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system. The method includes the steps of formulating the differential equation model describing tissue motion in terms of integrals of breast tissue displacement data that is measured using calibrated digital cameras; setting up a system of linear equations in the space varying tissue stiffness parameters; and solving by linear least squares to obtain the unique patient specific breast tissue stiffness distribution. | 11-20-2008 |
20080300482 | Method and a System for Interactive Probing and Annotating Medical Images Using Profile Flags - The invention relates to a method ( | 12-04-2008 |
20080306381 | Method for optimizing the time sequence of examinations with the aid of a tomography system having a control unit by using contrast agents, a tomography system and contrast agent injector - A method, a tomography system and a contrast agent injector for optimizing the time sequence of contrast agent examinations are disclosed, an automatically controlled text announcement system being used for instructing the behavior of a patient before or during the examination, and it being possible for a multiplicity of different announcement texts of different announcement duration to be temporally triggered and announced by the text announcement system. In at least one embodiment, on the basis of the announcement duration of one announcement text to be announced during the examination, the temporal behavior of this text relative to the work sequence of the contrast agent injector and/or of the tomography system is calculated, and inserted in the timing of the contrast agent injector via an electronic connection between the tomography system and the contrast agent injector is one time pause that leads to a synchronization of the work sequence of the contrast agent injector with the announcement duration of the current text announcement in such a way that the text announcement ends at a predetermined triggering instant of the combined work sequence of the tomography system and contrast agent injector. | 12-11-2008 |
20080312527 | CARDIAC FUNCTION ANALYSIS APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM - A position obtainment means obtains the positions of points in the heart of a subject that are present in at least two three-dimensional volume datasets in a group of three-dimensional volume datasets that have been obtained, by imaging the heart of the subject at predetermined time intervals, the points anatomically corresponding to each other, and the at least two three-dimensional volume datasets having been obtained by imaging at different time from each other. A function information obtainment means obtains, based on each of the positions of the points in the heart, which have been obtained by the position obtainment means, function information representing the function of the heart at each point within a three-dimensional space. A display means displays, based on the function information, the motion function of the heart at each of the points in an image that has the shape of the heart of the subject. | 12-18-2008 |
20090005676 | Method and Device For Reconstructing a Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Optical Tomography Image by Double Measurement - To examine a plate-shaped object comprising fluorophores and having a first face and an opposite second face, the method comprises a first sequential illumination step of the first face of the object with a fluorophore excitation light and a first sequential acquisition step of a first series of images by detecting light emitted by the second face of the object. The density of the lighting points is lower than the density of the detection points and the method further comprises a second sequential illumination step of the second face of the object with a fluorophore excitation light and a second sequential acquisition step of a second series of images by detecting light emitted by the first face of the object. Reconstruction of the three-dimensional fluorophore distribution image in the object is performed by means of the first and second series of images. | 01-01-2009 |
20090012390 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IMPROVE ILLUSTRATION OF AN OBJECT WITH RESPECT TO AN IMAGED SUBJECT - A system to generate an image dependent on tracking movement of an object travelling through an imaged subject is provided. The system comprises a tracking system operable to detect a position or an orientation of the object travelling through the imaged subject, and an imaging system operable to create a three-dimensional model of a selected anatomical structure of the imaged subject. A controller is operable to store a plurality of computer-readable program instructions for execution by a processor, the plurality of program instructions representative of the steps of: calculating at least one two-dimensional view of a volume of interest extracted from the three-dimensional model, the volume of interest dependent relative to the tracked position of the object, and generating an output image illustrative of the at least one two-dimensional view of the volume of interest. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018435 | Method and apparatus for reconstructing images of moving structures based on temporal data - A method for reconstructing images of structures undergoing physiological motion comprises acquiring a first volume of data over a first motion cycle. The first volume comprises a first overlap volume. A second volume of data is acquired over a second motion cycle and comprises a second overlap volume. The first and second overlap volumes comprise like anatomical regions with respect to each other. A reconstructed volume of data is formed based on temporal data within the first and second overlap volumes. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018436 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - A method of determining a disease state of an animal by imaging a sample of at least a portion of a tissue of the animal by optical coherence tomography scanning and comparing optical coherence tomographical scanned image the histopathological images of a tissue type of the animal at various stages of disease state stored in a histopathological image database. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024025 | System and method for performing at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) procedure using a robot-controlled imaging system - In at least one embodiment, the present application is directed to a method. The method includes performing at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) on a patient, and using an imaging system including at least an x-ray source and detector to image at least a portion of the patient during performance of at least a portion of the at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG), the imaging system being arranged on a robot including at least four, preferably six axes of rotation. In at least one embodiment, a method includes imaging, using an imaging system including at least an x-ray source and detector, at least a portion of a patient during at least a portion of at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG). The imaging system is arranged on a robot including at least four, preferably six axes of rotation. In at least one further embodiment of the present application, an x-ray system is disclosed. The x-ray system includes an imaging system including an x-ray source and an x-ray detector; a table; and at least two robots. The table is movable by the at least one robot and the at least one other robot includes at least four, preferably six axes of rotation and controls movement of the imaging system. | 01-22-2009 |
20090036770 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINATION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE TYPE BY MEASUREMENT OF TISSUE OPTICAL PROPERTIES - Methods for diagnosing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using optical coherence tomography to measure tissue optical properties, including backreflectance of heterogeneous layers, such as plaque cap, lipid pool composition and macrophage presence. Methods also include measurement of spatially and temporally dependent reflectance, measurement of multiple wavelength reflectance, low coherence interferometry, polarization and quantification of macrophage content. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043191 | OCT-IVUS CATHETER FOR CONCURRENT LUMINAL IMAGING - The invention relates to an apparatus for in vivo imaging. More specifically, the present invention relates to a catheter that incorporates an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system and an Intravascular Ultrasound (“IVUS) system for concurrent imaging of luminal systems, such as imaging the vasculature system, including, without limitation, cardiac vasculature, peripheral vasculature and neural vasculature. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043192 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINATION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE TYPE BY MEASUREMENT OF TISSUE OPTICAL PROPERTIES - Methods for diagnosing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using optical coherence tomography to measure tissue optical properties, including backreflectance of heterogeneous layers, such as plaque cap, lipid pool composition and macrophage presence. Methods also include measurement of spatially and temporally dependent reflectance, measurement of multiple wavelength reflectance, low coherence interferometry, polarization and quantification of macrophage content. | 02-12-2009 |
20090054763 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPECTROSCOPIC PHOTOACOUSTIC TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography of a sample include at least one light source configured to deliver light pulses at two or more different wavelengths to the sample. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed adjacent to the sample for receiving photoacoustic signals generated due to optical absorption of the light pulses by the sample. A control system is provided in communication with the ultrasonic transducer for reconstructing photoacoustic tomographic images from the received photoacoustic signals, wherein upon application of light pulses of two or more different wavelengths to the sample, the control system is configured to determine the local spectroscopic absorption of substances at any location in the sample. The system may further provide for one or more of ultrasound imaging. Doppler ultrasound imaging, and diffuse optical imaging of the sample. | 02-26-2009 |
20090054764 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING TWO LIGHT SOURCES - Methods and systems for producing a 3D image representation of an in vivo object that include illuminating the object with at least two separate illumination sources included in a wireless imaging device, the first of the at least two illumination sources for illuminating said object from a first side of the object and the second of the at least two illumination sources for illuminating said object from a second side of the object; obtaining at least a first image and a second image of the object, whereby the first image is obtained using a first illumination source, and the second image is obtained using the second illumination source; comparing between photometry measurements of reflected light intensity in the at least first and second images; and constructing a 3D image representation of the object from the at least first and second images, based on said comparison. | 02-26-2009 |
20090054765 | Three-dimensional medical imaging apparatus - By adding perspective information in addition to binocular parallax, the invention provides a three-dimensional medical imaging apparatus that allows surgery to be performed with a more natural three-dimensional view, similar to that achieved with the naked eye. The three-dimensional medical imaging apparatus includes an image-acquisition optical system and an imaging device for acquiring three-dimensional images of a subject. The image-acquisition optical system includes an objective optical system for forming an image of the subject at an image-forming plane, and an entrance pupil position of the image-acquisition optical system is disposed between the objective optical system and the subject. | 02-26-2009 |
20090054766 | MEDICAL IMAGE SYSTEM - A medical image system includes a medical imaging apparatus ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090069673 | SPINAL NEEDLE OPTICAL SENSOR - An apparatus is disclosed including: an optical coherence tomographic system; a spinal needle having a needle tip adapted to penetrate tissue; and an optical delivery system adapted to direct probe light from the optical coherence tomographic system onto tissue located in front of the needle tip, collect test light backscattered from the tissue, and transmit the test light to the optical coherence tomographic system. The optical coherence tomographic system is adapted to provide information indicative of one or more properties of the tissue based on the test light. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069674 | MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A measurement apparatus is configured to measure a spectroscopic characteristic of a measurement site in a specimen by applying acousto-optical tomography. The measurement apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to measure a light intensity of each of measurement areas that are set differently from the measurement site on a light propagation path from the measurement site to a detection position of a light detector and a signal processing device configured to sequentially modify the spectroscopic characteristics of the measurement areas and the measurement site on the light propagation path from the detection position of the light detector to the measurement site by using a light intensity that is measured by the measurement unit in the measurement area that is closer to a surface layer of the specimen than the measurement site. | 03-12-2009 |
20090076380 | COMPACT FEATURE LOCATION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for imaging and display of features of a region of interest such as a portion of a body of a patient. A first imaging portion of the system is used to cause an interaction of an imaging beam with an underlying feature of a region of interest. A reflected or returned portion of said imaging beam is detected by a detector which then provides an output to control a display portion of the system for displaying an image corresponding to that which was detected. The system can be used for guiding or assisting clinical or industrial operations or for diagnosis of medical conditions and other uses within medicine, industry and others. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076381 | METHOD OF DISCRIMINATING RIGHT OR LEFT FOR BREAST REGIONS - A method of discriminating left or right for breast regions, including generating data of plural breast images when a left breast region and a right breast region are alternately imaged in an order and are repeatedly imaged in various imaging directions in the same order by image generating sections arranged in a certain direction. A breast image is specified which is capable of being discriminated whether the imaged breast region is left or right among the plural breast images, and it is discriminated whether the left breast region or the right breast region is imaged concerning other breast images, based on the specified breast image and the order of imaging of the plural breast images of a single patient. | 03-19-2009 |
20090124892 | Method for measuring cardiac perfusion in a patient and CT system for carrying out the method - A method and a CT system are disclosed for measuring the perfusion in vessels and/or muscles of the heart (cardiac perfusion) in a patient. In at least one embodiment of the method the patient receives a contrast agent bolus, the patient is scanned for a scan period of a plurality of cardiac cycles in a scan field of a CT system controlled by the cardiac rhythm, a plurality of CT image data is reconstructed from projection data of a particular cardiac phase from respectively one cardiac cycle, and the temporal profile of the absorption values at at least one location in the heart is determined and displayed on the basis of a plurality of CT image data at successive times. At least one embodiment of the invention is distinguished by the fact that during the examination, the patient is repeatedly and alternately moved in opposite directions along a system axis of the CT system such that his cardiac region passes through the scan field at a cardiac phase range and the cardiac region is completely scanned spirally. | 05-14-2009 |
20090149742 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGING ANTERIOR EYE PART BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - An optical coherence tomography (OCT) anterior eye part imaging apparatus includes a tomographic image obtaining unit obtaining a tomographic image of an anterior eye part of subject's eye in a depth direction by optical coherence tomography, an imaging unit imaging a frontal image of subject's eye, a display unit displaying the image of subject's eye, a corneal apex location detecting unit detecting a location of subject's eye, an alignment unit moving an apparatus body relative to the holder so that the location of corneal apex corresponds with a predetermined image obtaining location, a designating unit designating an area or a location where the tomographic image is obtained on subject's frontal image displayed on the display unit, and a scan line setting unit setting a scan line in the tomographic image obtaining unit on a straight line passing the corneal apex according to the designated area or location. | 06-11-2009 |
20090156930 | IMAGING SIMULATION FROM A REFERENCE TO A TILT ANGLE - A method including obtaining reference image data-sets of a tissue related to respective reference patient tilt angles, wherein each reference image data-set is associated with a respective tilt angle, which is a combination of axial and transverse gravitational force components applied to the tissue, using the reference image data-sets to derive a formula relating an image data-set of said tissue to a given combination of axial and transverse gravitational force components, and using the formula to simulate an image data-set of a desired patient tilt angle. | 06-18-2009 |
20090171195 | FUNCTIONAL IMAGING OF AUTOREGULATION - The present invention provides a method for detailed delineation of variation of autoregulation and more particularly tissue metabolism. These enhanced capabilities allow for new insights into factors impacting on body function, detection and monitoring of disease states, understanding of drug actions and other physiological effectors such as diet and physical exercise. | 07-02-2009 |
20090192384 | Medical unit and method for improving examination and treatment workflows - The invention relates to a medical unit comprises a 3D radar array for the detection of positional or movement data of objects in an examination space and a processing unit for the evaluation of the detected data, with the processing unit being connected to the medical unit and to the 3D radar array, and with the evaluated data being used to control the medical unit or for post-processing data acquired by the medical diagnostic or therapeutic unit. The invention also relates to a method for improving examination or treatment workflows with the medical unit, comprising: detecting positional or movement data of objects in the examination space by the 3D radar array; generating control commands for the medical unit based on the detected data; and post-processing image or spectroscopy data received by the medical based on the detected data. The medical unit is a medical diagnostic or therapeutic unit. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198125 | OCT OPTICAL PROBE AND OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING APPARATUS - An OCT optical probe to be inserted into a subject includes: a cylindrical sheath to be inserted into a subject; an optical fiber disposed in the internal space of the sheath; a rotatably-supporting portion fixed to the optical fiber in the vicinity of a distal end of the optical fiber; a distal optical system to deflect light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber toward the subject; a holding portion to hold the distal optical system such that the optical system is rotatably supported by the rotatably-supporting portion; and a flexible shaft covering the optical fiber in the internal space, wherein the holding portion is fixed to a distal end of the flexible shaft. Using the OCT optical probe of the invention, the problem of degradation of measurement accuracy due to optical insertion loss and optical reflection loss at a rotary joint can be eliminated inexpensively and safely. | 08-06-2009 |
20090209850 | PULSED ULTRA-WIDEBAND SENSOR AND THE METHOD THEREOF - A pulsed ultra-wideband sensor comprises a control unit designed for forming a time delay of a synchronizing pulse, a probing signal forming path, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a path of a probing signal transmitter, with an output of said path being connected to the transmitting antenna, a path of a return signal receiver, with an input of the path being connected to the receiving antenna, and a first electronic switch. The input of the first electronic switch is connected to the output of the path for forming a probing signal, and its outputs—to the input of the path of the probing signal transmitter and to the path of a return signal receiver. The outputs of the channels for processing a return signal, which are parts of the path of the return signal receiver, are connected to the path for calculating a respiratory rate and a heart rate. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216114 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GUIDING A SURGICAL TOOL IN A BODY, ASSISTED BY A MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE - A method and device for real time navigation of a surgical tool handled by an operator in a region of interest of a body itself subject to at least one physiological movement. | 08-27-2009 |
20090240138 | Diffuse Optical Tomography System and Method of Use - A multi-spectrum diffuse optical tomography imaging system for in vivo non-contact imaging includes an illumination source assembly for illuminating a specimen; a first filter wheel adapted to control an intensity of illumination directed onto the specimen; a three-dimensional (3D) imaging assembly for outputting an electronic (3D) model of the specimen; and a sensor assembly for capturing a response of the specimen to the illumination source assembly and outputting corresponding tomography data. The system combines the tomography data and the 3D model for the specimen. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240139 | Diffuse Optical Tomography System and Method of Use - A diffuse optical tomography imaging system for in vivo non-contact imaging, includes an illumination source assembly for illuminating a specimen; a time-domain sensor assembly for capturing a time-domain response of the specimen to illumination from the illumination source assembly; a frequency-domain sensor assembly for capturing a frequency-domain response of the specimen to the illumination; and a three-dimensional (3D) imaging assembly for outputting an electronic (3D) model of the specimen. The system combines the 3D model and tomography data generated from the time-domain response and frequency-domain response for the specimen. | 09-24-2009 |
20090247862 | Imaging of polarization scrambling tissue - The present invention provides for the detection and display of polarization scrambling tissue without resolving the polarization state of the backscattered imaging beam. In one embodiment, we illuminate the tissue using two different polarizations. A first polarization determines a first image of high intensity while the second polarization determines a second image of low intensity. Comparison and combination of the first and second images determines tissue which scrambles the polarization in neighbouring detection cells. | 10-01-2009 |
20090264752 | Method And Apparatus For Mapping A Structure - An area of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of an area or volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of an imaging device. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data. | 10-22-2009 |
20090275828 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING A HIGH RESOLUTION MAP OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE HEART - A system method that tracks one or more points on the surface of a cardiac tissue throughout a cardiac cycle and collect various types of data points which are then subsequently used to generate a corresponding model of the tissue and display the model as a 3D color coded image is described. In one embodiment, the system determines the position and orientation of a distal tip of a catheter, manipulates the catheter tip so as to maintain constant contact between the tip and a region of cardiac tissue using the impedance method, acquires positional and electrical data of the tip-tissue configuration through an entire heartbeat cycle, repeats the measurements as many times as needed in different tissue regions, and forms a 3D color coded map displaying various mechanical and electrical properties of the heart using the acquired data. | 11-05-2009 |
20090281420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERIODIC BODY SCAN DIFFERENCING - System and method for periodic body scan differencing for detecting changes in surface and subsurface body scans over time. May include use of a scanner and a computer system configured to scan a portion of body at first point in time to yield first scan, scan the portion of the body at second point in time to yield second scan, difference the two scans to produce a morphological difference image, and display the morphological difference image. May utilize surface or subsurface scans. Any type of scanner may be utilized that scans to the desired resolution of morphological testing. Can morph scan(s), geometrically, visually or both, to account for age, weight or color differences that have occurred between scans. Can display morphological surface or subsurface differences between scans in multiple images or atlas view. Differences can be displayed independently or overlaid onto scan(s). Differences may be highlighted to make more readily viewable. | 11-12-2009 |
20090292200 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MARKING AN IRRADIATION FIELD ON THE SURFACE OF A PATIENT'S BODY - The present invention is related to an apparatus for marking an irradiation field on the surface of the patient's body, which was produced by means of a virtual 3D model of a patient's body, with a laser system for determining the coordinates of at least two reference points on the surface of the patient's body in a local coordinate system assigned to the apparatus, with an analysing and control unit which is realised to determine a transformation matrix for the transformation of arbitrary coordinates from the virtual coordinate system into the local coordinate system from the coordinates of the reference points in the local coordinate system and from coordinates of the reference points in a virtual coordinate system of the virtual 3D model of the patient's body, and wherein the analysing and control unit is further realised to transform coordinates from the virtual coordinate system into the local coordinate system with the transformation matrix, and to provide the transformed coordinates to the laser system. In addition, the present invention is also related to a corresponding method. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299175 | LOCATION TRACKING OF A METALLIC OBJECT IN A LIVING BODY - A method and apparatus are provided for determining and tracking location of a metallic object in a living body, and then directing a second modality such as ultrasound waves to the determined location. The metal detector may be a radar detector adapted to operate on a living body. The adaption may include disposing a transfer material having electromagnetic properties similar to the body between the radar detector and the living body, ECG gating the radar detector, and/or employing an optimal estimator with a model of expected stent movement in a living body. Applications include determination of extent of in-stent restenosis, performing therapeutic thrombolysis, or determining operational features of a metallic implant. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306498 | Systems and Methods for Improving Follicular Unit Harvesting - Tools and methods are provided for dissecting and/or removing biological units, such as hair follicles, from the body surface based on the images both above and below a body surface to reduce potential damage to the removed biological unit. The invention may be used in fully automated systems and also in a hand-held devices and systems. A system may produce a series of three-dimensional images of the body surface indicating follicular unit size, shape, position, and orientation both above and below the skin surface. The images may be utilized by an automated follicular unit harvesting tool, or maybe stored for later use. Imaging techniques include devices that sense light in the visible or infrared spectrums, optical coherence tomography, and ultrahigh frequency ultrasound. | 12-10-2009 |
20090312628 | BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A biological observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a sound wave radiating unit that radiates a sound wave into an object to be examined, a light radiating unit that radiates first light having a predetermined wavelength and second light different from the first light into a portion of the object influenced by the sound wave, a detector that detects reflected light of the first light and reflected light of the second light, and a calculation unit that calculates lo characteristic information of the object based on the reflected light of the first light and the reflected light of the second light. | 12-17-2009 |
20090318800 | Method and visualization module for visualizing bumps of the inner surface of a hollow organ, image processing device and tomographic system - A method is disclosed for visualizing bumps of the inner surface of a hollow organ. In at least one embodiment, the method includes acquiring recorded image data of the hollow organ using an imaging system; drawing a cutting edge in the image data along the surface of the hollow organ in the longitudinal direction; preparing the image data to display the surface of the hollow organ along a plane on which the surface is plotted in an opened-up fashion; and changing a viewing angle and/or an illumination angle during a display of the hollow organ, a rotation of the plane along an axis running parallel to the cutting edge and/or along an axis running transversely to the cutting edge being carried out to change the viewing angle. A visualization module, an image processing device with such a visualization module and a tomographic system with such an image processing system. | 12-24-2009 |
20100004531 | MEASUREMENT CATHETER - Enables a measurement catheter configured to hold a package such as an optical tomographic module and/or blood flow velocity module. May hold any package reduced to a size small enough to fit in a blood vessel. Example packages include an optical transmitter and receiver/detectors that enable internal optical tomographic images of vessels to be captured, for example without rotation of the catheter in the vessel. Alternatively or in combination, a thermal package may be coupled to the measurement catheter that includes a thermal element and detector(s) that enable blood flow velocity to be accurately internally measured that does not require a static catheter position. In addition, the measurement catheter may optionally attach to an interchangeable coupler that allows for the introduction of substitution of packages or any type of catheter end assembly to provide rapid deployment of additional surgical or sensory elements. | 01-07-2010 |
20100010340 | Hand-Held Optical Probe Based Imaging System with 3D Tracking Facilities - The claimed method and system uses a hand-held based optical process to image large tissue volumes using a flexible probe head, increased data acquisition using multi-source illumination and multi-detector sensing, and tomographic reconstruction of sub-surface structures of a target object using ultrasonic tracking facilities. | 01-14-2010 |
20100016710 | PROSTATE TREATMENT APPARATUS - The presented invention aims to address these and/or additional issues by providing a tracked grid for brachytherapy applications that can adjust to changes in the prostate between original image acquisition. The grid is allowed to be moved around and even rotated under tracked conditions, such that it can be maneuvered to align with any target region. A virtual 3-D grid is displayed on a computer with respect to the actual anatomy of the patient. The tracked grid can be moved relative to the virtual 3-D grid, such that the brachytherapy, cryo therapy or any other type of image guided therapy may be performed in real 3-D or even 4-D, when motion compensation is embedded during the procedure. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016711 | Membrane-Deformation Mapping Technique - In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for deformation mapping of a tissue is provided. The method includes utilizing a device to measure transient three-dimensional deformations in a tissue sample. The device comprises a non-contacting, high-speed stereo imaging apparatus and a mechanism for digital image correlation. The method further includes identifying regions of the tissue that are prone to damage based upon the deformations. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016712 | Method and Device for Visually Assisting a Catheter Application - A method and a device for visually assisting a catheter application on the heart of a patient using an image of the patient obtained by a C-arm X-ray device and using electroanatomical mapping data of the patient obtained by an electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system. The C-arm X-ray device and the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system are calibrated in relation to each other, by determining a co-ordinate transformation between a co-ordinate system assigned to the C-arm x-ray device and/or a co-ordinate system assigned to the image generated by the C-arm X-ray device and a co-ordinate system assigned to the electromagnetic position detection system and mapping system. The position of the patient is determined during the detection of the image and/or during the detection of the electroanatomic mapping-data and is at least indirectly assigned to the image and/or the electroanatomic mapping-data. | 01-21-2010 |
20100030066 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A biological information measurement apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave applying unit configured to apply, to a living body, a first electromagnetic wave and a second electromagnetic wave having a frequency different from a frequency of the first electromagnetic wave; a reflected wave receiver configured to receive a first reflected wave corresponding to the first electromagnetic wave and a second reflected wave corresponding to the second electromagnetic wave; a correlation value configured to calculate unit calculating a correlation value between the first and second reflected waves; a correlation value evaluating unit configured to determine whether the correlation value satisfies a given condition; and a biological information measuring unit configured to measure biological information based on the first or second reflected wave when the correlation value evaluating unit determines that the correlation value satisfies the given condition. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030067 | SYSTEM, METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM AND USE FOR IMAGING OF TISSUE IN AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A system for imaging of prostate cancer in a prostate in vivo is provided. The system utilizes Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) for creating a 3D image for the detection of suspicious prostate tissue. The DOT image may be used to guide the biopsy, thereby reducing the number of false negatives. A method, computer-readable medium and use are also provided. | 02-04-2010 |
20100036239 | PROCEDURE TO PLAN, GUIDE AND ASSESS PERCENTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL HEART VALVE REPAIR - A method or workflow for heart valve emplacement provides a planning stage in which the patient is imaged using a C-arm computed tomography-like image system to obtain a electrocardiogram gating image that is measured to determine a size of a prosthetic heart valve for use on the patient. A deployment stage provides that the selected heart valve prosthesis is inserted into the patient via minimally invasive procedures and is positioned at the location where it is to be anchored, and while still in a non-expanded state an image is obtained to determine if the prosthesis is properly positioned for expansion. The prosthesis is expanded so that it becomes anchored in position. In an assessment stage, an image is obtained to determine if the expanded valve prosthesis is in the desired position. If necessary, the prosthesis is moved or further expanded. A final assessment image may be obtained to check the final position. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036240 | Multi-modality system for imaging in dense compressive media and method of use thereof - A multi-modality system and method for performing screening/detection, imaging and diagnosis/characterization of materials and objects in dense compressive media, such as in medical soft tissue applications, is disclosed. Medical tissue applications include but are not limited to the detection and diagnosis of breast tumors. Generally, the present invention involves coupling an ultrasound subsystem for exciting target tissues with a microwave subsystem for measuring the response, imaging and diagnosing the target tissues. | 02-11-2010 |
20100049035 | Brain image segmentation from ct data - The brain structure is extracted from CT data based on thresholding and brain mask propagation. Two thresholds are determined: a high threshold excludes the high intensity bones, while a low threshold excludes air and CSF. Brain mask propagation uses the spatial relevance of brain tissues in neighbouring slices to exclude non-brain tissues with similar intensities. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049036 | Medical Image Display Method and Program Thereof - It has been difficult to display medical three-dimensional images taken by different imaging devices (imaging methods or modalities) individually in a common display direction. In the invention, a coordinate system 1 on the basis of landmarks on the bones and a coordinate system 2 on the basis of landmarks on the skins are set in a CT image, and a transformation coefficient (correction amount) Tc between the coordinate system 1 and the coordinate system 2 is calculated and stored. In a case where image data acquired by another imaging method is displayed, a coordinate system same as the coordinate system 1 in the CT image can be set in a case where the image data includes a bone display layer, and a coordinate system same as the coordinate system 2 in the CT image can be set in a case where the image displays a skin display layer. By correcting the coordinate system thus set using the transformation coefficient Tc, the coordinate system 1 can be corrected to the coordinate system 2 or the coordinate system 2 to the coordinate system 1. It is thus possible to display images according to the common coordinate system between different sets of image data. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049037 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING ELECTRODES ON A PATIENT BODY - For obtaining a sequence of mutually comparable measurement results, it is desirable to position a number of electrodes on a patient body ( | 02-25-2010 |
20100049038 | CARDIAC ROADMAPPING - According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cardiac roadmapping technique is provided, in which a static roadmap is built onto which a view of the intervention device is projected at the correct location. This new viewing mode combines the advantages of both roadmapping, i.e. accurate localization, and the advantages of a motion-free view, i.e. maximum readability. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049039 | System and Method of Treating Skin Imperfections Including a Diagnostic Tool - A system and method of treating skin imperfections including a diagnostic tool is disclosed. In a particular embodiment the system includes a diagnostic tool to scan a preselected area of skin of a client to detect at least one skin imperfection and an associative module to associate a skin value to the client. Further, the system includes that a first unadulterated ingredient of alpha lipoic acid, dimethylaminoethenol, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, or any combination thereof, is selected based on the skin value, and a second unadulterated ingredient of retinol, alpha and beta hydroxyl acids, or any combination thereof, is selected based on the skin value. In addition, a customized product is compounded using selected first and second unadulterated ingredients and the product is compounded manually by a technician at a point of sale. | 02-25-2010 |
20100056906 | DISPLACEMENT DETECTION IN OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - The invention relates to a method ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100056907 | METHODS AND DEVICES OF CARDAIC TISSUE MONITORING AND ANALYSIS - A method for monitoring at least one cardiac tissue. The method comprises a) intercepting a plurality of reflections of an electromagnetic (EM) radiation reflected from at least one cardiac tissue of a patient in a plurality of EM radiation sessions, b) computing a mechanical tracing indicative of at least one mechanical property of said at least one cardiac tissue according to said plurality of reflections, c) analyzing said mechanical tracing so as to detect a presence or an absence of a physiological condition, and d) outputting said analysis. | 03-04-2010 |
20100063386 | ELECTROMAGNETIC IMAGING SYSTEM, A METHOD AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - The invention relates to an electromagnetic imaging system for non-invasively imaging an internal structure of a body. The system comprises an external electromagnetic source for generating electromagnetic waves directed to a measurement location of the body. Further, the system comprises an external receiver for receiving electromagnetic waves propagating from the body after interaction of the incident electromagnetic waves with the measurement location of the body. In addition, the external source is arranged for transmitting non-coherent electromagnetic waves having a relatively large bandwidth. | 03-11-2010 |
20100069744 | Imaging System - An imaging system ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100069745 | APPARATUS TO MONITOR PULSATING OBJECTS WITHIN THE BODY - The invention concerns an apparatus, system, wearable apparatus and concomitant processing system to detect instants in time at which a cyclically pulsating object within the body of an individual is temporarily quiescent, such an object being the heart, an artery or the lungs. The essence of the invention is the use of a doppler radar motion detector, normally used for vehicular speed detection or the detection of building occupancy. The doppler radar motion detector is arranged to transmit electromagnetic signal towards the object and receive reflected electromagnetic signal from the object, and the apparatus is further arranged to identify the instants in time at which the reflected signal indicates the object is temporarily quiescent. The invention is particularly suitable for ambulatory monitoring of the heart. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076304 | INVISIBLE LIGHT IRRADIATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INVISIBLE LIGHT IRRADIATION APPARATUS - Provision of an invisible light irradiation apparatus in which aiming light can always be recognized in an observation portion image in a normal light observation mode and a special light observation mode, and a method for controlling the invisible light irradiation apparatus. An invisible light irradiation apparatus comprising: an invisible light source which emits invisible light for irradiation of an object to be irradiated; and a guide light source which emits guide light for being combined with the invisible light to irradiate the object to be irradiated to recognize the position of irradiation of the invisible light, wherein a plurality of the guide light sources which emit the guide light in different wavelength regions are provided. | 03-25-2010 |
20100081922 | DIFFUSE OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY - A diffuse optical tomography device comprises a light source for irradiating a mammalian body part, a holding device configured for holding the body part, a measuring device configured for measuring the light level in the holding device and the ambient light level and a controlling device configured for controlling the light source as a function of the measured light level in the holding device and the ambient light level. Such a device prevents light leakage into the eyes of a patient or an operator. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094127 | METHODS FOR STENT STRUT DETECTION AND RELATED MEASUREMENT AND DISPLAY USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - In one embodiment, the invention relates to a processor based method for generating positional and other information relating to a stent in the lumen of a vessel using a computer. The method includes the steps of generating an optical coherence image data set in response to an OCT scan of a sample containing at least one stent; and identifying at least one one-dimensional local cue in the image data set relating to the position of the stent. | 04-15-2010 |
20100099984 | MEASURING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENT OF AN OBJECT - A measuring arrangement and a method for the three-dimensional measurement of at least part of an object includes a light source with a continuous spectrum, a device for generating a multifocal lighting pattern, a lens with a large chromatic aberration for imaging foci of the lighting pattern on the object, a detection unit for generating the wavelength spectrum of the foci that are confocally imaged on the object via the lens, and a spectrum-dispersive device disposed between the confocally imaged foci and the detection device. In order to create a highly accurate surface profile in a relatively short time even in the case of moving objects, the invention proposes that a first hole pattern including first holes be disposed in the plane of the confocally imaged foci, the geometric arrangement of the first holes corresponding to the geometric arrangement of the foci of the multifocal lighting pattern. | 04-22-2010 |
20100125195 | DETERMINATION OF REGIONS OF AN ANALYTICAL IMAGE THAT ARE SUBJECT TO VITAL MOVEMENT - The present invention relates to a determination method for making it possible to determine the position of a body part subject to vital movement that is to be irradiated, by means of determining a region of an analytical image, | 05-20-2010 |
20100145188 | IMAGING DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, MEASUREMENT POINT SETTING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An image diagnostic device of the present invention includes image display means ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100145189 | Intraoral scanner - The invention relates to an intraoral scanner for collecting three-dimensional measured or scanned data of the jaw or teeth, which accommodates a scanning unit in a front region leading into the oral region and which at this front region also accommodates an air delivery device through which pressurized air may be locally supplied in the oral region. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145190 | Traveling-Wave Antenna - Embodiments of endfire aperture-based traveling-wave antennas are described. For example, an embodiment, including a Vivaldi antenna, may have a director incorporated into the aperture region of the antenna to provide enhanced radiation directivity. The director may be a shaped dielectric that interacts with an electromagnetic field to reduce the divergence of the resultant beam as it exits the antenna. Additional dielectric substrate layers may be stacked on both sides of the antenna in order to balance the dielectric loading between the different conductors. The dielectric substrates may also eliminate contact between the antenna metallization and the lossy environment. Certain disclosed Vivaldi antennas may be used in tissue screening applications. | 06-10-2010 |
20100152575 | Mathematical Relationship of Strain, Neurological Dysfunction and Abnormal Behavior Resulting from Neurological Dysfunction of the Brainstem - A therapeutic method for treating a neurological disease by evaluating and correcting an abnormal neuraxial angle that cause abnormal biomechanically induced neuraxial stress and strain. | 06-17-2010 |
20100160774 | Method and apparatus for non-invasive cancerous tissue diagnosis and tomography using terahertz imaging - The primary objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a transportable diagnosis system to examine the conditions of a human tissue. The method uses the most advanced Terahertz imaging system to detect and analyze cancerous tissues. The method has objective to detect and analyze cancerous tissues by comparing a plurality of spectrum resolved images of suspected tissue without applying harmful agents into the tissue to facilitate interaction with illumination sources. The method employs non-evasive, real time terahertz imaging systems and techniques to diagnose tissue for detecting the presence of cancer. A map showing, which tissue is healthy and which is cancerous can aid in the accurate removal of cancerous tissue. | 06-24-2010 |
20100179420 | SUPPLEMENTAL SCENE REFERENCE SURFACE DEVICES FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING - Supplemental reference surface devices are provided for use in three-dimensional modeling of intra-oral scenes using identifiable positional characteristics from structured illumination or other techniques. Reference surface devices having at least one substantially plane smooth non-polished face are disclosed for locating the positions of intra-oral features, and for stitching together separate 3D tiles according to the identifiable positional characteristics. Reference surface devices include a mounting point of known position relative to the faces, which can be attached to an intra-oral feature in or adjacent to the imaged intra-oral scene. Disclosed are reference surface devices having orientation and position indicia, as well as reference surface devices having a multiplicity of faces distributed in spatial position and angular orientation to facilitate correlation of 2D images obtained by imaging systems in different positions. Sizes of the faces of reference surface devices are optimized for resolving patterns of identifiable positional characteristics while providing suitable spatial and angular distributions. | 07-15-2010 |
20100185084 | Non-invasive Cardiac Characteristic Determination System - A system uses non-invasive laser, ultrasound or electro-magnetic monitoring, to derive CO/SV, CO/SV deviation, and related cardiac function parameters. The non-invasive system determines cardiac stroke volume and includes an input processor for receiving determined values provided using a measurement processor. The determined values comprise, a blood vessel internal diameter and rate of flow of blood through the blood vessel in a heart cycle. A computation processor calculates a vessel stroke volume comprising volume of blood transferred through the blood vessel in a heart cycle using the measured blood vessel internal diameter and the rate of flow of blood. The computation processor determines cardiac stroke volume by determining a factor for use in adjusting the vessel stroke volume to provide a cardiac stroke volume and adjusting the vessel stroke volume using the determined factor to provide the cardiac stroke volume. An output processor provides data representing the determined cardiac stroke volume to a destination. | 07-22-2010 |
20100217118 | DETECTION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CARDIO-VASCULAR ACTIVITIES - The invention relates to the detection of electrical and mechanical cardio-vascular activities of a patient, especially to early decompensation detection of congestive heart failure patients (CHF). The device according to the invention comprises a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic signals of a predefined frequency into the chest of the patient, a Doppler radar sensor | 08-26-2010 |
20100217119 | Assessment Of Aortic Heart Valve To Facilitate Repair Or Replacement - Devices and methods for assessing the size, shape, and topography of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the size, shape, topography, and compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an assessment mechanism fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The assessment mechanism generally includes an expandable member, such as a balloon. The assessment mechanism may also include an imaging member, a physical assessment member, an electronic mapping construction, an alignment mechanism, a valvuloplasty balloon, or any combinations thereof. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining one or more physical parameters associated with the target location. | 08-26-2010 |
20100240988 | Computer-aided system for 360 degree heads up display of safety/mission critical data - A safety critical, time sensitive data system for projecting safety/mission critical data onto a display pair of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) light weight projection glasses or monocular creating a virtual 360° HUD (Heads Up Display) with 6 degrees of freedom movement. The system includes the display, the workstation, the application software, and inputs containing the safety/mission critical information (Current User Position, Total Collision Avoidance System—TCAS, Global Positioning System—GPS, Magnetic Resonance Imaging—MRI Images, CAT scan images, Weather data, Military troop data, real-time space type markings etc.). The workstation software processes the incoming safety/mission critical data and converts it into a three dimensional space for the user to view. Selecting any of the images may display available information about the selected item or may enhance the image. Predicted position vectors may be displayed as well as 3D terrain. | 09-23-2010 |
20100249580 | IMAGE DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT DEVICE AND IMAGE DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT PROGRAM - An image diagnosis support device | 09-30-2010 |
20100268069 | DENTAL SURFACE IMAGING USING POLARIZED FRINGE PROJECTION - An intra-oral imaging apparatus having a fringe pattern generator energizable to emit a fringe pattern illumination having a predetermined spatial frequency, with light in the approximate 350-500 nm range. A polarizer in the path of the fringe pattern illumination has a first polarization transmission axis. A projection lens is disposed to direct the polarized fringe pattern illumination as incident illumination toward a tooth surface. An imaging lens is disposed to direct light reflected and scattered at the tooth surface along a detection path. An analyzer is disposed along the detection path, having a second polarization transmission axis. A detector disposed along the detection path obtains image data from the light provided through the analyzer. A control logic processor is responsive to programmed instructions and actuable to adjust the intensity over one or more portions of the fringe pattern illumination according to the image data obtained from the detector. | 10-21-2010 |
20100268070 | Methods and Compositions for Identifying Subjects at Risk of Developing Stent Thrombosis - The invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether a subject containing a stent immobilized in a blood vessel has asymptomatic stent thrombosis or is at risk of developing clinically symptomatic stent thrombosis. In one approach, the method involves imaging a region of the blood vessel that contains the stent using a probe that contains a fluorochrome, for example, a near-infrared fluorochrome, and a targeting moiety that binds a molecular marker indicative of the presence of asymptomatic stent thrombosis or the development of symptomatic stent thrombosis. To the extent that the subject displays one or more such markers, the probe binds to the markers and increases the local concentration of the probe in the vicinity of the stent. The imaging method identifies those patients that display a higher density of such markers in the vicinity of the stent. As a result, those patients can be monitored for, and/or treated to prevent, symptomatic stent thrombosis. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280366 | CONTINUOUS FIELD TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Continuous field tomography systems are provided. Aspects of systems include a data aggregating module configured to receive both continuous field tomography data and non-continuous field physiological data and produce an aggregated data product from these disparate types of data. Also provided are methods of using systems of the invention in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The systems and methods of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, such as cardiac related applications. | 11-04-2010 |
20100292567 | Imaging Volumes with Arbitrary Geometries in Contact and Non-Contact Tomography - A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image. | 11-18-2010 |
20100292568 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OF DEPTH OF BREATH AND PARADOXICAL BREATHING - A radar-based physiological motion sensor is disclosed. Doppler-shifted signals can be extracted from the signals received by the sensor. The Doppler-shifted signals can be digitized and processed subsequently to extract information related to the cardiopulmonary motion in one or more subjects. The information can include respiratory rates, heart rates, waveforms due to respiratory and cardiac activity, direction of arrival, abnormal or paradoxical breathing, etc. In various embodiments, the extracted information can be displayed on a display. | 11-18-2010 |
20100292569 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC IMAGING OF TISSUE USING DIGITAL OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY - A methods for imaging tissue using diffuse optical tomography with digital detection includes directing at the tissue a plurality of amplitude modulated optical signals from a plurality of optical signal sources illuminating the tissue at a plurality of locations; detecting a resulting plurality of attenuated optical signals exiting the tissue to obtain a plurality of analog signals containing diffuse optical tomographic information; converting the analog signals into digital signals; recovering the tomographic information from the digital signals using a digital signal processor-based detection module that performs digital detection, wherein the detection module includes a master digital signal processing subsystem and at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem that processes at least a portion of the digital signals and the master digital signal processing subsystem controls the at least one slave digital signal processing subsystem; and transmitting the recovered tomographic information in digital form to a host computer. | 11-18-2010 |
20100305434 | MEDICAL SCANNING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD OF SCANNING - The present invention is directed to a scanning system that uses uniform rotary motion of an optical reflector to create reciprocal linear scanning. The system converts uniform rotation into uniform longitudinal scanning. The system thereby creates mechanical reciprocal linear scanning free of reciprocally moving mechanical parts common in conventional scanning systems. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scanning system is incorporated within an imaging catheter for medical scanning. The optical reflector is rotatable and includes a spiral reflecting portion. The spiral reflecting portion may be a single uniform reflecting surface or may include several reflection surfaces arranged in a spiral configuration. | 12-02-2010 |
20100312103 | Surgical Trajectory Monitoring System and Related Methods - The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the trajectory of surgical instruments and especially for monitoring the trajectory of surgical instrument used during pedicle fixation to ensure the proper placement of pedicle screws. | 12-09-2010 |
20100317965 | VIRTUAL MEASUREMENT TOOL FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - Robotic and/or measurement devices, systems, and methods for telesurgical and other applications employ input devices operatively coupled to tools so as to allow a system user to manipulate tissues and other structures being measured. The system may make use of three dimensional position information from stereoscopic images. Two or more discrete points can be designated in three dimensions so as to provide a cumulative length along a straight or curving structure, an area measurement, a volume measurement, or the like. The discrete points may be identified by a single surgical tool or by distances separating two or more surgical tools, with the user optionally measuring a structure longer than a field of view of the stereoscopic image capture device by walking a pair of tools “hand-over-hand” along the structure. By allowing the system user to interact with the tissues while designating the tissue locations, and by employing imaging data to determine the measurements, the measurement accuracy and ease of measurement may be enhanced. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324415 | PLATFORM FOR DETECTION OF TISSUE STRUCTURE CHANGE - Aspects include methods and apparatuses for determining change over time in one or more measured regions of a body using a plurality of data sets obtained by analysis of applied signals to said region. The method may include transmitting and receiving one or more of electromagnetic wave signals, applied acoustic wave signals and electrical signals transmitted through or reflected off of a portion of the measured body region. | 12-23-2010 |
20100331672 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOTILITY CONTRAST IMAGING - A system for motility contrast imaging a biological target within tissue comprising a CCD array; an illumination source for generating an incoming beam; a first beam splitter for receiving the incoming beam and producing an object beam and a reference beam; a second beam splitter for illuminating a multitude of biological targets with the object beam and for directing backscattered object beams towards the CCD array; a computer-controlled delay stage for zero-path-matching the reference beam to the backscattered object beams; a reference beam that intersects the backscattered object beams at an angle to produce a series of interference fringes that modulate Fourier-domain information; and a computer for receiving a time series of Fourier-domain information. The interference fringes between the backscattered object beam and the reference beam are recorded by the CCD array and passed to the computer which constructs a digital hologram at successive times. | 12-30-2010 |
20110004096 | ELECTROMAGNETIC CELLULAR TOMOGRAPHY - The invention provides an electromagnetic cellular tomograph and methods of operating such a device. An array of structures is configured to apply probe signals to cells or tissues of interest that are held in a sample holder. The array also includes structures that can receive a response signal from the sample of interest. Data processing and control circuits are provided to manipulate and analyze the response and to allow the result to be recorded, transmitted to other data systems, or displayed to a user. | 01-06-2011 |
20110009741 | Endovascular Optical Coherence Tomography Device - An endovascular OCT probe is included in an endovascular access device for intravascular imaging. The probe includes a hollow coil wire defining an axial lumen of the endovascular access device. A single mode optical fiber for transmitting light is disposed in the axial lumen of the hollow coil wire so that translation and rotation of the hollow coil wire carrying the optical fiber within the endovascular access device is stabilized for scanning endovascular tissue with at least 5 microns resolution. An optic element directs light from and into the optical fiber at a distal tip of the optical fiber and is coupled to or fixed to the distal end of the optical fiber. The optic element and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed within a glass ferule to protect it from damage. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015520 | PERFUSION IMAGING - A perfusion analysis system includes a perfusion modeller ( | 01-20-2011 |
20110034803 | NON-LINEAR PROJECTIONS OF 3-D MEDICAL IMAGING DATA - The present invention improves projection displays of volume data. Using the Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP), fluid filled regions or other regions of hyporeflective tissue are displayed. By limiting the projection to partial volumes within the volume, differences in the scattering intensity within specific regions are isolated. In this way, hyperreflectivity of weakly scattering tissue can be assessed. | 02-10-2011 |
20110040176 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NEAR-FIELD DUAL-WAVE MODALITY IMAGING - A method of near-field imaging of a region of interest includes emitting an input of near-field electromagnetic radiofrequency energy from a near-field source device into the region of interest, detecting a mechanical wave response generated in the region of interest in response to the near-field electromagnetic energy input using a detector device, and providing image data representing an image of the region of interest based on the mechanical wave response. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046480 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - This invention is directed towards a medical image processing apparatus capable of providing effective information on glaucoma by integrating the tomographic image of the retina obtained by an optical coherence tomograph (OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography) and visual function information obtained by a perimeter. The medical image processing apparatus associates visual field measurement results with a fundus camera image (S | 02-24-2011 |
20110054310 | PORTABLE MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DOCUMENTATION OF DERMATOLOGICAL AREAS AND SUBJECTS OF INTEREST - An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand-held, battery powered imaging device that provides: (1) an Identification Picture wherein an image of the patient's face is captured for identification purposes; (2) an Area of Interest picture wherein an image of the general area of interest on the patient is captured; and (3) a Subject of Interest picture wherein an image of the subject lesion of interest is captured. Two digital imaging systems, including a wide-angle (e.g. fisheye) imaging system and a macro (close-up) imaging system, are provided to allow for the simultaneous capture of AOI and SOI images thereby capturing an image that identifies the location of the lesion on the body and an image that comprises a close-up view of the lesion. A light source or flash provides illumination during the image capture phase. A laser range finding configuration including spaced first and second lasers are angularly disposed so as to cast beams that intersect at a desired distance from the imaging apparatus thereby allowing the user to quickly position the imaging apparatus at a predetermined distance from the patient when capturing images. Audible output provides the user with input to assist in properly capturing the images, and a trigger-type actuator is provided to initiate image capture. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060215 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS NONINVASIVE MEASUREMENT OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND EVENTS - An apparatus and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of respiratory chamber volume and associated parameters including respiratory rate, respiratory rhythm, tidal volume, dielectric variability and respiratory congestion. In particular, a non-invasive apparatus and method for determining dynamic and structural physiologic data from a living subject including a change in the spatial configuration of a respiratory chamber, a lung or a lobe of a lung to determine overall respiratory health comprising an ultra wide-band radar system having at least one transmitting and receiving antenna for applying ultra wide-band radio signals to a target area of the subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area. | 03-10-2011 |
20110071388 | ANIMAL HOLDER FOR IN VIVO TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING WITH MULTIPLE MODALITIES - The invention facilitates transport of an immobilized, anesthetized small animal across multiple single-modality or multiple-modality imaging workstations at the same or different physical locations without loss of subject positional information. The animal holder is compatible with preclinical animal imaging stations such as micro-CT, micro-MR, micro-PET, micro-SPECT, and FMT. The animal holder is configured to be accommodated by (for example, fit within) individual imaging chambers of such instruments and is fabricated from materials that are compliant with all of the imaging modalities used. In certain embodiments, an integrated set of fiducial marker wells accommodates the dispensing of markers that are picked up by several modalities simultaneously in multiple planes. The fiducial markers then are aligned in standard image processing or image analysis software with simple image translation and rotation operations, without the need for more advanced scaling, distortion or other operations. The animal holder optionally also includes a system for providing the animal with inhalation anesthesia, for example, isoflurane, and is designed to fit into identical receptacles inside or outside the imaging workstation(s) that provide heating to minimize or prevent animal hypothermia. | 03-24-2011 |
20110082367 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING MALALIGNMENT OF FRACTURED BONE FRAGMENTS - A method and system for intraoperative, image-based reduction control for long bone shaft fracture treatment. The method includes preoperative steps of a) implanting markers into the proximal fragment and into the distal fragment of the broken bone, b) creating a 3D reference model of bone by taking a CT scan of the healthy bone, a CT scan of the broken bone and c) defining landmarks in the reference model based on the marker positions. The method further includes intraoperative steps of d) extracting the 3D position of the same landmarks from a series of 2D fluoroscopic images, using a reference object and e) comparing the positions the preoperatively defined landmarks and the positions of the intraoperatively extracted landmarks to calculate the malalignment of the fracture fragments. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082368 | RECONSTRUCTION OF DYNAMICAL CARDIAC SPECT FOR MEASURING TRACER UPTAKE AND REDISTRIBUTION - When performing a static image reconstruction of acquired single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data for myocardium, dynamic tracer uptake, redistribution, and washout information is generated with reduced or eliminated artifacts by back-projecting ray projections onto a reconstructed myocardial surface. A complete SPECT scan is performed after tracer injection, and a static image of the myocardial surface is reconstructed. The reconstructed image is segmented and a polar plot of it is generated. A contemporaneously acquired subset of the SPECT projection data is then back-projected onto the segmented surface of the polar plot. Contributions from emissions not originating from the myocardium (e.g., from adjacent anatomical structures) are compensated. The resultant image data, which describes tracer distributions across heart segments per projection time, are overlaid on the polar plot and presented to a user. In this manner, time-dependent tracer perfusion is supplied to the user despite the static nature of SPECT imaging systems. | 04-07-2011 |
20110098560 | OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE GENERATING APPARATUS AND OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE GENERATING METHOD - The present invention relates to an optical tomographic image generating method including: obtaining signals for a plurality of frames; obtaining respective complex number data by performing Fourier transformation of the signals for the plurality of frames; synthesizing the plurality of frames using the respective complex number data; generating a tomographic image based on the synthesized data. This configuration enables easy enhancement of the image quality in an optical coherence tomographic imaging apparatus. | 04-28-2011 |
20110105894 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCANNING AN INTRAORAL CAVITY - According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity. | 05-05-2011 |
20110118595 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING AND ASSIGNING CORONARY CALCIFICATION TO A CORONARY VESSEL AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A method and a device are disclosed for identifying and assigning coronary calcification to at least one coronary vessel of a heart in a patient. In at least one embodiment, coronary calcification is identified on the basis of a | 05-19-2011 |
20110118596 | AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS IN VIRTUAL ENDOSCOPY - 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. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125009 | Assessing the Condition of a Joint and Devising Treatment - Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy. | 05-26-2011 |
20110130651 | Intraoperative C-arm fluoroscope datafusion system - In one form of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for producing a virtual road map of a patient's vascular anatomy for use by a surgeon while conducting a procedure on the patient's vascular anatomy, the apparatus comprising:
| 06-02-2011 |
20110130652 | APPARATUS FOR BIOMEDICAL IMAGING - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method involving capturing spectral interference from an optical coherence tomography imaging probe comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, and a partial reflector for supplying images to an image sensor. Additional embodiments are disclosed. | 06-02-2011 |
20110130653 | VERTEBRA SEGMENTATION APPARATUS, VERTEBRA SEGMENTATION METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM WITH PROGRAM FOR VERTEBRA SEGMENTATION - Based on generated tomographic images, a first feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes crossing the Z′ axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of respective points on the Z′ axis. Further, based on the generated tomographic images, a second feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes parallel to the Z′ axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z′ axis. A third feature quantity representative of a regularity of an array of the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z′ axis, based on the calculated first feature quantity and the calculated second feature quantity. Positions of the vertebrae on the Z′ axis are calculated based on the third feature quantity, which is calculated for each of respective points on the Z′ axis. | 06-02-2011 |
20110130654 | SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING A CORNEA AND OBTAINING AN OPHTHALMIC LENS - A system for determining the shape of a cornea of an eye illuminates at least one of the interior surface, the posterior surface, and the interior region of the eye with infrared light of a wavelength that can generate fluorescent light from the portion of the cornea illuminated. The generated fluorescent light is then detected. A step of illuminating can comprise focusing the infrared light in a plurality of different planes substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the eye. From the detected light it is possible to create a map of at least a portion of the interior surface, at least a portion of the posterior surface, and/or portion of the interior region of the cornea. Clarity of vision can be determined by generating autofluorescence from proteins in the pigment epithelial cells of the retina. | 06-02-2011 |
20110137157 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - This invention concerns the acquisition of diagnosis information data effective for diagnosing eye disease independently of the eye state. An image processing apparatus for processing a tomogram of an eye includes a unit configured to determine an eye feature based on the tomogram and thus determine the eye state, a unit configured to detect, from the tomogram, a detection target to be used to calculate diagnosis information data quantitatively representing the determined eye state, and a unit configured to calculate the diagnosis information data using position information of the detection target. In accordance with the eye state, the detection unit changes the detection target or an algorithm to be used to detect the detection target. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144482 | IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD, AS WELL AS PROGRAM - A medical image of a subject and detection information including positions of abnormal shadow candidates and degrees of malignancy of abnormal shadows detected from the medical image are acquired. The medical image is divided into a plurality of regions of interest, and images of the regions of interest are sequentially displayed with displaying images of the regions of interest containing the abnormal shadow candidates in descending order of the degree of malignancy based on the detection information prior to images of the regions of interest containing no abnormal shadow candidate. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152675 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PATIENT POSITIONING IN CONE-BEAM TOMOGRAPHY - A device for positioning a patient within an image volume of a cone-beam tomography system. The device includes a volume indicator adapted to indicate at least a front boundary of the image volume and having a horizontal indicator for horizontal alignment. The device also includes a head clamp adapted to position at least a portion of the head of the patient within the front boundary of the image volume indicated by the volume indicator. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160576 | Methods, Systems and Computer Program Products for Diagnosing Conditions Using Unique Codes Generated from a Multidimensional Image of a Sample - Methods of providing a diagnosis using a digital code associated with an image are provided including collecting a multidimensional image, the multidimensional image having at least two dimensions; extracting a two dimensional subset of the multidimensional image; reducing the multidimensional image to a first code that is unique to the multidimensional image based on the extracted two dimensional image; comparing the first unique code associated with the subject to a library of reference codes, each of the reference codes in the library of reference codes being indicative of a class of objects; determining if the subject associated with the first unique code falls into at least one of the classes of objects associated with the reference codes based on a result of the comparison; and formulating a diagnostic decision based on the whether the first unique code associated with the subject falls into at least one of the classes associated with the reference code. Related systems and computer program products are also provided herein. | 06-30-2011 |
20110166445 | MEASURING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR MICROWAVE-BASED INVESTIGATION - A measuring device comprises a microwave transmitter, a microwave receiver, at least one antenna, a control device and a dielectric extension. The dielectric extension is disposed between the antenna and an object to be investigated. The control device controls the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver. The microwave transmitter transmits a microwave signal by means of the antenna and the dielectric extension into the object to be investigated. The object to be investigated scatters the microwave signal. The microwave receiver receives the scattered microwave signal by means of the antenna and the dielectric extension. The length and the dielectric constant of the dielectric extension in this context are dimensioned in such a manner that the object to be investigated is disposed in the remote field of the antenna. | 07-07-2011 |
20110172522 | DEVICE FOR CREATING DATABASE OF ALTERNATIVE NORMAL BRAIN | 07-14-2011 |
20110178395 | IMAGING METHOD AND SYSTEM - Imaging systems and methods are provided herein. An imaging system for imaging a surgical site, may include a macroscopic visualization system; and an imaging apparatus with a probe, the imaging apparatus being adapted to image the observational field and generate second image data; wherein the system is operable to control the macroscopic visualization system and the imaging apparatus to image the site and the observational field respectively at substantially the same time, and to associate the first image data and the second image data. Imaging methods provided herein may include the steps of: imaging the site with a macroscopic visualization system and generating first image data; imaging at substantially the same time an observational field with an imaging apparatus and generating second image data; and associating the first image data and the second image data. | 07-21-2011 |
20110184277 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIRTUAL INDEX-MATCHING OF DIFFUSIVE MEDIA - The invention relates to systems and methods for tomographic imaging of a subject comprising diffuse media by converting measurements of electromagnetic radiation, e.g., fluorescent light, obtained in free space exterior to the subject into data that would be measured if the subject were surrounded by an infinite and homogeneous diffusive medium, e.g., a medium with optical properties equal to the average optical properties of the subject. After applying a transformation to convert measurements to virtually-matched values, propagation of light is simulated from the index-matched surface to a set of virtual detectors exterior to the subject and arranged in a geometrically advantageous fashion, for example, in a planar array, thereby facilitating the use of fast reconstruction techniques. | 07-28-2011 |
20110190626 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ON WHICH IS RECORDED PROGRAM FOR THE SAME - Extracting a lung field area and a branch structure area from a three-dimensional medical image, dividing a branch structure local area representing a portion of the branch structure area into a plurality of branch structure local sub-areas and estimating a lung field local sub-area in the lung field area functionally associated with each divided branch structure local sub-area based on the branch structure area, obtaining a pulmonary evaluation value in each estimated lung field local sub-area, and displaying, in a morphological image representing morphology of at least a portion of the branch structure local area, the pulmonary evaluation value in each lung field local sub-area functionally associated with each branch structure local sub-area in the morphological image superimposed such that correspondence relationship between the pulmonary evaluation value and the branch structure local sub-area in the morphological image is visually recognizable. | 08-04-2011 |
20110201924 | Method and Apparatus for Improving Image Clarity and Sensitivity in Optical Tomography Using Dynamic Feedback to Control Focal Properties and Coherence Gating - Methods for optical imaging, particularly with optical coherence tomography, using a low coherence light beam reflected from a sample surface and compared to a reference light beam, wherein real time dynamic optical feedback is used to detect the surface position of a tissue sample with respect to a reference point and the necessary delay scan range. The delay is provided by a tilting/rotating mirror actuated by a voltage adjustable galvanometer. An imaging probe apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The probe initially scans along one line until it finds the tissue surface, identifiable as a sharp transition from no signal to a stronger signal. The next time the probe scans the next line it adjusts the waveform depending on the previous scan. An algorithm is disclosed for determining the optimal scan range. | 08-18-2011 |
20110201925 | Method and Apparatus for Determining the Vascularity of an Object Located in a Body - A method for determining a vascularity of an object located in a body is proposed. A multidimensional volume image of a target area of the body including the object is acquired. The object is segmented in the volume image. An expanded volume of the object is calculated by expanding structure edges of a volume of the object in the volume image with a predetermined size. The volume of the object is subtracted from the expanded volume of the object for determining an immediate vicinity of the object. A further object in the volume image having a determined minimum volume in the immediate vicinity of the object is segmented. A number of voxels of the further object is compared with a total number of voxels in the immediate vicinity of the object for determining the vascularity of the object. | 08-18-2011 |
20110213242 | METHOD FOR THORACIC VERTEBRAL BONE DENSITY MEASUREMENT BY THORACIC QUANTITATIVE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A technique for measuring thoracic vertebral bone density (BMD) and coronary calcium score (CCS). Representatively, BMD was measured and averaged at three consecutive thoracic spines (3T) starting from the left main coronary artery caudally and averaging the results of the measurements at the first, second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral density measurement. The “reference”, as the 3T BMD value of 30 year old and the piBMD (predicted individual BMD (piBMD) were developed. Based on the “reference”, and piBMD, T and Z score of 3T formula were derived in both genders. The new calibration phantom of TQCT and LQCT was designed. The ratios of CTHU/mg/cc were obtained with varying scanners, which were used to translate the CTHU to density units (mg/cc) in BMD and CCS mass measurement. A processor capable of quantitating both BMD and CCS burden was designed. In image without a calibration phantom, formulas were created to quantitate BMD with a high precision. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213243 | VISUALIZATION AND QUANTIZATION OF NEWLY FORMED VASCULATURE - An angiographic image processing system includes a filtering module ( | 09-01-2011 |
20110218425 | Medical image generating apparatus, medical image display apparatus, medical image generating method and program - 3D image areas are set respectively from within display areas of a right-eye image display unit and a left-eye image display unit, and 2D image areas are set respectively from within the 3D image areas. A right-eye disparity image and a left-eye disparity image to be displayed respectively in the 3D image areas are acquired, and planar images | 09-08-2011 |
20110218426 | DENTAL DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM AND DENTAL CARE SYSTEM - The present invention is to provide a dental diagnosis system which is capable of grasping detailed jaw motion information on a patient-by-patient basis. The dental diagnosis system comprises: an information gathering means comprising a jaw motion analyzer for measuring jaw motion and a computed tomography device; and an information processing means configured to carry out an operation, in accordance with the measurement results of the information gathering means, to combine a measurement result of jaw geometry obtained from the computed tomography device and a measurement result of jaw motion obtained from the jaw motion analyzer. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218427 | DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING APPARATUS, CORONARY ARTERY ANALYZING METHOD AND RECORDING MEDIUM HAVING A CORONARY ARTERY ANALYZING PROGRAM STORED THEREIN - A plurality of sets of volume data, each of which represent the state of a beating heart in different phases, are obtained. Coronary artery regions are extracted from at least two sets of volume data from among the obtained sets of volume data. A plurality of analysis points are set in each extracted coronary artery region. Correlations are established among analysis points set at the same anatomical positions within the coronary artery regions. Index values that indicate the character of plaque are calculated at each analysis point within all of the coronary artery regions. The character of plaque is evaluated at positions within the coronary artery regions, by integrating the index values calculated at the analysis points corresponding to each of the positions. The evaluation results regarding the character of plaque at each of the positions within the coronary artery regions are output, correlated with information regarding the positions. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218428 | System and Method for Three Dimensional Medical Imaging with Structured Light - An SLI medical image sensor system captures one or more images of a skin lesion and generates a 3D surface map of the skin lesion using SLI techniques. A feature detection module processes the 3D surface map to detect certain characteristics of the skin lesion. Feature data of the skin lesion is generated such as size, shape and texture. A feature analysis module processes the feature data of the skin lesion. The feature analysis module compares the skin lesion to prior images and feature data for the skin lesion. The feature analysis module categorizes the skin lesion based on templates and correlations of types of features. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224541 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANALYSIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT MONITORING OF VOCAL FOLDS BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus and a method can be provided. For example, a first information can be obtained for at least one signal that is (i) at least partially periodic and (ii) associated with at least one structure. In addition, a second information associated with the structure can be generated at multiple time points within a single cycle of the at least one signal. The second information can include information for the structure below a surface thereof. Further, it is possible to generate a third information based on the first information and the second information, where the third information is associated with at least one characteristic of the structure. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224542 | Method and System for Automatic Detection and Classification of Coronary Stenoses in Cardiac CT Volumes - A method and system for providing detecting and classifying coronary stenoses in 3D CT image data is disclosed. Centerlines of coronary vessels are extracted from the CT image data. Non-vessel regions are detected and removed from the coronary vessel centerlines. The cross-section area of the lumen is estimated based on the coronary vessel centerlines using a trained regression function. Stenosis candidates are detected in the coronary vessels based on the estimated lumen cross-section area, and the significant stenosis candidates are automatically classified as calcified, non-calcified, or mixed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110237938 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ON WHICH IS RECORDED PROGRAM FOR THE SAME - A lesion area detection unit detects an abnormal peripheral structure (lesion area), a pulmonary blood vessel extraction unit extracts a branch structure (pulmonary blood vessel) from the three-dimensional medical image, an associated blood vessel identification unit identifies an associated branch structure functionally associated with the abnormal peripheral structure based on position information of each point in the extracted branch structure, and an associated lung parenchymal area identification unit identifies an associated peripheral area (lung parenchyma) functionally associated with the identified associated branch structure based on the position information of each point in the extracted branch structure. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237939 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DOPPLER-ASSISTED MIMO RADAR MICROWAVE IMAGING - A method and apparatus for enhanced microwave imaging of an object collects microwave responses for multiple combinations of transmit antennas, receive antennas, and object movement states. The responses are grouped into sets of responses corresponding to at least two object movement states. An image is reconstructed from the set of responses for each movement state, and a differential image representative of object movement is generated from the reconstructed image for each of the at least two object movement states. The differential image is overlaid on a reconstructed image to obtain an enhanced composite image of the object. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237940 | Medical Imaging Apparatus and Method - A medical device is used to image a body cavity using a plurality of axially and angularly spaced imaging sensors. Each i generates an image that is distinct from one another due to distinct fields of vision. Each image includes an overlapping zone with commonalities that are used to extrapolate a greater calibrated image. | 09-29-2011 |
20110257517 | Patient-Specific Seizure Onset Detection System - The present invention provides methods and systems for patient-specific seizure onset detection. In one embodiment, at least one EEG waveform of the patient is recorded, and at least one epoch (sample) of the waveform is extracted. The waveform sample is decomposed into one or more subband signals via a wavelet decomposition of the waveform sample, and one or more feature vectors are computed based on the subband signals. A seizure onset can then be identified based on classification of the feature vectors to a seizure or a non-seizure class by comparing the feature vectors with a decision measure previously computed for that patient. The decision measure can be derived based on reference seizure and non-seizure EEG waveforms of the patient. In another aspect, similar methodology is employed for automatic detection of alpha waves. In other aspects, the invention provides diagnostic and imaging systems that incorporate the above seizure-onset and alpha-wave detection methodology. | 10-20-2011 |
20110275931 | System and Method for Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography - A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and diabetic patients with retinopathy up to ETDRS level 35 and without retinopathy. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275932 | Method And Apparatus For Depth-Resolved Fluorescence, Chromophore, and Oximetry Imaging For Lesion Identification During Surgery - A tomographic fluorescent imaging device for imaging fluorophores in biological tissues has a scanned laser for scanning the tissue and a camera for receiving light from the biological tissue at an angle to the beam at a second wavelength ten or more nanometers greater in wavelength than the wavelength of the laser. Use of both intrinsic and extrinsic fluorophores is described. Images are obtained at each of several positions of the beam. An image processing system receives the series of images, models a path of the beam through the tissue, and determines depth of fluorophore in tissue from intersections of the modeled path of the beam and the path of the received light. The laser is of 600 nm or longer wavelength, to provide penetration of tissue. The imaging device is used during surgery to visualize lesions of various types to ensure complete removal of malignant tumors. An alternative embodiment uses differences in intensity of fluorescent radiation from tissue as observed at different wavelengths to determine depth of fluorophore in tissue. An embodiment operates at multiple wavelengths to construct tomographic images of chromophores, such as hemoglobin, and is capable of dynamic imaging. | 11-10-2011 |
20110288406 | CT PERFUSION PHANTOM - A physical phantom reference to control for variability of computed tomography measurement results duplicates the density curve of blood perfusion of contrast material in a healthy aorta or large artery to normalize observed changes in healthy arterial blood perfusion when calculating the reduction in tumor blood perfusion between two examination times. In one embodiment, a plurality of compartments with different concentrations of contrast material corresponding to a density curve of blood perfusion of a healthy tissue are positioned-in a screening field of a CT machine so the CT machine images the compartments when it images the healthy tissue. In another embodiment, a pipe containing fluid receives an injection of contrast material from the injector when the injector injects the contrast material into the patient, the pipe having sections of varying diameter so the sections together correspond to a blood perfusion curve of the contrast material in a healthy tissue. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295112 | Anatomical recognition and dimensional analysis of breast volume to assist breast surgery - Various systems, methods, techniques and/or modules are provided to allow for the automated analysis of the 3-D representation of the upper front torso (i) to recognize 3-D anatomical features, (ii) to orient the subject with reference to their anatomy or a display, (iii) to determine dimensional analysis including direct point-to-point lines, 3-D surface lines, and volume values, (iv) to simulate the outcome with the addition of breast implants including breast and nipple positioning, (v) to assist in the selection of the breast implants, and/or (vi) to assist in the planning of breast surgery. The automated analysis is based on the analysis of changes in a 3-D contour map of the upper torso, orientation analysis of 3-D features and planes, color analysis of 3-D features, and/or dimensional analysis of 3-D features and positions of the upper torso. | 12-01-2011 |
20110301453 | Method and System for Free Space Optical Tomography of Diffuse Media - A method and a system for free space optical tomography provides one or more light source and one or more light sensors spaced, which in one embodiment are spaced apart from and object to be imaged. A surface capture system coupled to a variety of optical models provides the method and system with the ability to render accurate tomographic images though the light has propagated both through a diffuse medium and, in on embodiment, also through free space to the one or more light sensors. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301454 | MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE - Disclosed is a medical image display method for displaying a tomographic image obtained by scanning an image of a cross-section of an organ of an object and finding the volume of an inner cavity region surrounded by the inner wall surface of the inner cavity of the organ on the basis of the displayed tomographic image, comprising a step that segmentizes the inner cavity region into a first inner cavity region and a second inner cavity region, a step that calculates volume of the first inner cavity using the disk method, a step that calculates volume of the second inner cavity region using the pseudo disk method, a step that calculates the entire inner cavity volume by summing the calculated volumes of the first and the second inner cavity, and a step that displays the first and the second inner cavity volumes and/or the entire inner cavity volume. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301455 | OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING APPARATUS - Provided is an optical tomographic imaging apparatus that, at imaging a tomographic image in an OCT system with a high lateral resolution, can more reduce blurring in the image due to movement of an object, including: a scanning device for scanning, on the object, a first irradiation beam having a large spot diameter and a second irradiation beam having a small spot diameter synchronized with each other, an image information acquiring device for acquiring first and second image information obtained with the irradiation beams, respectively, by scanning the first and second irradiation beams, and a position correcting device for identifying a position of the first image information based on reference image information acquired in advance, and, based on correlation of a positional relation between the first and second image information, correcting a position of the second image information by associating the position with the identified first image information's position. | 12-08-2011 |
20110306875 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY METHOD - The present invention relates to an optical coherence tomography system having an interferometer, in particular a Michelson interferometer, having a reference arm (R) for variable adjustment of an optical reference path length and having a measuring arm (M) in which an object (sample P) to be scanned can be disposed and/or is disposed in a sample volume (PV), | 12-15-2011 |
20120004541 | SURGERY ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - Provided is a surgery assistance system to perform relatively fast and accurate alignment between three-dimensional surface shape data acquired by measurement using a three-dimensional surface shape scanner and three-dimensional internal shape data acquired in advance, even when the position of the patient and the surface shape of the skin of the patient change during the surgery. A surgery assistance system ( | 01-05-2012 |
20120016230 | IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGING SYSTEM, SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM, AND IMAGING METHOD - An imaging apparatus includes: a first illumination unit to apply visible light to a subject having a fluorescent substance; a second illumination unit to apply excitation light to the subject so that fluorescence is generated from the fluorescent substance; an optical filter unit to cause the visible light and the fluorescence to pass therethrough, and shield the excitation light; an imaging unit including imaging elements to generate image signals, and an output unit to read the image signals from the imaging elements and output image information; an optical element to divide the visible light into component light beams, cause the divided light beams to be incident on the imaging elements, and cause the fluorescence to be incident on at least one imaging element; and a control means for alternately applying the visible light and the excitation light and alternately outputting image information of the visible light and the fluorescence. | 01-19-2012 |
20120016231 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL COSMETOLOGY IMAGING WITH STRUCTURED LIGHT - An SLI cosmetology image sensor captures one or more images of an anatomical feature and generates a 3D surface map of the anatomical feature using SLI techniques. A feature detection module processes the 3D surface map to detect certain characteristics of the anatomical feature. Feature data of the anatomical feature is generated such as size, shape and texture. A feature analysis module processes the feature data. The feature analysis module compares the anatomical feature to prior images and feature data for the anatomical feature. The feature analysis module categorizes the anatomical feature based on templates and correlations of types of features. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022364 | Board-Level Partitioning in MR-PET Imaging System Integration - A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly of a data processing unit for an integrated magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) system, the PCB assembly includes a plurality of PCB layers disposed in a stacked arrangement, first and second PET signal processing circuits carried by a first layer of the plurality of PCB layers, first and second ground plane structures carried by a second layer of the plurality of PCB layers and configured relative to the first and second PET signal processing circuits, respectively, and a ground partition that separates the first PET signal processing circuit from the second PET signal processing circuit on the first layer. The ground partition extends through the first layer to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding between the first and second PET signal processing circuits. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022365 | Diagnosing Airway Obstructions - Methods, devices, and computer program products facilitate characterization of a patient's upper airway including nose, palate, oral cavity, epiglottis, pharynx and larynx. Identification of full or partial obstructions in the upper airway enables the production of a full assessment the patient's airway. A report is produced that details the various contributing factors to the patient's airway obstructions. The comprehensive assessments can be utilized to effectively carry out various surgical and non-surgical procedures for treating sleep apnea. | 01-26-2012 |
20120035469 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SURFACES - A portable, hand-held, non-contact surface measuring system comprises an image capturing element, at least four projectable reference elements positioned parallel to one another at known locations around the image capturing element, a processing unit, and a user interface. The invention further discloses a method for the noncontact surface measurement comprising projecting at least four references onto a target surface, capturing an image of the targeted surface and the projected references with the image transferring device, transferring the image to a processing unit, processing the image using triangulation-based computer vision techniques to correct for skew and to obtain surface measurement data, transferring the data to the user interface, modifying the data with the user interface. The systems and methods for the measurement of surfaces can be applied to the measurement of biological surfaces, such as skin, wounds, lesions, and ulcers. | 02-09-2012 |
20120041301 | METHOD FOR SIMULATING A BLOOD FLOW - A method for simulating a blood flow in a vascular segment of a patient is proposed. A 3D image dataset of an examination region is recorded by a radiographic diagnostic device for generating a 3D vascular model. Contrast agent propagation in the examination region is captured by a dynamic 2D angiography method for generating a real 2D angiography recording. A CFD simulation of the blood flow is performed in the 3D vascular model based on a blood flow parameter for generating a virtual 2D angiography recording. A degree of correspondence between the real and the virtual 2D angiography recordings is determined from identical angulation and adjusted recording geometry of the patient and compared with predefinable tolerance values. The CFD simulation is iteratively optimized while changing the blood flow parameter as a function of the comparison. The degree of correspondence is outputted when the optimum CFD simulation is achieved. | 02-16-2012 |
20120046544 | RADIATION TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - This disclosure has one object to provide radiation tomography apparatus that allows acquisition of a sectional image having an accurately mapped radiopharmaceutical localization in an internal structure of a subject. According to one embodiment, a top board stops several times between a starting position forwardly in a top board movement direction and a termination position backwardly in the top board movement direction. Both CT image and the PET image are acquired upon stop of the top board. With the conventional method, the subject in the PET image and that in the CT image deviate from each other in position. In contrast to this, with the configuration of this disclosure, assumed that once movement of the top board is one step, a CT image taken two steps before has been acquired in every taking of the PET image by several times. Superimposing of these images may realize accurate mapping of radiopharmaceutical localization in the internal structure of the subject. | 02-23-2012 |
20120059252 | COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY SORTING BASED ON INTERNAL ANATOMY OF PATIENTS - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for computer tomography (CT) sorting based on internal anatomy of patients. CT scans of anatomical features of a human are obtained as pixels. From the scans, multiple respiratory features are determined. An optimal respiratory feature is selected and a respiratory signal is generated based on the multiple CT scans. | 03-08-2012 |
20120065499 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS DEVICE AND REGION-OF-INTEREST SETTING METHOD THEREFORE - A medical image diagnosis device according to the present invention has a medical image acquiring unit that acquires a medical image, a three-dimensional image constructing unit that constructs a three-dimensional image containing a motional internal organ region in the medical image, a sectional image generator that generates a two-dimensional sectional image serving as a reference image from the three-dimensional image, a region dividing unit that divides the reference image into plural regions on the basis of a criterion for region division, and a region-of-interest setting unit that calculates motion states of the plural regions, specifies at least one region of the plural regions on the basis of the calculated motion states, and sets as a region of interest a region of the medical image in which the specified region is contained. | 03-15-2012 |
20120071755 | Method and System for Automatic Native and Bypass Coronary Ostia Detection in Cardiac Computed Tomography Volumes - A method and system for detection of native and bypass coronary ostia in a 3D volume, such as a CT volume, is disclosed. Native coronary ostia are detected by detecting a bounding box defining locations of a left native coronary ostium and a right native coronary ostium in the 3D volume using marginal space learning (MSL), and locally refining the locations of the left native coronary ostium and the right native coronary ostium using a trained native coronary ostium detector. Bypass coronary ostia are detected by segmenting an ascending aorta surface mesh in the 3D volume, generating a search region of a plurality of mesh points on the ascending aorta surface mesh based on a distribution of annotated bypass coronary ostia in a plurality of training volumes, and detecting the bypass coronary ostia by searching the plurality of mesh points in the search region. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078088 | Medical image projection and tracking system - A system comprising a convergent parameter instrument and a laser digital image projector for obtaining a surface map of a target anatomical surface, obtaining images of that surface from a module of the convergent parameter instrument, applying pixel mapping algorithms to impute three dimensional coordinate data from the surface map to a two dimensional image obtained through the convergent parameter instrument, projecting images from the convergent parameter instrument onto the target anatomical surface as a medical reference, and applying a skew correction algorithm to the image. | 03-29-2012 |
20120089015 | REGIONAL RECONSTRUCTION AND QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT IN LIST MODE PET IMAGING - A method for reconstructing list mode data comprises: reconstructing all list mode data of a list mode data set ( | 04-12-2012 |
20120089016 | DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING APPARATUS, DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING PROGRAM, AND DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING METHOD - A diagnosis assisting apparatus, method, and program include calculating a first index value representing a direction and magnitude of motion of each portion of the heart for a three-dimensional anatomical image at a given phase of a three-dimensional anatomical image group representing a heart at each phase with respect to a further phase, calculating a second index value that serves as a diagnostic indicator of each portion of the heart from the three-dimensional anatomical image at the given phase or the three-dimensional anatomical image group, generating a two-dimensional image of the entire heart in which the second index value of each portion of the heart is disposed in a planar fashion, and displaying a mark representing the first index value superimposed on the generated two-dimensional image in a manner that allows the direction of motion of the first index value to be visually recognized. | 04-12-2012 |
20120095331 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR THEM - Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including: a lesion progress rate recognition section configured to perform prescribed image recognition processing on a plurality of entered medical images, thereby recognizing the lesion progress rate that represents the rate of progress of the disease-induced change in living body; and a presentation control section configured to cause a presentation section to present the medical images according to the lesion progress rate which has been recognized by the lesion progress rate recognition section. | 04-19-2012 |
20120101371 | Apparatus and Method For Detecting Amyloid In A Retina in a Diagnosis, Advancement, and Prognosing Of Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, macular degeneration and a plurality of Neurodegenerative dissorders, and Ocular Diseases - The present invention is an apparatus and method to produce an image of an eye of a patient that includes an optical head that includes imaging optics, illumination source optics and a camera housing with a perimeter that houses the video camera optics and the illumination source optics, a slit lamp chinrest and joystick assembly that includes an adjustable head support, a movable base, a joystick that adjusts a position of the camera housing relative to the head support and the housing support that mounts the video camera, a rubber eyecup that provides an interface between the camera housing and the patient's eye that protrudes outward from the perimeter and a computer system that analyzes images and data for the presence of amyloid in a retina, and other deposits and provides a diagnosis of macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple concussive injury, neurodegenerative and other ocular disorders. | 04-26-2012 |
20120101372 | DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT APPARATUS, DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT METHOD, LESIONED PART DETECTION APPARATUS, AND LESIONED PART DETECTION METHOD - A diagnosis support apparatus, includes a spatial structure data acquisition device that acquires spatial structure data including tomographic information of a three-dimensional region of an inner wall portion within a living organism that has a flat surface at a normal time that is obtained by performing optical coherence tomography measurement with respect to the inner wall portion; a surface roughness calculation device that calculates an evaluation value of a surface roughness at respective positions on the surface of the inner wall portion based on the spatial structure data; a lesion part extraction device that extracts a region of a lesion part based on a position on the surface at which the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a lesion part display device that displays information showing the region of the lesion part on an image in which the spatial structure data is visualized. | 04-26-2012 |
20120101373 | Portable Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Devices and Related Systems - Portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices including at least one mirror configured to scan at least two directions are provided. The portable OCT devices are configured to provide a portable interface to a sample that can be aligned to the sample without repositioning the sample. Related systems are also provided. | 04-26-2012 |
20120108956 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE WITHIN AT LEAST ONE VESSEL - Exemplary apparatus and method for obtaining information for at least one structure can be provided. For example, it is possible to forward at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the at least one structure which is external from the apparatus. At least one second electro magnetic radiation provided from the at least one structure (which is based on the first electro-magnetic radiation(s)) can be detected. It is also possible to determine at least one characteristic of the structure(s) based on the second electro-magnetic radiation(s), and obtain data relating to a pressure of at least one portion of the structure(s) based on the characteristic(s). | 05-03-2012 |
20120123252 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR LARGE AREA IMAGING OF A BODY PORTION - An imaging apparatus for large area imaging of a body portion of a vertebrate, having an optical scanner for generating image data, an image data processing unit for generating a primary skeleton image of the bone and/or joint structure from the image data of the body surface and stored standard skeleton images. A sensing head scans a depth scan image of the body portion stepwise or a sensing device senses bony references in the body portion. Markers mark the position and orientation of the sensing head or device for spatial orientation, and a navigation base station records spatial positions of the markers. A scanning data-processing unit produces a corrected skeleton image and/or anatomical rotational points of the body portion based on the primary skeleton image and on the depth scan image provided with position data and/or the position data of the bony references scanned with the sensing device. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123253 | ANATOMY MODELING FOR TUMOR REGION OF INTEREST DEFINITION - A hot spot detection system for automatically segmenting and quantifying hot spots in functional images includes a segmentation unit ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120136243 | METHOD FOR CALCULATING PERFUSION DATA - A method for calculating perfusion data, such as blood volume or blood flow from 2-D angiography data or DSA sequences, is proposed. An angiography scene is recorded using specific acquisition parameters to generate the 2-D angiography data or DSA sequences with administration of contrast agent based on a multiplicity of individual angiography images. A region of interest is defined suitable for comparison purposes. The volume segments are defined by the region of interest. The time/contrast curve is determined in the volume segments. Perfusion data for calculating the relative perfusion data is ascertained. The perfusion data is compared and the relative perfusion data is calculated. The calculated relative perfusion data is not specified in terms of absolute physical quantities, but is provided simply as ratios, such as left/right or before/after. | 05-31-2012 |
20120150027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT - A method of assessing a lung compartment of a patient may involve: advancing a diagnostic catheter into a lung airway leading to a first sub-compartment of the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member disposed on the diagnostic catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the first sub-compartment; introducing a diagnostic gas into the first sub-compartment; and recording a perfusion value of the diagnostic gas within the first sub-compartment. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150028 | System and Method of Chemical Imaging Using Puled Laser Excitation and Time-Gated Detection to Determine Tissue Margins During Surgery - System and method for differentiating tissue margins in a biological sample using pulsed laser excitation and time-gated detection. A region containing a biological tissue is irradiated with substantially monochromatic pulsed laser light to thereby produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are detected using time-gated detection to thereby obtain a Raman spectroscopic image from the irradiated region characteristic of either a neoplastic portion or a non-neoplastic portion of the region containing the biological tissue. A boundary between a neoplastic portion and a non-neoplastic portion is differentiated and the boundary location in the Raman spectroscopic image is displayed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150029 | System and Method for Detection and Monitoring of Ocular Diseases and Disorders using Optical Coherence Tomography - A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and patients with ocular diseases and disorders. | 06-14-2012 |
20120157827 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOFT-FIELD RECONSTRUCTION - A system and method for soft-field reconstruction are provided. One method includes establishing an initial estimate of a property distribution of an object, using a first reconstruction process to reconstruct an estimate of the actual property distribution and using a second reconstruction process different than the first reconstruction process to further reconstruct the estimate of the actual property distribution. A solution from the first reconstruction process is used as an initial estimate in the second reconstruction process. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157828 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND ILLUMINATION USING COMMON LIGHT SOURCE - A light source for a surgical system includes a broadband light source operable to produce broadband light. The light source further includes a wavelength splitter adapted to split the broadband light into illumination light having a spectral range covering at least a majority of the visible spectrum and surgical light having a spectral range outside of the spectral range of the illumination light. The light source then includes at least one surgical module adapted to control application of the surgical light. The light source also includes first and second coupling optics. The first coupling optics are configured to optically couple the illumination light to an illumination light guide for delivery to a first surgical probe. The second coupling optics are configured to optically couple the surgical light to a surgical light guide for delivery to a second surgical probe. | 06-21-2012 |
20120172718 | METHOD OF CT ANGIOGRAPHY TO VISUALIZE TRANS-OSSEOUS BLOOD VESSELS - A method of CT angiography to visualize trans-osseous blood vessels is disclosed herein. This method for bone elimination and the visualization of trans-osseous blood vessels in two-scan (pre- and post-contrast) CT angiography is invented. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172719 | SOFT FIELD TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND METHOD - An iteration method for computing a distribution of one or more properties within an object comprises defining a first mesh of the object, applying an excitation to the object, computing a response of the object to the applied excitation, obtaining a reference response of the object corresponding to the applied excitation, computing a distribution of one or more properties of the object, and updating at least a subset of the nodes of the first mesh to form an updated mesh of the object. The distribution of one or more properties of the object is computed using the computed response, the reference response, and the first mesh. The first mesh includes a plurality of nodes and elements. A connectivity relationship of the subset of the nodes in the updated mesh remains the same as in the first mesh. | 07-05-2012 |
20120184845 | AUTOMATED MACULAR PATHOLOGY DIAGNOSIS IN THREEDIMENSIONAL (3D) SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (SD-OCT) IMAGES - Systems and methods of analyzing an optical coherence tomography image of a retina are discussed. A 2-dimensional slice of the image can be aligned to produce an approximately horizontal image of the retina and an edge map based at least in part on the aligned slice. Also, at least one global representation can be determined based on a (multi-scale) spatial division, such as multi-scale spatial pyramid, on the slice and/or edge map. Creating the local features is based on the specified cell structure of the global representation. The local features can be constructed based on local binary pattern (LBP)-based features. Additionally, a slice can be categorized into one or more categories via one or more classifiers (e.g., support vector machines). Each category can be associated with at least one ocular pathology, and classifying can be based on the constructed global descriptors, which can include the LBP-based local descriptors. | 07-19-2012 |
20120184846 | IMAGING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTS, AND METHODS USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - Imaging and visualization systems, instruments, and methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. A method for OCT image capture includes determining a location of a feature of interest within an operative field. The method also includes determining a relative positioning between the feature of interest and an OCT scan location. Further, the method includes controlling capture of an OCT image at a set position relative to the feature of interest based on the relative positioning. | 07-19-2012 |
20120190974 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An imaging apparatus for diagnosis is connected with a probe including a transmitting and receiving unit transmitting a light transmitted from a light source continuously to the inside of a body cavity and concurrently, receiving a reflected light continuously from the inside of the body cavity, and generates a tomographic image inside the body cavity based on the obtained reflected light by obtaining the reflected light from the transmitting and receiving unit while rotating the transmitting and receiving unit. The apparatus comprises: a mechanism for extracting intensity of the reflected light obtained by a phenomenon that the light transmitted to the transmitting and receiving unit is reflected at the transmitting and receiving unit; and a mechanism for judging whether or not the extracted intensity of each reflected light at each rotary angle of the transmitting and receiving unit lies in a range of a predetermined variation width. | 07-26-2012 |
20120197112 | SPATIALLY-LOCALIZED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING - This invention generally relates to devices and methods for optical coherence tomography (OCT), and also to devices and methods for spatially-localized OCT imaging. In one aspect, a spatially-localized OCT imaging system may include an OCT probe, a spatially-resolvable positioning device, a tracking system, and a data acquisition system. Some or all of the components may also be linked and/or otherwise combined. | 08-02-2012 |
20120209108 | System and Method for Treatment Planning of Organ Disease at the Functional and Anatomical Levels - The present disclosure relates to a system and method for planning treatment of soft organs utilizing CT and SPECT image technology. The systems and method combine the segmented CT images with the SPECT image to form a combined image and treatment plan utilizing the images of both systems. | 08-16-2012 |
20120220861 | Multiple Sclerosis Diagnostic Methods and Associated Devices and Systems - Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal jugular veins (IJV) or azygous veins (AZV). In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's IJV or AZV veins are provided. | 08-30-2012 |
20120220862 | BIDIRECTIONAL OPTICAL SCANNER ASSISTING IN MAMMOGRAPHY - A bidirectional optical scanner assisting in mammography is revealed. The optical scanner that calculates functional images obtained by diffuse optical tomography, used in combination with a mammography machine can reduce the number of mammograms taken and the dose exposure. The bidirectional optical scanner includes a first compression plate, a first optical detection module, a second optical detection module and a second compression plate. The same test position of the tested breast can be detected twice in different directions by the first and the second optical detection modules. No matter where the tumor is located, the tumor can be detected. Besides structural images provided by the mammography machine, functional tomographic images of the breast are obtained by the bidirectional optical scanner. Thus diagnostic accuracy in the detection of breast cancer is improved. | 08-30-2012 |
20120220863 | IMAGING MEDICAL APPARATUS WITH A DEVICE TO IDENTIFY A PLANE IN SPACE - An imaging medical apparatus has at least one device to identify a plane in space. The device has: a light source that emits a fan-shaped light beam, the light source is rotatable around a light source rotation axis. The device also has a mirror that reflects the fan-shaped light beam, the mirror being rotatable around a mirror rotation axis and encompassing a mirror plane. The mirror rotation axis and the surface normal of the mirror plane enclose an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°. | 08-30-2012 |
20120226151 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - An imaging apparatus for diagnosis is connected detachably with a probe having a first transmitting and receiving unit repeating electric signal transmission and reception and a second transmitting and receiving unit repeating optical signal transmission and reception, obtains a reflected signal inside a body cavity or lumen from the first or second transmitting and receiving unit by rotationally operating the first and the second transmitting and receiving units inside the body cavity, and can generate a tomographic image inside the body cavity, wherein the apparatus includes an electric rotary connector carrying out transmission of the electric signal while rotationally operating the first and second transmitting and receiving units; and an optical rotary connector carrying out transmission of the optical signal, the electric rotary connector includes a metal surface on the rotational drive unit side and a brush on the fixed unit side that is operable between contact and non-contact positions. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232381 | METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF RADIOACTIVE TRACER LEVELS IN THE BLOOD STREAM - A method and system for non-invasive quantitative assessment of radionuclide tracer levels in the blood stream. The method relies on the finding that the gamma-radiation signal acquired using a gamma scintillation probe, is the resultant from a wave-component with changing amplitude, resulting from the radiotracer in the bloodstream and a non-wave background component resulting from radiotracer distributed throughout the tissue surrounding the arterial vessel. The method involves phase-sensitive conversion of the ‘input signal’, extracting there from an output signal representing the signal component originating from the bloodstream, using the changes in arterial blood volume as the reference wave-form. A particular aspect of the invention concerns methods of quantitative PET or SPECT imaging wherein the concentration of radionuclides in the blood stream as a function of time after injection is assessed using the method of the invention. | 09-13-2012 |
20120238868 | Miniature Actuator Mechanism for Intravascular Imaging - The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an ultrasound transducer element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices because it offers the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device, while the use of multiple transducer crystals maximizes field of view. Also disclosed are methods of using the same. | 09-20-2012 |
20120238869 | Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography System with Pressure Monitoring Interface and Accessories - An optical coherence tomography system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment the system includes an interferometer including: a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photodetector having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photodetector, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photodetector signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer. | 09-20-2012 |
20120245459 | MOTOR DRIVE APPARATUS AND OPTICAL IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - A motor drive apparatus includes: a transmission unit carrying-out transmission of an optical signal between a rotation unit for rotating a transmitting and receiving unit and a fixation unit for transmitting reflected light to a control apparatus through a signal line, wherein the transmission unit includes: a tubular shaped lens holding member where a collimator lens is held, and a holding member fixing member having first fixation surface by which the end surface of the lens holding member is fixed and second fixation surface fixed by a surface which is formed to be approximately perpendicular to the direction toward which the optical signal is emanated or the optical signal is light-received; the first fixation surface is formed in a spherical shape; and the second fixation surface is formed to be approximately perpendicular to the direction toward which the optical signal is emanated or the optical signal is light-received. | 09-27-2012 |
20120245460 | METHOD OF DETERMINING ISCHEMIA USING PAIRED STRESS AND REST SCANS - A method of identifying perfusion abnormalities in a heart of a patient. The method is performed with a patient stress map including stress values, a patient rest map including rest values, and one or more normal maps. The normal maps may include a normal change limit map including change limits, and a normal stress limit map including stress limits. The stress and rest maps are co-registered with one another and the normal maps. The method includes creating a patient change map by subtracting the rest count values of the rest map from the stress count values of the co-registered stress map. Then, in some embodiments, the patient stress and change maps are jointly compared to the normal stress and change limit maps to detect one or more hypoperfused regions. In such embodiments, the one or more regions detected are identified as having perfusion abnormalities and optionally displayed. | 09-27-2012 |
20120253183 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, OPHTHALMIC APPARATUS, AND OPHTHALMIC SYSTEM - To reduce confirmation time by an examiner to increase the diagnosis efficiency, a medical system including a medical apparatus that acquires a tomographic image of an object to be examined using combined light generated by combining return light from the object to be examined to which measuring light is emitted and reference light corresponding to the measuring light includes a display control unit configured to control a display unit to sequentially display the tomographic images in the predetermined region on the display unit, and a changing unit configured to change a display time period for the tomographic images displayed in the predetermined region based on the number of the tomographic images to be displayed. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253184 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND DISPLAY METHOD - An imaging apparatus for diagnosis comprises a display unit configured to display a longitudinal-sectional image in a first display area, and display a cross-sectional image corresponding to an arbitrary position in an axial direction in the longitudinal-sectional image in a second display area; a signal processing unit divides the second display area into at least two individual areas in case of accepting an instruction to the effect that a predetermined operation is executed with respect to the first display area; and the signal processing unit displays indicators in the first display area, wherein in a case in which the second display area is divided into at least two individual areas, cross-sectional images corresponding to the axial direction position are displayed by at least two indicators in respective individual areas. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253185 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An optical coherent tomographic image forming apparatus includes: a first switch for instructing rotation of the optical deflection unit at a first speed; a second switch for instructing rotation of the optical deflection unit at a second speed which is higher than the first speed; and a driving controller which drives the optical deflection unit rotationally at the first speed in case of detecting instruction operation of the first switch and which changes the rotation speed of the optical deflection unit to the second speed, in case of detecting instruction operation of the second switch, under the condition that the optical deflection unit rotates at the first speed when the second switch is instructionally operated. | 10-04-2012 |
20120265058 | DEVICE FOR PERFORMING EXAMINATION THROUGH THE UTERINE CAVITY - A device for performing examination through the uterine cavity, preferably to carry out a computed tomography virtual hysterosalpingography, by the use of a speculum and a cannula or probe, wherein the device comprises a support for centering in the speculum and the probe is retained in a central end of the support to guarantee the centering of the probe within the cervix and the holding of the probe in the desired position during the test. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265059 | IMAGING OF POLARIZATION SCRAMBLING TISSUE - The present invention provides for the detection and display of polarization scrambling tissue without resolving the polarization state of the backscattered imaging beam. In one embodiment, we illuminate the tissue using two different polarizations. A first polarization determines a first image of high intensity while the second polarization determines a second image of low intensity. Comparison and combination of the first and second images determines tissue which scrambles the polarization in neighbouring detection cells. | 10-18-2012 |
20120277579 | INTER-FRAME COMPLEX OCT DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES - Techniques for collecting and processing complex OCT data to detect localized motion contrast information with enhanced accuracy and sensitivity are presented. In a preferred embodiment, vector differences between complex OCT signals taken at the same location on the sample are used to detect blood flow in the retina. Additional embodiments involving non-linear intensity weighting of the motion contrast information, normalization of the vector difference amplitudes, and calculating the absolute value of the standard deviation of Doppler signal are described. Image processing techniques to enhance the images resulting from these motion contrast techniques are also presented. | 11-01-2012 |
20120289825 | FLUOROSCOPY-BASED SURGICAL DEVICE TRACKING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and system for assisting a physician track a surgical device in a body organ of a subject during a procedure includes fluoroscopic based registration, tracking, and optimizing a fluoroscopy position. An initial registration step includes receiving a 3D image data of a subject in a first body position, receiving a real time fluoroscopy image data, and estimating a deformation model or field to match points in the real time fluoro image with a corresponding point in the 3D model. A tracking step includes computing the 3D location of the surgical device and displaying the surgical device and the 3D model of the body organ in a fused arrangement. Optimizing the fluoroscope camera pose includes computing a candidate camera pose to assist the surgeon to track a surgical device based on features of the surgical device, position of the patient, and mechanical properties or constraints of the fluoroscope. | 11-15-2012 |
20120289826 | METHOD FOR LOCALIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF STRUCTURES IN PROJECTION IMAGES - A method for localization and identification of a structure in a projection image with a system having a known system geometry, includes acquiring a preoperative computer-tomography or CT image of a structure, preprocessing the CT-image to a volume image, acquiring an intraoperative two dimensional or 2D X-ray image, preprocessing the 2D X-ray image to a fix image, estimating an approximate pose of the structure, calculating a digitally reconstructed radiograph or DRR using the volume image, the estimated pose and the system geometry, and calculating a correlation between the generated DRR and the fix image, with a correlation value representing matching between the generated DRR and the fix image. The method significantly decreases the number of wrong-level surgeries and is independent of the surgeon's ability to localize and/or identify a target level in a body. | 11-15-2012 |
20120302879 | FLUORESCENCE-MEDIATED MOLECULAR TOMOGRAPHY - This invention relates to a fluorescence-mediated molecular tomographic imaging system, designed to detect near-infrared fluorescence activation in deep tissues. The system can use targeted fluorescent molecular probes or highly sensitive activatable fluorescence molecular probes. Such probes add molecular specificity and yield high fluorescence contrast, to allow early detection and molecular target assessment of diseased tissue, such as cancers, in vivo. The new tomographic imaging system enables three-dimensional localization in deep tissues and quantitation of molecular probes. | 11-29-2012 |
20120316434 | PROCESS, ARRANGEMENTS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING FREQUENCY DOMAIN IMAGING OF A SAMPLE - Exemplary apparatus, arrangement and method can be provided for obtaining information associated with an anatomical structure or sample using optical microscopy. A radiation can include first electromagnetic radiation(s) directed to an anatomical sample and at least one second electromagnetic radiation directed to a reference. A wavelength of the radiation can vary over time, and the wavelength can be shorter than approximately 1150 nm. An interference can be detected between third and forth radiations associated with the first, second and fourth radiation, respectively. At least one image corresponding to portion(s) of the sample can be generated using data associated with the interference. Source arrangement(s) can be provided which is configured to provide an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that varies over time. A period of a variation of the wavelength of the first electromagnetic radiation(s) can be shorter than 1 millisecond, and the wavelength can be shorter than approximately 1150 nm. | 12-13-2012 |
20120330140 | TOMOGRAM OBSERVATION APPARATUS, PROCESSING METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A tomogram observation apparatus characterized by comprising: detection means for detecting a region in which an optic nerve extends from a retina layer of an eye to be examined to outside the eye to be examined; and generation means for generating a two-dimensional tomogram of a portion around an optic papilla of the eye to be examined, based on a position of the region. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006104 | PROBE AND IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - A probe includes a connector having a connection end surface, a first cover covering the connection end surface of the connector and defined by a surface perpendicular to a first direction corresponding to the direction toward which the probe is inserted, and a second cover configured to move in a second direction corresponding to a direction opposite to the first direction and which covers the connector by being stretched from the outer circumference of the first cover toward the second direction. The second cover moves in the second direction by receiving a press force directed toward the second direction from a wall surface formed by an opening of the adapter unit at the time of insertion of the connector into the adapter unit. The first cover is configured to be broken by the connector's press force directed in the first direction when the second cover moves in the second direction. | 01-03-2013 |
20130012810 | PROBE AND OPTICAL IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - A probe including a catheter sheath, a shaft inserted inside the catheter sheath, and an attachment portion detachably attached to a rotational drive unit, wherein the attachment portion includes an isolation member isolating the inside of the attachment portion into a first area in which a member for transmitting the drive force generated by the rotational drive unit to the shaft is rotatably held and a second area in which the catheter sheath is fixedly held; the isolation member includes: an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted between the first area and the second area and an ejection hole provided in a surface to which an end portion on the rotational drive unit side of the catheter sheath is connected and which is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the shaft; and the ejection hole defines a flow path extending to the outside of the isolation member. | 01-10-2013 |
20130023760 | HIGH SPATIAL RESOLUTION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ROTATION CATHETER - An optical coherence tomography rotation catheter comprises a catheter body and a tubular member that rotates around a longitudinal axis in the catheter body. An optical fiber extends along an interior of the tubular member and has an optical fiber distal end. A light reflecting member is distal of the optical fiber distal end and rotates around the longitudinal axis with the tubular member. The light reflecting member includes a light reflecting surface which is spaced from and faces the optical fiber distal end and which is inclined to reflect the light from the optical fiber in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The light reflecting member has a diameter of at most about 0.25 mm. The light reflecting surface is polished and coated with a light reflecting film. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023761 | Torque Limiter for an OCT Catheter - An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023762 | Distributed Medical Sensing System and Method - A distributed medical sensing system including a first body sensing device configured to sense medical characteristics, the first body sensing device being located in a first sterile field and a second body sensing device configured to sense medical characteristics, the second body sensing device being located in a second sterile field, the second sterile field being spaced from the first sterile field. The syJostem also includes a computing device outside of the first and second sterile fields and communicatively coupled to the first and second body sensing devices, the computing device configured to respectively receive first and second medical characteristic data from the first and second body sensing devices, process the first and second medical characteristic data, and transmit the processed first and second medical characteristic data to respective first and second user interface devices. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023763 | Distributed Medical Sensing System and Method - A distributed medical sensing system including a first hub configured to receive first medical characteristic data from a first body sensing device, the first body sensing device being located in a first sterile field and a second hub configured to receive second medical characteristic data from a second body sensing device, the second body sensing device being located in a second sterile field spaced from the first sterile field. The system also includes a computing device outside of the first and second sterile fields and communicatively coupled to the first and second hubs, the computing device configured to receive the first and second medical characteristic data from the respective first and second hubs, process the first and second medical characteristic data, and transmit the processed first and second medical characteristic data to the respective first and second hubs. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030287 | PROXIMITY IMAGING TYPE PET APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - Provided are a proximity imaging type PET apparatus and a system which include a part-specific PET scanner disposed in proximity to a specific part of a measurement target and a whole-body PET scanner which is capable of radiographing the whole body of the measurement target, the PET apparatus and system being capable of bringing PET detectors into close proximity to the specific part of the measurement target so as to ensure higher sensitivity and imaging a wide field of view. | 01-31-2013 |
20130053689 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGN OF SPECTRAL FILTER TO CLASSIFY TISSUE AND MATERIAL FROM MULTI-ENERGY IMAGES - A method, system and apparatus for filtering multi-energy images using spectral filtering technique is described. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first image of an anatomical object corresponding to a first radiation energy. In addition, the method includes obtaining at least one additional image, herein called a second image of the anatomical object corresponding to at least one second radiation energy. The at least one second radiation energy is distinct from the first radiation energy. The method also includes determining joint attenuation characteristics of each tissue at the first radiation energy and at the second radiation energy or their derivatives. The method also includes selectively filtering attenuation value in a multi-energy space due to at least one tissue to generate a filtered image from a reference image. The reference image is one of the first image or the second image or their derivatives. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060131 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXAMINING INNER EAR - An apparatus, for examining an inner ear is provided. An endoscope is provided, comprising a wave guide and an end piece comprising an end window to be placed a first distance from an inner ear, wherein the waveguide focuses light to create a focal plane the first distance from the end window. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is connected to a second end of the wave guide and comprises an imaging system connected to the OCT system for generating an image of the inner ear. | 03-07-2013 |
20130072790 | SELECTION AND OPTIMIZATION FOR CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - Systems and methods for imaging and analyzing a patient heart are described. Imaging can be performed with a variety or combination of methods, including single photon emission computed tomography, to provide a comprehensive, three-dimensional image or model of the heart including high-resolution details relating to scar tissue and other abnormalities. Data, including information related to the heart developed through the imaging process, can be analyzed to determine if a patient is a desirable candidate for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Specific details relating to a cardiac resynchronization therapy device and a procedure for implantation can be developed through analysis of available information. A heart model and “virtual roadmap” can be generated to guide a medical practitioner through patient-individualized procedures related to the specific details gleaned through analysis. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079629 | PASSIVE, NONINVASIVE TOMOGRAPHY - A passive, noninvasive tomography apparatus and method is disclosed for in-depth tissue imaging and lesion detection. In one particular approach, the disclosed apparatus and method is adapted for use in breast imaging. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079630 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - An imaging apparatus for diagnosis includes a display unit for displaying a plurality of generated cross-sectional images sequentially in chronological order, first and second operation members which are arranged on an operation panel and which are for appending a bookmark to the cross-sectional image, and a control unit for appending a bookmark to a cross-sectional image during display in response to a user operation toward at least one of the first and second operation members during the display of the cross-sectional image by the display unit, wherein the first operation member is provided on the right side seen from the center portion in the right and left direction with respect to a user in a case in which the user directly-faces the operation panel, and the second operation member is provided on the left side seen from the center portion of the operation panel. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079631 | MOTOR DRIVE APPARATUS AND IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS - A motor drive apparatus including a scanner unit, a scanner moving unit, and a detection unit for detecting that the scanner unit has reached a position apart by a predetermined distance from the forward end position of the scanner unit in case of axially operating or moving the scanner unit toward the forward direction, wherein in case of operating the scanner unit axially toward the forward direction, the scanner moving unit carries out speed control based on a first speed set value until the detection by the detection unit achieves a detection, and after the detection by the detection unit, the scanner moving unit carries out the speed control based on a second speed set value smaller than the first speed set value. | 03-28-2013 |
20130096425 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA RECONSTRUCTION IN SOFT-FIELD TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for data reconstruction in soft-field tomography are provided. One method includes selecting a model domain for an EIT data set, determining a minimally anisotropic error in the model domain and correcting the model domain. The method also performing isotropization using the determined minimally anisotropic error to recover a boundary shape and isotropic conductivity for the EIT data set. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096426 | Rotational Shape-Memory Actuators and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor. | 04-18-2013 |
20130102894 | Device With an OCT System for Examining and Treating Living Tissue by Means of Heating of the Tissue by Absorbing Electromagnetic Radiation - A device for examining or treating living tissue by means of local heating of the tissue by absorbing electromagnetic radiation, with at least one radiation source emitting electromagnetic radiation, a control unit for controlling the irradiation parameters of the radiation source, and at least one FD-OCT apparatus with a light source emitting a measurement light for illuminating that tissue region in which the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the tissue, characterized by a computational unit for carrying out the following steps: determining the depth-resolved tissue velocity in the radiation direction of the measurement light at a predetermined measurement point of the tissue from the phase information from the FD-OCT interference light, integrating the established tissue velocity over time, differentiating the calculated time integral with respect to space, and displaying the spatial derivative as a function of space and time and/or feeding the spatial derivative as a function of space and time to an evaluation module and/or feeding the spatial derivative as a function of space and time to the control unit. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116552 | IMPLANTABLE IMAGING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining information associated with at least one anatomical structure. The exemplary apparatus can include at least one first arrangement which can be configured to provide at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one portion of the at least one anatomical structure. The first arrangement(s) can include a configuration which is configured to relatively permanently attach the apparatus to or in the at least one anatomical structure. The exemplary apparatus can further include at least one interferometric arrangement configured to receive a further radiation from the portion(s) which can be associated with the electro-magnetic radiation(s). | 05-09-2013 |
20130116553 | BIOLOGICAL MEASURING APPARATUS AND BIOLOGICAL MEASURING METHOD - A biological measuring apparatus measures physical parameters in a part of a living body by diffuse optical tomography. The apparatus includes at least one first light source and one first detector both disposed inside the living body, at least one second light source and one second detector both disposed outside the living body. A processor processes measured values and reconstructs the distribution of scattering coefficients or absorption coefficients of light interacting with the living body. The measured values are acquired from at least one measurement light beam emitted from the first light source and detected by one of the first and second detectors, and at least one measurement light beam emitted from the second light source and detected by one of the first and second detectors. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116554 | X-RAY IMAGING AT LOW CONTRAST AGENT CONCENTRATIONS AND/OR LOW DOSE RADIATION - The present invention relates to X-ray examinations and to the improvement of patient safety during such. More specifically the invention relates to X-ray diagnostic compositions having ultra-low concentrations of iodine. The invention further relates to methods of X-ray examinations wherein a body is administered with an X-ray diagnostic composition and irradiated with a reduced radiation dose. | 05-09-2013 |
20130144160 | IMAGE-BASED DIAGNOSIS ASSISTANCE APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM - A morphology image representing the morphology of a specific organ including a tubular structure in the inside thereof and a function image representing a function level at each position in the organ are obtained. A structure region representing a structure dominating the organ is extracted from the morphology image. A specific partial region in the extracted structure region and a dominated region in the organ are determined, and the dominated region being dominated by a structure in the partial region. In that case, at least one of the partial region determination step and the dominated region determination step is performed by using the function image. | 06-06-2013 |
20130158391 | IMAGE PROCESSING UNIT FOR OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY - An image processing unit for optical tomography is applicable in miniaturized diffusion optical tomography devices. It includes an image reconstructor and an image post-processor. The image reconstructor receives a plurality of optical signals generated from an reaction of an object under test with irradiating light and an inverse solution matrix of an image model of the object, and obtains scalar product on each of the optical signals and the inverse solution matrix through a sub-frame algorithm to generate an original image corresponding to the object. Then, the image post-processor performs a Gaussian extended algorithm on the original image to output a final image. With the image reconstruction and image post-processing of the present invention, slowing down of computation speed due to miniaturization of the conventional optical tomography techniques can be avoided, while providing good quality in the output image. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158392 | Reciprocating Drive Optical Scanner for Surgical Endoprobes - A microsurgical endoprobe and method for use are provided. The microsurgical endoprobe may have a cannula assembly with a proximal element and a distal element coupled to a mechanical actuator. The microsurgical endoprobe may be configured to rotate at least one of the proximal element and the distal element in a first direction for an arc period, perform a microsurgical procedure on the tissue, and rotate the at least one of the proximal element and the distal element in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the arc period. The microsurgical endoprobe may include a hand-piece having a motor with a cannula assembly coupled to the hand-piece. | 06-20-2013 |
20130172734 | FLOW MEASUREMENT WITH TIME-RESOLVED DATA - Estimation of blood flow parameters using non-invasive imaging techniques is described. In one implementation, temporally distinct image volumes are generated. Each respective image volume depicts a respective spatial distribution of a contrast agent within an imaged volume at a different time. The contrast agent movement at each different time from the plurality of image volumes is used in the estimation of a parameter related to the flow of blood within the imaged volume. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172735 | OPTICAL COHERENT IMAGING MEDICAL DEVICE - The invention concerns an OCI medical device ( | 07-04-2013 |
20130172736 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SACRO-ILIAC JOINT DISEASE - Methods and apparatus for diagnostic and/or therapeutic manipulation of the sacro-iliac joint (SI joint). Trajectories for corridors used to manipulate the target SI joint are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises palpitating the inferior end of the SI joint, confirming via an imaging technique, and injecting a material into the joint. The injected material (such as a bone forming material) is deposited from the needle or through an implanted catheter. The SI joint may be also immobilized while the fusion mass forms via the use of at least one fixation member. In one embodiment, the fixation member comprises an external member and two internal members which threadedly engage each other. The fixation member is configured to expand and comprises bone growth promoting feature. The expanded member fixates the ilium to the Sacrum on the side of the target SI joint, thus the SI joint is immobilized and fused. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178735 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING IMAGES FROM WITHIN A TISSUE - Systems and methods for imaging within depth layers of a tissue include illuminating light rays at different changing wavelengths (frequencies), collimating illuminated light rays using a collimator, and splitting light rays using a beam splitter, such that some of the light rays are directed towards a reference mirror and some of the rays are directed towards the tissue. The systems and methods further include reflecting light rays from the reference mirror towards the imager, filtering out non-collimated light rays reflected off the tissue by using a telecentric optical system, and reflecting collimated light rays reflected off the tissue towards the imager, thus creating an image of an interference pattern based on collimated light rays reflected off the tissue and off the reference mirror. The method may further include creating full 2D images from the interference pattern for each depth layer of the tissue using Fast Fourier transform. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184570 | MOVING OBJECT CONTOUR EXTRACTION APPARATUS, LEFT VENTRICLE IMAGE SEGMENTATION APPARATUS, MOVING OBJECT CONTOUR EXTRACTION METHOD AND LEFT VENTRICLE IMAGE SEGMENTATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a moving object contour extraction apparatus includes a contour acquisition unit and a contour correction unit. The contour acquisition unit is configured to acquire a contour of a moving object in each image slice. The contour correction unit is configured to correct the contours of the moving object in image slices of at least one image slice time series based on motion trend information of the moving object in each of a plurality of image slice time series. | 07-18-2013 |
20130204125 | INFLATION APPARATUS WITH PRESSURE RELIEF, RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS AND KITS - Systems, devices, methods and kits for an inflation system with pressure relief are provided. The system includes an inflatable member, a first shaft connected to the inflatable member, an imaging device extending into said cavity of the inflatable member, a second shaft configured to contain the imaging device, the second shaft having a closed end approximate to the imaging assembly and a open end approximate to the imaging system, the second shaft defining a cavity along a longitudinal axis thereof and configured to be positioned within the cavity of the first shaft; the first shaft and the second shaft defining a channel therebetween in communication with the cavity of the inflatable member; an inflator connected to the first shaft and in communication with the channel for inflating the inflatable member; and a relief valve in communication with the channel and positioned between the inflatable member and the inflator. | 08-08-2013 |
20130218008 | MEASURING DEVICE, MEASURING METHOD, AND TOMOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - A measuring device for measuring a physical property of an object which is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave pulse. The measuring device includes a waveform obtaining unit which obtains a time waveform from a signal relating to the electromagnetic wave pulse reflected from a first reflection portion and a second reflection portion of the object. The waveform obtaining unit obtains a first obtained waveform at a first collection point where a parallel region of the electromagnetic wave pulse is adjusted by a position adjusting unit so as to be in only one of the first reflection portion and the second reflection portion of the object, and obtains a second obtained waveform at a second collection point different from the first collection point. A waveform forming unit forms a measured waveform based on the first obtained waveform and the second obtained waveform. | 08-22-2013 |
20130225985 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSDUCER PLACEMENT IN SOFT-FIELD TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for transducer placement in soft-field tomography are provided. One system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning at a surface of an object in a non-soft-field tomography configuration. The system also includes an interface and a processor communicating with the plurality of transducers via the interface. The processor is configured to perform soft-field sensing using soft-field data acquired by the plurality of transducers. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225986 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR COMPLETE EXAMINATION OF TISSUE WITH HAND-HELD IMAGING DEVICES - A scan completeness auditing system for screening a volume of tissue comprising a manual image scanning device having an imaging probe, a position tracking system configured to track and record the position of the imaging probe during use, and a controller in communication with the recording system and the manual image scanning device, the controller configured to electronically receive and record the scanned images from the manual image scanning device, and to measure an image-to-image spacing and a scan-to-scan spacing between the scanned images within scan sequence and between scan sequences respectively. The scan completeness auditing system is further adapted to provide an alert to the operator if the image-to-image or scan-to-scan spacing exceeds an acceptable value. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231558 | System and Method for Reducing Angular Geometric Distortion in an Imaging Device - A system and method are provided for significantly reducing or substantially eliminating angular geometric distortions in devices designed for imaging and/or inspection of an interior portion or surface of a cavity. A series of processing steps or methods may be employed to eliminate Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD) in such devices, for example, unidirectional and bi-directional intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS) imaging systems. The system may include a processor and an electronic module which control operation of a transducer assembly provided at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The system invokes a first processing step or method to collect and store raw angle and line data, as well as one or more of second and third processing steps or methods which adjust for NURD experienced during backlash of a bi-directional imaging system and a fourth processing step or method which performs a line-to-line correlation function. | 09-05-2013 |
20130245435 | GENERATION OF VISUAL COMMAND DATA - In a computerized method and system to generate visualization command data for two-dimensional visualization of a vascular tree of a vascular system from tomography data acquired via an imaging system, tomography data of the vascular tree are registered in the form of prepared tomography data that include acquired tomography data of the vascular tree in which said vascular tree is segmented at least in a region of surrounding structures, and in which are present a number of curve lines of vessels of the vascular tree that branch with one another. Inlets are shaped between curve lines that are adjacent and/or connected with one another via node points. Representation data are generated in which the inlets are arranged flat, adjoining one another in a two-dimensional presentation plane. The visualization command data are derived from the representation data and presented as an output. | 09-19-2013 |
20130253313 | AUTOFOCUSING ENDOSCOPE AND SYSTEM - An autofocusing endoscope includes an objective lens, a relay optical system arranged to relay an image between the objective lens and a proximal end of the autofocusing endoscope, an optical fiber arranged with a distal end proximate the objective lens, a light source arranged to couple light into the optical fiber, an optical detection system arranged to receive and detect light from the optical fiber, and a data processor constructed to communicate with the optical detection system while in operation. The data processor is configured to determine a distance of a surface to be imaged through the objective lens and provide instructions for adjusting a focus of the autofocusing endoscope of the surface. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274597 | SCANNER FOR AN ENDOSCOPE - A scanner for an endoscope comprising:
| 10-17-2013 |
20130281840 | DUAL-MODALITY SCANNING SYSTEM FOR DETECTING BREAST CANCER - This invention relates to a scanning apparatus for imaging the breast that employs both X-ray and ultrasound technologies to enhance the diagnosis of cancer. There is provided a method for acquiring and co-registering the X-ray and ultrasound images in three-dimensional space, so that: the breast is in the same orientation and degree of compression when X-ray and ultrasound images are obtained; both sets of images are acquired simultaneously so as to minimize the time the woman's breast is held stationary; automated breast ultrasound images of the whole breast are acquired in a single scan; both image modalities are acquired in three dimensions; and radiation dose exposure to the woman is minimized. The method incorporates, in a single device, a system for acquiring full-field digital mammography and automated breast ultrasound images, and an algorithm for performing digital tomosynthesis reconstruction using these images. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281841 | METHOD OF BIOIMAGE DATA PROCESSING FOR REVEALING MORE MEANINGFUL ANATOMIC FEATURES OF DISEASED TISSUES - The present invention discloses a method for generating elevation maps or images of a tissue layer/boundary with respect to a fitted reference surface, comprising the steps of finding and segmenting a desired tissue layer/boundary; fitting a smooth reference surface to the segmented tissue layer/boundary; calculating elevations of the same or other tissue layer/boundary relative to the fitted reference surface; and generating maps of elevation relative to the fitted surface. The elevation can be displayed in various ways including three-dimensional surface renderings, topographical contour maps, contour maps, en-face color maps, and en-face grayscale maps. The elevation can also be combined and simultaneously displayed with another tissue layer/boundary dependent set of image data to provide additional information for diagnostics. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281842 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIRTUAL INDEX-MATCHING OF DIFFUSIVE MEDIA - The invention relates to systems and methods for tomographic imaging of a subject comprising diffuse media by converting measurements of electromagnetic radiation, e.g., fluorescent light, obtained in free space exterior to the subject into data that would be measured if the subject were surrounded by an infinite and homogeneous diffusive medium, e.g., a medium with optical properties equal to the average optical properties of the subject. After applying a transformation to convert measurements to virtually-matched values, propagation of light is simulated from the index-matched surface to a set of virtual detectors exterior to the subject and arranged in a geometrically advantageous fashion, for example, in a planar array, thereby facilitating the use of fast reconstruction techniques. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281843 | APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT AN EXAMINATION ON THE BREAST OF A PATIENT - An apparatus for carrying out an examination on the breast of a patient, comprising an analysis head provided with at least one radiation detection device, configured to receive and detect radiation on a detection plane and at least one X-ray source to emit a corresponding beam of X-rays towards said detection plane, said machine comprising: a first frame provided with floor support means; a second frame supporting the analysis head; a third frame connected to the first frame so that it can be moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and which supports the second frame; means for movement of the third frame from said horizontal position to said vertical position. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289394 | DYNAMIC OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING DEVICES METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The disclosed subject matter includes optical tomographic systems for acquiring and displaying dynamic data representing changes in a target tissue sample to external provocation. For example, the disclosed devices, methods and systems may be used for quantifying dynamic vascular changes caused by imposed blood pressure changes for diagnosing peripheral artery disease. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289395 | AUTOMATIC QUANTIFICATION OF ASYMMETRY - An apparatus detects asymmetry in an object, such as a brain. The apparatus includes a processor programmed to fit a three-dimensional image of the object to a preselected shape, such as a standard brain atlas. The processor projects the three-dimensional image of the object to a two-dimensional surface image. The processor compares corresponding mirror image symmetric voxel pairs on the left and right sides of the surface image. The processor generates at least one of an asymmetry map and an asymmetry index based on the deviations in the pixel pairs. The processor can also mask, before the comparison, pixels of the surface image which are asymmetric in a normal brain. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289396 | OCT PROBE - There is provided an OCT probe, comprising: a flexible tube; an optical fiber that transmits object light and is supported in the flexible tube to be able to freely rotate about an axis of the optical fiber; an objective optical system that is fixed to a tip of the optical fiber and includes a condensing optical system which condenses the object light emerging from the optical fiber, and a deflection optical element which irradiates a subject with the object light by deflecting the condensed object light; and a barycenter adjustment member that is fixed to the objective optical system and causes a combined barycenter of the objective optical system and the barycenter adjustment member to be situated on the axis of the optical fiber. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296695 | CATHETER-BASED OFF-AXIS OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING SYSTEM - A system for imaging a body lumen includes a controller and a display. The controller is configured to connect to a proximal end of a catheter having an optical fiber extending along the length of an elongate catheter body. The controller is further configured to rotate a distal end of the optical fiber from a location near a proximal end of the elongate catheter body, acquire optical coherence tomography (OCT) images using the optical fiber as the distal end of the optical fiber rotates, and determine a rotational lag of the distal end of the optical fiber. The display is configured to display one or more OCT images corrected for the rotational lag. | 11-07-2013 |
20130303897 | Side Port Catheter Device With Imaging System and Method For Accessing Side Branch Occlusions - A medical device and method are provided for accessing a side branch in an artery utilizing an on-board imaging device. The device includes a catheter having a sidewall, an internal lumen, and a side port formed through the sidewall. A perforating guide wire has a proximal portion within the internal lumen and a distal portion arranged to be movable out of the side port. The guide wire can be delivered through the side port to a side branch artery when the catheter is deployed to a location with the side port aligned with the side branch artery. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an on-board imaging system disposed adjacent the side opening. The imaging system images tissue adjacent the side opening to assist with alignment of the guide wire to enter a side branch and/or cross an occlusion within the side branch. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303898 | RESPIRATORY MOTION CORRECTION WITH INTERNAL-EXTERNAL MOTION CORRELATION, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present technology relates generally to respiratory motion correction and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed to respiratory motion correction using internal-external motion correlation. For example, one embodiment of a method of correcting motion blurring in PET/CT imaging includes obtaining PET/CT imaging data of a target tissue in a patient and determining a centroid of the target tissue. The method can further include obtaining an external motion signal of the patient and determining a mean displacement of the external motion signal. The centroid of the target tissue can be correlated with the mean displacement and, based on the correlation, a PET/CT image corrected for motion of the target tissue can be reconstructed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303899 | QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF FRACTIONAL REGIONAL VENTILATION USING FOUR-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - Methods and systems for determining fractional regional ventilation are disclosed. A method includes obtaining first and second lung image data indicative of a first phase and a second phase of a respiratory cycle, respectively, determining an apparent mass ratio k based on the first lung image data and the second lung image data, determining first and second spatially matched lung image data, each including N voxels, based on the first lung image data and the second lung image data, and determining at least one fractional regional ventilation value (FRV value), in accordance with a first equation FRV(n)=(k·ρ2_n−ρ1_n)/ρ1_n. The value of n is a voxel index, ρ1_n is indicative of a density of a voxel n of the first spatially matched lung image data, and ρ2_n is indicative of a density of a voxel n of the second spatially matched lung image data. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303900 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING OF STROKE CT SCANS - An automatic technique for stroke identification, localization, quantification and prediction, has the steps of receiving a CT scan, pre-processing it to extract the brain region corresponding to a brain volume of a subject who has suffered a stroke; identifying whether a hemorrhage is present in the brain volume and if so obtaining data characterizing the hemorrhage; otherwise identifying whether an infarct is present and if so obtaining data characterizing it; analyzing the results using a brain atlas; and, using the results of the analysis, obtaining at least one predictive value characterizing a prediction about the subject. | 11-14-2013 |
20130317359 | FLUID FLOW MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure provides systems and methods for measuring fluid flow in a vasculature system of a patient. Some systems may include an injection system configured to inject a bolus of fluid into a vessel of a patient. Some systems may include a measurement engine configured to monitor the bolus of fluid in the vessel using measurement data generated by an intravascular measuring device. The measurement engine may determine a travel distance of the bolus of fluid and an elapsed time during which the bolus of fluid traversed the travel distance based on the measurement data. A fluid flow rate (e.g., velocity, volumetric flow) of the vessel may be calculated using the travel distance and the elapsed time. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331689 | ROTATING SHAFT CONTAINING OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE - An imaging device includes a grin lens having a proximal end and a distal end, an optical fiber having a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the grin lens, a tube surrounding the optical fiber, wherein the tube is coupled to the optical fiber and includes a plurality of cutouts, and a beam director coupled to the distal end of the grin lens, wherein the beam director is configured to direct light at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. | 12-12-2013 |
20130331690 | VASCULAR IMAGING AGENTS - The present invention relates to a method of in vivo optical imaging, of the blood vessels and/or blood pool of a mammalian subject, which comprises an optical imaging contrast agent. The optical imaging agents comprise conjugates of far-red or near-infrared dyes with synthetic polyethyleneglycol (PEG) polymers having a molecular weight in the range 15-45 kDa. Also disclosed are methods of treatment monitoring, methods of diagnosis and medical uses involving the contrast agents. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338495 | OCT USING SPECTRALLY RESOLVED BANDWIDTH - The embodiments disclosed herein is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically. The multichannel optical coherence tomographic methods can be incorporated into an endoscopic probe for imaging a patient. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338496 | MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - Devices, methods, and systems for providing optical imaging to detect and characterize anatomical and/or physiological indicators, such as, rheumatoid arthritis, and devices, methods and systems for computer aided detection and diagnosis of tomographic images. Embodiments for optimizing machine classification of tissue samples are described. Embodiments for using machine classification techniques to classify indicators present in optical tomographic images are described. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345556 | SCANNING MECHANISMS FOR IMAGING PROBE - The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345557 | LIGHT SCANNING PROBE AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS EMPLOYING THE SAME - A light scanning probe includes: a probe main body; a light scanner that includes a scanner module that is driven to rotate and a beam reflector that includes a plurality of reflection surfaces which alter a path of light being scanned by the scanner module, wherein the light scanner is disposed within the probe main body; and an optical fiber that guides light which is received from a light input unit toward the scanner module. A medical imaging apparatus includes the light scanning probe that irradiates light toward an object; a receiver that receives a signal which is generated in the object; and a signal processor that processes the signal received by the receiver. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345558 | Hand-Held Fixed-Focus Optical Probe - An intraoperative probe and a system for optically imaging a surgically significant volume of tissue or other scattering medium. An illumination source generates an illuminating beam that is conveyed to the vicinity of the tissue and a beam splitter, that may be no more than an optical phase reference, splits the illuminating beam into a sample beam along a sample beam path and a reference beam along a reference beam path. A scanning mechanism scans a portion of the sample beam across a section of the scattering medium, while a detector detects return beams from both the reference beam path and the sample beam path and generates an interference signal. A processor computationally moves an effective focus of the sample beam without physical variation of focus of the sample beam. The probe may have a sterilizable fairing that may be detachable. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005532 | FIBER SCANNING OPTICAL PROBE AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME | 01-02-2014 |
20140005533 | METHOD FOR GENERATING A CONTRAST MEDIUM-ASSISTED X-RAY IMAGE AND X-RAY SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140005534 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING AND PREVENTING RESTENOSIS | 01-02-2014 |
20140018672 | 4D CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) - A method includes performing a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of tissue of interest of a subject, with an imaging system ( | 01-16-2014 |
20140031677 | Apparatus and Method for Aiding Needle Biopsies - A handheld optical coherence tomography imaging and tissue sampling system and method of imaging and sampling a tissue is disclosed. The method includes inserting a catheter probe into a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle can be attached to a hand-held scanning and sampling device. The biopsy needle is maneuvered to an investigation site. A three-dimensional image of the tissue at the investigation site is captured with the catheter probe. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031678 | METHOD FOR DRIVING WAVELENGTH-SWEPT LIGHT SOURCE - Disclosed is a method for driving a wavelength-swept light source that includes an optical resonator in which an optical gain medium for emitting light, a wavelength selection element for selecting a wavelength of light emitted from the optical resonator, and an optical intensity modulation element for modulating intensity of light within the optical resonator are arranged and that is configured to sweep the wavelength of the emitted light. The method includes driving the optical intensity modulation element and the wavelength selection element in synchronization with each other to keep an instantaneous spectral width of the emitted lights constant. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031679 | OPTICAL SCANNING PROBE - An optical scanning probe comprising a flexible tube, an optical fiber for transmitting scanning light that is supported in the flexible tube to be able to freely rotate about an axis of the optical fiber, and an objective lens that has a positive optical power to convert the scanning light emerging from the optical fiber from a divergent beam to a collimated beam or a convergent beam and rotates integrally with the optical fiber, and wherein the objective lens is provided with a deflection surface that deflects the scanning light to irradiate an object. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039308 | Method for Seam Elimination and Reconstruction of Coplanar Images from Intravascular Ultrasonic Data - Methods, devices, and systems for providing seamless, co-planar intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include projecting a first A-scan line from a distal frame onto a reconstruction plane that extends perpendicular to an imaging axis, projecting a second A-scan line parallel to the first A-scan line from the proximal frame on the reconstruction plane; and determining a grayscale value of a point on the reconstruction plane by a weighted average of the first A-scan line and the second A-scan line. | 02-06-2014 |
20140073915 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VOLUMETRIC IMAGING OF BLOOD FLOW PROPERTIES - Apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided for determining presence of individual scattering objects in at least one blood vessel. For example, with at least one detector arrangement, it is possible to detect interferometric radiation from at least one portion of the blood vessel(s), and provide data associated therewith. The interferometric radiation can be based on a first radiation provided from the portion at a second radiation provided from a reference. Further, with a computer arrangement, it is possible to determine the presence of the individual scattering objects in the portion of the blood vessel(s) based on the data. It is also possible to identify individual passage of the scattering objects and/or measure at least one characteristic of the passage. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073916 | DEVICE FOR ASSISTING IN DETECTING ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF AT LEAST A PORTION OF A TISSUE AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN DETECTING ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF AT LEAST A PORTION OF A TISSUE - The invention relates to a device for assisting in detecting anatomical features of at least a portion of a tissue, in particular a retinal tissue, the device comprising means for acquiring images of said portion using optical coherence tomography (OCT), which are taken at separate angles of incidence, and detection means for detecting, in a single area of the portion studied, at least one pattern having at least one feature that varies from one image to another, the pattern being attributable to the presence of anatomical features. The invention likewise relates to a method for assisting in detecting anatomical features of at least a portion of a tissue. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081130 | AUTOMATED ANALYSIS OF THE OPTIC NERVE HEAD: MEASUREMENTS, METHODS AND REPRESENTATIONS - The present invention relates to structural analysis of the optic nerve head (ONH). In one approach, a 3D volume of intensity data which includes the optic nerve head is acquired using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The vitreoretinal interface (VRI) and the optic disc margin are identified from the 3D data. The minimum area of a surface from the optic disc margin to the VRI is determined. This minimum area can be displayed as an image or in the alternative, a value corresponding to this minimum area can be displayed. The minimum area measurement provides relevant clinical information to determine the health of the eye. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081131 | ANGIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION METHOD - A method is provided for angiographic examination of an organ, vascular system or other body regions as the examination object of a patient by means of 4D rotational angiography. A step S1 of the method involves acquisition of projection images in different cardiac phases. A further step S2 involves reconstruction of 3D volume images in the different cardiac phases. A further step S3 involves calculation of a motion map. A further step S4 includes image combination of the 3D volume images with the motion map to produce resulting, corrected 3D volume images in the different cardiac phases. A further step S5 involves presentation of the resulting, corrected 3D volume images. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081132 | MYOCARDIAL CLUSTERIFICATION AND ORIENTATION - A cardiac imaging method includes acquiring a projection image representation which includes a myocardium (S | 03-20-2014 |
20140088414 | Method for Estimating Flow Rates, Pressure Gradients, Coronary Flow Reserve, and Fractional Flow Reserve from Patient Specific Computed Tomography Angiogram-Based Contrast Distribution Data - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for non-invasively determining the functional severity of coronary artery stenosis. The method includes gathering patient-specific data related to concentration of a contrast agent within a coronary artery of a patient using a coronary computed tomography angiography scan (CCTA). The patient-specific data is used to calculate a patient-specific transluminal attenuation gradient for the coronary artery of the patient. The patient specific transluminal attenuation gradient is used to determine an estimate of a coronary flow velocity, pressure gradient, loss coefficient, coronary flow reserve, and/or fractional flow reserve for the patient. Coronary flow velocity, pressure gradient, loss coefficient, coronary flow reserve, and fractional flow reserve can then be used to estimate the functional severity of coronary artery stenosis. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088415 | MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - The disclosed subject matter includes devices, methods, and systems for generating optical tomographic data including volumetric and surface geometric data. The disclosed subject matter also includes devices, methods, and systems for generating optical tomographic data for purposes of diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088416 | DEVICE, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR SEARCHING FOR THE SHORTEST PATH IN A TUBULAR STRUCTURE - A path extraction unit extracts a path of a tubular structure from a three-dimensional image containing the tubular structure, and an interrupted path detection unit detects an interrupted path in the extracted path. A search path generation unit generates a search path that connects the interrupted path, and a search unit searches for the shortest path between a start point and an end point on the extracted path based on the extracted path and the search path. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094696 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires plural projection images captured by applying radiation from multiple directions, while moving a radiation applying unit, with respect to an object between the radiation applying unit and a radiation detector and by detecting the radiation via the radiation detector; a tomographic image generating unit that generates tomographic images of the object by reconstructing them from the acquired plural projection images; a projection image mask generating unit that generates plural projection image masks for separating an object region and a direct incidence region of each of the plural projection images; a tomographic image mask generating unit that reconstructs and generates, from the plural projection image masks, tomographic image masks for separating the object region and the direct incidence region of the tomographic images; and a masking unit that performs masking by applying the tomographic image masks to the tomographic images. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100453 | AUTOMATIC IMAGE PLAYBACK - The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. Systems and methods of the invention receive a three dimensional data set and display a series of coaxial longitudinal images (i.e., each rotationally offset from another around an axis) in sequence, creating a video effect as if the view were scrolling around the tissue. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100454 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING - The invention relates to systems and methods for the operation of three-dimensional imaging systems. Systems and methods of the invention are operable to display an image of tissue, receive a selection of points from within the image, establish a boundary corresponding to the selected points, and capture a three-dimensional image of the tissue within the designated boundary | 04-10-2014 |
20140107476 | SPATIAL SAMPLING IMPROVEMENT FOR LIST-MODE PET ACQUISITION USING PLANNED TABLE/GANTRY MOVEMENT - A PET apparatus includes a detector array including individual detectors which receive radiation events from an imaging region. A movement controller controls at least one of relative longitudinal movement between a subject support and the detector array and circumferential movement between the detector array and the subject. A time stamp processor assigns a time stamp to each received radiation event. A list mode event storage buffer stores time stamped events. An event verification processor screens for coincidentally received radiation events, locations at which each pair of corresponding coincidentally received events defining a line of response. A reconstruction processor reconstructs valid events into an image representation of the imaging region. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114181 | TIME REVERSAL OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY FOR LOCATING TARGETS IN A HIGHLY SCATTERING TURBID MEDIUM - A time reversal optical tomography (TROT) method for near-infrared (NM) diffuse optical imaging of targets embedded in a highly scattering turbid medium is presented. TROT combines the basic symmetry of time reversal invariance and subspace-based signal processing for retrieval of target location. The efficacy of TROT is tested using simulated data and data obtained from NIR imaging experiments on absorptive, scattering and fluorescent targets embedded in Intralipid-20% suspension in water, as turbid medium, as well as, a realistic cancerous model breast assembled using ex vivo human breast tissues with two embedded tumors. The results demonstrate the potential of TROT for detecting and locating small targets in a turbid medium, such as, breast tumors in early stages of growth. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121506 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - In order to provide information effective for diagnosis for users depending on the state of an atrophic region in a depolarized area, an image processing apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract a predetermined area from a polarization-sensitive tomographic image of a subject, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display a display form indicating the type of a discontinuous region based on the state of the discontinuous region in the extracted predetermined area. | 05-01-2014 |
20140128729 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus includes a support unit for supporting an inspection object from front, an opening for receiving a breast of the inspection object supported by the support unit, a detector ring opposed to the inspection object across a supporting surface of the support unit for detecting radiation generated from the breast, a chest mat provided around the opening formed in the support unit for supporting the chest of the inspection object, and an outer mat provided outward of the chest mat for supporting the inspection object. The chest mat is formed of a material having a greater sagging rate than the outer mat. | 05-08-2014 |
20140135620 | BIOMETRIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE-GENERATING METHOD - The bioinstrumentation apparatus includes a light irradiation unit irradiating a measurement region with light, a light detection unit detecting diffused light from the measurement region, and a computing unit generating a reconstructed image for the interior of the measurement region. The computing unit calculates J coefficients w | 05-15-2014 |
20140135621 | Rotational Shape-Memory Actuators and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135622 | MEDICAL-DATA PROCESSING DEVICE AND RADIATION TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - The disclosure has an object to provide a medical-data processing device that allows generation of an MIP image suitable for diagnosis. With the medical-data processing device of the disclosure, intensity of a body surface region in three-dimensional space data is adjusted. The body surface region corresponds to a body surface of a stereoscopic image of a subject. Since the intensity of the body surface region is adjusted to be decreased, the maximum intensity is selected from a portion except for the body surface region to generate the MIP image. This prevents the body surface of the subject from appearing upon generating the MIP image. Therefore, the MIP image is obtainable having excellent visibility to the inside of the subject. | 05-15-2014 |
20140155740 | ELECTROMAGNETIC TOMOGRAPHY SOLUTIONS FOR SCANNING HEAD - An electromagnetic tomography system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head includes an image chamber unit, a control system, and a housing. The image chamber unit includes an antenna assembly defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber. The antennas include at least some transmitting antennas and some receiving antennas. The control system causes the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through a patient's head in the imaging chamber. A data tensor is produced that may be inversed to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the head and to create an image. The housing at least partially contains the antenna assembly and has a front entry opening into the imaging chamber. The head is inserted horizontally through the front entry opening and into the imaging chamber. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155741 | SUBJECT INFORMATION OBTAINING APPARATUS AND SUBJECT INFORMATION OBTAINING METHOD - A subject information obtaining apparatus includes a probe including a receiver that receives an acoustic wave to be converted to an electric signal and first and second irradiation units that irradiate mutually different areas on a subject surface with pulsed light, a control unit that controls illumination positions of the pulsed light to avoid continuous irradiation of the subject with the pulsed light from the first and second irradiation units, and a signal processing unit that performs averaging or integrating of electric signals derived from the pulsed light illuminated from the first and second irradiation units and obtains a characteristic distribution in the subject by using the averaged or integrated signal or performs combining of distributions obtained by using electric signals derived from the pulsed light illuminated from the first and second irradiation units and obtains a combined distribution as the characteristic distribution in the subject. | 06-05-2014 |
20140180075 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING SUBSURFACE OF SPECIMEN - There is a need for robust and portable system, apparatus and method for imaging subsurface of specimens. We have described a modular OCDR-OCT system and OFDR-OCT system to obtain high quality images. The instant application also discusses proprietary algorithms that have been modified from existing algorithms and their use as a combination to suit a particular system. The imaging of stationary, moving and combination of both subsurface structures such as retina for diabetic patients is described. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180076 | SMOOTH TRANSITION CATHETERS - The present invention generally relates to a rapid exchange configuration that reduces the profile of a catheter riding on a guidewire and minimizes guidewire resistance. According to certain embodiments, a body of the catheter includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion defines a guidewire lumen and includes a guidewire exit port being open in a proximal direction and leading to the guidewire lumen. A proximal section of the guidewire lumen is straight. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180077 | TISSUE ABLATION CATHETER AND METHODS OF ABLATING TISSUE - Catheters having expandable members, e.g., balloons, incorporating heating elements and temperature sensors for controlled delivering of energy to tissues, i.e., to treat diseases, especially hypertension. The invention also describes methods for monitoring and controlling the amount of energy delivered to the tissue. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180078 | Method for Multi-Frequency Imaging and Composite Image Display Using High-Bandwidth Transducer Outputs - A method for imaging a volume within a patient volume is provided. The method includes generating a first signal and a second signal, directing the first signal and the second signal to a spot in the patient volume; receiving a first response signal and a second response signal from the spot in the patient volume; providing a first image from of the patient volume using the first response signal; providing a second image from the patient volume using the second response signal; and combining the first image and the second image to form a composite image. The method includes receiving multiple images at multiple frequency ranges; selecting a region of interest including the plurality of images; selecting multiple border lines separating the region of interest into multiple sub-regions; selecting data from an image in a sub-region; and forming an image in the region of interest. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180079 | Guarded Imaging Devices and Methods - An integrated therapeutic and imaging device that uses at least two balloons to provide a guarded zone that can be evacuated and replaced with a fluid that is sufficiently clear to permit optical coherence tomography (or even high resolution ultrasound) imaging that would otherwise be of poor quality or impossible. Methods of making and operating the imaging device to obtain clear, high quality images, as well as treating a patient's tissue with the device within a living body in association with obtaining an image of the patient's tissue, are included. | 06-26-2014 |
20140187923 | COLLIMATOR FOR IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a probe that may be inserted into a patient. In certain embodiments, the probe includes a housing, a collimator assembly, and a detector assembly. The collimator and detector assemblies may rotate along a central axis within the housing. In addition, in certain embodiments, an imaging system including the probe and a method of using the probe are provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187924 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND DISPLAY METHOD - An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate lights having different wavelengths respectively; an acoustic wave receiving unit configured to receive an acoustic wave by each of the lights having different wavelengths respectively, and convert into an electric signal that corresponds to each of the lights having different wavelengths; a characteristic information acquiring unit configured to acquire characteristic distribution related to each position in the object based on the electric signal; a statistics acquiring unit configured to acquire a histogram from the characteristic distribution; and an image information acquiring unit configured to acquire image information causing a display device to display the characteristic distribution in the object and the histogram. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187925 | Synthetic Aperture Image Reconstruction System In a Patient Interface Module (pim) - A field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit including a quadrature internal conditioning circuit is provided. The circuit having a buffer circuit; and a reconstruction engine circuit, wherein the reconstruction engine circuit includes: a circuit to measure a phase of a signal; and a flavor interpolation circuit; wherein: the circuit to measure the phase of a signal includes digitization points forming two complex numbers for each cycle of the center frequency of the signal. A system for collecting tissue images including a patient interface module (PIM); a pulse transmitter circuit; an analog to digital converter circuit; and an FPGA circuit as above; and a catheter having a sensing head is also provided. A method for using the above system to provide an image reconstruction is also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187926 | ROTATION TYPE OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER - A rotation type optical tomography scanner is provided, including an illuminating unit disposed on a surface of an object-to-be-detected for emitting incident light to tissues under the surface of the object-to-be-detected; a detecting unit disposed on the object-to-be-detected and rotating around the illuminating unit to receive diffuse light diffused from the tissues under the surface of the object-to-be-detected and generate tissue sensing information; and a positioning unit for generating position information of the rotation type optical tomography scanner. The rotation type optical tomography scanner transmits the sensing information and the position information to a remodel module to rebuild the tissue images under the surface of the object-to-be-detected, thereby expanding the scanning range of the object-to-be-detected. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194735 | Random Sinogram Variance Reduction in Continuous Bed Motion Acquisition - Random sinogram variance is reduced in continuous bed motion acquisition. The randoms are modeled as a product of transverse singles efficiencies. The random sinogram is assumed to be a smooth function in the axial direction, collapsing the parameterization for estimating the transverse singles efficiencies into a single, conceptual ring. By solving the product, the mean random values are used to smooth the randoms in image reconstruction with less noise and artifacts. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194736 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER ACCESSIBLE MEDIUM FOR PROVIDING SIGNAL AND CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT(S) IN OPTICAL IMAGING METHODS - A system for facilitating imaging of an anatomical structure(s) can be provided, and can include, for example, a substance which can induce a change in the anatomical structure(s) when applied to the anatomical structure(s), and an imaging arrangement which can be configured to generate an image of the anatomical structure(s) based on the change of the anatomical structure(s) when the substance is applied. The imaging arrangement can include an apparatus which can be configured to (i) illuminate the anatomical structure(s) with a first electro-magnetic radiation(s), and (ii) receive a second electro-magnetic radiation from the anatomical structure(s) that can be based on the first electro-magnetic radiation. The change can affect a characteristic(s) of the second electro-magnetic radiation. | 07-10-2014 |
20140206989 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER-ACCESSIBLE MEDIUM FOR TRACKING VESSEL MOTION DURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CORONARY ARTERY MICROSCOPY - Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206990 | CT View Window - A method for verifying a spatial registration of an anatomical region is provided. The method may track a spatial pose of at least one checkpoint defined within the anatomical region, track a spatial pose of a probe tip in proximity to the anatomical region at the checkpoint, map a spatial proximity between the probe tip and the anatomical region onto a visual representation of the anatomical region based on the tracked spatial poses, quantify a deviation between the mapped spatial proximity and an actual spatial proximity in response to a verification request where the verification request is initiated by a user and indicative of the actual spatial proximity between the probe tip and the anatomical region, and generate a graphical index indicative of a degree of accuracy of the spatial registration of the anatomical region based on the quantified deviation. | 07-24-2014 |
20140213896 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION REGARDING THE AORTIC VALVE - An apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first section(s) and a second section(s) which can have a cross-section that can be smaller than that of the first section. The first and second sections can be a particular section and can include memory-forming characteristics. An imaging arrangement can be in communication with the first section or the second section. The particular section can have a first shape when the particular section can be constrained, and the particular section can have a second shape when the particular section can be unconstrained. The second shape can be more curved than the first shape. | 07-31-2014 |
20140221826 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY PROBE - A miniature intraoperative probe ( | 08-07-2014 |
20140221827 | ENHANCED OPTICAL ANGIOGRAPHY USING INTENSITY CONTRAST AND PHASE CONTRAST IMAGING METHODS - The methods described herein are methods to ascertain motion contrast within optical coherence tomography data based upon intensity. The methods of the invention use logarithm operation to convert the multiplicative amplitude or intensity fluctuations (speckle) into the additive variations and recovers the motion contrasts by removing the speckle free signals (static regions) through statistical analysis. | 08-07-2014 |
20140243661 | Imaging Systems Featuring Waveguiding Compensation - In certain embodiments, the invention relates to systems and methods for altering an image to compensate for variation in one or more physical and/or supervenient properties (e.g., optical absorption and/or scattering) in heterogeneous, diffuse tissue, thereby attenuating the effects of tissue waveguiding. The methods enable the proper identification of emission image regions that evidence waveguiding of electromagnetic radiation, and enables compensation of emission images for such waveguiding. The methods preserve the depth localization accuracy of the FMT approach and improve optical reconstruction in the targeted areas while eliminating spurious components of fluorescence from the acquired data set. Calibration methods for probe concentration mapping are also presented. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243662 | Method for Estimating Flow Rates and Pressure Gradients in Arterial Networks from Patient Specific Computed Tomography Angiogram-Based Contrast Distribution Data - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for non-invasively determining the functional severity of arterial stenosis in a selected portion of an arterial network. The method includes gathering patient-specific data related to concentration of a contrast agent within an arterial network using a coronary computed tomography angiography scan (CCTA). The data can be gathered under rest or stress conditions. Estimation of a loss coefficient (K) can be used to eliminate the need for data gathered under stress. The data is used to calculate a transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG). The data may be corrected for imaging artifacts at any stage of the analysis. TAFE is used to determine an estimate of flow velocity. Once velocity is determined, pressure gradient, coronary flow reserve, and/or fractional flow reserve can be determined through a variety of methods. These estimates can be used to estimate functional severity of stenosis. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249407 | Miniature Optical Elements for Fiber-Optic Beam Shaping - In part, the invention relates to optical caps having at least one lensed surface configured to redirect and focus light outside of the cap. The cap is placed over an optical fiber. Optical radiation travels through the fiber and interacts with the optical surface or optical surfaces of the cap, resulting in a beam that is either focused at a distance outside of the cap or substantially collimated. The optical elements such as the elongate caps described herein can be used with various data collection modalities such optical coherence tomography. In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly that includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film or cover. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. The film can surround a portion of the beam director. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257094 | PERFUSION IMAGING - A perfusion analysis system includes a perfusion modeller and a user interface. The perfusion modeller generates a patient specific perfusion model based on medical imaging perfusion data for the patient, a general perfusion model, and a quantification of one or more identified pathologies of the patient that affect perfusion in the patient. The user interface accepts an input indicative of a modification to the quantification of the one or more identified pathologies. In response, the perfusion modeller updates the patient specific perfusion model based on the medical imaging perfusion data for the patient, the general perfusion model, and the quantification of the one or more identified pathologies of the patient, including the modification thereto. | 09-11-2014 |
20140276011 | Lumen Morphology and Vascular Resistance Measurements Data Collection Systems, Apparatus and Methods - A method and apparatus of automatically locating in an image of a blood vessel the lumen boundary at a position in the vessel and from that measuring the diameter of the vessel. From the diameter of the vessel and estimate blood flow rate, a number of clinically significant physiological parameters are then determine and various user displays of interest generated. One use of these images and parameters is to aid the clinician in the placement of a stent. The system, in one embodiment, uses these measurements to allow the clinician to simulate the placement of a stent and to determine the effect of the placement. In addition, from these patient parameters various patient treatments are then performed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276012 | WEARABLE/MAN-PORTABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING - A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276013 | OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY SENSOR AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Optical sensors, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject. The optical sensor may be placed in proximity to the subject and may include optical sources and optical detectors. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect signals from the subject. Analysis of the detected signals can yield information about the subject. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276014 | SUPPORTS FOR OPTICAL SENSORS AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Supports for optical sensors are described. The supports may allow for placement of the optical sensors in close proximity or contact with a subject, such as supporting the optical sensors against a subject's head. The supports may include multiple pieces that can be connected or disconnected. Mechanisms for adjusting the pressure of the optical sensors against the subject may be included with the supports. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276015 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING AND CROSSING OCCLUDED VESSELS - The invention provides devices and methods for crossing total chronic occlusions. In certain aspects, a device for imaging a vessel includes an elongate body defining a first lumen and comprising a distal end; a housing operably associated with the distal end and comprising a forward-looking imaging element; and a member at least partially disposed within the first lumen of the elongate body; the member configured to extend beyond the distal end of the elongate body to advance into an occluded vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276016 | FLUSHING FOR IMAGING CATHETERS - The invention is an imaging catheter chamber having a plurality of openings to allow easy passage of fluids, e.g., saline from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the catheter. The invention is useful for both IVUS and OCT imaging. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276017 | SYSTEM FOR GUIDING WORKFLOW DURING A MEDICAL IMAGING PROCEDURE - The invention includes patient interface modules that guide the workflow of an intravascular medical imaging procedure. In some instances a Patient Interface Modules (PIM) connected to the imaging catheter has one or more indicators that guide the workflow. Some modules may be adapted to connect to multiple imaging devices, or an imaging device and a pressure sensing device, or other treatment device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288417 | Anamorphic Lens for Rotational Scanning Laser Probe - A surgical probe can include an outer cannula; an inner cannula, rotatably disposed inside the outer cannula; a rotational scanner, disposed at an end of the inner cannula and configured to receive a light beam from a delivery fiber and to scan the light beam along a loop; and an anamorphic optical element, disposed at an end of the outer cannula and configured to receive the light beam scanned along the loop and to output the light beam along an anisotropically compressed loop. A corresponding method can include providing a light beam by a light source; coupling the light beam to a rotational scanner at an end of an inner cannula; scanning the light beam by the rotational scanner along a loop; and receiving the light beam scanned along the loop by an anamorphic optical element and outputting the light beam along an anisotropically compressed loop to a target. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288418 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PATHLENGTH MULTIPLEXING FOR ANGLE RESOLVED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus and method for performing angle-resolved imaging of scattering samples such as tissue, including the use of a pathlength multiplexing element. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288419 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTITATIVE IMAGING OF BLOOD PERFUSION IN LIVING TISSUE - Embodiments provide methods and systems for imaging, and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for quantitative imaging of blood perfusion in living tissue. Some embodiments are directed to methods of obtaining quantitative imaging of blood perfusion in living tissues using Doppler optical micro-angiography (DOMAG). | 09-25-2014 |
20140303495 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NUMERICALLY EVALUATING VASCULATURE - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a cardiovascular score for a patient. A method includes receiving, using at least one computer system, patient-specific data regarding a geometry of multiple coronary arteries of the patient; and creating, using at least one computer system, a three-dimensional model representing at least portions of the multiple coronary arteries based on the patient-specific data. The method also includes evaluating, using at least one computer system, multiple characteristics of at least some of the coronary arteries represented by the model; and generating, using at least one computer system, the cardiovascular score based on the evaluation of the multiple characteristics. Another method includes generating the cardiovascular score based on evaluated multiple characteristics for portions of the coronary arteries having fractional flow reserve values of at least a predetermined threshold value. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309526 | GASTROINTESTINAL ELECTRONIC PILL - The present invention relates to an electronic gastrointestinal capsule protected by an outer biocompatible shell resistant to the environment in the digestive system comprising a light source ( | 10-16-2014 |
20140323858 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an estimation unit, an extraction unit, and a specifying unit. The estimation unit estimates a position of a plaque in a blood vessel based on data of CT images constituting a time series, with the blood vessel being enhanced by a contrast medium. The extraction unit extracts regions constituting the blood vessel from the CT images. The specifying unit specifies stress values respectively corresponding to the regions based on a moving displacement due to cardiac pulsation in each of the regions, and specifies an exfoliation risk of the plaque based on an index indicating hardness of the plaque and the stress value in the region corresponding to the position of the plaque. | 10-30-2014 |
20140323859 | DEVICE AND PROCESS TO CONFIRM OCCLUSION OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBE - A device is provided to confirm intratubal occlusion in a subject of a fallopian tube having an inner diameter that includes a tubular shaft having a distal end and an interior lumen. An examination head is joined to the distal end of the shaft. A visualization modality in the examination head provides visual or acoustic imaging of the fallopian tube. A power source for the visualization modality is provided. A handle is provided for control of the device. An ex vivo imager of an ocular, video headgear, or a video display is provided in communication with the visualization modality. A process for evaluating an intratubal implant in a fallopian tube through optical or sonic wave visualization is also provided. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330115 | SYSTEM FOR PARANASAL SINUS AND NASAL CAVITY ANALYSIS - A method for displaying a paranasal sinus region of a patient is executed at least in part on a computer, acquiring volume image data of the paranasal sinus region of the patient, identifying one or more airways within the paranasal sinus region from the volume image data, displaying the at least one or more airways, and highlighting one or more portions of the displayed airways that are constricted below a predetermined value. | 11-06-2014 |
20140330116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMAGING FOR CAPTURING TOMOGRAPHIC DATA - Devices, systems, and method for tomographic imaging are described in which light transmitted and backscattered surface light is imaged by an optical system that minimizes reflection back to the target object while providing the ability to direct surface image rays to a single imaging device. In an embodiment, a curved reflector surrounds, fully or partly, a target object but is angled to reflect light toward the imaging camera. | 11-06-2014 |
20140336503 | RADIOLABELED BIOMARKERS FOR OSTEOCLAST ACTIVATION AND RELATED METHODS THEREOF - The present invention provides biomarkers that find use as imaging agents within nuclear medicine applications (e.g., PET imaging and SPECT imaging). In particular, the present invention provides methods for identifying and characterizing osteoclast activation within subjects with radiolabeled cathepsin K inhibitors. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336504 | SCANNING APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE DEVICE AND SCANNING METHOD - A scanning apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first scanning control unit, a first determination unit, a second scanning control unit, a second determination unit, and a third scanning control unit. The first scanning control unit obtains at least one first slice image of the leg in an approximate coronal plane direction. The first determination unit determines a direction of a gap between a thighbone and a shinbone in the at least one first slice image. The second scanning control unit obtains at least one second slice image of the leg in a direction vertical to the direction of the gap in the at least one first slice image. The second determination unit determines an axial plane direction according to the at least one second slice image. The third scanning control unit obtains at least one slice image of the leg in the axial plane direction. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336505 | IMAGING VOLUMES WITH ARBITRARY GEOMETRIES IN NON-CONTACT TOMOGRAPHY - A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343409 | INFLATION APPARATUS WITH PRESSURE RELIEF, RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS AND KITS - An inflation system is provided including a housing having an interior portion including an opening. A connector is positioned within the interior portion. The connector includes a first portion defining a first passageway and a second portion defining a second passageway. The second portion includes a pressure relief valve. A shaft defines a third passageway. The shaft extends through the first passageway. An inflatable member defines a fourth passageway. The inflatable member includes a first end coupled to the connector and a second end positioned external to the interior portion defining a chamber that is in communication with the fourth passageway. Methods and kits are also disclosed. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343410 | DETERMINING ANGULAR ORIENTATION FOR IMAGING - The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system having a variety of advantages. In particular, the OCT system of the present disclosure may provide a more intuitive interface, more efficient usage of controls, and a greater ability to view OCT imaging data. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343411 | ANGULAR IMAGE MANIPULATION - The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system having a variety of advantages. In particular, the OCT system of the present disclosure may provide a more intuitive interface, more efficient usage of controls, and a greater ability to view OCT imaging data. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343412 | WHOLE-BODY SPECT SYSTEM - A whole body SPECT system ( | 11-20-2014 |
20140350392 | METHODS OF SPATIAL NORMALIZATION OF POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES - An adaptive template image for registering a PET or a SPECT image includes a template image model including variability of values for each voxel in a template image according to one or more control parameters. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350393 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a storage unit, a blood flow information generation unit and a blood flow inhibition index generation unit. The storage unit stores volume data or data of a series of images regarding an organ of an object. The blood flow information generation unit generates, based on the volume data or the data of the series of images, first blood flow information of a first region and second blood flow information of a second region different from the first region. The blood flow inhibition index generation unit generates, based on the first blood flow information and the second blood flow information, a blood flow inhibition index representing a degree of inhibition of a blood flow in a blood vessel regarding the first region or the second region. | 11-27-2014 |
20140357990 | Methods for Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of Blood Perfusion - A method for imaging blood flow through target tissue is disclosed. An example method may include (a) directing a light beam at a blood-perfused target tissue, (b) reflecting the directed light beam off of static target tissue and flowing cells, (c) capturing a plurality of digital images of interference patterns of the reflected light in a plurality of successive frames, (d) measuring a light intensity of at least one pixel of each digital image, where the at least one pixel corresponds to an identical pair of coordinates in each successive frame, (e) comparing the measured light intensity of the at least one pixel of each digital image to the measured light intensity of the at least one pixel of an adjacent frame at the identical pair of coordinates and (f) determining a compiled light intensity for the at least one pixel for an aggregate motion contrast. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371579 | Rapid image analysis - fleming harrington redistribution wash-in washout method for differentiation of inflammatory vascular disease (IVD) and tissue viability - The present invention provides a method for detecting abnormal coronary blood flow by “quantifying” emissions of radiopharmaceuticals after stressing the heart under “same state” conditions for detection of inflammatory vascular (IVD) disease and differentiation of (a) ischemic heart disease due reduced lumen responsiveness to demand for more coronary blood flow and (b) vulnerable inflammatory plaque disease with reduced lumen responsiveness. The present invention also provides a method for detection of myocyte viability by using the “quantitative” method to differentiate “normal” functioning cardiac tissue from non-viable “infarcted” cardiac tissue, from “stunned/hibernating” myocytes. The present invention further provides a method for detection of IVD by detecting enhanced thymic activity associated with IVD. The present invention reduces total patient imaging time, patient table time, radiation isotope doses and exposure to both patient and others through primary and secondary exposure to isotope emissions. In one embodiment, the nuclear isotope is technetium-99m hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (sestamibi). | 12-18-2014 |
20140378829 | DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL INVESTIGATIONS - A diagnostic device for morpho-functional investigations includes a plurality of measuring elements ( | 12-25-2014 |
20150025369 | HOUSING FOR THE OCT PROBE, OCT PROBE ASSEMBLY, AND A METHOD OF MAKING SUCH ASSEMBLY - According to some embodiments a housing for the OCT comprises: (a) a tubular body with an inner diameter of less than 5 mm (for example less than 2 mm, and in some embodiments not greater than 1.5 mm), a first end, a second end; and a window formed in the tubular body closer to the second end than to the first end, displaced from the second end, and framed by a portion of the tubular body, wherein the window has a width w. According to some embodiments, 0.05 mm01-22-2015 | |
20150025370 | PERIODIC CONTRAST INJECTIONS AND ANALYSIS OF HARMONICS FOR INTERVENTIONAL X-RAY PERFUSION IMAGING - An apparatus ( | 01-22-2015 |
20150031992 | IDENTIFYING KIDNEY STONE COMPOSITION FROM MEDICAL IMAGING - Systems and methods are provided for determining the composition of a kidney stone from a medical image. A feature extractor is configured to provide a plurality of features from the medical image. The plurality of features includes either a pair of an attenuation values including a first attenuation value from a first location in or on the kidney stone and a second attenuation value from a second location in or on the kidney stone or a function of the first and second attenuation values. The second location is spatially distinct from the first location. A classifier is configured to select one of a plurality of classes for the kidney stone from the plurality of features. Each class represents a specific constituent material. A user interface is configured to display the class to a user in a human comprehensible form | 01-29-2015 |
20150031993 | Procedural Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Surgery and Related Systems and Methods - Methods for performing a surgical procedure using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are provided. The method includes orienting the subject for the surgical procedure, wherein orienting comprises imaging a region of the subject that contains a structure having a known orientational asymmetry, testing the image for the presence and location of the structure, and confirming correct orientation of the subject using the OCT image of the structure having the known orientational asymmetry; obtaining at least one image of the surgical region of the subject using OCT and constructing an initial structural view of the surgical region; computing at least one clinical parameter relevant as an end point for assessing the outcome of the surgical procedure using data derived from the OCT image; periodically assessing a surgical process and monitoring clinical outcomes related to the surgical procedure using changes to the OCT-derived structural view of the surgical region OCT or the changes to the computed clinical parameters derived from the at least an OCT image; determining if a surgical plan for the surgical procedure needs modification based on the periodic assessment and/or monitoring; modifying the surgical plan for the surgical procedure if it is determined modification is needed; and repeatedly assessing and monitoring, determining and modifying until it is determined that modification is not needed. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045661 | METHOD OF PROCESSING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD - Provided are a method and an apparatus for processing an optical coherence tomographic image. The method of processing an optical coherence tomographic image includes obtaining an optical coherence tomographic image by irradiating light to an object; generating a color space map based on the obtained optical coherence tomographic image; normalizing data of the obtained optical coherence tomographic image; realigning the normalized data of the optical coherence tomographic image; performing a tone mapping on the realigned data of the optical coherence tomographic image; and generating a color image by mapping the data of the optical coherence tomographic image on which the tone mapping is performed, by using the generated color space map. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051484 | Histological Differentiation Grade Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Computed Tomography Images - A method of determining the histological grade of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) including: acquiring a Computed Tomography (CT) image of a person including an HCC tumor; delineating the HCC tumor; and assigning a histological grade to the HCC tumor, wherein assigning the histological grade to the HCC tumor includes: applying a plurality of filters to the HCC tumor, wherein each of the filters produces a corresponding response image and, for each of the filters, a convolution operation is performed on the filter and the CT image to produce the response image corresponding to that filter; computing an average response of the HCC tumor in each of the response images and recording each of the average responses as an Independent Subspace Analysis (ISA) feature; and determining the histological grade of the HCC tumor based on the ISA features by using a classifier. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057534 | PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A photoacoustic wave induced in a subject to be examined by illumination of the subject to be examined with light is detected. A first photoacoustic image corresponding to a frequency component less than or equal to a predetermined frequency and a second photoacoustic image corresponding to a frequency component higher than a predetermined frequency are generated based on a detection signal of the detected photoacoustic wave. The first photoacoustic image and the second photoacoustic image are combined together by placing, on a pixel in the first photoacoustic image the pixel value of which is less than or equal to a threshold, a pixel in the second photoacoustic image corresponding to the pixel in the first photoacoustic image. | 02-26-2015 |
20150065868 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER ACCESSIBLE MEDIUM FOR VOLUMETRIC TEXTURE ANALYSIS FOR COMPUTER AIDED DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF POLYPS - A computer-based method for diagnosing a region of interest within an anatomical structure having the steps of receiving a 3D volumetric representation of the anatomical structure, and identifying at least one volume of interest and volume of normal of the anatomical structure. A first feature set can be generated based on a density, a gradient and a curvature of the volume of interest, and the first feature set can be compared to a second feature set to diagnose the region of interest to at least one a plurality of pathology types. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065869 | LOW NOISE TRANSMISSION SCAN SIMULTANEOUS WITH POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY - A method and device is described for correcting PET images for the attenuation of effects of the tissues and periodic movements of the patient. The device provides gamma-rays for image registration along with the CT scan. The gamma-rays are detected by the same detectors that form the emission PET scan. The device for generating the gamma-rays is a rod that contains an array of detectors, and a radioactive source that emits two rays in coincidence with each other. One of these rays is a gamma ray, and the other can be a beta ray, an alpha ray, or a low energy x-ray. The position of the rod, which is moveable within the ring of the PET scanner, is monitored so that its position can be coordinated with the signals generated from the ring detectors. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073270 | IMAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus and method are provided. The probe for an imaging apparatus includes a manually manipulable proximal portion; a straight distal portion with a distal tip for locating at a site to define an observational field; and a curved portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The imaging method includes the steps of locating a distal tip of an imaging probe at a site to define an observational field; irradiating the observational field from the distal tip; and collecting a return signal at the distal tip; wherein the probe comprises a manually manipulable proximal portion. The apparatus and method provided herein are useful for various applications including but not limited to endomicroscopy and other microsurgical procedures performed under optical stereoscopic magnified visualization, such as neurosurgery, ENT/facial surgery and spinal surgery. | 03-12-2015 |
20150080717 | PATIENT SPECIFIC BONE PREPARATION FOR CONSISTENT EFFECTIVE FIXATION FEATURE ENGAGEMENT - An optimized press-fit between a resected bone and an articular implant may, for instance, reduce undesirable qualities, including excess micromotion, stress transmission, and/or strain. By taking into account heterogeneous bone properties, the parameters of a bone resection can be determined as to optimize the press-fit between a resected bone and an articular implant. An optimized press-fit is obtained by determining ideal engagement characteristics corresponding to the fit between the fixation features of an articular implant and a bone. Then, taking into account a bone's heterogeneous properties, the parameters of a bone resection that would substantially achieve the determined ideal engagement characteristics are determined. | 03-19-2015 |
20150094571 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING MOTION OF DETECTORS HAVING MOVING DETECTOR HEADS - An imaging system is provided including a gantry, a detector unit mounted to the gantry, at least one processing unit, and a controller. The at least one processing unit is configured to obtain object information corresponding to an object, and to automatically determine at least one first portion of the object and at least one second portion of the object. The controller is configured to control a rotational movement of the detector unit. The detector unit is rotatable at a sweep rate over a range of view of the object to be imaged, and the controller is configured to rotate the detector unit at an uneven sweep rate. The uneven sweep rate varies during the rotation from the, wherein a larger amount of scanning information is obtained for the at least one first portion than for the at least one second portion. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094572 | MODULATOR ARRAYS, AND MODULATION DEVICES AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUSES INCLUDING THE SAME - The modulator array includes a first optical modulator, which changes a shape a wavefront of an incident light into first wavefronts to modulate the incident light which passes through the first optical modulator; and a second optical modulator that changes a shape at least one of the first wavefronts into second wavefronts to modulate the light output from the first optical modulator. | 04-02-2015 |
20150099968 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLED SINGLE TOUCH ZOOM - Systems and methods are disclosed for performing a zoom operation based on a single motion input. A user interface can be adapted to display an image, detect a single motion input and contemporaneously control a zoom operation on the image. Zoom operations can include a zoom magnitude, direction, and distance. Single motion inputs can include, for example, a swipe of a finger on a touchscreen or a click and drag operation performed on a mouse. | 04-09-2015 |
20150105656 | TORSIONAL SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CRANIOCAUDAL ROTATION OF ANIMALS - A torsional support apparatus is disclosed for craniocaudal rotation of test animals to enable multiple-view imaging. The animal is supported in a U-shaped loop of optically transparent material and the loop is moved to apply torsion to the animal to rotate it about its craniocaudal axis. Methods of imaging also are disclosed that use the torsional support technique. | 04-16-2015 |
20150112191 | FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE (FFR) INDEX WITH ADAPTIVE BOUNDARY CONDITION PARAMETERS - A method includes obtaining a boundary condition estimate. The boundary condition estimate includes at least an estimated outlet resistance of a vessel with a stenosis. The method further includes correcting the boundary condition estimate based on a severity of the stenosis, thereby creating a corrected boundary condition. The method further includes determining an FFR index based on the corrected boundary condition. The method further includes displaying the FFR index. A computing system includes a computer readable storage medium with instructions that iteratively determine at least an FFR index based on a severity of a stenosis of a vessel. The computing system further includes a computer processor that processes the instructions and generates the FFR index based on the severity of the stenosis of the vessel. | 04-23-2015 |
20150119703 | Anatomic Range Planning in Positron Emission Tomography - Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119704 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS, DETECTORS AND METHODS - An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119705 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Vessel Assessment - Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating risk associated with a condition of the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes obtaining physiology measurements from a first instrument and a second instrument positioned within the vessel of the patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel from a first position to a second position and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; outputting the physiology measurements and an image of the vessel on a display, the output image including visualizations based on the obtained physiology measurements; and evaluating whether to perform to surgical procedure based on the physiology measurements and the image of the vessel. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119706 | BIODEGRADABLE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CONTRAST AGENTS - Biodegradable computed tomography (CT) contrast agents comprising a polyiodinated aryl contrast agent that is crosslinked by an organic disulfide are described herein. The contrast agents can be used to image a tissue region by administering an effective amount of the biodegradable CT contrast agent to a subject, allowing a sufficient amount of time for the biodegradable CT contrast agent to enter the tissue region, and performing x-ray computed tomography imaging of the tissue region of the subject. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119707 | Torque Limiter for an OCT Catheter - An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire. | 04-30-2015 |
20150126856 | ATHERECTOMY CATHETER DRIVE ASSEMBLIES - A drive assembly for driving an imaging catheter has a rotatable fiber and a rotatable drive shaft. The drive assembly includes a fiber optic rotating junction and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the fiber optic rotating junction and a processor configured to obtain the detected rotational position and stop the motor only when the fiber optic rotating junction is in a predetermined rotational position. In some embodiments, the motor includes a hollow shaft through which at least a portion of the fiber optic rotating junction extends. | 05-07-2015 |
20150126857 | OPTICAL PROBE AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed are an optical probe and a medical imaging apparatus which includes the optical probe. The optical probe includes an optical scanner, which includes first and second fluids which have different refractive indexes and are not mixed with each other, and a probe body that is insertable into a coelom, and in which the optical scanner is provided in the probe body. Light which is emitted from the optical scanner is irradiated onto an object via a light output device. An output angle of the light emitted from the optical scanner varies based on a corresponding change in an interface between the first and second fluids. | 05-07-2015 |
20150126858 | FIBER SCANNING OPTICAL PROBE AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Fiber scanning optical probes and medical imaging apparatuses including the same are provided. The fiber scanning optical probe includes an optical fiber; an actuator attached onto the optical fiber and configured to drive the optical fiber at a driving resonance frequency; a mass provided at a side of the optical fiber and configured to control the driving resonance frequency; and a frequency separator provided on a portion of the optical fiber between the actuator and the mass, the frequency separator being configured to separate the driving resonance frequency into separate resonance frequencies. | 05-07-2015 |
20150133775 | PROBE AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - The probe includes a probe body that includes an internal empty space and is configured to be inserted into a coelom; an energy source module that is disposed in the probe body, and configured to emit an energy beam; first and second view windows that are provided at an end portion of the probe body, have different fields of view, and are configured to transmit the emitted energy beam; and a path changing unit that is disposed in the probe body, and configured to change a traveling path of the emitted energy beam to travel to one of the first view window and the second view window. | 05-14-2015 |
20150133776 | Visually Optimized Intravascular Imaging And Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical imaging system for imaging vasculature of a patient is provided. The imaging system includes a console that has one or more processors with a medical imaging system interface running thereon, an acquisition card in communication with the one or more processors and in communication with a patient interface module (PIM), and an intravascular imaging component in communication with the PIM and disposed on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. The medical imaging system interface provides a plurality of settings groups for selection by a user, each of the settings groups having pre-acquisition parameters and post-acquisition parameters that are optimal for imaging a desired viewing target within the vasculature. Associated methods and computer-readable media are provided. | 05-14-2015 |
20150141813 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL FLUID INJECTION PROTOCOLS BASED ON X-RAY TUBE VOLTAGE - A system for patient imaging is provided. The system includes an imaging system and a parameter generator to determine parameters of at least a first phase of an injection procedure. The imaging system includes a scanner that has at least one x-ray tube. The parameter generator is programmed to determine at least one of the parameters on the basis of a voltage to be applied to the at least one x-ray tube during an imaging procedure. A method of controlling an injector system is also provided, and the method includes determining injection parameters, at least one of which is determined on the basis of a voltage to be applied to an x-ray tube during the imaging procedure, as well as controlling the injector system at least in part on the basis of the determined injection parameters. | 05-21-2015 |
20150141814 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING A MEDICAL IMAGE OF A BODY LUMEN - An apparatus includes an image analysis unit arranged to extract, from the medical image, brightness intensities of a first body lumen region of the medical image and brightness intensities of a second body lumen region of the medical image; and a measuring unit arranged to calculate a first body lumen value and a second body lumen value, each of the first body lumen value and a second body lumen value being calculated as a predetermined linear combination of the brightness intensities of the corresponding first body lumen region and second body lumen region, and to compare the first body lumen value with the second body lumen value. | 05-21-2015 |
20150289825 | INTER-DETECTOR SCATTER ENAHNCED EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY - A method and system for acquiring a series of medical images includes receiving medical imaging data corresponding to photons emitted from a subject having received a dose of a radiotracer. Determining, from the medical imaging data, coincidence events including photon coincidence events involving two photons and photon coincidence events involving more than two photons. The photon coincidence events involving two photons and photon coincidence events involving more than two photons are processed and use to reconstruct a series of medical images of the subject. | 10-15-2015 |
20150297084 | Low-Coherence Interferometry and Optical Coherence Tomography for Image-Guided Surgical Treatment of Solid Tumors - A system for providing intraoperative feedback to a user during the course of surgery. A core imaging unit provides low-coherence optical radiation coupled to a sampling device and generates optical coherence tomography (OCT) data based on combining scattered light received from the sampling device together with a reference signal. The sampling device is adapted to receive the low-coherence optical radiation from the core imaging unit and to illuminate the tissue, and to collect light scattered by the tissue and to return said light to the core imaging unit. A core software unit receives the OCT data from the core imaging unit provides real-time feedback, such as an image, to the user. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297164 | AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF A POTENTIAL PLEURAL EFFUSION - A method for automatically identifying a potential pleural effusion in medical image data of a thorax of a patient from a scan by means of a medical scanner is provided. It includes at least the steps of accepting rib cage detection data of the rib cage of the patient from the image data, which rib cage detection data include rib cage extent data of a rib cage extent of the interior of the rib cage, accepting lung detection data of the lung of the patient from the image data, which lung detection data comprise lung extent data of a lung extent of the external boundary of the lung, accepting mediastinum detection data of all organs of the mediastinum in the thorax (Th) of the patient from the image data, which mediastinum detection data comprise mediastinum extent data of a mediastinum extent of the external boundary of the mediastinum, and subtracting the lung extent and the mediastinum extent from the rib cage extent while forming pleural effusion identification data. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305622 | Optical Low Coherence Microphone - A micro phonic device capable of measuring very low frequency (sub 100 Hz) pressure waves includes an OCT measuring system that measures the position of one or more surfaces within a target. The device further processes the position measurements to generate a spectrum. In one application the generated spectrum is further processed to associate some signals with bio-sign parameters. Values of the bio-sign parameters are output. | 10-29-2015 |
20150305692 | 4D CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) - A method includes performing a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of tissue of interest of a subject, with an imaging system having a radiation source and a detector array, in which a peak contrast enhancement of the tissue of interest, a full range of motion of the tissue of interest, and an entire volume of interest of the tissue of interest are concurrently imaged during a single rotation of the radiation source and the detector array of the imaging system over an entire or a predetermined sub-portion of a breathing cycle. | 10-29-2015 |
20150313466 | OPTICAL IMAGE MEASURING APPARATUS, IMAGE DISPLAYING APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAYING METHOD - An optical system splits light into signal light and reference light and detects interference light between scattered light of signal light from living body and reference light. A scanner performs first scan in which first cross section that intersects interested blood vessel is repeatedly scanned with signal light. An image forming part forms first cross sectional image expressing chronological variation of morphology of first cross section and phase image expressing chronological variation of phase difference based on detection results of interference light acquired during first scan. A blood vessel region specifying part specifies blood vessel region corresponding to interested blood vessel for first cross sectional image and phase image. A blood flow information generator generates blood flow information related to interested blood vessel based on blood vessel region of first cross sectional image and chronological variation of phase difference within blood vessel region of phase image. | 11-05-2015 |
20150313470 | MASSIVELY PARALLEL DIFFUSE OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY - Diffuse optical tomography systems and methods are described herein. In a general embodiment, the diffuse optical tomography system comprises a plurality of sensor heads, the plurality of sensor heads comprising respective optical emitter systems and respective sensor systems. A sensor head in the plurality of sensors heads is caused to act as an illuminator, such that its optical emitter system transmits a transillumination beam towards a portion of a sample. Other sensor heads in the plurality of sensor heads act as observers, detecting portions of the transillumination beam that radiate from the sample in the fields of view of the respective sensory systems of the other sensor heads. Thus, sensor heads in the plurality of sensors heads generate sensor data in parallel. | 11-05-2015 |
20150320318 | OPTICAL IMAGING PROBE - Provided is an optical imaging probe that is able to obtain a stable observation image by a dynamic pressure bearing. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320319 | NEAR INFRARED PHOTONIC PROSTATOSCOPY ANALYZER - A rectal near infrared (NIR) scanning polarization imaging system uses NIR Photonic Prostatoscopy Analyzer (NIRPPA) for prostate cancer detection using light. The NIRPPA consists of a portable rectal NIR scanning polarization imaging unit and an optical fiber-based rectal probe capable of recording sets of 2D images of a prostate through rectum at different wavelengths and depths and obtaining a three dimensional (3D) image of the prostate and 3D locations of abnormal tissue inside the prostate. Diode lasers/light emission diodes (LEDs) with selected emitting wavelengths are used in the NIR spectral range from 650 nm to 2,400 nm corresponding to the four tissue optical windows (#I, 650 nm-950 nm; #II, 1,100 nm-1,350 nm; #III, 1,600 nm-1,870 nm; and #IV, 2,100 nm-2,300 nm). The fingerprint absorptions of water (H | 11-12-2015 |
20150327826 | System and Method for Dual Energy and/or Contrast Enhanced Breast Imaging for Screening, Diagnosis and Biopsy - Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity. | 11-19-2015 |
20150347744 | Self-Authenticating Intravascular Device and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - A method of authorizing a limited use intravascular device can include determining if the intravascular device is in communication with a clinical system; determining if the intravascular device is authorized for clinical operation without providing the clinical system access to intravascular device data stored on the intravascular device; and providing an authorization signal to the clinical system. An intravascular device can include a flexible elongate member including a sensing component at a distal portion and a connector at a proximal portion, the connector including: a memory component configured to store a parameter value; a processing component; and a charge storage component configured to power the memory component and/or the processing component; wherein the processing component is configured to determine if the flexible elongate member is authorized for clinical operation using the parameter value without providing the parameter value to a clinical system. | 12-03-2015 |
20150351629 | BACK REFLECTION MINIMIZATION FOR OCT PROBES - An OCT probe for imaging patient tissue includes a probe housing, and includes a cannula extending from the probe housing and arranged to penetrate patient tissue. The cannula may include a main body segment and a distal segment. The main body segment may have a lumen defining a first central axis, and the distal segment may have a lumen defining a second central axis that is angled from the first central axis. A lens is disposed in the distal segment. The lens may have a proximal side and a distal side and an optical axis. The optical axis may be substantially parallel to the second central axis and may be angled relative to the first central axis. | 12-10-2015 |
20150351834 | BODY STRUCTURE IMAGING - A method of guiding a cardiac treatment using a functional imaging modality, comprising: providing functional imaging modality data from a functional imaging modality which images an intrabody volume of a patient containing a heart, the patient having been injected with an imaging agent having a nervous tissue uptake by an autonomic nervous system (ANS) of the heart, the ANS comprising at least one GP; locating the at least one GP innervating the heart based on the functional imaging modality data; and providing the located at least one GP. | 12-10-2015 |
20150359426 | Procedural Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Surgery and Related Methods - Methods for performing a surgical procedure using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are provided. The method includes orienting the subject for the surgical procedure, wherein orienting comprises imaging a region of the subject that contains a structure having a known orientational asymmetry, testing the image for the presence and location of the structure, and confirming correct orientation of the subject using the OCT image of the structure having the known orientational asymmetry; obtaining at least one image of the surgical region of the subject using OCT and constructing an initial structural view of the surgical region; computing at least one clinical parameter relevant as an end point for assessing the outcome of the surgical procedure using data derived from the OCT image; periodically assessing a surgical process and monitoring clinical outcomes related to the surgical procedure using changes to the OCT-derived structural view of the surgical region OCT or the changes to the computed clinical parameters derived from the at least an OCT image; determining if a surgical plan for the surgical procedure needs modification based on the periodic assessment and/or monitoring; modifying the surgical plan for the surgical procedure if it is determined modification is needed; and repeatedly assessing and monitoring, determining and modifying until it is determined that modification is not needed. | 12-17-2015 |
20150363948 | Direct Patlak Estimation from List-Mode PET Data - A medical imaging system for reconstructing quantitative dynamic nuclear medicine images of a subject may include a three dimensional positron emission tomography (3D PET) scanner and a data processing system. The three dimensional positron emission tomography (3D PET) scanner may: perform scans of the subject at each of multiple bed positions, each scan being of only a sub-portion of the subject that is within an axial length covered by the scanner; and generate dynamic list-mode PET data that: represents a total number of photon pairs arriving at each of multiple detector pairs in the 3D PET scanner; and is organized in a list of elements, each element in the list including a detector pair index and an arrival time for each detected photon pair; and acquires PET data using a dynamic PET protocol with at least two scans at each of the multiple bed positions. The data processing system may: reconstruct Patlak slope and intercept images of the subject over an axial length of the subject that exceeds the axial length of each scan of the subject by optimizing a likelihood or penalized likelihood function using the list-mode PET data from at least two scans of the subject at each of the multiple bed positions; and store the reconstructed image in a storage device or displays the reconstructed image on a display system. | 12-17-2015 |
20150374227 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND DATA PROCESSING PROGRAM - An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes an OCT optical system configured to detect an OCT signal based on measurement light scanned on scan positions of a subject including a blood vessel network by a scanning unit and reference light. The optical coherence tomography apparatus is configured to execute: a signal processing instruction of processing OCT signals which are temporally different from each other with respect to a same position on the subject and generating a motion contrast image which images distribution of a moving object in a depth direction at each of the scan positions based on the OCT signals; and a detecting instruction of analyzing a profile in the depth direction of the motion contrast image generated by the signal processing unit and detecting a change resulting from the blood vessel to detect the blood vessel network included in the subject. | 12-31-2015 |
20160000368 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IN VIVO VISUALIZATION OF LYMPHATIC VESSELS WITH OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - The present technology relates generally to systems and methods for in vivo visualization of lymphatic vessels. A system includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device and a computing device coupled to the OCT device configured to cause the OCT device to perform an OCT scan, generate image data in response to the OCT scan, and apply an eigendecomposition filter to the image data to produce processed image data. Alternatively or in addition, the computing device can compensate for scattering attenuation along an optical axis of the OCT scan in the image data set to generate compensated image data, enhance contrast of the compensated image data along a cross-section substantially orthogonal to the optical axis to generate contrast-enhanced image data, and identify at least one lymphatic vessel in the image data. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000406 | FRICTION TORQUE LIMITER FOR AN IMAGING CATHETER - The invention provides a frictional torque limiter assembly for an imaging core spinning in a patient's body. The torque limiter assembly torsionally isolates the imaging core from a motor that spins the imaging core. An interference fit between a slitted drive tube and a spacer tube acts as a clutch that allows a spinning imaging probe to slow or stop relative to the motor until the motor is stopped, thereby preventing an unsafe condition. | 01-07-2016 |
20160007857 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CREATING IN VIVO MEDICAL IMAGES OF TISSUE NEAR A CAVITY | 01-14-2016 |
20160018211 | Miniature Optical Elements for Fiber-Optic Beam Shaping - In part, the invention relates to optical caps having at least one lensed surface configured to redirect and focus light outside of the cap. The cap is placed over an optical fiber. Optical radiation travels through the fiber and interacts with the optical surface or optical surfaces of the cap, resulting in a beam that is either focused at a distance outside of the cap or substantially collimated. The optical elements such as the elongate caps described herein can be used with various data collection modalities such optical coherence tomography. In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly that includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film or cover. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. The film can surround a portion of the beam director. | 01-21-2016 |
20160045116 | FORWARD-IMAGING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT) SYSTEMS AND PROBES - Provided are forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems and probes. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045182 | Imaging Protocol Translation - Techniques for imaging protocol translation are described herein. The techniques may include data indicating a protocol for image capture of a first imaging device. The protocol includes parameters. The techniques may include translating the protocol of the first imaging device for use at a second imaging device by determining adjustments to be made to one or more of the parameters. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048959 | Classifying Image Data for Vasospasm Diagnosis - In order to classify a cerebral vascular segment as normal or pathological, a time-series of three dimensional (3D) images representing the cerebral vascular segment is generated. A length of the cerebral vascular segment is determined, and a blood flow speed through the cerebral vascular segment is determined based on the length and the generated time-series of 3D images. The cerebral vascular segment is categorized based on the determined blood flow, and a representation of the cerebral vascular segment is displayed based on the categorization. | 02-18-2016 |
20160058347 | FLOWOMETRY IN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR ANALYTE LEVEL ESTIMATION - Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058413 | INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES HAVING REINFORCED RAPID-EXCHANGE PORTS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to intravascular devices having improved rapid-exchange configurations and associated systems and methods. In some particular embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure include a reinforced rapid-exchange port, an offset rapid-exchange port, and/or combinations thereof. For example, in some implementations an intravascular imaging device is provided that includes a main catheter body; a rotational imaging element positioned within a lumen of the main catheter body; a distal portion extending from the main catheter body, the distal portion having a rapid-exchange port in communication with a guidewire lumen, the rapid-exchange port and the guidewire lumen sized and shaped to receive a guidewire; and at least one reinforcing element positioned adjacent to the rapid-exchange port. | 03-03-2016 |
20160066798 | Methods and Systems for Determining Hemodynamic Properties of a Tissue - Systems and methods for determining hemodynamic properties in a sample of a subject are provided. A system obtains one or more spectral interference signals from the sample during one or more scans, separates the spectral interference signals concerning tissue motion, cell motion, and noise within the sample by decomposing the tissue motion, the cell motion, and the noise into orthogonal basis functions. The system then determines hemodynamic properties of the sample from the separated cell motion. The system and method may be used for diagnosing, providing a prognosis, or monitoring treatment of a disorder of the sample. | 03-10-2016 |
20160067008 | IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM - A first tomographic image of a three-dimensional image is displayed on a display screen, and a cursor to be operated by a user is also displayed in the displayed first tomographic image, and at least one second tomographic image intersecting the first tomographic image at a three-dimensional position in the three-dimensional image corresponding to a two-dimensional position pointed by the cursor in the first tomographic image is also displayed. A user input by a button operation giving an instruction to move the cursor is received. The cursor is moved to a two-dimensional position in one of the at least one second tomographic image corresponding to the three-dimensional position in the three-dimensional image corresponding to the two-dimensional position pointed by the cursor in the first tomographic image. | 03-10-2016 |
20160073976 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGE GENERATING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires coincidence count data indicating an occurrence position of each of coincidentally counted pair-annihilation events, based on pieces of output data of a plurality of detectors that detect gamma rays emitted from radio isotopes administered to an object. Further, the processing circuitry generates, each time a condition necessary for a filter process is satisfied, a filter image by performing the filter process on the coincidence count data. | 03-17-2016 |
20160081663 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT OF A TARGET STRUCTURE - A system and method for imaging a subject are disclosed. A plurality of edge points corresponding to a set of candidate structures are determined in each image frame in a plurality of 3D image frames corresponding to a volume in the subject. A target structure is detected from the set of candidate structures by applying constrained shape fitting to the edge points in each image frame. A subgroup of image frames including the target structure is identified from the 3D frames. A subset of edge points corresponding to the target structure is determined in each of the subgroup of image frames. A plurality of 2D scan planes corresponding to the subset of edge points is determined, and ranked using a determined ranking function to identify a desired scan plane. A diagnostic parameter corresponding to the target structure is measured using a selected image frame that includes the desired scan plane. | 03-24-2016 |
20160089103 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZED IMAGE ACQUISITION WITH IMAGE-GUIDED DECISION SUPPORT - A system for optimized image acquisition includes an user interface for receiving a first input indicating a selection of an anatomical region of a subject and receiving a second input indicating a selection of at least one feature of interest and at least one appropriate property of the at least one feature of interest. Further, the system includes a scanning unit for moving the subject to isocenter of a magnet and acquiring at least one image of the anatomical region of the subject. Also, the system includes a processor for processing the at least one image for identifying the at least one feature of interest in the at least one image, wherein the scanning unit is configured to re-scan the at least one feature of interest using the at least one selected appropriate property for acquiring an optimized image of the at least one feature of interest. | 03-31-2016 |
20160095559 | PHOTON-COUNTING DETECTOR WITH COUNT-RATE DEPENDENT MULTIPLEXING - A photon-counting system includes photon-counting detectors that output photon-counting signals to indicate a number of photons impinging on the photon-counting detectors. The system also includes analog-to-digital conversion circuits, which convert one of the photon-counting signals into a digital photon-counting signals, and a processor that processes the digital photon-counting signals to extract information from the photon-counting signals. The information extracted can include a photon-counting rate. An intelligent multiplexer that, based on the photon-counting rate, modifies interconnection of the photon-counting detectors and analog-to-digital conversion circuits and provides digital photon-counting signals for a selected set of the analog-to-digital converters to the processor. | 04-07-2016 |
20160100815 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND CONTRAST MEDIUM INFLOW AMOUNT DETECTION METHOD - According to an embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes reconstruction circuitry and control circuitry. The reconstruction circuitry is configured to, at the time of the monitoring scan, based on an output of an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays having passed through the object, reconstruct a first image concerning the object at the time of administration of the contrast medium and a second image concerning the object after a predetermined period elapses since administration of the contrast medium. The control circuitry is configured to shift from the monitoring scan to the actual scan based on a change amount of a CT value obtained when the entire reconstructed first image is compared with the entire reconstructed second image. | 04-14-2016 |
20160106319 | JONES MATRIX OCT SYSTEM AND PROGRAM FOR CARRYING OUT IMAGE PROCESSING ON MEASURED DATA OBTAINED BY SAID OCT - A Jones matrix OCT offers improved image stability, image quality, and depth range of image, wherein light from a wavelength-scanning light source is split into two optical paths, and a reference arm is provided along one optical path, while a probe arm that irradiates and reflects light onto the measuring target to generate object light is provided along the other optical path. The probe arm has a polarization delay unit that linearly polarizes the light and then splits it into S-wave component and P-wave component, where the S-wave component and P-wave component are superimposed through optical paths of different optical path lengths, respectively, after which optical detectors are used to detect different spectral interference beams in the depth direction of the measuring target corresponding to the vertically polarized component and horizontally polarized component, which respectively correspond to the S-wave component and P-wave component, to obtain four spectral interference signals. | 04-21-2016 |
20160106334 | BREAST CANCER IMAGING DEVICE THROUGH MICROWAVE SURFACE IMPEDANCE - A breast cancer imaging device with microwave surface impedance is a device which is used for imaging tumors in breast tissue using harmless electromagnetic waves in microwave band. It performs this function by using harmless electromagnetic waves without using X-ray. Thus, it can be performed in desired frequency, as many times as desired. Since compressing the breasts is no longer required, it is not a painful imaging process for the patient; moreover, it does not fail to detect the tumors that are close to the rib cage. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113609 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS, X-RAY CT SYSTEM, AND INJECTOR - According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a calculator, a transmitter, a data acquisition unit, and a processor. The calculator calculates a difference between imaging time phases of a first contrast agent and a second contrast agent. The transmitter sends information on the difference between the imaging time phases to an injector. The injector injects the first contrast agent and the second contrast agent into the subject at different timings based on the information. The data acquisition unit scans a subject with X-rays at a predetermined imaging timing to acquire detection data corresponding to different X-ray energies. The processor analyzes the detection data acquired at the predetermined imaging timing to generate a plurality of images corresponding to the imaging time phases. | 04-28-2016 |
20160128662 | SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING METHOD - A SPECT diagnostic method of performing myocardial perfusion imaging on a patient, the method including (A) commencing a mycocardial perfusion diagnostic scan; (B) during the scan, determining the photon count rate; (C) using the photon count rate and a predetermined total photon count target, determining a scan duration time; (D) terminating the diagnostic scan when the scan duration time elapses. | 05-12-2016 |
20160128663 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING HEPATIC FUNCTION FROM LIVER SCANS - Systems and methods described herein determine an objective metric for analyzing health of a patient's liver. In some embodiments, the system may include a scanner that can detect radiation counts responsive to administration of radioactive compound to a patient. Further, the system may include an image detection module that can access image data responsive to the detected radiation counts by the scanner. The image detection module can programmatically identify a first region of interest corresponding to a liver of the patient from the image data. A parameter calculator module can programmatically determine a first attribute associated with the first region of interest and calculate a first parameter indicating health of the liver of the patient based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first region of interest. | 05-12-2016 |
20160150961 | HEMOGLOBIN CONTRAST IN MAGNETO-MOTIVE OPTICAL DOPPLER TOMOGRAPHY, OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING METHODS AND APPARATUS | 06-02-2016 |
20160151011 | Systems and Methods for Maintaining a Narrow Body Lumen | 06-02-2016 |
20160157737 | QUANTIFICATION OF LOCAL CIRCULATION WITH OCT ANGIOGRAPHY - Impaired intraocular blood flow within vascular beds in the human eye is associated with certain ocular diseases including, for example, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A reliable method to quantify blood flow in the various intraocular vascular beds could provide insight into the vascular component of ocular disease pathophysiology. Using ultrahigh-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new 3D angiography algorithm called split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) was developed for imaging microcirculation within different intraocular regions. A method to quantify SSADA results was developed and used to detect perfusion changes in early stage ocular disease. Associated embodiments relating to methods for quantitatively measuring blood flow at various intraocular vasculature sites, systems for practicing such methods, and use of such methods and systems for diagnosing certain ocular diseases are herein described. | 06-09-2016 |
20160180052 | METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPLY AREAS, METHOD FOR THE GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF SUPPLY AREAS, COMPUTER PROGRAM, MACHINE-READABLE MEDIUM AND IMAGING DEVICE | 06-23-2016 |
20160183801 | Polarized OCT with Improved SNR - The invention provides a polarized optical system with minimal use of wave plates that provides isolation of the optical source and has optimized signal to noise performance. The polarized optical system in the preferred embodiment is an interferometric optical system, and in particular an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. Various alternate embodiments are provided. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183804 | LASER CATHETER WITH USE OF REFLECTED LIGHT TO DETERMINE MATERIAL TYPE IN VASCULAR SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for determining a type of a material in a region within a vascular system of a patient and/or a distance to the material are provided. At least one source fiber is provided that supplies light from a light source to a region within a vascular system of a patient. At least one return fiber is provided to receive light reflected from the region within the vascular system. At least one controller is provided to determine at least one property of the region within the vascular system from the reflected light, and to determine a type of a material in the region within the vascular system and/or an indication of a distance to the material. Techniques such as laser ablation may then be performed based on the determined material type and/or distance to remove unwanted buildup, deposits, etc., while avoiding harmful results such as tearing of tissue. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183897 | IMAGING NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE - A method of imaging to permit calculation of left:right striatum uptake ratios is provided, and the degree of asymmetry used to assist in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Also provided are a method of diagnosis, method of patient selection, and method of therapy monitoring using the imaging method, and software tools for use in the method. | 06-30-2016 |
20160192962 | ATHERECTOMY CATHETERS DEVICES HAVING MULTI-CHANNEL BUSHINGS | 07-07-2016 |
20160198976 | LOCATING FEATURES IN THE HEART USING RADIO FREQUENCY IMAGING | 07-14-2016 |
20160374634 | Rapid image analysis - fleming harrington redistribution wash-in washout method for differentiation of inflammatory vascular disease (IVD) and tissue viability - The present invention provides a method for detecting abnormal coronary blood flow by “quantifying” emissions of radiopharmaceuticals after stressing the heart under “same state” conditions for detection of inflammatory vascular (IVD) disease and differentiation of (a) ischemic heart disease due reduced lumen responsiveness to demand for more coronary blood flow and (b) vulnerable inflammatory plaque disease with reduced lumen responsiveness. The present invention also provides a method for detection of myocyte viability by using the “quantitative” method to differentiate “normal” functioning cardiac tissue from non-viable “infarcted” cardiac tissue, from “stunned/hibernating” myocytes. The present invention further provides a method for detection of IVD by detecting enhanced thymic activity associated with IVD. The present invention reduces total patient imaging time, patient table time, radiation isotope doses and exposure to both patient and others through primary and secondary exposure to isotope emissions. In one embodiment, the nuclear isotope is technetium-99m hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (sestamibi). | 12-29-2016 |
20170231501 | SUPER-PIXEL DETECTION FOR WEARABLE DIFFUSE OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY | 08-17-2017 |
20170231587 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR X-RAY-BASED BREAST IMAGING | 08-17-2017 |
20180020923 | ELECTRIC MOTOR CAPABLE OF REDUCING COGGING TORQUE | 01-25-2018 |
20190142354 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FAST FILTER CHANGE | 05-16-2019 |
20190142357 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING IMAGE QUALITY WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCOUT | 05-16-2019 |
20220139005 | METHOD - The present invention describes a new functional biomarker of vascular inflammation and its use in predicting all-cause or cardiac mortality. The invention also provides a method for stratifying patients according to their risk of all-cause or cardiac mortality using data gathered from a computer tomography scans of a blood vessel to determine a specific combination of structural and functional biomarkers of vascular inflammation and disease. | 05-05-2022 |