26th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 63 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140180011 | SCANNING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD OF IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source section that emits illuminating light; an optical fiber that guides and applies the illuminating light from a distal end, the illuminating light having directionality; a drive element and a scanning drive section that scan the distal end of the optical fiber; a light detecting section that detects light from a subject; a shutter and an intermittent light output control section that controls a light application period and an interruption period for the illuminating light; an extrinsic light component removal section that outputs a result of an average value of a plurality of light detection results obtained in the interruption period being subtracted from each of a plurality of light detection results obtained in the light application period; and an image processing section that forms image information for display, based on the result outputted by the extrinsic light component removal section. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180012 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: a light transmitting section for transmitting illuminating light and emit the light from a light exit surface; a light receiving section for receiving return light of the light emitted from the light exit surface; a light guiding section for allowing the light to be incident on the light receiving section by totally reflecting return light from a subject or the emitted light at least one or more times; a driving section for allowing an end portion having the light exit surface of the light transmitting section to be swung; a light detecting section for detecting the light received through the light guiding section, as a signal; and a control section for, if the pattern of fluctuations in the signal level by the light detected by the light detected section does not correspond to the predetermined pattern of fluctuations, performing control for lowering a quantity of the illuminating light. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180013 | TROCAR SYSTEM HAVING A DRIVE - Systems and methods for using a trocar system are disclosed. The system generally includes a handle having a first end a second end, a trocar disposed adjacent the first end of the handle, a plurality of cannulas disposed on the trocar simultaneously, and a drive system. The drive system is disposed for forward movement of the cannulas in a longitudinal direction away from the first end of the handle. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180014 | Tissue Retractor Assembly - An intracorporeal surgical tissue retractor is provided having an anchor selectively deployable in a first tissue not to be retracted and a grasper selectively deployable on a second tissue to be retracted. A longitudinally selectively movable support is threadable through the anchor and attached at a substantially distal end of the movable support to the grasper. A deployment user interface is couplable to the movable support and has a proximal end manipulable by a user extracorporeally and a distal end releasably attachable to both the anchor and the grasper, adapted to intracorporeally deploy the anchor into the first tissue and the grasper onto the second tissue. The user interface includes a first actuator having an anchor positioning tool enabling selective deployment of the anchor in the first tissue, and a second actuator enabling selective opening and closing of the jaws of the grasper. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180015 | TROCAR CANNULA ANCHOR AND SEAL - A cannula assembly for use in laproscopic surgery includes a cannula having a proximal end for use in orientating the assembly into an abdominal cavity, a distal end for insertion into a patient, and a passage through which surgical instruments can be inserted. An expandable feature in the form of an anchor is located toward the distal end of the cannula and is selectively expandable and collapsible. The feature in its expanded state prevents withdrawal of the cannula. A collar is pushed distally until it releasably cinches to the outside of the abdominal cavity thereby creating an airtight seal and stabilizing the assembly. The collar has a friction fit with the cannula designed to prevent excessive force against the cavity walls. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180016 | SURGICAL ACCESS SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180017 | CRANK RETRACTOR HANDLE - The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. In the illustrated embodiment, a pawl mechanism is connected to the adaptor housing and configured for automatic engagement with at least one of a plurality of serrations that are located on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the efficient adjustment and automatic locking of the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the operative site. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180018 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING A WEARABLE DEVICE TO DETERMINE AN INDIVIDUALS DAILY ROUTINE - The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180019 | WEARABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES, INTERCHANGEABLE ACCESSORIES AND INTEGRATED FASTENINGS TO PERMIT WEAR - A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180020 | ADHESIVELY MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL STATUS - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180021 | ADHESIVELY MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL STATUS - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180022 | ADHESIVELY MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL STATUS - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180023 | ADHESIVELY MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL STATUS - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180024 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING A WEARABLE DEVICE TO PREDICT AN INDIVIDUALS DAILY ROUTINE - The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180025 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PREDICTING THE TYPE OF INDIVIDUAL USED WITH SEPARATE APPLICATIONS - The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180026 | Devices, Systems And Methods For Plethysmographic Monitoring At The Nose - The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180027 | Estimation of Human Core Temperature based on Heart Rate System and Method - The invention in at least one embodiment includes a method for determining the core body temperature of a person by setting an initial core body temperature with a processor; receiving a heart rate of the person with the processor; calculating a predicted core body temperature with the processor using an extended Kalman filter based on the heart rate and the initial core body temperature; and providing the predicted core body temperature. In another embodiment, a system for performing the method. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180028 | GUIDEWIRE WITH ADJUSTABLE TIP - The present invention generally relates to guidewires with adjustable tips. In certain aspects, the guidewire includes an elongate member and a core member extending through a lumen of the elongate member. The elongate member includes a distal portion. The distal portion includes a coil segment and at least a portion of the coil segment being compressible from a relaxed state, in which the coil segment aligns with a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, to a compressed state, in which the coil segment moves in a direction away from the longitudinal axis. The distal portion may include one or more sensors. The core member is coupled to the elongate member at a point on the distal portion such that movement of the elongate member translates the elongate member relative to the core member and compresses the coil segment from the relaxed state to the compressed state. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180029 | ELECTRODE ARRAY FOR ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS - A sensor device for the electromyographic recording of muscle signals on the skin of a living body includes at least two recording electrodes and an earth electrode. The electrodes have a common carrier layer that has at least one perforation at which the carrier layer can be separated. After the separation of the carrier layer at the perforation, each electrode is located separately on a separated part of the carrier layer. Further, the sensor device includes at least one shielded cable, one end of which is connected to one of the electrodes and the other end of which is connected to a contact element. The contact element can be connected to an evaluation unit by means of a connecting element such that signals can be transmitted to the evaluation unit. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180030 | INTRAVASCULAR BLOOD PRESSURE AND VELOCITY WIRE - The present invention generally relates to devices for determining pressure and flow in a vessel and methods for using such devices. The device can involve an elongate body configured for insertion into a vessel, a flow sensor positioned on the elongate body configured for detecting flow in the vessel, and a pressure sensor positioned on the elongate body configured for detecting pressure in the vessel, wherein the pressure sensor comprises an optical sensor. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180031 | MULTI-SENSOR DEVICES - The present invention generally relates to devices that include multiple sensors for measuring different characteristics inside a vessel. For example, devices of the invention may have sensors for imaging the interior of a vessel while also detecting both pressure and/or detecting flow inside the vessel. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180032 | System and Method for Multi-Site Intravascular Measurement - Systems and methods for obtaining and processing data collected using a multi-site intravascular sensing device are provided. Some embodiments are directed to locating a structure within a vessel and performing an examination of the structure once it has been located. In one embodiment, an elongate member has a plurality of sensors and set of measurements is obtained using the plurality of sensors, the set of measurements including at least one measurement from each sensor of the plurality of sensors. The various sensor measurements are compared and a difference in a vascular characteristic is determined from the compared measurements. The location of the structure may be determined based on the adjacent sensors. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180033 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS LEVEL AND ENERGY EXPENDITURE OF A LIVING BEING - A device for monitoring the physical activity of a living being is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a data input module configured to receive information about the living being's heart beat rate value, motion intensity and anthropometric characteristics. Further, there is an activity recognition and storage module configured to detect, from information received about the living being's motion intensity, the living being's activity and to store information about the living being's heart beat rate value and the motion intensity associated with that detected activity. Further, there is a heart beat rate analysis module configured to determine, from a plurality of heart beat rate values associated with each detected activity, statistics of the distribution of heart beat rate values for each activity or a subset of activities. Further, there is a fitness estimation module configured to calculate, using the information from the heart beat rate analysis module and the anthropometric characteristics, a cardiorespiratory fitness level of the living being. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180034 | SIMULTANEOUS IMAGING, MONITORING, AND THERAPY - Using the disclosed intravascular devices it is possible to image tissues, deliver therapy, and evaluate the tissue after the therapy is delivered. One embodiment is a catheter configured to provide ultrasound imaging, drug delivery, and Doppler flow analysis. The devices can use ultrasound imaging as well as optical coherence tomography (OCT). | 2014-06-26 |
20140180035 | FUNCTIONAL GAIN MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE AND REPRESENTATION - The present invention generally relates to methods for determining the degree of improvement after a therapeutic procedure. The method can involve determining a baseline measurement prior to conducting a therapeutic procedure, conducting the therapeutic procedure, and determining a post-therapy measurement after conducting the therapeutic procedure. The method further involves comparing the post-therapy measurement to the baseline measurement, thereby determining the degree of improvement after conducting the therapeutic procedure. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180036 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING AND PREVENTING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) EPISODES - A wireless sleep apnea treatment system comprises a garment having at least one ECG monitor, a wireless signal acquisition board in communication with the ECG monitor and the computer and providing the electrical reading from the ECG monitor to the computer, and a patient stimulator controlled by the computer through the wireless signal acquisition board. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180037 | Biological Tissue Function Analysis - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating biological tissue function analysis. In accordance with one aspect, saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (SPO2) signal data is synchronized with respiration signal data. One or more waveform parameters may be generated based on the synchronized SPO2 signal data and the respiration signal data. One or more respiration-SPO2 parameters may then be determined based on the one or more waveform parameters and used to characterize the biological tissue function. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180038 | SEPSIS MONITOR - Sensors are attached to a living being so as to generate corresponding sensor signals. A monitor is in communications with the sensors so as to derive physiological parameters responsive to the sensor signals. Predetermined limits are applied to the physiological parameters. At least one indicator responsive to the physiological parameters and the predetermined limits signal the onset of a sepsis condition in the living being. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180039 | WEARABLE MONITORING DEVICES HAVING SENSORS AND LIGHT GUIDES - A monitoring device includes a housing configured to be attached to a body of a subject. An optical emitter, optical detector, and sensor for measuring motion noise are located within the housing. Light transmissive material is in optical communication with the optical emitter and detector and is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light external to the housing and deliver the collected light to the detector. A signal processor is configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector and the motion noise sensor, and to remove noise from the signals produced by the optical detector. The signal processor may generate physiological parameters for the subject such as heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, VO | 2014-06-26 |
20140180040 | CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE - In a capsule endoscope, on an inside of a capsule type housing including a cylindrical main body section and two semispherical end cover sections and having a rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to a center axis of the housing, an image pickup board section, a transmission board section, and a reception board section are housed such that principal planes of the image pickup board section, the transmission board section, and the reception board section are orthogonal to the center axis. A coil wire of at least one of a transmission coil formed by a transmission coil wire and a reception coil formed by a reception coil wire, respective principal planes of which are orthogonal to the center axis, is disposed on the end cover section side of the housing. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180041 | APPARATUS FOR NON-INVASIVE GLUCOSE MONITORING - An apparatus for non-invasive glucose monitoring includes a first light source for emitting at least one ray of first light; a first beam splitter with a focusing function; a set of photo detectors for measuring optical rotatory distribution (ORD) information and absorption energy information of the first light reflected from the eyeball and transmitted through the first beam splitter to the set of photo detectors, and the first light emitted from the first light source being transmitted to the set of photo detectors by the first beam splitter and the eyeball to form an optical path; a processing unit receiving and processing the ORD information and the absorption energy information to obtain glucose information; and an eye positioning device including a second beam splitter disposed on the optical path between the first beam splitter and the eyeball and a camera for receiving image information transmitted from the second beam splitter. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180042 | Methods and Systems for Detecting a Sensor Off Condition Using A Reference Ambient Characteristic - A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals at one or more wavelengths to determine physiological parameters. During monitoring, a physiological sensor may become improperly positioned, which may affect the physiological attenuation of the photonic signals, and accordingly a detected light signal. The detected light signal may include an ambient light component and a signal component corresponding to the one or more wavelengths of light. The physiological monitoring system may determine a reference characteristic based on the ambient light component, and compare the signal component with the ambient light component to determine a sensor-off condition. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180043 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING SIGNAL QUALITY OF A PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL - A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals at one or more wavelengths to determine physiological parameters. The system may monitor a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal, which may include a periodic component, and an aperiodic component. An attractor may be generated based on a first segment of the PPG signal and a second segment of the PPG signal shifted in time relative to the first segment by a time delay. The system may analyze points of the attractor that correspond to a curve, analyze the distribution of the attractor about a curve, or both, to determine a signal quality metric indicative of cycle to cycle variation in the PPG signal. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180044 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING SIGNAL QUALITY OF A PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL - A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals at one or more wavelengths to determine physiological parameters. The system may receive a photoplethysmograph signal, and generated a difference signal based on the photoplethysmograph signal. The system may specify a segment of the photoplethysmograph signal and a segment of the difference signal. The system may associate each value of the segment of the photoplethysmograph signal to a corresponding value of the segment of the difference signal to generate associated value pairs. The system may compare the associated value pairs to a reference characteristic, and determine a signal quality metric based on the comparison. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180045 | LIFESAVING SUPPORT APPARATUS AND LIFESAVING SUPPORT SYSTEM - A lifesaving support apparatus includes: a sensor section which is adapted to be attachable to a patient, and which is configured to acquire information of blood flow of the patient; a determining section which, based on the information of blood flow, is configured to determine whether or not a use of an automatic external defibrillator is necessary; and an outputting section which is configured to notify a rescuer of information which is determined by the determining section. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180046 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for monitoring intracranial pressure. Embodiments of the present invention include emitting an electromagnetic wavelength into forehead tissue of a patient and detecting characteristics of the electromagnetic wavelength after the electromagnetic wavelength has been scattered by the tissue. The characteristics may include variations in the electromagnetic wavelength corresponding to a pulse. Further, embodiments of the present invention include analyzing the variations to identify venous pulsations, and determining whether intracranial pressure is elevated in the patient based on a correlation between the venous pulsations and levels of intracranial pressure. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180047 | Method and Device for Determining Elapsed Sensor Life - Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING MULTIPLE SENSOR CALIBRATION METHODS - The present invention relates to a system and method for improving glucose sensor accuracy by utilizing multiple calibration methods and selecting the most accurate method depending on a consensus glucose concentration estimate. Embodiments of the present invention comprise the steps of performing at least one in vivo update of surrounding glucose to acquire glucose values; calculating multiple updated calibration estimates using the updated glucose values; calculating an initial consensus glucose estimate from sensor output using each updated calibration estimate; applying a smooth crossover function to the multiple calibration estimates based on the value of the initial consensus glucose estimate; and adding weights to the multiple calibration estimates to acquire a consensus glucose estimate. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180049 | SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180050 | MEASURING DEVICE - A measuring device includes an insertion detecting switch, a measuring section, a radio communication section, and a microcontroller. The insertion detecting switch is configured to detect a specimen being inserted into the measuring device. The measuring section is configured to measure a blood sugar level of blood deposited on the specimen. The radio communication section is configured to transmit a puncturing allowing signal to a puncturing device. The microcontroller is configured to control the radio communication section to transmit the puncturing allowing signal when the insertion detecting switch detects the specimen being inserted into the measuring device. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180051 | ROTOR IDENTIFICATION USING SEQUENTIAL PATTERN MATCHING - An anatomical mapping system includes a plurality of mapping electrodes each having an electrode location and configured to detect activation signals of intrinsic physiological activity within an anatomical structure. A mapping processor is associated with the plurality of mapping electrodes and is configured to record the detected activation signals and associate one of the plurality of mapping electrodes with each recorded activation signal. The mapping processor is further configured to analyze the recorded activation signals to identify at least one recurring pattern based on a relationship between a timing of the detected activation signals and the electrode locations of the mapping electrode associated with each detected activation signal. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180052 | NEURAL RECORDING SYSTEM - A neuron recording system was provided. By using the gain-boosted topology, the amplifier input impedance can be increased while simultaneously reducing the noise. The system can be configured to record local field potentials (LFPs) and neuron spikes, respectively, with low-power consumption. With the flexible digital controller module (DCM), any subset of the recording channels can be activated for recording with independent sampling rate at each channel. A wireless interface to transmit recorded neuron data and an on-chip neuron processor to perform real-time signal processing can be incorporated in the system. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180053 | MEANS FOR SECURING A CATHETER INTO A VESSEL - An electrophysiology catheter, e.g., a coronary sinus catheter, for insertion into a cardiac vessel, such as the coronary sinus, includes a handle and a catheter shaft coupled at one end to the handle. The catheter shaft has a distal end and an anchor is associated with the catheter shaft and is movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the anchor extends radially outward from an outer surface of the catheter shaft for contacting a wall and temporarily anchoring the catheter shaft within the coronary sinus. The catheter also includes an actuator for causing deployment and collapsing of the anchor upon manipulation of the actuator. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180054 | ECG LEAD WIRE ORGANIZER AND DISPENSER - An ECG lead set including an ECG electrode assembly and a lead set hub. ECG electrode includes at least one electrode configured to receive biopotential signals from a patient, a plug connector for connecting said ECG electrode assembly, a web, connected between the at least one electrode and the plug connector and configured to form an electrical connection therebetween. The lead set hub includes at least one receptacle configured to receive the plug connector of the ECG electrode assembly. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180055 | ASPIRATING AND REMOVING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL - The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and aspirating biological material from inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include an aspiration channel within the body. The aspiration channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180056 | IMAGING GUIDEWIRE WITH PHOTOACTIVATION CAPABILITIES - A guidewire providing imaging and light for photoactivation of therapeutic agents. Using optical fibers with Bragg gratings, electromagnetic waves are coupled to photoacoustic materials thereby providing acoustic energy for imaging tissues. The reflected acoustic waves can be sensed with photoreflective materials coupled to different optical fibers. Additional optical fibers allow photoactivated therapeutics to be activated in proximity to the imaged tissues. The photoactivated therapeutics may be administered intravenously or with a drug-delivery catheter. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180057 | AORTIC ARTERY MEASURING PROBE, DEVICE AND METHOD OF MEASURING DIAMETER OF AORTIC ARTERY - An aortic artery measuring probe, device and a method of measuring the diameter of the aortic artery are provided. The aortic artery measuring device includes the aortic artery measuring probe and a signal processing module electrically connected to the aortic artery measuring probe. The aortic artery measuring probe includes a flexible substrate and a sensor array disposed thereon, wherein the sensor array includes M×N ultra-wideband sensors. The ultra-wideband sensors is positioned on a subject and the flexible substrate is deformed to a profile conforming to the profile of the subject. The ultra-wideband sensors transmit a radio wave into the subject and then the radio wave is reflected by a tissue interface of the artery wall of the aortic artery to form a reflected signal. The ultra-wideband sensors receive the reflected signal and the signal processing module analyzes the reflected signal to define the diameter of the aortic artery. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180058 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NONLINEAR ELASTOGRAPHY - Nonlinear elastography systems and methods are provided. The elastography system includes a data acquisition module, such as an imaging device, and associated system control circuitry. The data acquisition module is configured to acquire various data, such as displacement and/or force data, from a material. A nonlinear transfer function is applied to the acquired data to generate information about the material's stiffness. In one implementation, a map representative of the material's stiffness is generated. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180059 | Method for MR-Guided Brachytherapy with Consistent Patient Positioning - In a method for guiding brachytherapy radiation treatment the patient is supported on a table and an MR magnet is brought into the treatment bunker through doors for imaging while the after-loader for the radiation source delivery is stored away in a storage location outside the RF shield. A safety system controls movement of the after-loader and the magnet. Images of the patient obtained while the patient is on the table are used to locate the applicator with respect to the lesion and organs-at-risk. The MR and X-ray compatible patient support table with MR coil integration includes a removable end-extension, which provides pelvic access for applicator insertion. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180060 | Methods and Systems for Automated Functional MRI in Clinical Applications - A method for operating an automated functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) system includes controlling, by a control computer, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device to apply one or more pulse sequences to a portion of a brain of a patient and controlling, by the control computer, one or more stimulation devices to provide a stimulation of the patient. The method also includes acquiring, by the control computer, functional images of said portion of said brain of the patient in response to the applying of the one or more pulse sequences and during stimulation and receiving, by the control computer, one or more patient responses during the stimulating of the patient. The method further includes synchronizing, by the control computer, the stimulation of the patient, the acquiring of the functional images and the receiving of the one or more patient responses using at least one synchronization signal. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180061 | Methods and Apparatuses for Relating Multiple Magnetic Resonance Physical Parameters to Myelin Content in the Brain - A computerized method of generating a map of myelin tissue of a brain is described. In addition sub-maps of different myelin contents can be imaged. The method uses a simulation model comprising at least two interacting tissue compartments. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180062 | REDUCED X-RAY EXPOSURE BY SIMULATING IMAGES - Medical imaging is carried out by transmitting X-ray emissions through a subject, generating a first set of temporally separated images of an area of interest in the subject from the transmitted X-ray emissions, generating a second set of temporally separated images from the area of interest from a second source, and combining the sets to produce combined images of the area of interest. The method is further carried out by blocking the X-ray emissions from reaching the subject, updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set to produce updated combined images, displaying the updated combined images, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, iterating updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set, and displaying the updated combined images. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180063 | DETERMINING POSITION OF MEDICAL DEVICE IN BRANCHED ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - Information extracted from sequential images captured from the perspective of a distal end of a medical device moving through an anatomical structure are compared with corresponding information extracted from a computer model of the anatomical structure. A most likely match between the information extracted from the sequential images and the corresponding information extracted from the computer model is then determined using probabilities associated with a set of potential matches so as to register the computer model of the anatomical structure to the medical device and thereby determine the lumen of the anatomical structure which the medical device is currently in. Sensor information may be used to limit the set of potential matches. Feature attributes associated with the sequence of images and the set of potential matches may be quantitatively compared as part of the determination of the most likely match. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180064 | A SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE TRUE DIMENSIONS AND ORIENTATION OF OBJECTS IN A TWO DIMENSIONAL IMAGE - The invention is a system for measuring the true dimensions and orientation of objects in a two dimensional image. The system is comprised of a ruler comprising at least one set of features each comprised of two or more markers that are identifiable in the image and having a known spatial relationship between them and a software package comprising programs that allow extension of the ruler and other objects in the two dimensional image beyond their physical dimensions or shape. The system can be used together with radiographic imagery means, processing means, and display means to take x-ray images and to measure the true dimensions and orientation of objects and to aid in the identification and location of a surgery tool vs. anatomy in those x-ray images. The invention provides a method of drawing and displaying on a two dimensional x-ray image measurements of objects visible in said image, graphical information, or templates of surgical devices. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180065 | FIDUCIARY MARKERS AND METHODS OF PLACEMENT - The invention relates to the field of radiation oncology, specifically the use of novel radio-opaque fiduciary markers which resist migration within tissues, which may be implanted in the body and imaged during radio-therapy to insure accurate treatment of target regions while avoiding irradiation of non-target regions. In one embodiment, the markers comprise oblong bodies from which a plurality of short tines protrude. Also provided are novel devices for implanting such markers. Additionally, the invention provides methods of delineating tumor resection beds and whole-bladder contours in the radiotherapeutic treatment of bladder cancer. Lastly, the invention encompasses novel methods of delivering fiduciary markers and other implants and materials by needle with sealing aids that increase the retention rate of the delivered markers, implants, or materials. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180066 | INTRODUCER HAVING A FLOW SENSOR - An introducer, including a needle, a guide shaft, and a sheath, that can be used to place an access cannula into a blood vessel. In an embodiment, the guide shaft includes a Doppler flow sensor, allowing a user to easily identify a vein or artery beneath the skin. In another embodiment, the guide shaft also includes a pressure sensor. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180067 | IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND IMPLANTS - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface during an implant delivery procedure. In certain embodiments, a delivery device of the invention includes an elongate body and an inner member moveably disposed within the elongate body. The elongate body includes a first imaging element and defining a center lumen that leads to an opening. The elongate body is configured to releasably hold an implant within the center lumen and the first imaging element is configured to at least partially surround the center lumen such that the implant is deployable through the first imaging element. The inner member is configured to engage with and deploy the implant out of the opening of the elongate body and into a body lumen. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180068 | CATHETER ORIENTING MARKERS - The present invention generally relates to methods, devices and systems for determining the rotational orientation of a device. The invention can involve providing a device comprising a plurality of markers, wherein each marker within the plurality of markers differs from an adjacent marker by size, shape, and/or position on the device. The invention can also involve inserting the device into a vessel and imaging the device to capture an image of the device in an imaging plane. The invention can further involve processing the captured image to determine an orientation of the device relative to the imaging plane based on the markers. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180069 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes an implant delivery mechanism. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180070 | INTRALUMINAL IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while a tool is engaged with the luminal surface. An imaging system of the invention may include a first elongate member that includes a first imaging element and a catheter that includes a second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The catheter also defines a lumen and includes cutting element. The catheter is configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the elongate member. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180071 | LOCATING INTRAVASCULAR IMAGES - The invention includes imaging catheters having image collectors co-located with radiopaque labels, methods of using the imaging catheters, and systems for locating the position of intravascular images within the body. In some instances, an angiogram is used to determine the precise location of the co-located radiopaque labels, and thus, the position of the intravascular image. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180072 | System and Method for Precisely Locating an Intravascular Device - Systems and methods for locating invasive intravascular devices within a vascular system are provided. In one embodiment, an invasive medical sensing system is disclosed. The system comprises a flexible elongate member having a plurality of radiation-sensitive components arranged around an outer circumferential surface of the flexible elongate member. The plurality of radiation-sensitive components is arranged such that an orientation of the flexible elongate member can be determined when the sensors are exposed to radiation produced by a radiation source. The system further comprises a watchdog component communicatively coupled to the plurality of radiation-sensitive components and operable to detect radiation-induced changes in behavior of the plurality of radiation-sensitive components caused by the radiation and to determine the orientation of the flexible elongate member relative to the radiation source based on the detected radiation-induced changes in behavior. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180073 | PORTABLE DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEM FOR FLUORESCENCE-GUIDED SURGERY - A portable digital imaging system for fluorescence-guided surgery is provided. The system includes a portable probe comprising a light source, a fluorescence detector, a digital signal output, a memory and a processor. The system also includes a computer in communication with the portable probe and a display. The portable probe excites a fluorescent label-containing tissue within a surgical field in response to the light source of the portable probe illuminating the fluorescent label-containing tissue. The computer displays a real-time image visualization of the surgical field on the display in response to the computer in communication with the display receiving and processing a digital signal from the digital signal output of the portable probe. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180074 | MULTIPLE MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE - A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system receives emplacement information of medical devices within a predetermined area. The system calculates a viewing angle in a virtual 3D space of a plurality of virtual medical devices corresponding to the plurality of medical devices. The system also causes a display device to display the plurality of virtual medical devices based at least on the calculated viewing angle. | 2014-06-26 |
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. | 2014-06-26 |
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. | 2014-06-26 |
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. | 2014-06-26 |
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. | 2014-06-26 |
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. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180080 | Method for Estimating Pressure Gradients and Fractional Flow Reserve from Computed Tomography Angiography: Transluminal Attenuation Flow Encoding - 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 transarterial attenuation gradient for the coronary artery of the patient. The patient specific transarterial attenuation gradient is compared to previously collected data to determine an estimate of a pressure gradient and/or fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the patient. As more data is collected, the data can be added to the database in order to increase the accuracy of future assessments. The database can also be enhanced by adding data generated by canonical models and mathematical analysis. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180081 | 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. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180082 | DUAL-MODALITY MAMMOGRAPHY - A scanning assembly for a dual-modality automated biological tissue imaging device having first and second compression surfaces is provided. The system comprises a housing defining a scanning/compression surface, an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the housing adjacent the scanning surface for movement in a plane parallel to the scanning surface and imaging the tissue through the scanning surface, an X-ray detector mounted within the housing for forming an X-ray image of the tissue based on X-ray radiation passed through the tissue and scanning surface from an X-ray source, and a drive for moving the transducer across the scanning surface so that the transducer generates a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound tissue images. The housing is hermetically sealed and filled with non-conductive fluid with acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue. The scanning surface has acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue and can substantially withstand compression forces applied to the tissue. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLUSH-TRIGGERED IMAGING - The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging and methods of improved image quality by triggering image operations with a vessel flush. The invention provides systems and methods for intravascular imaging in which a flush such as the influx of clear saline or radiopaque dye triggers the imaging operation. The flush is detected by a mechanism—such as a pressure sensor or optical device on the imaging catheter, an external angiography system, or other device—that uses detection as a trigger to initiate imaging. Thus, when the blood is flushed, the catheter automatically takes a picture of the vessel wall. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180084 | PRESSURE SENSING IN MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEMS - A pressure sensor for a medical injection system includes a cuff, a transducer embedded in the cuff, and a force transmitting member coupled to the transducer and exposed at an inner surface of the cuff, such that an outer surface of a tubing line of a fluid circuit of the system, when fitted within the cuff, contacts the force transmitting member. A limited length of the tubing line may have a greater compliance than a remainder of the line, in which case, the pressure sensor cuff fits around and encloses the limited length to provide support against plastic deformation, when pressures within the line are significantly greater than atmospheric. The pressure sensor may detect whether or not the cuff is properly fitted around the tubing line, and/or determine a characteristic of the tubing line. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180085 | Renal Injury Inhibiting Devices, Systems, and Methods Employing Low-Frequency Ultrasound or Other Cyclical Pressure Energies - Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180086 | BALLOON CATHETER - The present invention relates to a balloon catheter. The invention comprises: a first shaft; an expandable balloon which is attached to the front end of the first shaft; an expandable lumen which is formed inside the first shaft and to which a liquid required for expanding the balloon is provided; a second shaft which extends from the front end of the first shaft to which the balloon is attached and has a wire hole through which a guide wire passes; and a guide wire lumen, which is formed inside the second shaft and through which the guide wire passes. According to the invention, the first and second shafts are coaxially connected and the expandable lumen and the guide wire lumen are respectively formed in each shaft in order to reduce the overall diameter of the shaft, thereby facilitating surgery and improving pushability. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180087 | Display Control for a Multi-Sensor Medical Device - Systems and methods for user control over the acquisition, processing, and presentation of medical data are provided. Some embodiments are particularly directed to controlling the display of multi-modality medical data in a multi-modality processing system. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system receives a set of medical data including a first data subset collected using a first sensor and a second data subset collected using a second sensor, where the first sensor and the second sensor are different. A display attribute to be applied to the first data subset independent of the second data subset is received. An instruction is generated that affects the processing of the first data subset based on the display attribute. The first data subset is processed according to the instruction. The processed first data subset is displayed according to the display attribute, and the second data subset is displayed independent of the display attribute. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180088 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180089 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDEWIRE CONTROL - The invention generally relates to guidewires for intravascular procedures that include an electroactive polymer. An electroactive polymer can be at one or a number of locations on or within a guidewire. The polymer reacts to an applied electrical potential by changing a dimension (e.g., contracting or expanding). Electroactive polymers can be disposed along or within the guidewires in any pattern, such as wrapped helically within a surface, placed longitudinally parallel to an axis of the guidewire, dispose circumferentially around the guidewire, others, or a combination thereof. Depending on the designed geometry, a potential difference applied by an actuator will cause the guidewire to change a shape, a property, a surface characteristic, a dimension, or a combination thereof. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180090 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, TISSUE ELASTICITY MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - When tissue elasticity of a subject is measured, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus sets a sound velocity for each of segment regions established by dividing the subject, processes reception signals output by a piezoelectric element array based on the set sound velocities, and performs tissue elasticity measurement based on the reception signals processed based on the set sound velocities. Owing to this configuration, when tissue elasticity of a subject is measured, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus prevents the accuracy of tissue elasticity measurement from deteriorating due to image distortions. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180091 | Shear-Modulus Estimation by Application of Spatially Modulated Impulse Acoustic Radiation Force Approximation - A method for determining a shear modulus of an elastic material with a known density value is provided. In this method, a spatially modulated acoustic radiation force is used to initially generate a disturbance of known spatial frequency or wavelength. The propagation of this initial displacement as a shear wave is measured using ultrasound tracking methods. A temporal frequency is determined based on the shear wave. The shear modulus of the elastic material at the point of excitation may be calculated using the values of the spatial wavelength, material density, and temporal frequency. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180092 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180093 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180094 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180095 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180096 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180097 | VOLUMETRIC IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180098 | Tissue Penetrating Catheters Having Integral Imaging Transducers and Their Methods of Use - A catheter device that is useable to penetrate from a blood vessel in which the catheter device is positioned to a target location comprises a flexible catheter advanceable into the first blood vessel, a tissue penetrator lumen adapted to receive an operative tissue penetrator which is usable to penetrate from the blood vessel to the target location when properly aimed. Further said catheter including an imaging transducer fixedly mounted on or within the catheter body to provide an imaging signal from which an image of the target location can be obtained. The catheter device may include an imageable marker on the catheter to form on the image obtainable from the imaging signal a penetrator path indication that indicates the path that will be followed by the tissue penetrator when the tissue penetrator exits from the catheter. Alternatively, or addition thereto, the imaging transducer may comprise a plurality of imaging elements which are located so that the penetrator path indication can be obtained. A method of utilizing such a catheter device to bypass an arterial obstruction is also disclosed. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180099 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180100 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180101 | Method of Ablating Arterial Plaque - A method of ablating plaque from an artery section, using a catheter having a longitudinal body and a distal imaging and ablation tip connected to a distal end of the longitudinal body. The tip has an ultrasound imaging array, and a distal, forward directed face, distal to the ultrasound imaging array, and including a set of electrodes arranged circumferentially about the distal face. The catheter further includes a set of conductors connected to the tip and extending through the body. The catheter is connected to an image display. In the method the tip is introduced into the artery section and images the artery section in front, thereby creating imagery of the artery, which is shown on the image display. This imagery is reviewed and in reliance thereon selectively the electrodes are selectively activated to ablate plaque, while not activating any electrode that would damage any bare arterial wall. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180102 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY - An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens—transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180103 | DUAL-MODE PIEZOCOMPOSITE ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER - A compact, high power, dual mode, emitting and receiving ultrasound transducer and method for applying ultrasonic energy within a living subject and for monitoring the effects it induces in tissue comprises a set of piezoelectric polymeric transducer elements and a set of piezoelectric ceramic elements, bonded together. The polymeric transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for low power diagnostic imaging interrogation of the tissue and the ceramic transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for high power therapy applications. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180104 | ULTRASONIC PIERCING NEEDLE - An ultrasonic puncture needle for conducting puncturing while observing a puncturing condition by an ultrasonic image, includes a needle tube main body including an edge at its tip end, and a plurality of corner cube mirrors provided at a predetermined position of the needle tube main body, wherein the plurality of corner cube mirrors are provided in parallel with a center axis of the needle tube main body. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180105 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTIPATH PROCESSING OF IMAGE SIGNALS - The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging system and particularly to processing in multimodal systems. The invention provides an imaging system that splits incoming image data into two signals and performs the same processing step on each of the split signals. The system can then send the two signals down two processing pathways. Methods include receiving an analog image signal, transmitting the received signal to a processing system, splitting the signal to produce a first image signal and a second image signal, and performing a processing operation on the first image signal and the second image signal. The first and second signal include substantially the same information as one another. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180106 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD, AND MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - Various types of sub-preset conditions corresponding to a selected mother preset condition are read out from a preset condition storage unit which stores at least a plurality of mother preset conditions set concerning image data acquisition conditions and various types of sub-preset conditions set by updating all or some of the image data acquisition conditions included in each of the mother preset conditions. A sub-preset condition suitable for ultrasonic examination on the object is selected from the readout various types of sub-preset conditions. An image data acquisition condition is initialized based on the selected mother preset condition with respect to each unit related to generation of the image data. The image data acquisition condition is updated by using the selected sub-preset condition. Image data is generated based on a reception signal in ultrasonic transmission/reception using the updated image data acquisition condition. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180107 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH VARIABLE LINE DENSITY - The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180108 | Method for Multi-Frequency Imaging Using High-Bandwidth Transducer Outputs - A method for imaging a volume within a patient is provided. The method includes generating an ultrasonic signal at a first selected frequency, using a first transducer located within the tissue structure; directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot in the volume within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about the wall of the volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in a second transducer at a second selected frequency; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; amplifying the voltage with a processing circuit; and providing an image of the volume within the patient from the voltage. In some embodiments, the method may include classifying the image according to a characterization tool; and providing a plurality of images of the volume from the voltage. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180109 | Ultrasound Servicing System and Method - An ultrasound servicing system is disclosed. The ultrasound servicing system comprises a near field communication enabled ultrasound scanner, and a near field communication enabled mobile device, wherein when the device is brought within a near field communication range of the scanner, a near field communication link is established for servicing the ultrasound scanner. | 2014-06-26 |
20140180110 | System and Method for Wireless Ultrasound Probe Pairing - A system for pairing a wireless ultrasound probe and an ultrasound scanner is provided. The ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound scanner comprising a near field communication reader capable of generating a near field communication activation field and a wireless ultrasound probe comprising a near field communication device, wherein the probe is adapted to transmit pairing information to the scanner via a near field communication protocol. | 2014-06-26 |