350results about How to "Reduce radiation exposure" patented technology

The smart dynamic radiation pattern optimising system is a design and technique to actively shape & optimise the radiation pattern of mobile device controlled by smart RF / Antenna system with signal processing algorithm that works by sensing the change in device proximity environment with nature or property, range, orientation, position, location, signal quality parameters and ambient intelligence to protect the user by controlling radiation exposure, enhance RF signal quality and to save battery power. Mobile devices are handled in different proximity environment which influence the antenna performance due to electromagnetic interaction based on environments properties that leads to detuning, radiation pattern distortion, impedance mismatch etc which in turn degrades the signal quality. Also change in device orientation according to usage leads to power loss due to polarization mismatch. So when the signal quality degrades the system will sense & compute in an adaptive closed loop manner to actively optimise the radiation pattern according to scenarios. The design consist of (a) a sensor system 220 to determine the change in proximity environment [close vicinity] with sensing its property, sensing multi-direction, dimension, layer, position & range of proximity environment with respect to device, sensing device (antenna) orientation, visual sensing, infrared or thermal vision, user recognition, user head & hand hold effect, location, usage scenarios & operating modes and accordingly generate the trigger signal 230; (b) a processing unit 150 for computing the interrupt control signal 140 according to the nature of trigger signal & existing signal quality parameters; (c) Smart active radiation pattern optimiser 120 that works based on control signal; (d) Antenna system 110 capable of achieving dynamic radiation pattern coupled with radiation pattern optimiser that actively shapes and controls the radiation pattern accordingly to protect the user and also restores radiation according to scenarios to optimise communication. Other aspects of the present invention are the same sensor system 220 is utilised to develop an application that guides the user locate & position the mobile device in living space to achieve optimised performance, protect the mobile device from theft and ambient intelligence to alert & interact with the user.

A system and method for developing customized apparatus for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology, which may be derived from capturing MRI data or CT data, to fabricate at least one custom apparatus. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises a plurality of complementary surfaces based on a plurality of data points from the MRI or CT data. Thus, each apparatus may be matched in duplicate and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and / or matched with at least one other apparatus used during the surgical procedure.

Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Direct viewing of such placements via an endoscope.

The present invention is a guide wire imaging device for vascular or non-vascular imaging utilizing optic acoustical methods, which device has a profile of less than 1 mm in diameter. The ultrasound imaging device of the invention comprises a single mode optical fiber with at least one Bragg grating, and a piezoelectric or piezo-ceramic jacket, which device may achieve omnidirectional (360°) imaging. The imaging guide wire of the invention can function as a guide wire for vascular interventions, can enable real time imaging during balloon inflation, and stent deployment, thus will provide clinical information that is not available when catheter-based imaging systems are used. The device of the invention may enable shortened total procedure times, including the fluoroscopy time, will also reduce radiation exposure to the patient and to the operator.

A system and method for developing customized apparatus, such as guides, for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology, which may be derived from capturing MRI data or CT data, to fabricate at least one custom apparatus or guide. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises at least one patient-specific surface and or contour, which may be derived from MRI or CT data. Apparatus may be matched in duplicate and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and / or matched with at least one other apparatus during the surgical procedure.

A system and methods are provided for evaluating the position of surgical implants or openings formed in anatomical tissue during medical procedures, in which an initial 3-dimensional image of the anatomical tissue is combinable with one or more subsequent 3-dimensional images of the same or correlating tissue, and without the use of ionizing radiation on a patient for at least the subsequent images. The system includes a software program, a computer with display, a radiographic image scanning device, and a non-radiographic image scanning device. The computer accesses a medical patient information database and a medical implant database for images used by the software program. A pre-operative image is combined with subsequent images to facilitate evaluation of the proposed placement of a surgical implant or opening relative to tissues of the patient anatomy. Methods of evaluating the accuracy of surgical guides and of fabricating surgical guides are also disclosed.

In a medical digital X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of imaging modes including computed tomography mode, a supporter supports an X-ray source and a digital X-ray sensor having a two-dimensional detection plane for detecting X-rays, while interposing an object between them. An image reconstructor acquires data from the digital X-ray sensor and reconstructs an image based on the acquired data. An operator selects one of a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode. The second imaging mode has an irradiation field different from the first imaging mode and has an area to be read in the digital X-ray sensor smaller than that in the first imaging mode.

Methods and systems for navigating medical devices are provided. A patient is imaged while a medical device is moved within the patient. A position (e.g., a location and / or orientation) of the moving medical device is detected within a coordinate system (e.g., a three-dimensional coordinate system), a position of the imaging field of view relative to the patient is adjusted based on the detected medical device position, such that the relevant tissue region of the patient is within the field of view. For example, the field of view can be centered over the medical device or centered just distal to the medical device portion. The direction of view may be oriented at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the medical device, e.g., for more accurately measuring the length of objects within the field of view, or oriented at an angle parallel to the axis of the medical device portion, e.g., for more accurately measuring the diameter of the channel (e.g., blood vessel) in which the medical device is disposed.

A radiotomography apparatus according to the present invention includes a radiation detection device that irradiates radiation from a radiation source in multiple directions around an object to be examined and detects radiation transmitted through the object from the multiple directions; a table on which the object lies and which can move the object in a body axis direction of the object; reconstruction parameter setting device that sets reconstruction parameters that include an amount of movement of the table in the body axis direction, and that are used to reconstruct an image of the object; a reconstruction view area calculating device that calculates a reconstruction view area for at least one data segment that is necessary for a reconstruction calculation that is determined for each spatial position that is reconstructed based on the set reconstruction parameters; a reference segment position setting device that sets a reference segment position in the calculated reconstruction view area according to a phase signal that is obtained by dynamic analysis of the object; an effective segment calculating device that calculates a data segment including the set reference segment position as an effective segment using a predetermined weight function; and an image creating device that creates an image by reconstructing the calculated effective segments. It is thus possible to provide a radiotomography apparatus that can both enhance temporal resolution and reduce ineffective radiation exposure.

A system and method for developing customized apparatus for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology, which may be derived from capturing MRI data or CT data, to fabricate at least one custom apparatus. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises a plurality of complementary surfaces based on a plurality of data points from the MRI or CT data. Thus, each apparatus may be matched in duplicate and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and / or matched with at least one other apparatus used during the surgical procedure.

A method (10) for respiratory motion compensation by applying principle component analysis (PCA) on cardiac imaging samples obtained using 2D / 3D registration of a pre-operative 3D segmentation of the coronary arteries.

A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast.

A medical procedure localization aid produces reference marks on both the patient and the medical imaging scan. The aid is defined by a substrate sheet having indicia on one side that is opaque to medical imaging radiation and indicia on a second side that is transferable to a patient. The indicia on the first side is displayed on the scan image and the indicia on the second side is imprinted on the patient. By visualizing the location of a target on the scan image relative to the indicia on the scan image and comparing that with indicia on the patient, a medical professional may reliably locate where a medical procedure should be performed.

Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises an apparatus with chambers, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges received therein. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy needle coupled to the distal end of the apparatus. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.

A method and apparatus for treating packaging and an installation for filling and closing packaging, including an apparatus for treating packaging. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

Methods and systems for controlling an imaging procedure are provided. A medical device is introduced within a patient, and a position (e.g., location and / or orientation) of the medical device is detected within the patient relative to a reference position (e.g., a previously detected position of the medical device or a position within a desired path). Imaging of the patient is automatically activated based on the detected relative position, such that the patient is imaged only during relevant times. In one method, instability / stability of the medical device is detected, in which case, the imaging is automatically activated when the medical device is unstable, and deactivated when the medical device is stable. For example, if tissue is to be ablated with the medical device, medical personnel can be made aware of inadvertent movement of the medical device via the image, and can correct any displacement of the medical device from the ablation site.

A polarization beam splitter selectively decouples detection light onto a detector such that it has a polarization direction that differs from the emitted illumination light. This enables the detection of the light scattered back in the eye lens at a high level of accuracy, since stray light from reflections at optical components of the light path is suppressed. In the generating of photo disruptions or other incisions, the ray exposure of the retina may be reduced in that the incisions being furthest away from the laser are induced first such that laminar gas inclusions with an existence duration time of at least 5 seconds result. In this manner the laser radiation propagated in the direction of the retina in further incisions are scattered and partially reflected such that the influence impinging upon the retina is reduced.

The invention relates to ophthalmology and is used for treating keratoconus. The inventive method comprises forming one or more radiation areas of different shape, comprising concentric circles, arcs, parallel lines, cells, grids, spirals or other geometrical figures. In the other variant, the method comprises polarizing UV radiation and adjusting the depth of the UV radiation action by directing the UV radiation polarization plane at an angle of 1-180° to the plane of light polarization by the cornea, thereby using the effect of light polarization by the cornea. The device for treating keratoconus comprises, positioned on the optical axis common with an UV radiation source optical focusing elements and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is situated on the optical axis common with the UV radiation source and is made in the form of a mask with alternating transparent and shaded elements in the form of concentric circles, arcs, parallel lines, cells, grids, spirals or other geometrical figures. In the other variant, the device comprises, situated on the optical axis common with the UV radiation source, the optical focusing elements, the diaphragm and a polarisor.

An ophthalmological laser system for photodisruptive irradiation of ocular tissue, including a crystalline lens or a cornea. The system includes an ultra-short pulse laser, the radiation of which is focusable as illumination light via an illumination beam path including a scanner unit and focusing optics. A control unit is programmed to execute determining irradiation control data for photodisruptions at irradiation points in an interior of the ocular tissue distributed three-dimensionally and non-equidistantly to create at least one predetermined target incision. The laser system then irradiates the ocular tissue according to the determined irradiation control data.

A forceps is provided, which is adapted for treating a vertebral body. The forceps has a handle including an actuator pivotably connected therewith. A shaft extends from the handle with the proximal end being operatively engageable with the actuator. An elongated member extends through the shaft and has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end being fixed to the handle and the distal end includes opposing arms configured to grasp. The forceps may be configured for use with a bone drill. Portions of the forceps may be radiolucent. A vertebral treatment system and methods of use are also provided.

Methods and systems for controlling an imaging procedure are provided. A medical device is introduced within a patient, and a position (e.g., location and / or orientation) of the medical device is detected within the patient relative to a reference position (e.g., a previously detected position of the medical device or a position within a desired path). Imaging of the patient is automatically activated based on the detected relative position, such that the patient is imaged only during relevant times. In one method, instability / stability of the medical device is detected, in which case, the imaging is automatically activated when the medical device is unstable, and deactivated when the medical device is stable. For example, if tissue is to be ablated with the medical device, medical personnel can be made aware of inadvertent movement of the medical device via the image, and can correct any displacement of the medical device from the ablation site.

In a medical digital X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of imaging modes including computed tomography mode, a supporter supports an X-ray source and a digital X-ray sensor having a two-dimensional detection plane for detecting X-rays, while interposing an object between them. An image reconstructor acquires data from the digital X-ray sensor and reconstructs an image based on the acquired data. An operator selects one of a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode. The second imaging mode has an irradiation field different from the first imaging mode and has an area to be read in the digital X-ray sensor smaller than that in the first imaging mode.

A medical procedure localization aid produces reference marks on both the patient and the medical imaging scan. The aid is defined by an imaging substrate having indicia on one side that is opaque to medical imaging and a second substrate having indicia that appears on the patient's surface for the procedure. Anchor points align the second substrate to the same position as the first substrate on the patient. By visualizing the location of a target on the scan image relative to the indicia on the scan image and comparing that with indicia on the patient, a medical processional may reliably locate where a medical procedure should be performed.

A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast.

A radiation shield includes a radio-opaque drape which has an open area extending completely through the drape to provide a viewing site. Radiation control structure in the form of a vent system is located in the open area. The vent system includes a plurality of radio-opaque slats extending at least partially across at least a portion of the open area. The slats preferably extend outwardly away from the surface of the drape to facilitate the capturing of scattered radiation.

To produce a color fundus image, the eye is illuminated with light pulses of defined wavelengths. Light reflected is recorded by a sensor and transmitted to a control unit. At least three monochromatic images at very short temporal intervals and a dark image of the fundus are recorded. After activation of a spectral-selective optical element, a color intensity distribution of the fundus is recorded by the sensor at white illumination. The monochromatic images are combined by the control unit to obtain a resulting color fundus image, wherein the color intensity distribution is used for the correction of color composition and the dark image is used for taking into account the noise of the sensor. The solution permits monitoring, documenting and / or diagnosing of the fundus and can also be executed with ophthalmological systems based on the principle of optical coherence and / or confocal imaging.

A system and method for developing customized apparatus, such as guides, for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology, which may be derived from capturing MRI data or CT data, to fabricate at least one custom apparatus or guide. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises at least one patient-specific surface and or contour, which may be derived from MRI or CT data. Apparatus may be matched in duplicate and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and / or matched with at least one other apparatus during the surgical procedure.