Stabilized energy-delivery procedures

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of a subject's body that moves as a result of cyclic activity, including sensing a phase of the cyclic activity. In a first cycle of the activity, in response to sensing that the activity is at a given phase, a therapeutic tool is actuated to apply a treatment to the portion by applying energy to the portion. Following the given phase in the first cycle and prior to an occurrence of the given phase in a subsequent cycle, the tool is inhibited from applying energy to the portion. In a second cycle of the activity, subsequent to the inhibiting of the application of energy to the portion, and in response to sensing that the second cycle is at the given phase, the tool is actuated to apply energy to the portion. Other applications are also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12 / 075,244 to Tolkowsky et al. (published as US 2008 / 0221442), filed Mar. 10, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 906,091 filed on Mar. 8, 2007, 60 / 924,609 filed on May 22, 2007, 60 / 929,165 filed on Jun. 15, 2007, 60 / 935,914 filed on Sep. 6, 2007, and 60 / 996,746 filed on Dec. 4, 2007, all named “Apparatuses and methods for performing medical procedures on cyclically-moving body organs,” all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.[0002]The present application is related to the following applications, which are incorporated herein by reference:[0003]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 075,214, entitled “Tools for use with moving organs,” to Iddan et al. (published as US 2008 / 0221439), filed Mar. 10, 2008.[0004]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 075,252, entitled “Imaging and tools for use with moving organs,” to I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for improving the quality of images by reducing the motion associated with the subject's body during an activity that causes changes in the image. The method uses image tracking to align the images generated during the activity. This results in a stabilized set of image frames that can be used for analysis or interpretation. The control unit is responsible for generating these stabilized images and can be used to analyze or interpret the results of the activity.

Problems solved by technology

Such images typically shift constantly and are also prone to blurring.

Consequently, such images are typically difficult to observe, and are difficult to use in making clinical decisions over an extended period of time (such as the entire duration of the procedure).

A difficulty associated with such procedures is the targeted deployment and / or actuation of tools with respect to the moving body part.

Images