341 results about "Biological structure" patented technology

A method of orienting a virtual camera for rendering a virtual endoscopy image of a lumen in a biological structure represented by a medical image data set, e.g., a colon. The method comprises selecting a location from which to render an image, determining an initial orientation for the virtual camera relative to the data set for the selected location based on the geometry of the lumen, determining an offset angle between the initial orientation and a bias direction; and orienting the virtual camera in accordance with a rotation from the initial orientation towards the bias direction by a fractional amount of the offset angle which varies according to the initial orientation. The fractional amount may vary according to the offset angle and/or a separation between a predetermined direction in the data set and a view direction of the virtual camera for the initial orientation. Thus the camera orientation can be configured to tend towards a preferred direction in the data set, while maintaining a good view of the lumen and avoiding barrel rolling effects.

A structural and functional model for a lung or similar organ is virtually defined by encoding aspects of branching passageways. Larger passageways that are visible in medical images are surface mesh fitted to the anatomical surface geometry. Smaller distal passageways, beyond a given number of branch generations, are modeled by inference as linear passages with nominal diameters and branching characteristics, virtually filling the space within the outer envelope of the organ. The model encodes finite volumetric elements for elasticity and compliance in passageway walls, and for local pressure and flow conditions in passageway lumens during respiration. The modeling can assess organ performance, help to plan surgery or therapy, determine likely particle deposition, assess respiratory pharmaceutical dosing, and otherwise represent structural and functional organ parameters.

A tissue stimulation device includes an electrode array having at least four independently switchable electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrode array comprises a flexible base to which the electrodes are fixed that flexes to encompass at least a portion of an artery or other elongate biological structure. The electrodes are electrically coupled to and energized by a signal generator coupled to a control system. In one embodiment, the array of electrodes are configured such that a suitable signal pattern for stimulation pulses between or among a set of the switchable electrodes may be determined without having to reposition the electrode assembly by using a series of signal patterns activating different combinations of switchable electrodes in response to sub-stimulation test signals to determine a signal pattern that provides suitable patient response. In another embodiment, the array of electrodes includes an array of selectively activatable multi-polar electrodes.

A data processing methodology (and corresponding data processing apparatus) for visualizing the characteristics of a particular object volume in an overall medical/biological environment comprises the following computer operated steps: receiving a source image data set as pertaining to the overall environment; establishing a first contour surface within the environment, and through using the first contour surface as seed data, establishing a second contour surface within the environment, which contour surfaces collectively defining a target object volume; by way of segmenting, excluding from the image data set all information pertaining to structures outside the target object volume; and visualizing the target object as being based on nonexcluded information. In particular, the method establishes the second contour surface through combining both voxel intensities and relative positions among voxel subsets, a target volume by excluding all data outside the outer surface and inside the inner surface, thereby allowing non-uniform spacing between the first and second contour surfaces, and uses the second contour surface as being discriminative for the segmenting.

Apparatus and methods for treatment of a biological structure using a combination of magnetic and optical treatment. The apparatus and method for treatment may be used for aesthetic applications such as cellulite treatment, body shaping or enhancing skin appearance. The combination of these methods provides faster and enhanced effects of the treatment.

A magnetic stimulation device has components for positioning a patient into a correct treatment position, and for improving patient comfort. The methods may be used for improving the effectiveness of the stimulation by setting a magnetic field generating device in appropriate position by using feedback information.

Methods for treating a patient using time varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient.

Described here is an automated robotic device that isolates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other biological structures with extremely high purity. The device uses powerful magnetic rods covered in removable plastic sleeves. These rods sweep through blood samples, capturing, e.g., cancer cells labeled with antibodies linked to magnetically responsive particles such as superparamagnetic beads. Upon completion of the capturing protocol, the magnetic rods undergo several rounds of washing, thereby removing all contaminating blood cells. The captured target cells are released into a final capture solution by removing the magnetic rods from the sleeves. Additionally, cells captured by this device show no reduced viability when cultured after capture. Cells are captured in a state suitable for genetic analysis. Also disclosed are methods for single cell analysis. Being robotic allows the device to be operated with high throughput.

Methods for treating a patient using time varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for treatment.

A method that includes the following effects: the ability to expand, porositize, clean, decontaminate, debride, break-down and/or destroys, or aids and accentuates the dissolution or extraction of biological structures, nerves and tissues. The methodology uses nano-technology and/or other chemistries may or may not be excited by energy sources to expand and porositize the tissue, which enhances the penetration and effectiveness and acceleration of subsequent chemical, mechanical, and/or procedural steps in the protocol or process. Furthermore, the method includes the ability to associate with and/or initiate in the reconstructive growth and healing process associated with healthy tissue after surgery and/or the ability to destroy diseased or necrotic tissues or cells. The method also includes the ability to begin, construct or stage the activation of cells and/or tissues, including the area of transplantation and use in stem or primordial cell accentuation, their attachment and/or stimulation for growth and differentiation.

In a method for stimulation and treatment of a biological structure the biological structure is stimulated by high power time-varying magnetic field. The stimulation is followed by at least a partial muscle contraction. The method may be used e.g. in applications for non-invasive aesthetic medicine.

Methods of calculating and/or suggesting the maximal value of stimulation parameter are based on the safety concept of a magnetic stimulation device for treatment of a biological structure by a high power time-varying magnetic field. The safety concept protects the patient. The methods may be used e.g. in physiotherapy, psychotherapy, psychiatry or aesthetic medicine applications.

In a method for stimulation and treatment, a biological structure is stimulated by a high power time-varying magnetic field. The stimulation is followed by at least a partial muscle contraction. The methods can be used e.g. in physiotherapy, urology or urogynaecology.

The invention herein disclosed provides for devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore. Of particular note is the stability of the system in a saline medium and to detect individual nucleotide bases in a polynucleotide in real time and which may be used to sequence DNA for many hours without change of reagents. The invention is of particular use in the fields of forensic biology, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Natural and/or synthetic materials to form a strong barrier between the skeletal system and the great vessels. In the preferred embodiments, a natural or synthetic material is used to prevent scar tissue from forming around the vessels and/or to act as barrier placed between the vessels and the skeletal system, including the spine. Devices according to the invention may also be used over the dura and nerves following laminectomy procedures, between the sternum and the pericardium or heart following cardiac procedures, in intra-abdominal procedures such as intestinal or vascular surgery, over the brain in intra-cranial surgery, over the ovaries or other organs or tissues in the female genitourinary system, over the prostate or other organ or tissues in the male genitourinary system, or in other surgeries on humans or animals.

A fluid delivery and extraction device enables the remote transfer of fluid to or from biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated member, a syringe movable relative to the elongated member and a pair of hypodermic needles movable relative to the elongated member. The elongated member has a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted into a biological structure. A steer wire or guide wire can be used to navigate the distal portion within cavernous biological structures, particularly body lumens. The distal portion has at least one retractable hypodermic needle that is configured to pierce the interior surface of a tubular biological structure and transfer fluid to or from the walls of the tubular biological structure. A physician can use a handle or other control mechanism provided at a proximal portion of the device to remotely move the hypodermic needles. A plunger can be used to transfer fluid through the hypodermic needles to or from the syringe. In operation, the hypodermic needles are deployed simultaneously or individually from the distal portion of the device. As the hypodermic needles move, they pierce the interior surface of the tubular biological structure. The hypodermic needles can also be configured to pass beyond the exterior surface of the tubular biological structure. The plunger is then used to transfer fluid either from the syringe to the patient or from the patient to the syringe. The hypodermic needles are then moved back to their retracted positions within the distal portion, and the device is withdrawn from the patient's body.

Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound, an adhesion promoter and curing agent which have a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are disclosed. The compositions when cured are flexible bioadhesives which are also disclosed. Non-curable diluents can be included in the compositions. Flexible bioadhesives formed on biological structures and having low peak exotherms upon curing of curable compositions to form the flexible bioadhesives are disclosed. Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound and a curing agent and a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are included in the invention.