1786 results about "Ultrasound image" patented technology

A system for medical ultrasound in which the ultrasound probe is positioned by a robot arm under the shared control of the ultrasound operator and the computer is proposed. The system comprises a robot arm design suitable for diagnostic ultrasound, a passive or active hand-controller, and a computer system to co-ordinate the motion and forces of the robot and hand-controller as a function of operator input, sensed parameters and ultrasound images.

The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes structures using high resolution imaging use combined high frequency ultrasound (IVUS) and optical imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to accurate co-registering of images obtained from ultrasound image signals and optical image, signals during scanning a region of interest.

This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

An image of an electro-anatomical map of a body structure having cyclical motion is overlaid on a 3D ultrasonic image of the structure. The electro-anatomical data and anatomic image data are synchronized by gating both electro-anatomical data acquisition and an anatomic image at a specific point in the motion cycle. Transfer of image data includes identification of a point in the motion cycle at which the 3-dimensional image was captured or is to be displayed.

Interference in ultrasound imaging when used in connection with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is avoided by employing a synchronization signal to control the HIFU signal. Unless the timing of the HIFU transducer is controlled, its output will substantially overwhelm the signal produced by ultrasound imaging system and obscure the image it produces. The synchronization signal employed to control the HIFU transducer is obtained without requiring modification of the ultrasound imaging system. Signals corresponding to scattered ultrasound imaging waves are collected using either the HIFU transducer or a dedicated receiver. A synchronization processor manipulates the scattered ultrasound imaging signals to achieve the synchronization signal, which is then used to control the HIFU bursts so as to substantially reduce or eliminate HIFU interference in the ultrasound image. The synchronization processor can alternatively be implemented using a computing device or an application-specific circuit.

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

A physiology workstation is provided that comprises an physiology input configured to receive physiology signals from at least one of an intracardiac (IC) catheter inserted in a subject and surface ECG leads provided on the subject. The physiology signals are obtained during a procedure. A video input is configured to receive image frames, in real-time during the procedure. The image frames contain diagnostic information representative of data samples obtained from the subject during the procedure. A control module controls physiology operations based on user inputs. A display module is controlled by the physiology control module. The display module displays the physiology signals and the image frames simultaneously, in real-time, during the procedure. Optionally, the workstation may include a video processor module that formats the physiology signals into a display format. The video processor module may include an video processor and an external video processor that receive and control display of the physiology signals and image frames, respectively. The image frames may include at least one of ultrasound images obtained from a surface ultrasound probe, intravenous ultrasound images obtained from an ultrasound catheter and fluoroscopy images obtained from a fluoroscopy system.

A system for ultrasonic mammography includes an ultrasonic mammography device for constructing an ultrasonic image of a breast having a support structure with an ultrasonic transducer mounted on the support structure. The system also includes a personal digital assistant operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer via a communication link, a patient computer system operatively connected to the personal digital assistant via a second communication link, and a healthcare provider computer system operatively connected to the patient computer system via an internet, for constructing the image of the breast. The method includes the steps of positioning the ultrasonic mammography device having an ultrasonic transducer on the patient and activating the ultrasonic transducer to generate a signal for constructing an image of the breast. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the personal digital assistant, and transmitting the signal via an internet to a healthcare provider computer. The method further includes the steps of using the signal to construct an image of the patient's breast.

This invention incorporates the techniques of geophysical technology into medical imaging. Ultrasound waves are generated from multiple, simultaneous sources tuned for maximum penetration, resolution, and image quality. Digitally recorded reflections from throughout the body are combined into a file available for automated interpretation and wavelet attribute analyses. Unique points within the object are imaged from multiple positions for signal-to-noise enhancement and wavelet velocity determinations. This system describes gaining critical efficiencies by reducing equation variables to known quantities. Sources and receivers are locked in invariant, known positions. Statistically valid measurements of densities and wavelet velocities are combined with object models and initial parameter assumptions. This makes possible three-dimensional images for viewing manipulation, mathematical analyses, and detailed interpretation, even of the body in motion. The invention imposes a Cartesian coordinate system on the image of the object. This makes reference to any structure within the object repeatable and precise. Finally, the invention teaches how the recording and storing of the received signals from a whole body analysis makes a subsequent search for structures and details within the object possible without reexamining the object.

A frame ensures that the alignment between a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer designed for vaginal use and a commercially available ultrasound image probe is maintained, so that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy. A water-filled membrane placed between the HIFU transducer and the treatment site provides acoustic coupling. The coupling is evaluated to determine whether any air bubbles exist at the coupling interface, which might degrade the therapy provided by the HIFU transducer. HIFU lesions on tissue appear as hyperechoic spots on the ultrasound image in real time during application of HIFU therapy. Ergonomic testing in humans has demonstrated clear visualization of the HIFU transducer relative to the uterus and showed the potential for the HIFU transducer to treat fibroids from the cervix to the fundus through the width of the uterus.

A method and system for enhancing computer peripheral safety is provided. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the exemplary method and system are configured to monitor and/or isolate alternating current (A.C.) supplies with and/or from any peripheral subsystems or devices. An exemplary method and system comprises an A.C. supply, a host computer system, and a peripheral subsystem or device connected to the host computer system, such as an ultrasound imaging and/or therapy peripheral, and an isolation subsystem configured for monitoring and/or isolating the A.C. supply from the peripheral subsystem or device. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystem comprises application software and associated modules and functions that when executed continuously monitors and/or polls the host computer's hardware and/or operating system for the presence of an isolated source, such as a battery, or an unisolated power source, such as through a battery charger and/or other connection path to the A.C. main supply. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, an isolation subsystem can comprises a wireless or other safe/isolated electrical link for connecting a patient contact device, and/or a verification link or other verification mechanisms configured between an isolation transformer and host computer to monitor or observe usage to power the host computer and peripheral subsystem.

An ultrasound system for imaging an object using data received from an ultrasound transducer employs a first touch screen configured to display ultrasound images and to receive control inputs relating to the images. A second touch screen is configured as a user input device. A processor is coupled to the ultrasound transducer so as to receive data therefrom. The processor is also coupled to the first touch screen and to the second touch screen. The processor is configured to generate ultrasound images based on the data received from the ultrasound transducer. The processor is also configured to cause the first touch screen to display the ultrasound images. The processor is also configured to receive control input data from the first touch screen and the second touch screen.

A system provides a single composite image including multiple medical images of a portion of patient anatomy acquired using corresponding multiple different types of imaging device. A display processor generates data representing a single composite display image including, a first image area showing a first image of a portion of patient anatomy acquired using a first type of imaging device, a second image area showing a second image of the portion of patient anatomy acquired using a second type of imaging device different to the first type. The first and second image areas include first and second markers respectively. The first and second markers identify an estimated location of the same corresponding anatomical position in the portion of patient anatomy in the first and second images respectively. A user interface enables a user to move at least one of, (a) the first marker in the first image and (b) the second marker in the second image, to correct the estimated location so the first and second markers identify the same corresponding anatomical position in the portion of patient anatomy.

A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation.

An apparatus, system, method, and computer readable medium containing computer-executable code for implementing image analysis uses multivariate statistical analysis of sample images, and allows segmentation of the image into different groups or classes, depending on a correlation to one or more sample textures, or sample surface features. In one embodiment, the invention performs multivariate statistical analysis of ultrasound images, wherein a tumor may be characterized by segmenting viable tissue from necrotic tissue, allowing for more detailed in vivo analysis of tumor growth beyond simple dimensional measurements or univariate statistical analysis. Application of the apparatus and method may also be used for characterizing other types of samples having textured features including, for example, tumor angiogenesis biomarkers from Power Doppler.

A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation.

An ultrasound scanner is equipped with one or more fuzzy control units that can perform adaptive system parameter optimization anywhere in the system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises a plurality of ultrasound image generating subsystems configured to generate an ultrasound image, the plurality of ultrasound image generating subsystems including a transmitter subsystem, a receiver subsystem, and an image processing subsystem; and a fuzzy logic controller communicatively coupled with at least one of the plurality of ultrasound imaging generating subsystems. The fuzzy logic controller is configured to receive, from at least one of the plurality of ultrasound imaging generating subsystems, input data including at least one of pixel image data and data for generating pixel image data; to process the input data using a set of inference rules to produce fuzzy output; and to convert the fuzzy output into numerical values or system states for controlling at least one of the transmit subsystem and the receiver subsystem that generate the pixel image data.

An apparatus and method for the insertion of a medical tool, for example a needle, within the human body. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in prostate brachytherapy and in prostate biopsy. The apparatus comprises a telescoping guide universally coupled to a first and second positioning means that are used to automatically and/or manually position the guide at a desired needle insertion trajectory. Automatic positioning of the guide is accomplished with reference to three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound images that can also be used to show needle insertion in real-time. The apparatus may be manually positioned in the approximate insertion trajectory and then a computer interconnected with the apparatus may be used to achieve the final trajectory based upon the ultrasound images. The apparatus is particularly useful in cases where multiple needles are to be inserted into a small target area and in cases where pubic arch interference prevents direct access to the target area.

A mapped location of one or more electrodes within an electrical mapping volume is superimposed onto an ultrasound image corresponding to the electrical mapping volume.

In a method and apparatus for the three-dimensional presentation of an examination region of a patient in the form of a 3D reconstruction image, a preoperatively acquired 3D image dataset of the examination region is employed in a medical procedure, datasets representing a number of 2D ultrasound images of the examination region are acquired, the preoperative 3D image dataset is updated using the datasets representing 2D ultrasound images, and the 3D reconstruction image is generated on the basis of the updated 3D image dataset.

A method of presenting a suggested path for an ultrasound probe along a patient's surface includes obtaining a three-dimensional, non-ultrasound image of the patient and an ultrasound image of the patient. A treatment area is defined within the within the three-dimensional, non-ultrasound image, and using the images, defining a scanning site contour of an anatomical structure of interest within the patient and an external contour of the patient's surface. A preferred path of the ultrasound scan is projected onto the external contour such that an operator can reproduce the ultrasound scan without knowledge of the anatomical structure of interest.

An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging.

Herein are described methods and tools for acquiring accurately co-registered PET and TRUS images, as well as the construction and use of PET-TRUS prostate phantoms. Ultrasound imaging with a transrectal probe provides anatomical detail in the prostate region that can be accurately co-registered with the sensitive functional information from the PET imaging. Imaging the prostate with both PET and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) will help determine the location of any cancer within the prostate region. This dual-modality imaging should help provide better detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Multi-modality phantoms are also described.

A multiple aperture ultrasound imaging system may be configured to store raw, un-beamformed echo data. Stored echo data may be retrieved and re-beamformed using modified parameters in order to enhance the image or to reveal information that was not visible or not discernible in an original image. Raw echo data may also be transmitted over a network and beamformed by a remote device that is not physically proximate to the probe performing imaging. Such systems may allow physicians or other practitioners to manipulate echo data as though they were imaging the patient directly, even without the patient being present. Many unique diagnostic opportunities are made possible by such systems and methods.

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.

An ultrasonic imaging array has two independent, interleaved linear subarrays occupying a common array face. The subarrays are independently steerable and focusable in different imaging planes. The subelements making up the elements in of the subarrays is preferably quadrilateral. Adjacent subelements in each element are electrically connected via an interconnect portion such that the interconnect portion connecting each pair of adjacent subelements in each element is substantially linear and is aligned with the diagonals of the adjacent subelements. A preferred acoustic lens is curved in both azimuth and elevation directions, whereby the subarrays are independently focusable. By transmitting in one plane and simultaneously receiving in a different, orthogonal plane, a system including the array can image a 3-D region of interest (ROI). In a volumetric embodiment of the invention two orthogonal B-mode images of a structure within the ROI are displayed simultaneously. The user may then trace the outlines of the images and the system therefrom calculates the volume of the structure.

A system and method to image an imaged subject is provided. The system comprises an ultrasound imaging system including an imaging probe operable to move internally and acquire ultrasound image data of the imaged subject, a fluoroscopic imaging system operable to acquire fluoroscopic image data of the imaged subject during image acquisition by the ultrasound imaging system, and a controller in communication with the ultrasound imaging system and the fluoroscopic imaging system. A display can be illustrative of the ultrasound image data acquired with the imaging probe in combination with a fluoroscopic imaging data acquired by the fluoroscopic imaging system.

Ultrasound is used to provide input data for a blood pressure estimation scheme. The use of transcutaneous ultrasound provides arterial lumen area and pulse wave velocity information. In addition, ultrasound measurements are taken in such a way that all the data describes a single, uniform arterial segment. Therefore a computed area relates only to the arterial blood volume present. Also, the measured pulse wave velocity is directly related to the mechanical properties of the segment of elastic tube (artery) for which the blood volume is being measured. In a patient monitoring application, the operator of the ultrasound device is eliminated through the use of software that automatically locates the artery in the ultrasound data, e.g., using known edge detection techniques. Autonomous operation of the ultrasound system allows it to report blood pressure and blood flow traces to the clinical users without those users having to interpret an ultrasound image or operate an ultrasound imaging device.

Catheter navigation is coupled with ultrasound imaging to yield a context map showing the location on a heart of the ultrasonically imaged frame.