SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160110160 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF REGIONS OF INTEREST IN A MEDICAL IMAGE - A voice controlled system uses context-sensitive interpretation of voice comments received by a voice recognition system to identify a region of patient image data identified by a verbal comment. | 04-21-2016 |
20160004819 | APPARATUS FOR STAGING OF PATIENTS FROM MEDICAL IMAGE DATA - The present invention concerns a system for calculating a suggested patient stage, the system including a processor and an associated display monitor, at which patient medical image data are displayed together with a form. The form has entry locations therein at which data can be entered by a user of the processor, and automatically from a data source that is accessible by the processor. The processor applies the data entered into the form in order to stage guidelines embodied in a logic algorithm that is used by the processor to calculate a suggested stage for the patient. The calculated suggested stage is displayed at the display monitor. | 01-07-2016 |
20150379365 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETRIEVAL OF SIMILAR FINDINGS FROM A HYBRID IMAGE DATASET - In a method for retrieval of similar findings from a hybrid image dataset, a database of hotspots is prepared, wherein the hotspots are identified by binary strings encoding descriptors, and identify binary strings stored in the database are identified that resemble a new binary string. | 12-31-2015 |
20150359500 | SYNCHRONOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS FOR CARDIAC ACQUISITIONS - In a method for acquiring medical, a frame of SPECT or PET patient image data is acquired while simultaneously recording measurements of one or more physiological characteristics, synchronously with the capture of the frame of SPECT or PET patient image data. The measurements of one or more physiological characteristics are stored in association with the corresponding patient image data. | 12-17-2015 |
20150356754 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATION OF MEDICAL IMAGE DATA - A method of calibrating image data from a given medical imaging protocol, comprising: obtaining a visualization image by reconstruction of raw scan data | 12-10-2015 |
20150342569 | Transparency control for medical diagnostic ultrasound flow imaging - Flow information can be overwhelming in medical color flow images, including volume color Doppler imaging and vector flow imaging. The flow of interest can be obscured or concealed by the adjacent flows in the displayed images. To enhance the color flow display and highlight the flow of interest, the transparency or opacity for each pixel or voxel in the flow data is modulated. Rather than or in addition to relying on color Doppler parameters, such as velocity amplitude, energy and variance, the direction of the flow is used to modulate transparency. | 12-03-2015 |
20150323634 | Methods, Systems and Apparatuses for Rapid Segmented, Accelerated, and Simultaneous Multi-Slice Echo Planar Imaging - A method for accelerated segmented magnetic resonance (MR) image data acquisition includes using a plurality of RF pulses to excite one or more slices of an anatomical area of interest according to a predetermined slice acceleration factor. Next, a collapsed image comprising the slices is acquired using a consecutive segment acquisition process. Then, a parallel image reconstruction method is applied to the collapsed image to separate the collapsed image into a plurality of slice images. | 11-12-2015 |
20150313578 | Multi-user wireless ulttrasound server - Multiple users are supported with an ultrasound server. Tiling of images may be used to limit transmission and/or bandwidth. By transmitting parts of images that change and avoiding transmission of other parts, wireless and processing bandwidth may be optimized. On the server side, separate instances are used for scanning each patient or for each of the multiple transducer probes being used. Dynamic assignment of shared resources based on use of the transducer probes may provide further optimization. From an overall perspective, the server may beamform from data received by a transducer probe based on controls routed from a separate tablet used as a display and user input. | 11-05-2015 |
20150310641 | Method and Apparatus for the Reconstruction of MR Images - A method for producing an image of an object located in the field of view of a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system including determining a center of an echo, shifting the data elements of the raw matrix by whole positions to align the center of the echo, multiplying the shifted raw matrix by a low pass filter, Fourier transforming the filtered matrix, dividing each nonzero pixel of the low resolution complex image by its magnitude, calculating a blending function shifted by the determined fractional echo position, multiplying each data element of each row of the raw matrix by corresponding blending function coefficient values, performing a two-dimensional Fourier transform in row directions and column directions, multiplying the complex image by a complex conjugate of the phase map and extracting the real part of the complex numbers in the phase corrected image to provide the image of the object. | 10-29-2015 |
20150301133 | Method Of Multislice MR Elastography With Multiband Acquisition - A method for performing multi-slice MR Elastography on an anatomical region of interest associated with a patient includes inducing shear waves at a shear wave frequency value (e.g., between 25-500 Hz) in the anatomical region of interest using an external driver. Next, the anatomical region of interest is imaged during a single patient breath-hold using an MRI acquisition process. Following the MRI acquisition process(es), phase images of the anatomical region of interest are generated based on an acquired RF signal. These phase images may then be processed (e.g., using an inversion algorithm) to generate one or more quantitative images depicting stiffness of the anatomical region of interest. In some embodiments, a wave image is also generated showing propagation of the plurality of shear waves through the anatomical region of interest based on the phase images. | 10-22-2015 |
20150286780 | Imaging Protocol Optimization With Consensus Of The Community - A method for optimizing imaging protocols usage based on community voting includes a computer storing standard imaging protocol data associated with an imaging device type in a protocol database. The computer receives a request to modify the standard imaging protocol data. Next, the computer presents information from the request on a website accessible by a plurality of community members. Vote values are received from the community members via the website, each respective vote value selected from a range of values with a minimum value indicating rejection of the modified imaging protocol data and a maximum value indicating acceptance of the modified imaging protocol data. The computer then determines whether a consensus decision exists among the vote values. If the consensus decision exists, the computer determines whether to accept or reject the request to modify the standard imaging protocol data based on the consensus decision. | 10-08-2015 |
20150285922 | Silicon Photomultiplier Based TOF-PET Detector - A scintillation block detector employs an array of optically air coupled scintillation pixels, the array being wrapped in reflector material and optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultiplier light sensors with common-cathode signal timing pickoff and individual anode signal position and energy determination. The design features afford an optimized combination of photopeak energy event sensitivity and timing, while reducing electronic circuit complexity and power requirements, and easing necessary fabrication methods. Four of these small blocks, or “miniblocks,” can be combined as optically and electrically separated quadrants of a larger single detector in order to recover detection efficiency that would otherwise be lost due to scattering between them. Events are validated for total energy by summing the contributions from the four quadrants, while the trigger is generated from either the timing signal of the quadrant with the highest energy deposition, the first timing signal derived from the four quadrant time-pickoff signals, or a statistically optimum combination of the individual quadrant event times, so as to maintain good timing for scatter events. This further reduces the number of electronic channels required per unit detector area while avoiding the timing degradation characteristic of excessively large SiPM arrays. | 10-08-2015 |
20150272548 | Angle oriented array for medical ultrasound - Volume scanning along different planes is provided using angling of the elements. Rather than orthogonal dicing of the slab, kerfs are formed at non-parallel and non-perpendicular angles to the azimuth axis of the array or longitudinal axis of the slab. Apertures formed from selected groups of the angled elements and/or parts of angled elements may be used to steer along planes that extend at an angle of 5 degrees or more away from the azimuth or longitudinal axis. By walking the aperture, different parallel planes are scanned with a one-dimensional array of elements. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272547 | Acquisition control for elasticity ultrasound imaging - Acquisition settings for elasticity imaging are controlled based on detected motion. Rather than rely solely on user settings, one or more acquisition parameters are automatically set based on the detected motion. For example, the settings provide for a more rapid frame rate with less resolution in elasticity imaging for times associated with greater motion and for less rapid frame rate with greater resolution for times associated with lesser motion. | 10-01-2015 |
20150268316 | Phase Enhanced UTE With Improved Fat Suppression - A computer-implemented method of performing magnetic resonance imaging with ultra-short echo time pulse sequences includes defining short T2 threshold limits for enhancement. A multi-echo ultra-short echo time response is acquired and a complex dataset is determined based on the multi-echo ultra-short echo time response. A plurality of phase components is identified from the complex dataset, wherein each phase component is associated with a T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits. A plurality of frequency components is also identified from the complex dataset, wherein each frequency component is associated with the T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits. Next, a magnitude dataset is derived from the complex dataset and a fitting algorithm is applied to the magnitude dataset to yield a plurality of magnitude components, wherein each magnitude component is associated with the T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits. A plurality of phase masks are created based on the plurality of phase components and the plurality of frequency components. These phase masks are applied to the magnitude dataset to obtain a combined dataset. Then, an image based on the combined dataset may be presented on a display. | 09-24-2015 |
20150260819 | TRANSFER OF VALIDATED CAD TRAINING DATA TO AMENDED MR CONTRAST LEVELS - A method is disclosed for controlling an MR device. A control unit and an imaging device with a control unit are also disclosed. An embodiment of the method serves to transfer an interim result which is calculated by an automatic alignment algorithm which is provided in an image processing module, to a localizer image. An optimized result can then be converted into instructions which serve to control the MR device and are based on the localizer image which has been captured in a different recording technique than the images with which the automatic alignment algorithm has been trained. | 09-17-2015 |
20150260810 | Methods and Systems for Automated Magnetic Field Shimming - A method for automated magnetic field shimming in a MR imaging system includes generating RF excitation pulses in anatomy, generating slice select magnetic field gradients on a static magnetic field and generating a plurality of shimming routines. The method also includes acquiring maps of the static magnetic field between each shimming routine and determining a base function for each of the plurality of shimming coils from: (i) intermediate magnitudes and directions of the static magnetic field produced by each of the plurality of shimming coils during each shimming routine; and (ii) intermediate currents supplied to each of the plurality of shimming coils during each shimming routine. The method further includes determining updated magnitudes and directions of the static magnetic field produced by each of the plurality of shimming coils by expanding the determined base function for each of the plurality of shimming coils into low order polynomials. | 09-17-2015 |
20150245818 | Color Doppler imaging with line artifact reduction - Color Doppler imaging with line artifact reduction is provided in multi-beam scanning. Doppler estimates representing the same spatial location but calculated from spatially distinctive transmit beam groups are combined through weighted linear interpolation. Methods of calculating the linear interpolation weights are provided based on geometric relationships and optimization functions. Complete overlapping and superposition among receive beams in the interpolation region are not required. Partial interpolation among the receive beams, where only the estimates of the outer receive scan lines may overlap and be interpolated while estimates for scan lines closer to the transmit scan line are not interpolated, allowing for more rapid frame rate. | 09-03-2015 |
20150230777 | Twinkle artifact suppression in ultrasound color flow - Twinkle artifacts are suppressed in color flow. The color flow data itself, such as temporal decorrelation and spatial variance of the velocity and/or power, is used to identify the twinkle artifact. The aliased or high velocities caused by the twinkle artifact are suppressed, such as by reducing the velocity or by spatial filtering that adapts to the locations of the artifact. The powers caused by the twinkle artifact are suppressed. | 08-20-2015 |
20150227689 | Efficient Framework for Healthcare Order Entry - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating efficient healthcare order entry. A system of the framework includes a user interface presented on a display device. In accordance with one aspect, the user interface is arranged to present one or more sets of favorite orders to a user. Further, the user interface is arranged to present at least one suggested order based on the system receiving a user selection of an order from the one or more sets of favorite orders. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223773 | Method and Apparatus for Image Fusion Based Planning of C-Arm Angulation for Structural Heart Disease - A method and system for determining an angulation of a C-arm image acquisition system for a cardiac intervention is disclosed. A 3D ultrasound image including a cardiac region is received. The 3D ultrasound image is registered to a 3D coordinate system of the C-arm image acquisition system. A cardiac structure of interest is detected in the registered 3D ultrasound image. An angulation of the C-arm image acquisition system is determined based on the detected structure of interest in the registered 3D ultrasound image. | 08-13-2015 |
20150209007 | Volume ultrasound catheter array support - A medical ultrasound imaging catheter is stiffened for introduction into the patient. An insert is mated with the array. The insert may stiffen the catheter at the array, avoiding damage due to buckling. The insert is keyed to the array in order to fix the orientation of the array, such as using a support for twisting the array as the key. | 07-30-2015 |
20150201905 | Swept focus for acoustic radiation force impulse - Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) scanning uses a swept focus in transmit. Using a changing delay or phase profile across the array during the generation of the ARFI pulse, a time varying focus is provided for the ARFI beam. This time varying focus may be used to extend the focus in depth, azimuth, and/or elevation. Less repetition may be needed to measure tissue characteristics from displacements due to the multi or continuous change in foci within a given ARFI transmit beam. | 07-23-2015 |
20150157299 | Sub-performing transducer element detection for medical ultrasound - Sub-performing elements of an ultrasound transducer array are detected. The power, such as current, used by or provided to the transmit driver is measured. By driving each element or group of elements separately, defective elements or groups of elements are detected from the amount of power used. | 06-11-2015 |
20150154356 | ARRANGEMENTS FOR VIEWING CLINICAL IMAGES - In a method and system for populating multi-segment layouts with related multimodal medical images, a relationship is determined between subsets of the multimodal medical images. The relationship is used to determine selected subsets initially selected for display in respective segments of a segmented display. Appropriate images relating to selected subsets are used to populate the remaining display segments. | 06-04-2015 |
20150150535 | Motion correction in three-dimensional elasticity ultrasound imaging - Three-dimensional elasticity imaging is provided. Motion in three-dimensions due to sources other than the stress or compression for elasticity imaging is found from anatomical information. Objects less likely to be subject to the stress or compression and/or likely to be subject to undesired motion are used to find the undesired motion. This anatomical motion is accounted for in estimating the elasticity, such as removing the motion from echo data used to estimate elasticity or subtracting out the motion from motion generated as part of estimating elasticity. | 06-04-2015 |
20150133786 | Responsive power saving in ultrasound - Responsive power saving is provided for ultrasound imaging, such as in portable ultrasound systems. By reducing scan line density in response to removal of a transducer from a patient, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. By disabling the display, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. All or most electronics not associated with monitoring for the return of the transducer to the patient may be disabled or not used to conserve power. | 05-14-2015 |
20150119703 | Anatomic Range Planning in Positron Emission Tomography - Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges. | 04-30-2015 |
20150094579 | Shear Wave Detection in Medical Ultrasound Imaging - Shear waves are detected with ultrasound. The detection of the shear wave is constrained using prior measurements in a more controlled environment (e.g., less noise). For example, shear waves measured in a phantom are used to constrain the detection of shear waves in a patient to avoid false positive detections. | 04-02-2015 |
20150093008 | REGISTRATION OF MULTIMODAL IMAGING DATA - In a method for improving alignment between representations of a same elongate feature in first and second images, the images are provided to a processor and the processor derives a centerline from image data representing an elongate anatomical feature in the first image, and derives a value of a metric indicating a present quality of alignment of the centerline with image data of the second image representing the same anatomic feature. The processor optimizes the metric to provide a rigid transform, and applies the rigid transform to the centerline or the second image to improve the alignment between the first and the second image with respect to the elongate feature. | 04-02-2015 |
20150087976 | Shear Wave Estimation from Analytic Data - Shear wave characteristics are estimated from analytic data. Measures of displacement are converted into complex representations. The magnitude and/or phase components of the complex representation may be used for estimating various characteristics, such as velocity, center frequency, attenuation, shear modulus, or shear viscosity. The zero-phase of the phase component represents an occurrence of the shear wave at that location. | 03-26-2015 |
20150061672 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE DATA ACQUISITION USING A MULTIPOINT DIXON TECHNIQUE - In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus to acquire MR data from a subject, a predetermined spectral model of a multipoint Dixon technique is used that includes at least two spectral components with respective associated relaxation rates, a first phase due to field inhomogeneities; and a second phase due to eddy current effects. MR data are acquired using a bipolar multi-echo MR measurement sequence for multiple image points wherein, for each image point, the multi-echo MR measurement sequence alternately uses positive and negative readout gradient fields for the readout of MR signals of the MR data at at least three echo times. The at least two spectral components are determined based on the MR data. | 03-05-2015 |
20150042657 | Animation for Conveying Spatial Relationships in Multi-Planar Reconstruction - Spatial relationships are conveyed in multi-planar reconstruction (MPR). A 3D MPR display indicates relative position of MPR imaging planes to each other and/or anatomy at a given time. To better assist user understanding of the location of the MPR planes relative to each other and/or anatomy in transitioning to different relative locations, the transition is animated. The shift in planar position occurs gradually in the 3D MPR display despite user indication of a jump to another arrangement. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042334 | METHOD AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEM TO DETERMINE THE T1 TIME OF WATER AND THE T1 TIME OF FAT - In a method and a magnetic resonance system to determine the T1 time of water and the T1 time of fat in a predetermined volume segment of an examination subject, magnetic field gradients are activated to generate multiple gradient echoes. First echoes are acquired at at least two different echo times based on RF pulses with a first flip angle. A first water magnetization and a first fat magnetization are determined for each voxel of the volume segment from the first echoes, according to the Dixon method. Second echoes are acquired at at least two different echo times based on RF pulses with a second flip angle. A second water magnetization and a second fat magnetization are determined for each voxel of the volume segment depending on the second echoes according to the Dixon method. The T1 time of water and the T1 time of fat for each voxel are determined depending on the first water magnetization of the respective voxel, the first fat magnetization of the respective voxel, the first flip angle, the second water magnetization of the respective voxel, the second fat magnetization of the respective voxel, and the second flip angle. | 02-12-2015 |
20150031995 | Motion Artifact Suppression for Three-Dimensional Parametric Ultrasound Imaging - Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion. | 01-29-2015 |
20150025390 | Ultrasound Transducer Connector - A reversible transducer connector allows the connector to be inserted within the receptacle in more than one orientation. The electrical connections between the receptacle and connector are reprogrammed based on the orientation. The connector is inserted in two or more stages, such as using zero-insertion or magnetic retention in a first stage to identify the connector and using an automated engagement to engage remaining channel connections in a second stage for use. Doors for protecting the connector and/or receptacle may be opened and/or closed magnetically. | 01-22-2015 |
20140365242 | Integration of Multiple Input Data Streams to Create Structured Data - Disclosed herein is a framework for integrating multiple input data streams. In accordance with one aspect, multiple input data streams are acquired from one or more pervasive devices during performance of a regular task. The acquired input data may be translated into structured data. One or more determinations may then be made based on the structured data. | 12-11-2014 |
20140364753 | PATIENT SIGNAL ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION BASED ON LATE POTENTIALS - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, patient signal data including at least one identified cycle is segmented into at least two regions of interest, including a late potential region of interest. The late potential region of interest may be an RS, RT, S-full or T-full signal portion. At least one patient signal parameter is determined based at least in part on the segmented regions of interest. A pathology or event may be detected based on the determined patient signal parameter. | 12-11-2014 |
20140350406 | Dynamic Operation for Subarrays in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging - Dynamic operation is provided in sub-array ultrasound imaging. Rather than using fixed or Euclidian distance relative timing, an approximation determines the relative timing. The dynamic timing relationship is approximated with log(x), arctan(x), or 1/x relationships. Adders, registers, counters, comparators, or other simple circuitry is used to calculate the timing relationship. For example, a portion of the circuit featuring a digital comparator and counter produces a reciprocal relationship. | 11-27-2014 |
20140341452 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENT ASSESSMENT OF LESION DEVELOPMENT - In a method for calculating and displaying a summary of changes in image-derived measurements of one or more properties of one or more regions of interest whereby a representation is presented to a user indicating a change in the property of at least one of the regions-of-interest, with an indication of the region-of-interest associated with the representation. | 11-20-2014 |
20140336510 | Enhancement in Diagnostic Ultrasound Spectral Doppler Imaging - Spectral Doppler imaging is enhanced. The boundary between noise and signal is determined in each spectrum. The boundary is used to differentiate noise from signal. The noise level is reduced and/or the signal level is increased in the respective regions of the spectrum, providing more distinguishable regions. | 11-13-2014 |
20140321240 | ELASTOGRAPHY FOR CEMENT INTEGRITY INSPECTION - A method for examining integrity of cement in a wellbore includes deploying an ultrasound transducer within a wellbore. One or more reference ultrasound images of the cement within the wellbore are acquired. A pushing pulse is emitted from the ultrasound transducer to elicit a displacement of the cement within the wellbore. A sequence of ultrasound images is acquired, over time, depicting the displacement of the cement within the wellbore elicited by the pushing pulse. A strain tensor map is generated from a difference between the one or more reference ultrasound images and the acquired sequence of ultrasound images. A degree of integrity of the cement within the wellbore is determined based on the generated strain tensor map. | 10-30-2014 |
20140316258 | MULTIPLE SECTION PET WITH ADJUSTABLE AUXILIARY SECTION - A system includes a gantry, a first positron emission tomography (PET) section including a first detector ring oriented about an axis, and a second PET section supported by the gantry and including a second detector ring oriented about the axis. The gantry is adjustable to move the second PET section relative to the first PET section. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314294 | Shape-Based Image Segmentation - Systems and methods are provided for image segmentation. In accordance with some implementations, a current segmentation mask associated with an object of interest is iteratively refined. Any image element associated with a previously generated fence is excluded from the current segmentation mask. The fence may be generated around one or more image elements that violate a shape constraint. | 10-23-2014 |
20140294263 | Synchronized Navigation of Medical Images - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating synchronized image navigation. In accordance with one aspect, at least first and second medical images are received. A non-linear mapping between the first and second medical images is generated. A selection of a given location in the first medical image is received in response to a user's navigational operation. Without deforming the second medical image, a target location in the second medical image is determined by using the non-linear mapping. The target location corresponds to the given location in the first medical image. An optimized deformation-free view of the second medical image is generated based at least in part on the target location. While the user performs navigational operations on the first medical image, the framework repeatedly receives the selection of the given location, determines the target location using the non-linear mapping, and generates the optimized deformation-free view of the second medical image based at least in part on the target location. | 10-02-2014 |
20140276156 | PATIENT SIGNAL ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, at least one region of interest within a cycle of a waveform of patient signal data is identified. The identified region of interest may be segmented into portions using amplitude percentage categories. A sequential morphological data series may be generated by compiling time intervals of the segmented portions. One or more sequential signal parameters may be calculated based on the sequential morphological data series. A report may then be generated based at least in part on the one or more sequential signal parameters. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276058 | Fat Fraction Estimation Using Ultrasound with Shear Wave Propagation - Fat fraction is estimated from shear wave propagation. Acoustic radiation force is used to generate a shear wave in tissue of interest. The attenuation, center frequency, bandwidth or other non-velocity characteristic of the shear wave is calculated and used to estimate the fat fraction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276046 | Ultrasound ARFI Displacement Imaging Using an Adaptive Time Instance - In ARFI imaging, a cost function is used to identify a time of displacement that best or sufficiently indicates the desired information. For example, the displacements associated with a combination of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio are identified. The time at which the desired displacements occur may be other than the time of the maximum. Since the time is common to displacements for one or more scan lines, the displacement image may be assembled line-by-line or by groups of lines. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271436 | Rare Earth Oxyorthosilicate Scintillation Crystals - The use of the effect of crystallographic axis orientation on the effectiveness in annealing in multiple atmospheres and chemical compositions of lutetium oxyorthosilicate crystals and other scintillator crystals is disclosed. By controlling axis orientation an favorable annealing condition can be selected to repair both internal interstitial and vacancy defects through the crystal lattice. Axis orientation can be further utilized to control the uniformity of surface finish of chemically etched crystal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270446 | Method and Apparatus for Registration of Multimodal Imaging Data Using Constraints - First and second images obtained from first and second imaging modalities, respectively, are set as a target image and an object image, respectively. The object image is segmented into one or more anatomic segments. Each segment is associated with a respective anatomic class. At least one attribute is assigned to at least one of the anatomic segments based on the anatomic class corresponding to said at least one anatomic segment. A registration is performed with the object image and the target image, wherein the registration is constrained by the assigned attribute(s). | 09-18-2014 |
20140270443 | Error Estimates in Quantitative Functional Imaging - Systematic error is estimated as a function of location in quantitative functional imaging. The systematic error is estimated by perturbing the system matrix. The values of one or more variables of the system matrix are altered, and the reconstruction repeated. The differences in the resulting object or image data of the different reconstructions provide systematic error information as a function of location. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269206 | Ultrasound Transducer with Differential Mode Signaling - Rather than using a coaxial cable, a twisted pair of wires is provided for each element-to-beamformer connection. Differential mode signals are transmitted between the transducer element and the respective channel. A multi-layer element is used for operation with the differential mode signals. In catheters or other probes, coaxial cables are not used. Using differential mode signals over twisted pairs allows reduction or rejection of common mode cross-talk and/or interference. | 09-18-2014 |
20140247046 | Methods and Systems for Accelerated MR Imaging - A method for operating a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system that includes generating radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses in a volume of patient anatomy and generating slice select magnetic field gradients for phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in the patient anatomy. The method further includes concurrently acquiring T | 09-04-2014 |
20140243667 | Adaptive Acoustic Pressure Estimation in Medical Ultrasound - Adaptive acoustic pressure estimation is provided in medical ultrasound. The responses of tissue of a specific patient at different frequencies (e.g., linear and non-linear responses) are measured. The responses are used to determine the acoustic pressure. The measurement in a specific patient adapts the estimate to the patient. The acoustic pressure for the desired locations is determined in order to set the transmit power to the desired level, such as for contrast agent imaging with high SNR but with limited destruction of the contrast agents or to provide the desired thermal dose the acoustic therapy. | 08-28-2014 |
20140221832 | TUNING ULTRASOUND ACQUISITION PARAMETERS - Values for ultrasound acquisition parameters are altered in a manifold space. The number of parameters to be set is reduced using a manifold. Virtual parameters different than the acquisition parameters are used to alter the greater number of acquisition parameters. In a further use, optimum image settings may be obtained in an automated system by measuring image quality for feeding back to virtual parameter adjustment. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219527 | System for Frame Selection for Optimal Registration of a Multi-frame Dataset - A system and method includes data representing a sequence of X-ray images of a portion of patient anatomy acquired over a time interval and signal data representing electrical activity of the heart of the patient over the time interval, determination of a score value for each image of said sequence of X-ray images, selection of a set of images from said sequence of X-ray images based on the determined score values, the set of images excluding one or more images of said sequence of X-ray images, and generation of an averaged image from said set of images. | 08-07-2014 |
20140217294 | Method for Using LSO Background Radiation as a Transmission Source Using Time of Flight Information - A method for using lutetium-based scintillator crystals' background beta decay emission in a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner as a transmission scan source for generating attenuation maps is disclosed. | 08-07-2014 |
20140214451 | Adaptive Medical Documentation System - Adaptive medical data collection for medical entities may involve managing content by receiving data indicating a context, identifying at least one application or knowledge base associated with the context, designating the identified application or knowledge base as active, and accessing the active application or knowledge base to provide information at an interface point for a medical professionals and a patient. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207492 | Healthcare Information Technology System for Predicting or Preventing Readmissions - Hospital readmissions may be prevented. Readmission is prevented by predicting the probability of a given patient to be readmitted. The probability alone may prevent readmission by educating the patient or medical professional. The probability may be predicted during a patient stay and used to generate a workflow action item to reduce the probability, to warn, to output appropriate instructions, and/or assist in avoiding readmission. The probability may be specific to a hospital, physician group, or other entity, allowing prevention to focus on past readmission causes for the given entity. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203687 | Stealth Dicing for Ultrasound Transducer Array - An ultrasound transducer array is formed with stealth dicing. A laser is used to form defects within the piezoelectric substrate and along the desired kerf locations. The substrate is fractured along the defects. A controlled expansion, such as using thermal expansion, may be used to establish the desired kerf width. Spacers may be used to maintain the desired kerf width. The kerfs are filled to create the ultrasound transducer array. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203210 | Passivation of Metal Halide Scintillators - A halide material, such as scintillator crystals of LaBr | 07-24-2014 |
20140200848 | Normalization Coefficients in PET Continuous Bed Motion Acquisition - Normalization coefficients in are computed for positron emission tomography (PET) continuous bed motion acquisition (CBM). The normalization coefficients for the lines-of-response in CBM account for the change in decay of the injected isotope over time and/or changes in velocity of the bed motion. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200461 | CARDIAC ANALYSIS BASED ON VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS - A system and method includes reception of a first image of a blood vessel, reception of a second image of the blood vessel, determination of a first size of a region of the blood vessel based on the first image, determination of a second size of the region of the blood vessel based on the second image, and calculation of a parameter of the blood vessel based on the first size and the second size. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197320 | Multiple Timing Measurements for Positron Emission Tomography - Timing is determined in positron emission tomography (PET). Two or more different types of timing detection are used for each event. The difference in time from the different types of timing detection may indicate whether or not an error has occurred. An average difference or other typical offset difference may be used to correct the error. During pile up, the difference information may be used to create a missing time, such as using an average difference between second derivative and constant fraction discrimination as an offset to determine constant fraction timing from second derivative timing. | 07-17-2014 |
20140195954 | Accessories as Workflow Priors in Medical Systems - Workflow information is populated in a user interface of a medical system. One or more accessories are detected. The user interface is updated to assist the user based on the identity of the accessory. One or more lists may be created based on the identity, such as a list of examinations or protocols usable with the accessory. One or more fields for configuring the imaging system for scanning may be pre-filled based on the identity, such as using values used in a previous configuration for scanning with the accessory. The workflow through the user interface may be streamlined or configured to allow for more consistent, rapid, or easier input by the user based on the detection of the accessory. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194735 | Random Sinogram Variance Reduction in Continuous Bed Motion Acquisition - Random sinogram variance is reduced in continuous bed motion acquisition. The randoms are modeled as a product of transverse singles efficiencies. The random sinogram is assumed to be a smooth function in the axial direction, collapsing the parameterization for estimating the transverse singles efficiencies into a single, conceptual ring. By solving the product, the mean random values are used to smooth the randoms in image reconstruction with less noise and artifacts. | 07-10-2014 |
20140193056 | Systems and Methods for Patient Anatomical Image Volume Data Visualization Using A Portable Processing Device - A method for determining an internal anatomical image associated with a patient includes receiving, by a computer, an image of a portion of a patient surface. The computer identifies an anatomical location corresponding to the portion of the patient surface and an image orientation based on the acquired image. Next, the computer determines a three dimensional image volume dataset of internal patient anatomy below the portion of the patient surface based on the anatomical location and the image orientation. The computer derives two dimensional image data on a plane within the three dimensional image volume dataset and transmits the derived two dimensional image data to a destination. | 07-10-2014 |
20140187942 | Needle Enhancement in Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging - A needle is enhanced in a medical diagnostic ultrasound image. The image intensities associated with a needle in an image are adaptively increased and/or enhanced by compounding from a plurality of ultrasound images. Filtering methods and probabilistic methods are used to locate possible needle locations. In one approach, possible needles are found in component frames that are acquired at the same time but at different beam orientations. The possible needles are associated with each other across the component frames and false detections are removed based on the associations. In one embodiment of needle detection in an ultrasound component frame, lines are found first. The lines are then searched to find possible needle segments. In another embodiment, data from different times may be used to find needle motion and differences from a reference, providing the features in additional to features from a single component frame for needle detection. | 07-03-2014 |
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. | 06-26-2014 |
20140161337 | Adaptive Anatomical Region Prediction - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating adaptive anatomical region prediction. In accordance with one aspect, a set of exemplar images including annotated first landmarks is received. User definitions of first anatomical regions in the exemplar images are obtained. The framework may detect second landmarks in a subject image. It may further compute anatomical similarity scores between the subject image and the exemplar images based on the first and second landmarks, and predict a second anatomical region in the subject image by adaptively combining the first anatomical regions based on the anatomical similarity scores. | 06-12-2014 |
20140156970 | Versatile PET Coincidence Processor - A common or single type of positron emission tomography (PET) coincidence processor is useable with different PET systems. The ports are configurable to operate with different coincidence algorithms, allowing different numbers of ports to be used in different systems. The ports are configurable to provide different outputs and/or connect with different types of detectors. A programming port allows programming of an appropriate coincidence algorithm so that different such algorithms are usable by the controller. Any one or more of these accessible and/or versatile features are provided on a controller. | 06-05-2014 |
20140153826 | System for Histogram Computation - A system and method includes reception of a first image data value of a digital image, determination of a first index based on the first image data value, determination of a value stored in a first array of a first shared memory at the first index, and determination of whether the value stored in the first array of the first shared memory at the first index is equal to the first image data value. If the value stored in the first array of the first shared memory at the first index is equal to the first image data value, 1 is added to a count value stored in a second array of the first shared memory at the first index. If the value stored in the first array of the first shared memory at the first index is not equal to the first image data value a count value stored in a second shared memory in association with the first image data value is updated. | 06-05-2014 |
20140148712 | System and Method To Calculate Cardiac Characteristics - A system and method includes reception of a hemodynamic signal, reception of a cardiac impedance signal, identification of a first peak and a second peak of the cardiac impedance signal, identification of a first portion of the hemodynamic signal based on the first peak and a second portion of the hemodynamic signal based on the second peak, and calculation of a cardiac characteristic based on the first portion and the second portion of the hemodynamic signal. | 05-29-2014 |
20140133731 | System for Viewing Vasculature and Perfuse Tissue - A system and method includes reception of a mask x-ray image of a patient volume, reception of a plurality of sequential x-ray images of the patient volume including a contrast medium, subtraction of the mask x-ray image from each of the plurality of sequential x-ray images to generate a plurality of sequential x-ray difference images, filtering of each of the plurality of sequential x-ray difference images based on one or more filter parameters to generate a plurality of sequential filtered x-ray difference images, combination of each of the plurality of sequential filtered x-ray difference images with a corresponding one of the plurality of sequential x-ray difference images based on a weight to generate a plurality of combined sequential x-ray images, and display of the plurality of combined sequential x-ray images sequentially. | 05-15-2014 |
20140121496 | Automatic System for Timing In Imaging - An imaging system automatically determines a cardiac timing parameter for acquiring a cardiac image in a heart phase. An interface receives data identifying a heart image orientation for image acquisition. A repository of data associates, for acquisition of an image in a particular heart phase, different image orientations with corresponding different data items identifying respective corresponding particular acquisition points within an individual heart cycle relative to a start point of the heart cycle. An acquisition timing processor determines from the repository of data, a particular acquisition point within an individual heart cycle relative to the start point of the heart cycle, in response to the received data identifying the heart image orientation and uses the determined particular acquisition point to provide a synchronization signal for triggering acquisition of an image at the particular heart phase. | 05-01-2014 |
20140114178 | CONCURRENT FAT AND IRON ESTIMATION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE SIGNAL DATA - A computer-implemented method for concurrently estimating the amount of fat and iron in anatomical tissue from magnetic resonance (MR) signal data includes receiving a test signal representative of the anatomical tissue acquired using a MR pulse sequence type. A repository of reference signal data is generated. The repository comprises a plurality of reference signals derived by an MR signal simulation for a plurality of different transverse relaxation rates, a plurality of different fat fractions, and the MR pulse sequence type. A first reference signal is identified in the plurality of reference signals. The first reference signal provides a best match to the test signal based on one or more matching criteria. The repository is searched to determine a first transverse relaxation rate and a first fat fraction associated with the first reference signal. Then, the amount of fat and iron in the anatomical tissue is estimated based on the first transverse relaxation rate and the first fat fraction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140112596 | Parallel Image Convolution Processing with SVD Kernel Data - A method of image processing includes receiving camera data representative of an object, implementing, with a processor, a convolution operation on the camera data to generate filtered data representative of the object, the convolution operation being configured with singular value decomposition (SVD) kernel data, and storing the filtered data in a memory. Implementing the convolution operation includes applying the SVD kernel data in parallel to a plurality of subsets of the camera data. | 04-24-2014 |
20140107852 | USE OF A DEMAND RESPONSE TO ENABLE IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY RESTORATION PLANNING - A utility network powered by a power source has a plurality of substations enabled to power electrical equipment in a participant site. At least one substation is disconnected from the utility network and is to be reconnected via a substation with a power constraint. A processor determines how much power should be shed in a participant site of the substation with the power constraint to allow reconnection of the substation that is disconnected. The processor initiates a Demand Response signal to power consuming equipment in the participant site of the substation with the power constraint to shed power. After shedding power based on the Demand Response signal, the substation that was disconnected is connected to the utility network by closing a switch. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103923 | Using Single Continuous Pulses for Manipulating Water and Fat Signals in Magnetic Resonance Imaging - A method for manipulating magnetic resonance signals of a first chemical species and a second chemical species includes determining a time required to have spins of protons corresponding to the first chemical species acquire a phase shift of 90 degrees relative to spins of protons corresponding to second chemical species. A first pulse portion having a pulse amplitude and a first constant phase is defined. A second pulse portion having the pulse amplitude and a second constant phase, the second constant phase being different from said first constant phase by a multiple of 90 degrees is also defined. Next, a single continuous composite pulse is generated by concatenating the first pulse portion and the second pulse portion, wherein the single continuous composite pulse has a duration such that a time difference between center of the first pulse portion and center of the second pulse portion corresponds to the determined time. Then, the single continuous composite pulse is applied to a plurality of radio frequency coils. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102357 | Method and Apparatus for Reducing Impurities in a Single Crystal Based on Ingot Length - A method for growing a single crystal in a chamber. The method includes heating raw material to form a melt for forming the single crystal. A crystal seed is then inserted into the melt and pulled from the melt to form a partial ingot, wherein the partial ingot radiates heat. An amount of gas is then introduced into the chamber which corresponds to a size of the partial ingot so as to provide a constant crystallization rate. | 04-17-2014 |
20140098209 | Mobile Processing Device System for Patient Monitoring Data Acquisition - A mobile processing device system for patient monitoring data acquisition includes a repository of information. The information associates a particular patient monitoring device type for displaying a particular patient parameter with a particular text label identifying the particular patient parameter. A portable processing device includes an imaging device for acquiring image data representing an image presenting patient parameter data from the particular patient monitoring device type. An image recognition processor, uses the information, for analyzing the image data to identify the particular text label identifying the particular patient parameter and a value of the particular patient parameter. An output processor communicates data representing the particular patient parameter and the value to a destination. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097346 | Radiation Detection Utilizing Optical Bleaching - A method and device for improving the optical performance (such as time resolution) of scintillation detectors using the optical bleaching technique are disclosed. Light of a selected wavelength is emitted by a light source into a scintillator. The wavelength is selected to meet the minimum energy requirement for releasing of charge carriers captured by the charge carrier traps in the scintillation material. Trap-mediated scintillation components are thus reduced by optical bleaching and the optical performance of the scintillator crystal and the detector is enhanced. | 04-10-2014 |
20140095206 | ADAPTIVE MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM - Adaptive medical data collection for medical entities may involve triggering an analysis of electronic records in response to information input into an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of a patient. Determining a potential condition for the patient based on the analysis. Identifying additional information indicated as relevant to the potential condition of the patient, and generating a request for the identified additional information. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095205 | AUTOMATED MAPPING OF SERVICE CODES IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS - Automatic mapping of semantics in healthcare is provided. Data sets have different semantics (e.g., Gender designated with M and F in one system and Sex designated with 1 or 2 in another system). For semantic interoperability, the semantic links between the semantic systems of different healthcare entities are created (e.g., Gender=Sex and/or 1=F and 2=M) by a processor from statistics of the data itself. The distribution of variables, values, or variables and values, with or without other information and/or logic, is used to create a map from one semantic system to another. Similar distributions of other variable and/or values are likely to be for variables and/or values with the same meaning. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095204 | AUTOMATED MEDICAL COHORT DETERMINATION - Inclusion of a patient in a medical category is determined by triggering an analysis of an electronic medical record of the patient in response to an input of data into the electronic medical record. Identifying characteristics that indicate inclusion in the medical category with the analysis, and determining a probability the patient belongs to the medical category based on the identified characteristics. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095203 | MEDICAL WORKFLOW DETERMINATION AND OPTIMIZATION - Workflows for medical entities are determined and evaluated by determining a plurality of medical tasks based on an analysis of a plurality of electronic medical records of a medical entity. A workflow of the medical entity is determined based on a sequence of medical tasks, the sequence determined based on the analysis of the plurality of electronic medical records, and an evaluation of the workflow is performed based on a predefined criterion. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095201 | Leveraging Public Health Data for Prediction and Prevention of Adverse Events - An adverse event may be prevented by predicting the probability of a given patient to have or undergo the adverse event. The ability to predict the probability of the adverse event may be enhanced when a model is derived from public health data to categorize and propose values for medical record fields. The probability alone may prevent the adverse event by educating the patient or medical professional. The probability may be predicted at any time, such as upon entry of information for the patient, periodic analysis, or at the time of admission. The probability may be used to generate a workflow action item to reduce the probability, to warn, to output appropriate instructions, and/or assist in avoiding adverse event. The probability may be specific to a hospital, physician group, or other medical entity, allowing prevention to focus on past adverse event causes for the given entity. | 04-03-2014 |
20140088983 | A Healthcare Information Operation Session and Data Transfer System - A system transfers healthcare session operation data between a portable device and a first computer. The portable device includes, an imaging device for acquiring image data including a readable code from a displayed image associated with a current operating session of a first application and presented by the first computer. A code interpreter for image to text conversion converts the readable code to text comprising a URL (universal resource locator) and context data associated with the current operating session. An executable application automatically initiates a session of operation of a second application corresponding to the current operating session of the first application, on the portable device in response to the text. A display processor generates data representing at least one display image associated with the session of operation of the second application. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084169 | Timing Response Improvement in Light-Sharing Detectors - A method for improving timing response in light-sharing scintillation detectors is disclosed. The method includes detecting an event, by a plurality of photo sensors, from a scintillation crystal. The method then includes sampling and digitizing the photo sensor outputs by an analog-to-digital converter. Then the method includes correcting associated timing data, by a processor, for each of the photo sensor outputs based on a lookup table. The method then includes selectively time shifting the photo sensor outputs based on the lookup table to generate corrected photo sensor outputs. The method then includes summing the corrected photo sensor outputs by the processor. The method then includes generating an event time, by the processor, for the detected event based on the sum of the corrected photo sensor outputs. | 03-27-2014 |
20140067426 | Dynamic Pairing of Devices with a Medical Application - Mobile or embedded devices are dynamically paired with medical applications. By displaying identifying information associated with the medical application and capturing the display with a sensing device, the identifying information may be used by a server to route sensed data from the sensing device to the medical application for the patient. Barcodes or other identifying information may be used. The mobile device may be a smart phone, allowing smart phones to be dynamically paired with the medical application as desired by the user. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066768 | Frequency Distribution in Harmonic Ultrasound Imaging - Frequency variation is used in frequency compounding. A phase inversion harmonic image is compounded with a downshift harmonic image. The depths for downshifting fractional harmonics are determined based on a signal-to-noise ratio of the harmonic information at a given harmonic. The depth for transition between one type of harmonic imaging (e.g., phase inversion) and another (e.g., downshifted harmonic) is determined based on a similarity of the one type with noise. Weights used for frequency compounding are determined based on a difference between noise and one of the types of data to be compounded, and spatially steering angles. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064589 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF A CONTRAST AGENT - A method for determining a concentration of a contrast agent in imaging data includes calculating a pre-contrast attenuation map of a region of interest of a patient. Following an administering of a contrast agent to the patient, a post-contrast attenuation map of the region of interest of the patient is calculated. An increase in attenuation value is determined based on the pre-contrast attenuation map and the post-contrast attenuation map and a contrast agent concentration map is calculated for the region of interest based on the increase in attenuation value. | 03-06-2014 |
20140056500 | Generating Attenuation Correction Maps for Combined Modality Imaging Studies and Improving Generated Attenuation Correction Maps Using MLAA and DCC Algorithms - The DCC (Data Consistency Condition) algorithm is used in combination with MLAA (Maximum Likelihood reconstruction of Attenuation and Activity) to generate extended attenuation correction maps for nuclear medicine imaging studies. MLAA and DCC are complementary algorithms that can be used to determine the accuracy of the mu-map based on PET data. MLAA helps to estimate the mu-values based on the biodistribution of the tracer while DCC checks if the consistency conditions are met for a given mu-map. These methods are combined to get a better estimation of the mu-values. In gated MR/PET cardiac studies, the PET data is framed into multiple gates and a series of MR based mu-maps corresponding to each gate is generated. The PET data from all gates is combined. Once the extended mu-map is generated the central region is replaced with the MR based mu-map corresponding to that particular gate. On the other hand, in dynamic PET studies the uptake in the patient's arms reaches a steady state only after the tracer distributes throughout the body. Hence, for dynamic scans, the projection data of all frames is summed and used to generate the MLAA based extended mu-map for all frames. | 02-27-2014 |
20140051977 | Optimal Respiratory Gating In Medical Imaging - Methods and computer-readable mediums are provided for obtaining an optimally gated medical image. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that acquires medical images in list mode. The method also acquires a respiration correlated signal S(t). Thereafter, a final upper strain threshold value and a final lower strain threshold value pair that has a narrowest interval are selected. The medical images are synchronized with the respiration correlated signal S(t). The synchronized images and signal are used to create an optimally gated medical image. In various embodiments, the disclosed optimal gating can be utilized in PET systems and in other embodiments the disclosed optimal gating can be utilized in SPECT systems. In yet other embodiments, the optimally gated images can be matched to MRI systems and in still other embodiments, the optimally gated images can be matched to CT systems. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048711 | System and Method of Determining Timing Triggers for Detecting Gamma Events for Nuclear Imaging - Systems and methods of generating timing triggers to determine timing resolutions of gamma events for nuclear imaging includes receiving a pulse signature representing a succession of triggers associated with a photomultiplier. When a number of triggers occurring within a predetermined time interval matches a predetermined number, an event trigger can be initiated. A delayed version of the pulse signature can be generated and compared to a predetermined timing trigger level. When the delayed version matches the predetermined timing trigger level, a timing trigger can be generated. Based on the timing trigger level, the timing trigger can be generated at the pulse of the delayed version that corresponds to the first photoelectron of a gamma event. The timing trigger can correspond to a timestamp for the first photoelectron so that a data acquisition system can identify the pulse from which to acquire energy information to generate a nuclear image. | 02-20-2014 |
20140029830 | MULTIMODAL IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - Computer-implemented methods of reconstructing an image object for a measured object in object space from image data in data space include causing a computer to execute instructions for providing zonal information separating the object space into at least two zones, providing at least two zonal image objects, each zonal image object being associated with one of the at least two zones, reconstructing the image object using a data model derived from forward projecting the zonal image objects into data space, wherein the contribution of each zonal image object to the data model is weighted according to a zonal scaling factor, and outputting the image object. | 01-30-2014 |
20140029715 | Integrated Digital Discriminator For a Silicon Photomultiplier - Apparatuses and methods are provided that minimize the effects of dark-current pulses. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided where a first pixel is struck (i.e., a primary pixel). Pixels struck within a fixed time frame after the primary pixel is struck are referred to as secondary pixels. After a short fixed time frame has expired, the number of primary and secondary pixels is added. If the count exceeds a threshold, the primary pixel was activated by the first (or early) photon from a true gamma event. If the threshold is not met then it is likely the primary pixel generated a dark pulse that should be ignored. | 01-30-2014 |
20140021951 | System for Reducing Artifacts in Imaging in the Presence of a Spin-lock Radio-Frequency Field - A system acquires MR image data of a portion of patient anatomy associated with spin lattice relaxation time in a rotating frame using an RF (Radio Frequency) signal generator and a magnetic field gradient generator. The RF (Radio Frequency) signal generator generates RF excitation pulses in anatomy and enables subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data. The magnetic field gradient generator generates anatomical volume select magnetic field gradients for phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in a three dimensional (3D) anatomical volume. The RF signal generator and the gradient generator use in order, a saturation pulse, a T1 spin lattice relaxation rotating frame preparation pulse sequence and a spoiler gradient, in acquiring image data of the 3D volume showing luminance contrast associated with T1 spin lattice relaxation in a rotating frame. | 01-23-2014 |
20140021410 | Mixed Halide Scintillators - A mixed halide scintillator material including a fluoride is disclosed. The introduction of fluorine reduces the hygroscopicity of halide scintillator materials and facilitates tuning of scintillation properties of the materials. | 01-23-2014 |
20140018683 | Gap Filling for Spectral Doppler Ultrasound - Gap filling is provided in spectral Doppler ultrasound. Due to the cyclical nature of the cardiac system, data likely to be similar to data that would have been acquired without interleaving is copied into the gap generated by interleaving. Acquired data associated with the gap, such as adjacent to the gap, is correlated with other acquired data. By identifying similar data, acquired data temporally related to the similar data as the gap associated data is temporally related to the gap is found. This found data is likely to be similar to data that would have been acquired during the gap. The gap is filled with a copy of this data. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018680 | Automatic Doppler Gate Positioning in Spectral Doppler Ultrasound Imaging - A Doppler gate is automatically positioned in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging. Samples acquired for multiple PW Doppler gates are used for B-mode and/or F-mode detection over time without interleaving transmissions for the PW Doppler. The B-mode and/or F-mode information are used to track gate placement. Alternatively or additionally, characteristics spectra from different gate locations are used to select a gate location. Either tracking may be used to change the locations sampled and/or beam characteristics, such as centering the locations and beam focus on the selected gate location. | 01-16-2014 |
20140005519 | Image-Assisted Diagnostic Evaluation | 01-02-2014 |
20140002077 | SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS DUAL-SLAB ACQUISITION OF MR IMAGES | 01-02-2014 |
20130345573 | Adaptive Control of Monitoring Devices - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating adaptive control of monitoring devices. In accordance with one aspect, a position detector detects a chest elevation level and provides chest elevation level data. A processor uses the chest elevation level data to determine a heart elevation level with respect to a reference level. A comparator compares the determined heart elevation level with an elevation level of a monitoring device with respect to the reference level. In response to the comparison, a movement system adjusts the elevation level of the monitoring device. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345565 | Measuring Acoustic Absorption or Attenuation of Ultrasound - Acoustic absorption or attenuation of ultrasound is measured. To estimate acoustic absorption or attenuation, the displacement of tissue caused by stress at different frequencies is measured. The absorption or attenuation is calculated from the displacements. The incorporation of different frequencies provides another variable for solving for attenuation or absorption despite unknown tissue stiffness. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345545 | Ultrasound Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Magnetic resonance imaging frame rate is increased using ultrasound information. Magnetic resonance (MR) images may be provided at an increased frame rate relative to the MR acquisition. For times between acquisition of MR data, MR data may be created. To account for any change in position of tissue over time, ultrasound is used to track the location of tissue or other imaged structure. The ultrasound-based location information is used to indicate the position of intensities or values of the created MR data. MR images at a higher frame rate than the MR acquisition are generated, but with accuracy of relative position based on the ultrasound data. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345543 | Status Indicator Lights for a Medical Imaging System - A system for calming a patient positioned in a medical imaging device for imaging a patient. The system includes a scanner configured to generate scan data of a patient volume or area. The system also includes a processor configured to implement control operations, the control operations being directed to acquisition of the scan data or to processing of the scan data. In addition the system includes a patient bed for supporting the patient and status indicator lights for providing biofeedback to the patient that is indicative of breathing. | 12-26-2013 |
20130343511 | Quantitative Two-Dimensional Fluoroscopy via Computed Tomography - A system includes obtaining of a reference projection image of a target volume at an isocenter of a computed tomography scanner; obtaining of a plurality of two-dimensional fluoroscopic images by the computed tomography scanner of at least a portion of the target volume at the isocenter of the computed tomography scanner; displaying the reference projection image and the plurality of two-dimensional fluoroscopic images in a combined view; measuring a two-dimensional contour of a projection of a movement of the target volume in the combined view; and determining a true contour of the movement in a plane containing a point-of-interest within the target volume based on the two-dimensional contour of the projection of the movement. | 12-26-2013 |
20130339052 | System for Targeting Advertisements Based on Patient Electronic Medical Record Data - A patient specific informational material distribution system, comprises at least one repository of informational material items associated with corresponding particular medical conditions and an individual item is associated with at least one medical condition. An interface acquires patient specific medical data associating a particular medical condition with a specific patient. A data processor, coupled to the at least one repository and the interface, uses the at least one repository in identifying informational items associated with the particular medical condition of the specific patient in response to the acquired patient specific medical data. A distribution processor coupled to the data processor, distributes the identified informational items to the specific patient. | 12-19-2013 |
20130336560 | Motion Artifact Suppression in Ultrasound Diagnostic Imaging - Motion artifacts are suppressed for motion imaging in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Spatial correlation is used to detect motion, including any lateral motion. Some aspect of clutter filtering may be set based on the amount of spatial correlation or detected motion. The shift for frequency mixing, wall filter cutoff frequency, and/or velocity threshold may be set. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334439 | Modular Patient Handling System for Medical Imaging Apparatus - A patient table mounts to a patient imaging apparatus support base. When attached to first and second support ends of an imaging apparatus, the patient table has a generally planar patient support adapted for spanning the imaging apparatus field of view (FOV), and is analogous to a beam spanning the FOV. The beam-like patient support has sufficient rigidity for supporting and imaging a patient placed thereupon without any additional external support columns affixed to the imaging room floor, as was utilized in previously existing imaging apparatus. Elimination of external patient table supports reduces imaging apparatus installation complexity and costs, frees up floor space, and facilitates easier patient transfer to the imaging apparatus. | 12-19-2013 |
20130333896 | APPLICATION OF HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TO THE DISPLACEMENT OF DRILLING MUD - A method for disrupting an obstruction from a wellbore includes determining a location of an obstruction within a wellbore. An ultrasound transducer is deployed down an interior of a casing in the wellbore. Ultrasound energy is focused, using the ultrasound transducer, to the determined location of the obstruction and the obstruction is disrupted using the focused ultrasound energy. | 12-19-2013 |
20130329978 | Multiple Volume Renderings in Three-Dimensional Medical Imaging - Clipping is provided for volume rendering in three-dimensional medical imaging. Rather than a single or even two clipping planes, an enclosed clipping volume isolates a region of interest. More than one volume rendering may be formed from the data of the clipping volume. The volume renderings from different directions, such as opposite directions, may be displayed substantially simultaneously. For imaging a valve or other structure with multiple views of interest, the clipping volume defines the valve or structure region and rendering from the multiple views provides desired diagnosis information. | 12-12-2013 |
20130329217 | Laser System for Aligning a Bed Transport Mechanism in an Imaging System - A system for aligning a bed of an imaging system with an imaging plane. The system includes a laser device which generates a laser beam and a target element having a target detecting surface. The system also includes a reflective element which receives the laser beam. The reflective element includes a reflective detecting surface for detecting a first position of the laser beam. A first parameter of the bed is adjusted until the laser beam is positioned on a first center portion of the reflective detecting surface. In addition, the laser beam is reflected to the target detecting surface to detect a second position of the laser beam. A second parameter of the bed is adjusted until the laser beam is positioned on a second center portion of the target detecting surface to orient the bed substantially perpendicular to the imaging plane. | 12-12-2013 |
20130328874 | Clip Surface for Volume Rendering in Three-Dimensional Medical Imaging - Volume rendering with a clipping surface is provided in three-dimensional medical imaging. An open curved surface is defined for clipping. The clipping surface is fixed relative to the volume rather than any images, but is editable on multi-planar reconstruction. | 12-12-2013 |
20130322722 | Clinical Collaboration and Medical Computing Framework - A method of clinical collaboration between a clinical site and an analysis site includes receiving scan data from a scanner via a first reconstruction computer system at the clinical site, implementing a reconstruction procedure on the received scan data using a second reconstruction computer system at the analysis site and configured in accordance with a reconstruction configuration parameter, the analysis site being remote from the clinical site, and transmitting data indicative of the reconstruction configuration parameter to the first reconstruction computer system to configure the first reconstruction computer system in accordance with the reconstruction configuration parameter. | 12-05-2013 |
20130322712 | System for Comparing Medical Images - A system compares gray scale medical images and provides a composite color image for display on a monitor. The system substitutes one or two of the RGB components of a first image with a corresponding RGB component of a second image to provide RGB pixel luminance value component data representing a composite image in color. An acquisition processor acquires first and second gray scale medical images represented by RGB pixel luminance value components. An image data processor aligns the first and second gray scale medical images and substitutes one of the RGB components of the first image with a corresponding RGB component of the second image to provide RGB pixel luminance value component data representing a composite image in color. An output processor outputs the composite image for display. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320973 | METHOD OF ATTENUATION CORRECTION OF POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY DATA AND COMBINED POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - Various embodiments relate to a method of attenuation correction of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data based on Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRT) data. A method of at least one embodiment further includes determining further data being indicative of an iterative cycle of a physiological observable of a patient and matching the PET data with the MRT data based on the further data. | 12-05-2013 |
20130317336 | Adaptive ECG Trigger Signal Jitter detection for Imaging - A system provides an image acquisition trigger signal compensated for signal processing time delay. An interface receives waveform signal data representing electrical activity of a patient heart over at least one heart beat cycle. A detector detects a particular point associated with a particular signal portion within successive heart beat cycles of the signal data. A first time variation detector provides a first timing adjustment signal in response to detected change in time of occurrence of the detected particular point. A second time variation detector provides a second timing adjustment signal in response to comparison of relative timing of the trigger signal and the detected particular point. An output processor generates the trigger signal in response to the detected particular point and the first timing adjustment signal and the second timing adjustment signal. | 11-28-2013 |
20130314418 | System for Erasing Medical Image Features - A system erases features in a displayable three dimensional (3D) medical image volume comprising multiple image slices. An erasure cursor coordinate detector detects two dimensional (2D) location coordinates identifying location of a movable erasure cursor in a displayed image within the medical image volume. A data processor translates the detected erasure cursor 2D location coordinates to corresponding 2D pixel coordinates within an image slice in the 3D medical image volume. The data processor sets luminance values of pixels corresponding to the 2D pixel coordinates of the image slice to a background luminance value of the image slice to provide erased pixels corresponding to erasure cursor locations having an identifier. A display processor generates data representing a display image showing the image slice with the set background luminance values of the erased pixels. | 11-28-2013 |
20130307869 | System for Display of Images Using Extended Greyscale Bit-depth on Standard Display Devices - A system enhances reduced resolution grey scale luminance data for display on a monitor. An interface receives a pixel grey scale luminance value represented by a first number of bits exceeding a display monitor input bit length. A data processor indicates a difference comprising the number of bits. In response to the difference, the data processor derives R, G, B pixel luminance values by adjusting one or more of the R, G, B pixel luminance values to provide corrected R, G, B pixel luminance values representing the grey scale luminance value and at least one of the corrected R, G, B pixel luminance values is different from remaining ones of R, G, B pixel luminance values. The data processor outputs the corrected R, G, B pixel luminance values for display on R, G, B channels of the monitor. | 11-21-2013 |
20130304482 | Auto-Populated Medication Selection & Ordering System - A medication ordering system comprises at least one repository including information identifying candidate medication orders and associated related order parameters including dosage and route of administration. An order processor, in response to user entry of text, compiles a list of medication orders, by, searching the information to identify order data items representing medication orders including matching text and by collating the identified order items to provide a compiled list. The compiled list having itemized hierarchical priority of, (1) orders most frequently placed by the user for a patient with a particular hospital admission department, (2) orders most frequently placed by multiple different users of the ordering system and (3) other orders placed by users of the ordering system. A display processor initiates generation of a display image enabling a user to select orders from the compiled list. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303880 | Thermally Tagged Motion Tracking for Medical Treatment - Motion tracking is performed with a thermal pattern within a patient. A pattern of different temperature is created in tissue, such as warming up tissue in a checkerboard pattern. The temperature pattern is used over time to track motion of the tissue. The tracked motion may be used to treat the tissue throughout at least part of a periodic cycle. | 11-14-2013 |
20130301896 | EFFICIENT POINT SPREAD FUNCTION MODEL FOR MULTI-CHANNEL COLLIMATOR IN PHOTON IMAGING INCLUDING EXTRA-GEOMETRIC PHOTONS - The point spread function of a multi-channel collimator is modeled in photon imaging. The geometric aperture used in the point spread function is expanded to account for penetration, scattering, and/or imperfections of the collimator. The aperture is broadened using a weight that is a function of the distance of the source from the collimator. Rather than scaling the point spread function itself, the geometric aperture used in the point spread function is scaled to an effective aperture. The distance and geometric constraints may be used to determine the geometric aperture, but an additional broadening occurs as a function of the distance to account for non-ideal photon paths of travel. This additional broadening may improve the fidelity with respect to measured data relative to purely geometric or Gaussian models. | 11-14-2013 |
20130297331 | Medical Imaging Guideline Compliance System - A system supports medical imaging compliance with guideline and reimbursement requirements using at least one repository and a compliance processor. The at least one repository associates information including, specific reimbursement requirements of a patient insurance company with an imaging protocol compliant with predetermined guidelines for imaging a particular anatomical feature and with a specific type of imaging device and with multiple different steps of the imaging protocol. The compliance processor uses the information in, determining whether a particular imaging protocol for imaging a particular anatomical feature of a particular patient on a particular type of imaging device is compliant with the guidelines and the reimbursement requirements and identifying at least one of, (a) a missing step and (b) an incorrect step, in the particular imaging protocol. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296743 | Ultrasound for Therapy Control or Monitoring - Therapy control and/or monitoring is performed with an ultrasound scanner. The ultrasound scanner detects temperature to monitor therapy, and perform HIFU beam location refocusing of the therapy system based on the temperature. The monitoring is synchronized with the therapy using a trigger output of the ultrasound scanner. The trigger output responds to a scan sequence of the ultrasound scanner. To meet a given therapy plan, the scan sequence is customized, resulting in the customized trigger sequence. Three dimensional or multi-planar reconstruction rendering is used to represent temperature for monitoring feedback. The temperature at locations not being treated may be monitored. If the temperature has an undesired characteristic (e.g., too high), then the therapy is controlled by ceasing, at least temporarily. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294665 | Component Frame Enhancement for Spatial Compounding in Ultrasound Imaging - Steered spatial compounding is provided in ultrasound imaging. Component frames of data associated with different spatial response are processed to identify different sources of signals. Matched filtering and/or spatial variance with erosion distinguish between sources of signals, such as distinguishing between ( | 11-07-2013 |
20130290019 | Context Based Medical Documentation System - A system populates a medical imaging examination report of a patient with generated text. An interface receives a patient identifier and data identifying characteristics of a medical imaging examination. At least one repository stores information derived using the patient identifier and the data identifying characteristics of the medical imaging examination. The information associates patient medical history data including, a patient diagnosis and a patient prior medical condition with medical imaging examination type and image acquisition characteristics including anatomical region imaged. A report processor uses the information in automatically selecting a text phrase from multiple predetermined text phrases. The report processor automatically populates the selected text phrase into a medical imaging examination report and prompts user data entry. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281877 | Skin Temperature Control in Therapeutic Medical Ultrasound - Skin temperature is measured during medical ultrasound therapy. The temperature of a standoff between the transducer and skin is monitored. The temperature of the standoff relates to the skin temperature. The temperature, whether skin or standoff temperature, is used to control the therapy. The temperature feedback may allow for increased or optimize therapy levels. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281856 | Tongue Imaging in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound - Tongue imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Ultrasound data is processed to enhance the information from the tongue. The enhancement increases signal from the tongue, decreases other signals, or both. The resulting image may more clearly present the tongue or tongue surface for feedback to a patient or review by a speech therapist. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281818 | Medical Imaging System With Range Imaging-Based Control - A system includes a scanner configured to generate scan data of a patient volume or area, a processor configured to implement control operations, the control operations being directed to acquisition of the scan data or to processing of the scan data, and a monitoring system including a range imaging camera positioned for a field of view such that the monitoring system is configured to capture spatial data indicative of movement of an object spaced from the scanner. The processor is configured to implement an adjustment in the control operations based on the spatial data. | 10-24-2013 |
20130274589 | System Scan Timing by Ultrasound Contrast Agent Study - Scan timing of contrast agent study is provided. Ultrasound is used to determine timing of contrast agent inflow and/or outflow. The timing based on the ultrasound scanning controls scanning for MR or CT imaging. The MR or CT contrast agent imaging for MR or CT contrast agents may be synchronized using the ultrasound contrast agent flow. | 10-17-2013 |
20130267841 | Extracting Application Dependent Extra Modal Information from an Anatomical Imaging Modality for use in Reconstruction of Functional Imaging Data - Segmentation is provided in multi-modal reconstruction of functional information. Rather than using HU values for segmentation, the HU values are converted into linear attenuation coefficients, such as in a μ-map (Mu map). The conversion uses different functions for different ranges of the HU values. Linear attenuation coefficients are less likely subject to variation by patient, protocol, or scanner. The resulting segmentation may be more consistent across various clinical settings, providing for more accurate multi-modal reconstruction. | 10-10-2013 |
20130266135 | System for DNA Identification Hiding Personal Traits - A system for DNA sequence identification hides personal and medical characteristics. A DNA sequencer processes a biological sample to provide genetic data identifying biological sample genetic marker variations of multiple different markers from corresponding reference markers. An encoding processor one way encrypts the genetic data into an encrypted code using an encryption key. A comparator compares the encrypted code with multiple encrypted codes retrieved from storage to identify a match and biological sample source. The multiple encrypted codes are derived by encrypting genetic data of multiple different biological samples using the encryption key and the multiple different biological samples are associated with corresponding identifiers of their respective biological sample sources. | 10-10-2013 |
20130255937 | HIGH SPEED CEMENT BOND LOGGING AND INTERACTIVE TARGETED INTERVENTION - A method for cement bond logging and targeted intervention, including lowering a cylindrical n×m array of ultrasound (US) transducers into a well, firing the US transducers to transmit US signals into a well casing, converting reflected US signals received by the transducers into electronic form and transmit the converted signals to a control unit, analyzing the converted signals to detect holidays, if a holiday is detected, determining a position and angle of the holiday with respect to the transducers, and applying a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) signal to the well casing to fill the holiday. | 10-03-2013 |
20130251225 | Motion Compensated MR Imaging System - A method provides motion corrected MR image data in an MR imaging system. The method employs an imaging method for acquiring k-space data of a k-space data array during an imaging scan and the k-space data represents image data of a patient anatomical region. The method acquires k-space data associated with a central region of the k-space data array and subsequently acquires k-space data external to the central region of the k-space data array. The method acquires a motion signal indicating respiratory motion at least during the acquisition of the k-space data external to the central region and compares the motion signal with a predetermined threshold. The method identifies acquired k-space data corresponding to acquisition periods when the motion signal exceeds the threshold and excludes use of the identified acquired k-space data in image reconstruction using the remaining acquired k-space data. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251219 | Medical Image Quality Monitoring and Improvement System - A medical image quality reporting and monitoring system for use in a medical imaging system comprises a medical image computer including, a display processor, a display and a report generator. The display processor generates data representing an image for display including a user selectable image element enabling a user to identify at least one medical image as having an image quality deficiency. The display presents the image. The report generator, in response to detection of selection of the image element, identifying at least one medical reduced quality image as having an image quality deficiency, automatically generates a report. The report comprises, data representing an anonymized reduced quality image having the image quality deficiency, a time of acquisition of the reduced quality image and imaging system acquisition settings used in acquiring the reduced quality image. | 09-26-2013 |
20130245478 | Adaptive Cardiac Data Patient Filter System - A system for adaptively processing patient monitoring signals comprises an input processor for acquiring a signal having amplitude representing electrical activity of a patient heart over time. A signal processor identifies different portions of the signal associated with different phases of cardiac activity by, inverting the signal to provide an inverted signal, aligning the signal and the inverted signal in amplitude during a cardiac rest portion and identifying one or more of the different portions in response to an intersection point of the signal and the inverted signal. Multiple adaptive signal filters are used to filter multiple bandwidths of corresponding different portions of the signal. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245441 | Pressure-Volume with Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging - Pressure-volume analysis is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The heart of a patient is scanned multiple times during a given cycle. B-mode and flow information are obtained for various times. The flow information is used to estimate pressure over time. A reference pressure, such as from a cuff, may be used to calibrate the pressure waveform. The B-mode information is used to determine a heart volume over time, such as a left ventricle volume over time. The heart volume over time and pressure over time are plotted, providing a pressure-volume loop. The pressure-volume loop is determined non-invasively with ultrasound. | 09-19-2013 |
20130239331 | Inflation Support System for MR Guided HIFU - A support device has an inflatable element positioned above a top side of a table, above which a patient can be positioned. The table is part of, and movable into and out of a bore of, a medical imaging machine. The inflatable element can have one or more fluid fillable cells selectively inflatable and deflatable to alter a position of a patent relative to the top side of the table. The support device can be employed in a system having a control apparatus coupled to the support device and operable to inflate and deflate the inflatable element to alter the position of a patient supported by the table. | 09-19-2013 |
20130225994 | High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Registration with Imaging - High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is registered with imaging. The effects of transmission from a HIFU transducer, such as a rise in temperature, are detected by a separate imaging system. By using multiple transmissions, a plurality of locations of the transmissions from the HIFU transducer are determined within the imaging system coordinates. A transform relating the imaging system coordinates to the HIFU transducer coordinates is determined from the detected effects. The transform may be used to relate locations indicated in images of the imaging system with coordinates of the HIFU transducer for application of HIFU. The imaging system may not have to scan the HIFU transducer or fiducials and a fixed relationship may not be needed. | 08-29-2013 |
20130218038 | System for Non-invasive Cardiac Output Determination - A method determines cardiac output or stroke volume by receiving signal data representing multiple parameters of a patient concurrently acquired over a particular time period and comprising at least one of, (a) a parameter derived from an ECG waveform of the patient, (b) a parameter derived from a blood pressure signal of the patient, (c) a parameter derived from signal data representing oxygen content of blood of the patient and (d) a parameter derived from a patient cardiac impedance value. A selected parameter of the multiple concurrently acquired parameters is used in calculating a heart stroke volume of the patient comprising volume of blood transferred through the blood vessel in a heart cycle, in response to, a combination of a weighted summation of values of the selected parameter over the particular time period. Data representing the calculated heart stroke volume is provided to a destination device. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218011 | Visualization of Associated Information in Ultrasound Shear Wave Imaging - Information associated with shear calculation is also displayed in ultrasound shear wave imaging. More information than just a shear wave image is provided for diagnosis. Information about the quality or variables used to determine shear is also displayed. This additional information may assist the user in determining whether the shear information indicates tissue characteristics or unreliable shear calculation. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216119 | System for Suppressing Vascular Structure in Medical Images - A system generates medical image data representing smaller vessels including capillaries of a region of patient anatomy. An image data processor identifies pixels of larger vessels in individual images of difference images where the larger vessels have a size exceeding a predetermined threshold size. The image data processor generates an enhanced visualization small vessel image comprising substantially peak luminance values of individual pixels exclusive of pixels of the identified larger vessels. A peak luminance value of an individual pixel is generated in response to a peak luminance value of luminance values of pixels, spatially corresponding to the individual pixel and present in images comprising the plurality of temporally sequential individual difference images. An output processor outputs substantially peak luminance values as a vessel image. | 08-22-2013 |
20130211253 | On-axis Shear Wave Characterization with Ultrasound - Shear wave imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. The generation of a shear wave with acoustic energy forms a pseudo shear wave (an apparent wave) traveling towards the transducer. Transmission and reception along a single line may be used to detect the pseudo shear wave traveling towards the transducer. The shear velocity or characteristic may be determined without reception along multiple laterally spaced scan lines. One transmission to generate the shear wave may be used. With multi-beam receive or without, calculating shear velocity from along a single line allows rapid determination. | 08-15-2013 |
20130199019 | Markers for a medical ultrasound imaging catheter - A catheter is provided for medical ultrasound imaging that can be effectively used in combination with other imaging modalities to detect medical structures of interest as well as the catheter. Markers are added to the catheter with precision, which provides a means to merge the images from different modalities. Using a template, apertures for marker placement are formed in the catheter after creating the catheter housing. The ultrasound array may be used for accurate positioning of the template. Alternatively or additionally, a rigid insert with markers connects with the array. The insert holds the markers in place and may reduce artifacts in ultrasound scanning due to flexing of the array. | 08-08-2013 |
20130190637 | System for Monitoring and Diagnosis of Cardiac Electrogram Signals Using Multi-Dimensional Analysis - An analyzer automatically analyzes both, a common portion of multiple successive heart cycles of electrophysiological signal data synchronized with respect to a P wave and a common portion of multiple successive heart cycles of the signal data synchronized with respect to an R wave, to identify changes occurring in amplitude value and time duration of the common portion of the multiple successive heart cycles of the signal data. A display processor initiates generation of at least one display image showing the common portion of the multiple successive heart cycles synchronized in time, adjacent and mutually vertically displaced to facilitate visual comparison and highlighting an identified change by a visual attribute. | 07-25-2013 |
20130187649 | System for Motion Corrected MR Diffusion Imaging - A system determines motion correction data for use in diffusion MR imaging using an RF signal generator and magnetic field gradient generator which sequentially acquire in a single first direction through a volume, first and second slice sets individually comprising multiple individual diffusion image slices. The first set of slices and the second set of slices are spatially interleaved within the volume, by providing in acquiring the second slice set, a low flip angle RF pulse successively followed by a non-diffusion image data readout magnetic field gradient for acquisition of data representing a two dimensional (2D) non-diffusion image used for motion detection of the first slice set successively followed by, a first diffusion imaging RF pulse followed by a first diffusion imaging phase encoding magnetic field gradient for preparation for acquiring data representing a diffusion image slice of the second slice set. | 07-25-2013 |
20130185090 | System for Preplanning Placement of Imaging Equipment and Medical Workers In an Operating Room - A medical procedure planning system uses a repository of information associating a type of interventional medical procedure with image acquisition angles used for acquiring images during a particular type of interventional medical procedure and with positions of workers having particular roles in a procedure in an operating room and with corresponding different stages of a medical procedure. A position processor, in response to receiving data identifying a medical procedure type, automatically uses the information and predetermined data identifying location and dimensions of an X-ray system C-arm and a patient support table in determining positions of a C-arm and workers at different stages of a medical procedure of the medical procedure type. A display processor provides a display image showing the determined positions of the C-arm and workers at different stages of the medical procedure. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184571 | Active system and method for imaging with an intra-patient probe - Registration is provided for imaging with an intra-patient probe. The intra-patient probe is used for imaging or the imaging is, at least in part, of the intra-patient probe. Either approach for imaging with an intra-patient probe uses active transitions for registration. In one embodiment, one or more markers in the intra-patient probe are moveable relative to the intra-patient probe, allowing avoidance of occlusions and providing more reliable marker detection for registration. In another embodiment, a value of a parameter for imaging with at least one modality is changed so that acceptable or better registration with an image of another modality may be made. The imaging is repeated with differences, such as field-of-view or scale, allowing for registration for different types of modalities. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184559 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compatible Positron Emission Tomography Detector - A compact magnetic resonance imaging compatible positron emission tomography detector. The detector has integrated mechanical and electrical subcomponents. The detector uses a cooling channel which does not interfere with magnetic resonance imaging. The layout and selection of electrical subcomponents of the detector, along with a magnetic resonance compatible cooling strategy, enables the detector to function in a magnetic resonance imaging environment. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183238 | Formulation, Apparatus and Method for Stabilizing Radiopharmaceuticals - A formulation for stabilizing a radiopharmaceutical. The formulation includes a radiopharmaceutical (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), a gas which has oxygen, a stabilizer, and a solvent. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183234 | Compositions Useful for Target, Detection, Imaging and Treatment, and Methods of Production and Use Thereof - Compositions useful for target detection, imaging and treatment, as well as methods of production and use thereof, are disclosed herein. | 07-18-2013 |
20130182008 | Symmetry-Based Visualization for Enhancing Anomaly Detection - Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating symmetry-based visualization. In accordance with one aspect of the framework, one or more medical images are received. The medical images include first and second regions, wherein the first region is substantially symmetric to the second region. A transformation is performed on at least the second region to generate a transformed second region. The transformed second region is registered with the first region to generate an aligned second region. The aligned second region and the first region are then alternately displayed to assist anomaly detection. | 07-18-2013 |
20130158422 | System for Cardiac Arrhythmia Detection and Characterization - A system for analyzing cardiac electrophysiological signals includes an acquisition processor for acquiring signal data representing heart electrical activity over multiple heart cycles. An individual heart cycle comprises a signal portion between successive sequential R waves. A time interval detector uses a signal peak detector for detecting multiple successive time intervals including individual time intervals comprising a time interval between a first peak occurring in a first heart cycle and a second peak occurring in at least one of, (a) a successive sequential second heart cycle and (b) a third heart cycle successive and sequential to the second heart cycle. A data processor processes the multiple detected successive time intervals by, determining at least one interval parameter of, a mean, variance and standard deviation of the time intervals and generating an alert message in response to the interval parameter. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158385 | Therapeutic Ultrasound for Use with Magnetic Resonance - Therapeutic ultrasound applicator is provided for use with magnetic resonance system. An array of many elements, such as a multi-dimensional array, is used. To avoid cabling, the transmitters are positioned at the array. The array and transmitters are shielded to reduce interference. To avoid large inductors for the many elements, an acoustic matching layer may be sized to provide a desired phase angle or electrical impedance matching. | 06-20-2013 |
20130141098 | Alignment Phantom for MR/PET System - A phantom for co-registering a magnetic resonance image and a nuclear medical image is disclosed. The phantom includes a longitudinal member having a first end cap and a second end cap and a chamber contained within the longitudinal member. The chamber contains a fluid for producing a first image using a first imaging modality. The phantom further includes a first rod disposed within the chamber of the longitudinal member. The first rod contains a radioactive substance for producing a second image using a second imaging modality. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139110 | User Interface Image Navigation System for Use in Medical or Other Applications - A user interface medical image display navigation system comprises a user interface enabling a user to enter data and commands. A display processor generates data representing at least one display image window including, a current medical image, a navigation configuration element enabling user selection of a group of images for navigation, a navigation window concurrently displayed with the current medical image and an image element enabling a user to navigate through the user selected group and alter multiple reduced size medical images. The at least one display image window presents the multiple reduced size medical images of the user selected group in a row and column matrix including a reduced size current medical image. The multiple reduced size medical images are substantially smaller than the current medical image and enabling user selection of one of the reduced size medical images as a new current medical image. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136322 | Image-Based Detection Using Hierarchical Learning - Systems and methods are provided for detecting anatomical components in images. In accordance with one implementation, at least one anchor landmark is detected in an image. The position of the anchor landmark is used to detect at least one bundle landmark in the image. In accordance with another implementation, at least two neighboring landmarks are detected in an image, and used to detect at least one anatomical primitive in the image. | 05-30-2013 |
20130123630 | Adaptive Image Optimization in Induced Wave Ultrasound Imaging - Adaptive image optimization is provided in induced wave ultrasound imaging. The values for various transmit and receive parameters may be set adaptively. Based on feedback from use with a given patient, the values are set to better optimize signal-to-noise ratio, off-time, tracking accuracy or other consideration. Transmit frequency, F-number, line spacing, tracking pulse repetition frequency, line sampling count, and/or push pulse amplitude values may adapt. | 05-16-2013 |
20130121457 | Patient Positioning System - A system includes acquisition of a three-dimensional computed tomography image of a patient volume at a computed tomography scanner, acquisition of projection images of the patient volume located at an isocenter of a linear accelerator, and determination of a transformation between a coordinate system of the linear accelerator and a coordinate system of the three-dimensional computed tomography image based on the projection images. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119990 | SYSTEM FOR ORDERING FREQUENCY DOMAIN COMPONENTS REPRESENTING MR IMAGE DATA - A system orders acquisition of frequency domain components representing MR image data for storage in a storage array (e.g., k-space). A storage array of individual data elements stores corresponding individual frequency components comprising an MR dataset. The array of individual data elements has a designated center and individual data elements individually have a radius to the designated center. A magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field for use in acquiring multiple individual frequency components corresponding to individual data elements in the storage array. The individual frequency components are successively acquired in an order in which radius of respective corresponding individual data elements increases and decreases as the multiple individual frequency components are sequentially acquired during acquisition of an MR dataset representing an MR image. A storage processor stores individual frequency components acquired using the magnetic field in corresponding individual data elements in the array. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119259 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COOLING POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER DETECTOR CRYSTALS - Detector crystals in a positron emission tomography (PET) apparatus gantry are cooled by directing cooling gas flow into a cooling duct bounded by the crystals and a cover defining the patient scanning field within the gantry. The cooling gas cools the crystals. Cooling gas may also be directed radially outwardly from the cooling duct into spatial gaps defined between detector enclosures that include the crystals, further isolating heat generated by other components within gantry from the detector crystals. Cooling gas is provided by a cooling system that may be incorporated within the gantry, external the gantry or a combination of both. Cooling gas can be provided by directing air within the gantry in contact with internal gantry cooling tubes and routing cooled air directly into the cooling duct with a powered fan. | 05-16-2013 |
20130116681 | System for Automatic Medical Ablation Control - A system provides heart ablation unit control. The system includes an input processor for acquiring electrophysiological signal data from multiple tissue locations of a heart and data indicating tissue thickness at the multiple tissue locations. A signal processor processes the acquired electrophysiological signal data to identify location of particular tissue sites of the multiple tissue locations exhibiting electrical abnormality in the acquired electrophysiological signal data and determines an area of abnormal tissue associated with individual sites of the particular sites. An ablation controller automatically determines ablation pulse characteristics for use in ablating cardiac tissue at an individual site of the particular tissue sites in response to the acquired data indicating the thickness of tissue and determined area of abnormality of the individual site. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116545 | System for Cardiac MR & MR Cine Imaging Using Parallel Image Processing - A system for cardiac MR imaging receives a heart rate signal representing heart electrical activity. The system, over multiple successive heart cycles, uses multiple MR imaging RF coils in gradient echo imaging a patient heart, synchronized with the heart rate signal and uses an inversion recovery pulse for inverting myocardium tissue MR signal for an individual heart cycle, to acquire, within multiple individual successive portions of an individual heart cycle, corresponding successive multiple patient heart images. An individual image of an individual heart cycle portion is derived from multiple heart image representative data sets comprising a reduced set of k-space data elements acquired using corresponding multiple coils of the RF imaging coils. An image generator generates an MR image of an individual heart cycle portion using the multiple heart image representative data sets comprising the reduced set of k-space data elements. | 05-09-2013 |
20130109958 | System for Orientation and Display of Ultrasound Imaging Data | 05-02-2013 |
20130100345 | Imaging System Warp Correction with Phantom Assembly - A device for imaging system warp correction includes an object including an imaging phantom, the object being configured for placement of the imaging phantom adjacent a scanning interface of a detector, and a mounting cap coupled to the object and configured to be secured to the detector to establish the placement of the imaging phantom adjacent the scanning interface of the detector. The mounting cap includes a plurality of alignment features configured to align the object and the mounting cap. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098983 | Bar-code Assignment System for Medical & Other Uses - A bar code generation and processing system for medical and other use comprises at least one repository and a bar code processor. The at least one repository of information includes, identification data of multiple bar code scanners and also associates a bar code displayed in an image associated with an executable application and presented on a device with, the executable application and at least one of, (a) the device and (b) a data destination associated with the application. The bar code processor receives identification data of a bar code scanner and data representing the bar code displayed in the image and uses the information in associating the bar code with the data destination associated with the application and a particular bar code scanner of the multiple bar code scanners. The bar code processor communicates data acquired using the particular bar code scanner to the data destination in response to the association. | 04-25-2013 |
20130094734 | System for Comparison of Medical Images - A system automatically processes different medical image sequences facilitating comparison of the sequences in adjacent respective display areas. An image data processor, identifies first and second mask images of first and second image sequences respectively as images preceding introduction of contrast agent and determines a translational shift between the first and second mask images. The image data processor transforms data representing individual images of at least one of the first image sequence and the second image sequence in response to the determined translational shift to reduce mis-alignment of the individual images of the first image sequence relative to the individual images of the second image sequence. A display presents first and second image sequences corrected for mis-alignment, in substantially adjacent display areas to facilitate user comparison. | 04-18-2013 |
20130090547 | Combined Imaging Modalities for Radiation Treatment Planning - A system includes acquisition of a first three-dimensional image of a patient volume using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, acquisition of a second three-dimensional image of the patient volume using cone beam radiation emitted by the linear accelerator, and generation of a radiation treatment plan based on the first image and the second image. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087712 | Metal Halide Scintillators With Reduced Hygroscopicity and Method of Making the Same - The present disclosure discloses, in one arrangement, a scintillator material made of a metal halide with one or more additional group-13 elements. An example of such a compound is Ce:LaBr | 04-11-2013 |
20130087711 | Rare-Earth Metal Halide Scintillators with Reduced Hygroscopicity and Method of Making the Same - The present disclosure discloses rare earth metal halide scintillators compositions with reduced hygroscopicity. Compositions in specific implementations include three group of elements: Lanthanides, (La, Ce, Lu, Gd or V), elements in group 17 of the periodic table of elements (CI, Br and I) and elements of group 13 (B, AI, Ga, In, TI), and any combination of these elements. Examples of methods for making the compositions are also disclosed. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087710 | Trigger Methods in Nuclear Medical Imaging - Disclosed herein are a system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for determining a time pickoff for both digital and analog photomultiplier circuits. Rather than basing time pickoff on the leading edge of a photomultiplier signal crossing a threshold or the first signal from a digital photomultiplier, a method for more accurate time calculations is disclosed. The system searches for peak values associated with the signal using differentiation, peak hold searching, and Gaussian distributions. Based on these calculations and comparisons, a more accurate time pickoff is determined. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087094 | Composite Crucible For Crystal Growth - A composite crucible comprising an iridium alloy sidewall and an iridium bottom. The iridium alloy is selected from the group consisting of iridium, rhenium, rhodium and tungsten. In some embodiments the iridium alloy comprises about 99 to 95 parts iridium and about 1 to 5 five parts rhenium. The crucible can be fabricated by rolling a flat sheet of iridium alloy into a cylinder and affixing an iridium circular bottom to one end of the cylinder. Seams can be welded to complete the composite crucible structure. | 04-11-2013 |
20130086163 | Healthcare Information System Interface Supporting Social Media and Related Applications - A system automatically securely shares patient information via social media networks. The system comprises at least one repository of information including, a patient profile including, patient name, data identifying information items shareable via at least one social media network and patient contact information and communication information supporting compatible communication with at least one social media network. A configuration processor enables the profile to be established for the patient in response to user data entry. A communication processor automatically, uses the communication information in generating at least one message for sharing at least one of the shareable information items and communicates the at least one generated message to a social media network. The at least one message is compatible with a social media network. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085375 | Optimal Respiratory Gating In Medical Imaging - Methods and computer-readable mediums are provided for obtaining an optimally gated medical image. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that acquires medical images in list mode. The method also acquires a respiration correlated signal S(t). Thereafter, a final upper strain threshold value and a final lower strain threshold value pair that has a narrowest interval are selected. The medical images are synchronized with the respiration correlated signal S(t). The synchronized images and signal are used to create an optimally gated medical image. In various embodiments, the disclosed optimal gating can be utilized in PET systems and in other embodiments the disclosed optimal gating can be utilized in SPECT systems. In yet other embodiments, the optimally gated images can be matched to MRI systems and in still other embodiments, the optimally gated images can be matched to CT systems. | 04-04-2013 |
20130080414 | System for Dynamically and Quickly Generating a Report and Request for Quotation - A system generates a request for quotation for a healthcare information system function using a stored template quotation format and multiple different quotation related data fields associated with multiple different healthcare information system elements. A search engine receives user entered text data associated with a desired healthcare information system element and searches stored information to identify multiple different quotation related data fields associated with a healthcare information system element in response to the entered text data. A quotation generator generates a display image showing items representing the identified multiple different quotation related data fields enabling a user to populate a template executable application image window with one or more of the identified data fields and initiate obtaining a quotation for providing the image window. | 03-28-2013 |
20130077846 | System and Method for Measuring Hole Orientation for SPECT Collimators - A method for performing reconstruction of single photon emission computed tomographic images wherein forward and/or backward projection steps in the reconstruction utilize measured collimator hole orientation angles, whereby the reconstructed tomographic images have improved image resolution and reduced distortion and artifact content. | 03-28-2013 |
20130077844 | Doseless Emission Tomography Attenuation Correction - Systems and methods for generating corrected emission tomography images are provided. A method includes obtaining a reconstructed image based on emission tomography data of a head of a patient and defining a boundary region in the reconstructed image estimating a position of a skull of the patient in the reconstructed image. The method also includes generating a map of attenuation coefficient values for the reconstructed image based on the boundary region. The reconstructed image can then be adjusted based on the map. In the method, the attenuation coefficient values within the boundary region are selected to correspond to an attenuation coefficient value for bone and the attenuation coefficient values for the portion of the image surrounded by the boundary region are selected to correspond to an attenuation value for tissue. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075630 | Collimator for Medical Imaging and Fabrication Method - A photon collimator, suitable for use in medical imaging equipment, is constructed from a block of photon-attenuating material, such as solid tungsten or molybdenum alloy that defines a plurality of integrally formed septa slats. Each slat has an elongated length dimension greater than thickness and depth dimensions, and is oriented in an opposed pattern array that is laterally spaced relative to its respective thickness dimension. An aperture channel is defined between each pair of opposed slats. Rows of integrally formed slats in one block or separately affixed blocks may be stacked on each other at skewed angles to form two-dimensional grids of apertures having polygonal cross sections. The slats may be formed by electric discharge or laser thermal ablation machining, such as by a sequential passing of an EDM wire cutting head along the pattern array, repeating sequential cutting of respective channel depth and width. | 03-28-2013 |
20130072806 | System for Cardiac Arrhythmia Detection and Characterization - A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and at least one signal processor. The input processor receives, sampled data representing a patient blood pressure signal and a concurrently acquired electrocardiogram (ECG) signal representing heart electrical activity of the patient. The at least one signal processor, synchronizes the patient blood pressure signal and the heart electrical activity signal, identifies at least two points of a heart electrical activity signal cycle, integrates signal data values representing the amplitude of the patient blood pressure signal of a segment between the identified two points to derive an integral value over time duration of the segment representing an area under the blood pressure signal waveform between the identified two points and in response to the derived integral value, initiates generation of a message associated with a medical condition of the patient. | 03-21-2013 |
20130070898 | Prediction-based breathing control apparatus for radiation therapy - Some aspects include a system, medium, and method for receiving an indication of occurrences of a substantially periodic treatment opportunity for a target volume of a patient from a motion detection device, the treatment opportunity being a period of time the target volume is in a position to be irradiated according to a burst mode treatment plan to be administered by a radiotherapy device; determining a future treatment opportunity for a target volume of a patient; beginning synchronization of a prescribed delivery period of burst mode irradiation and the future treatment opportunity; presenting, to the patient, an indication of timing data indicative of a time until the prescribed delivery period of burst mode irradiation will occur; and irradiating the target volume during the synchronization of the future treatment opportunity and the prescribed delivery period of burst mode irradiation. | 03-21-2013 |
20130066204 | Classification Preprocessing in Medical Ultrasound Shear Wave Imaging - Classification preprocessing is provided for medical ultrasound shear wave imaging. In response to stress, the displacement at one or more locations in a patient is measured. The displacement over time is a curve representing a shift in location. One or more characteristics of the curve, such as signal-to-noise ratio and maximum displacement, are used to classify the location. The location is classified as fluid or fluid tissue, solid tissue, or non-determinative. Subsequent shear imaging may provide shear information for locations of solid tissue and not at other locations. | 03-14-2013 |
20130062525 | Positron Emission Tomography Block Detector Interconnect - Using standard or “off the shelf” cable to interconnect between the PET block detector and the detector circuit may save substantial costs given the number of PMTs in a PET system. Given space constraints, simple maintenance with reduced risk of disturbing cabling is desired, making ongoing use of standard cabling without adding further cabling desired. To implement digital gain control, a further communication is provided between the PET detector block and the detector circuit. Since the standard cable may not have additional wires for such communications and to reduce timing degradation, the PMT signals are combined, such as generating position and energy signals at the PET detector block. The four PMT signals are reduced to three signals without reduction in function, allowing a fourth twisted pair of wires in a CAT5 cable to be used for digital gain control. | 03-14-2013 |
20130058554 | Grid Computing on Radiology Network - A grid computing system and method is provided for medical data processing. The grid computing system comprises a software infrastructure, and an imaging device capable of interfacing with the software infrastructure over a distributed electronic network. Also included is a plurality of CPUs capable of interfacing with the software infrastructure over the network. The performance of the plurality of CPUs is dependent on balancing load. A large medical dataset is split onto several processing nodes of the plurality of CPUs, respectively, such that performance and power is increased. In the grid computing method, a grid is limited to a nuclear medicine or radiology network. A tight and easy configuration management of computing nodes, and a tight load balancing between standardized nodes are provided. An existing network of CPUs is utilized, such that the greatest benefit is provided at the lowest cost. | 03-07-2013 |
20130058551 | Complementary PET Reconstruction - Using complementary reconstruction, images from short time frames may be generated for positron emission tomography. Detected events are gathered over a long period, such as three minutes. The detected events from a short period, such as one or two seconds, are removed. Reconstruction is performed on the detected events from the long period and another reconstruction is performed on the detected events from the long period without the detected events from the short period. The second reconstruction is subtracted from the first, providing data representing the short period. The data may result in better image quality than merely reconstructing an individual frame for the short period. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056639 | Timing Response Improvement in Light-Sharing Detectors - A method for improving timing response in light-sharing scintillation detectors is disclosed. The method includes detecting an event, by a plurality of photo sensors, from a scintillation crystal. The method then includes sampling and digitizing the photo sensor outputs by an analog-to-digital converter. Then the method includes correcting associated timing data, by a processor, for each of the photo sensor outputs based on a lookup table. The method then includes selectively time shifting the photo sensor outputs based on the lookup table to generate corrected photo sensor outputs. The method then includes summing the corrected photo sensor outputs by the processor. The method then includes generating an event time, by the processor, for the detected event based on the sum of the corrected photo sensor outputs. | 03-07-2013 |
20130046558 | System and Method for Identifying Inconsistent and/or Duplicate Data in Health Records - A method of identifying information in electronic medical records includes receiving one or more electronic medical records extracted from at least one source. Each of the one or more electronic medical records has medical information of at least one medical patient. The method also includes analyzing, via a processor, the medical information by comparing different portions of data in the medical information. The method further includes identifying, via the processor, at least one of: (i) the different portions of data in the medical information as inconsistent data; and (ii) the different portions of the data in the medical information as duplicate data. | 02-21-2013 |
20130034286 | Registration of Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography - Emission tomography is registered with computed tomography or other modality in reconstruction. The anatomical information is used in the emission tomography reconstruction. In addition to an initial registration to use the anatomical information in the reconstruction, the registration is refined one or more times during other iterations refining the reconstruction of the emission volume. The registration is performed as part of the reconstruction. This multi-modal reconstruction may result in an emission tomography volume better aligned with the anatomical information. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032722 | Radiation Detection With Optical Amplification - A device for detecting ionizing radiation includes a radiation interaction region configured to generate light in response to an interaction with the ionizing radiation, an optical gain medium region in optical communication with the radiation interaction region and configured to amplify the light, and an energy source coupled to the optical gain medium region and configured to maintain a state of population inversion in the optical gain medium region. The optical gain medium region has an emission wavelength that corresponds with a wavelength of the light generated by the radiation interaction region. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032721 | PET Scanner with Emission and Transmission Structures in a Checkerboard Configuration - Apparatuses, computer-readable mediums, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a positron emission tomography (“PET”) detector array is provided which includes a plurality of crystal elements arranged in a two-dimensional checkerboard configuration. In addition, there are empty spaces in the checkerboard configuration. In various embodiments, the empty spaces are filled with passive shielding, transmission source assemblies, biopsy instruments, surgical instruments, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In various embodiments, the crystal elements and the transmission source assemblies simultaneously perform emission/transmission acquisitions. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032706 | Optical Simulation-Based Time-Of-Flight Compensation and PET System Configuration - A method of configuring a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (PET) system includes determining a set of parameters of a detector of the PET system. Each parameter is configured to affect photon travel within the detector. The method further includes simulating operation of the detector to generate a photon detection timing data profile for a plurality of depth of interaction (DOI) positions within the detector via a simulation model of the detector configured in accordance with the set of parameters, and determining a time-of-flight correction factor for each DOI position of the plurality of DOI positions based on the simulated operation. The correction factor is indicative of a time offset of the photon detection timing data profile. | 02-07-2013 |
20130028496 | Simultaneous Reconstruction of Emission Activity and Attenuation Coefficient Distribution from TOF Data, Acquired with External Shell Source - Methods, and systems therefrom, for generating images from time of flight (TOF) data associated with a scan of at least one object using a positron emission tomography system are provided. The method includes providing initial values for an activity image to yield a current activity image. The method also includes estimating initial values for an attenuation map (μ-map) image based on the TOF data to yield a current μ-map image. The method further includes repeating, until at least one termination condition is met, the steps of updating the current activity image based on at least the current μ-map and a first update algorithm and updating the current μ-map image based on at least on the updated activity image and a second update algorithm. The method also includes outputting an image of the at least one object based on the current μ-map and the current activity image. | 01-31-2013 |
20130026353 | Conical Water-Equivalent Phantom Design for Beam Hardening Correction in Preclinical Micro-CT - Apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable mediums are provided that utilize a phantom to correct attenuation due to beam hardening. The phantom includes a calibration tip attached to a proximal end of a portion. The portion has a diameter that increases incrementally from the proximal end of the portion towards a distal end of the portion (e.g., a substantially conical shape, a substantially convex shape, a substantially concave shape, or a series of adjacent steps). In another embodiment, a method is provided in which the phantom is scanned and an image of the phantom is reconstructed. Thereafter, an x-ray path length and estimated attenuation coefficient are calculated. A sum of expected coefficients are also calculated. The calculations are used to generate an algorithm for beam hardening coefficients. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025054 | Flexible Bariatric Overlay - Apparatuses for assisting patient movement to/from a gurney to/from a patient handling system are provided. In one embodiment, a bariatric overlay is provided that includes a flexible top pallet and a rigid bottom pallet. A bladder resides between the flexible top pallet and the rigid bottom pallet. When actuated, the bladder expands and props up the flexible top pallet. The flexible top pallet, rigid bottom pallet, and bladder are made of a material translucent to an imaging modality. In various embodiments, the shape of the rigid bottom pallet is similar to the shape of a scanning bed of the patient handling system. For example, when the shape of the scanning bed is concave the rigid bottom pallet is concave in shape also. | 01-31-2013 |
20130021033 | System for Adapting an RF Transmission Magnetic Field for Image Acquisition - A system generates a Radio Frequency (RF) magnetic field in an MR imaging unit using an RF transmitting coil for generating a Radio Frequency (RF) magnetic field and multiple RF receiver coils for receiving RF signals for Magnetic Resonance (MR) image data acquisition. An RF transmission coil generates an RF magnetic field. An RF receiver coil receives an RF signal for MR image data acquisition and couples a magnetic field from the RF receiver coil to the RF transmission coil for adaptively altering the RF magnetic field generated by the RF transmission coil to reduce inhomogeneity in the RF magnetic field generated by the RF transmission coil in response to applying an RF pulse to the RF transmission coil. An adjustment processor adjusts characteristics of the RF receiver coil to alter the RF magnetic field generated by the RF transmission coil. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021030 | MR Imaging System for Automatically Providing Incidental Findings - A system automatically concurrently performs an MR image study acquisition and supplementary image data acquisition. The system includes a detector for providing a signal indicating individual portions of an imaging scan using a first imaging method have ceased. An image data processor automatically concurrently interleaves imaging of a first anatomical portion using the first imaging method and supplementary imaging of a second anatomical portion using a different second imaging method, in response to the signal. The image data processor incorporates identifier data in data representing images acquired using the second imaging method identifying images acquired using the second imaging method differently from images acquired using the first imaging method. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020512 | Modifiable Layered Shield Assembly - A shield for absorbing radiation emitted by a target during operation of a cyclotron. The shield includes an inner box structure having a recess for receiving the target. In addition, the shield includes a first plurality of shield elements arranged in a layered configuration about the inner box structure. The shield also includes an outer box structure for receiving the inner box structure and the first plurality of shield elements. Further, a second plurality of shield elements is arranged in a layered configuration about the outer box structure. The shield elements are arranged in both horizontal and vertical orientations and are removable. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020487 | Depth-of-Interaction in an Imaging Device | 01-24-2013 |
20130009267 | Providing Variable Cell Density and Sizes in a Radiation Detector - An apparatus and method to decrease light saturation in a photosensor array and increase detection efficiency uses a light distribution profile from a scintillator-photodetector geometry to configure the photosensor array to have a non-uniform sensor cell pattern, with varying cell density and/or varying cell size and shape. A solid-state photosensor such as a SiPM sensor having such a non-uniform cell structure realizes improved energy resolution, higher efficiency and increased signal linearity. In addition the non-uniform sensor cell array can have improved timing resolution due to improvements in statistical fluctuations. A particular embodiment for such photosensors is in PET medical imaging. | 01-10-2013 |