Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090216110 | Open Architecture Tabletop Patient Support and Coil System - A patient support structure for positioning a selected anatomy of interest for imaging in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is disclosed. The structure includes a receptacle for receiving a removable tray that includes connectors for connecting local RF coils housed in the array to the MRI scanner, and connectors for positioning the local RF coils adjacent an area of interest to be imaged. A structure for elevating the patient support is also disclosed. | 08-27-2009 |
20110034796 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUBSTANTIALLY IMMOBILIZING A BREAST FOR MEDICAL IMAGING PROCEDURE - Apparatus and methods are described for substantially immobilizing a breast for use in medical imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for substantially immobilizing a breast is provided, including a first support member connected to a first and second base, the bases capable of engagement with the torso of a patient, the first support member defining an inner area substantially covered by a first membrane. A corresponding second support member, defining a second inner area substantially covered by a second membrane, is engageable to the first support member such that the inner areas are substantially aligned to substantially immobilize a breast, the membranes defining a pocket to receive a breast. | 02-10-2011 |
20110134113 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING POSITIONS BETWEEN IMAGING MODALITIES AND TRANSFORMING A DISPLAYED THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE CORRESPONDING TO A POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF A PROBE - Systems and methods are provided for transforming a displayed three-dimensional image corresponding to a position and orientation of a field of view of an imaging probe. A three dimensional image of a tissue in a first co-ordinate space can be displayed. A field of view of an imaging probe in a second co-ordinate space can be configured, where the imaging probe has a plurality of transmitters removably connected to it, the transmitters operable to determine the position and orientation of the field of view relative to the positions of the transmitters in the second co-ordinate space. The first and second co-ordinate spaces can be co-registered, and the position and orientation of the field of view in the second co-ordinate space can be transformed to the first co-ordinate space. The three-dimensional image can be displayed to correspond to the transformed position and orientation of the field of view. | 06-09-2011 |
20120203095 | Systems and Methods for Trans-Orifice and Transperineal Intervention - An intervention apparatus is described having a probe with an orifice insertion portion, the insertion portion being configured for insertion into an orifice of a patient. The apparatus also having an intervention tool securement and adjustment mechanism removably attached to the probe. The probe providing support to hold the mechanism in a position relative to the patient, and the adjustment mechanism providing adjustment of an entry point and an angle of entry for an intervention tool to the patient. In embodiments, magnetic resonance imaging, trans-orifice intervention and transperineal intervention are described. Methods for imaging and/or intervention are also described. | 08-09-2012 |
20120242337 | MRI Imaging Probe - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe apparatus is described. The MRI imaging probe includes a coil section having an imaging coil, and a handle section connected to the coil section. The handle section having a phase shifter circuit with inductors, capacitors, and coax line electrically connected and configured to provide appropriate phase shift. The handle section further having a coaxial cable winding electrically connected to the imaging coil, and wound cylindrically, and having a slot therethrough between the ends of the cylindrical winding. The handle section further having a pre-amp circuit mounted on a substrate and electrically connected to the cylindrical coax winding. | 09-27-2012 |
20140276007 | Surgical Pointer Having Constant Pressure - A medical navigation system having a surgical pointer is provided. The surgical pointer is used in the medical navigation system. The surgical pointer comprises an external sheath and an internal tool having a proximal end and a distal end. The internal tool is contained at least partially within the external sheath. The internal tool has a tip at the distal end that extends beyond the external sheath. The tip engages a surface of a patient. The internal tool further has a tracking marker trackable by the navigation system. The surgical pointer further has a linking component contained at least partially within the external sheath and interfacing with the internal tool. The linking component is configured to control pressure exerted by the tip on the surface of the patient. | 09-18-2014 |
20150109427 | SURGICAL IMAGING SYSTEMS - Systems, methods and devices are provided for illuminating tissue with monochromatic or broadband light and imaging light that has been reflected back from the tissue. Imaging may be white-light imaging or hyperspectral imaging. The system can be a stand-alone hyperspectral imaging system, integrated as part of an external video scope, or as an auxiliary imaging module on an external videoscope. Various elements of a video scope that is particularly suited for minimally invasive surgery is first presented and then its configurations suitable for hyperspectral imaging are explained. | 04-23-2015 |
20150279088 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING POSITIONS BETWEEN IMAGING MODALITIES AND TRANSFORMING A DISPLAYED THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE CORRESPONDING TO A POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF A PROBE - Systems and methods are provided for transforming a displayed three-dimensional image corresponding to a position and orientation of a field of view of an imaging probe. A three dimensional image of a tissue in a first co-ordinate space can be displayed. A field of view of an imaging probe in a second co-ordinate space can be configured, where the imaging probe has a plurality of transmitters removably connected to it, the transmitters operable to determine the position and orientation of the field of view relative to the positions of the transmitters in the second co-ordinate space. The first and second co-ordinate spaces can be co-registered, and the position and orientation of the field of view in the second co-ordinate space can be transformed to the first co-ordinate space. The three-dimensional image can be displayed to correspond to the transformed position and orientation of the field of view. | 10-01-2015 |
20150351860 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATION AND SIMULATION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPY - Disclosed herein is navigation and simulation systems and methods for minimally invasive therapy in which the navigation system imports a planning method using patient specific pre-operative images. The navigation system uses intraoperative imaging during the medical procedure to update the preoperative images and provides images of tracked surgical tools along the surgical path prepared from the preoperative images. | 12-10-2015 |
20160000515 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC VALIDATION, CORRECTION OF REGISTRATION FOR SURGICAL NAVIGATION - Disclosed herein is a system and method for dynamic validation, correction of registration for surgical navigation during medical procedures on a patient which involves confirmation of registration between one or more previously registered virtual objects, such as surgical tools etc. in a common coordinate frame of a surgical navigation system and an operating room, and intra-operatively acquired imaging during the medical procedure in the common coordinate frame. The method includes displaying intra-operatively acquired imaging of the surgical field containing the one or more real objects corresponding to the one or more previously registered virtual objects, with the real objects being tracked by a tracking system. The method overlaying a virtual image containing the previously registered virtual objects onto the intra-operatively acquired imaging, from the point of view of the intra-operatively acquired imaging, and detecting for any misalignment between any one of the one or more previously registered virtual objects contained in the virtual image and its corresponding real object contained in the intra-operatively acquired imaging. | 01-07-2016 |
20160005169 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING TISSUE AND FIBER TRACT DEFORMATION - Disclosed herein is a method for producing an evolvable tissue model of a patient and, using this model, modelling physical transformations of the tissue (e.g. deformation) of the tissue model by interacting the tissue model with influence models which model interactions with the tissue such as surgical instruments, pressure, swelling, temperature changes etc. The model is produced from a set of input data of the tissue which includes directional information of the tissue. The directional information is used to produce an oriented tissue map. A tissue model is then produced from the oriented tissue map such that the tissue model reflects the directionality of the tissue component. When the tissue model is subjected to an influence that causes tissue deformation over a period of time, the tissue model directionally deforms over the period of time in a manner which reflects a trajectory of the influence interacting with the directionality of the tissue component. | 01-07-2016 |
20160015471 | CONTEXT AWARE SURGICAL SYSTEMS - Systems and methods are provided in which devices that are employed during a medical procedure are adaptively configured during the medical procedure, based on input or feedback that is associated with the current state, phase or context of the medical procedure. In some example embodiments, the input is obtained via the identification of one or more medical instruments present within a region of interest, and this input may be employed to determine configuration parameters for configuring the device. In other example embodiments, the input may be based on the image-based detection of a measure associated with the phase or context of the medical procedure, and this input may be employed to adaptively control the device based on the inferred context or phase of the medical procedure. In other embodiments, images from one imaging modality may be employed to adaptively switch to another imaging modality. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022146 | Insert Imaging Device for Surgical Procedures - Insertable imaging devices, and methods of use thereof in minimally invasive medical procedures, are described. In some embodiments, insertable imaging devices are described that can be introduced and removed from an access port without disturbing or risking damage to internal tissue. In some embodiments, imaging devices are integrated into an access port, thereby allowing imaging of internal tissues within the vicinity of the access port, while, for example, enabling manipulation of surgical tools in the surgical field of interest. In other embodiments, imaging devices are integrated into an imaging sleeve that is insertable into an access port. Several example embodiments described herein provide imaging devices for performing imaging within an access port, where the imaging may be based one or more imaging modalities that may include, but are not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, optical imaging such as hyperspectral imaging and optical coherence tomography, and electrical conductive measurements. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025832 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGE ACQUISITION - A method of data acquisition at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system receives at least a portion of raw data for an image, and detects anomalies in the portion of raw data received. When anomalies are detected, the system can correct those anomalies dynamically, without waiting for a new scan to be ordered. The system can attempt to scan the offending portion of the raw data, either upon detection of the anomaly or at some point during the scan. The system can also correct anomalies using digital correction methods based on expected values. The anomalies can be detected based on variations from thresholds, masks and expected values all of which can be obtained using one of the ongoing scan, previously performed scans and apriori information relating to the type of scan being performed. | 01-28-2016 |
20160061808 | MOLECULAR CELL IMAGING USING OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY - The present invention provides a method and system for identification and isolation of cells from tissues using optical spectroscopy. The method includes accessing the cells using an access corridor, measuring the cells using optical spectroscopy, comparing the spectra of the cells to signature spectra, using the comparison to identify the cells and removing the cells into a container. The system includes an access corridor, a probe for measuring the cells, a resection tool, a collection tube and a collection container. | 03-03-2016 |
20160067007 | INTERAMODAL SYNCHRONIZATION OF SURGICAL DATA - Systems and methods are provided in which local tissue diagnostic measurements are correlated with archival local tissue diagnostic data from prior tissue analyses to supplement diagnostic measurements with tissue analysis data from prior tissue analyses having similar local tissue diagnostic data. The tissue analysis data may include information such as pathology data, outcome data, and diagnosis data. The archived local tissue diagnostic data and the tissue analysis data may be stored in a database, and employed for a wide variety of methods, involving preoperative, intraoperative, and/or postoperative phases of a medical procedure. Methods and systems are also provided for displaying, on a medical image shown in a user interface, hyperlinked reference markers associated with tissue analyses, where the reference markers are shown at locations corresponding to local tissue analyses, and where associated diagnostic data and/or tissue analysis may be viewed by selecting a given reference marker. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080216239 | SUPINE PATIENT SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL IMAGING - A patient supporting apparatus used in medical imaging technologies has an inventive tabletop and stretcher system. The tabletop has a gap or narrowing of prescribed location and size, for example, more than thirty percent of the width of the tabletop is removed inferior to the patient's pelvis within a region of at least 0.3 meters in length. The stretcher supports the tabletop and includes a gap or narrowing so that the access of the operator's hand, arm, and line of sight is not obstructed from the gap or narrowing of the tabletop. | 09-11-2008 |
20080240533 | POST-ACQUISITION ADAPTIVE RECONSTRUCTION OF MRI DATA - An improved method for reconstruction of medical images includes the acquisition of k-space data through MRI imaging. Subsequently, subsets of the k-space data are transformed into intermediate images by performing an inverse Fourier transform on selected sets. These intermediate images are saved to a PACS or other memory storage, and can be recalled later to reconstruct an image. By selecting various intermediate images, a user can vary both the spatial and temporal resolution of the reconstructed image after acquisition, thereby providing adaptive reconstruction of images without the need to acquire new data. | 10-02-2008 |
20080255443 | HYBRID IMAGING METHOD TO MONITOR MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY AND PATIENT SUPPORT FOR USE IN THE METHOD - This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ. | 10-16-2008 |
20080306377 | OPEN ARCHITECTURE IMAGING APPARATUS AND COIL SYSTEM FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design. | 12-11-2008 |
20090149738 | Chest Wall Coil Array for Breast Imaging - A RF coil array is provided for imaging a chest wall of a patient including a breast. The RF coil array includes a rigid cup-shaped element and a flexible, substantially flat portion. The rigid cup-shaped element is sized and dimensioned to receive a small breast, such as a post mastectomy breast or a male breast, and the flexible portion is configured to be conformed to the patient adjacent the breast to allow for imaging of the breast, and adjacent areas while facing the chest wall. | 06-11-2009 |
20120172704 | Open Architecture Imaging Apparatus and Coil System for Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design. | 07-05-2012 |
20120275675 | Post-Acquisition Adaptive Reconstruction of MRI Data - An improved method for reconstruction of medical images includes the acquisition of k-space data through MRI imaging. Subsequently, subsets of the k-space data are transformed into intermediate images by performing an inverse Fourier transform on selected sets. These intermediate images are saved to a PACS or other memory storage, and can be recalled later to reconstruct an image. By selecting various intermediate images, a user can vary both the spatial and temporal resolution of the reconstructed image after acquisition, thereby providing adaptive reconstruction of images without the need to acquire new data. | 11-01-2012 |
20130053684 | OPEN ARCHITECTURE TABLETOP PATIENT SUPPORT AND COIL SYSTEM - An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils. | 02-28-2013 |
20140024926 | OPEN ARCHITECTURE IMAGING APPARATUS AND COIL SYSTEM FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design. | 01-23-2014 |
20140128883 | OPEN ARCHITECTURE IMAGING APPARATUS AND COIL SYSTEM FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ. | 05-08-2014 |
20150141802 | OPEN ARCHITECTURE TABLETOP PATIENT SUPPORT AND COIL SYSTEM - An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils. | 05-21-2015 |
20160025832 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGE ACQUISITION - A method of data acquisition at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system receives at least a portion of raw data for an image, and detects anomalies in the portion of raw data received. When anomalies are detected, the system can correct those anomalies dynamically, without waiting for a new scan to be ordered. The system can attempt to scan the offending portion of the raw data, either upon detection of the anomaly or at some point during the scan. The system can also correct anomalies using digital correction methods based on expected values. The anomalies can be detected based on variations from thresholds, masks and expected values all of which can be obtained using one of the ongoing scan, previously performed scans and apriori information relating to the type of scan being performed. | 01-28-2016 |
20160038253 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A method, system and apparatus for controlling a surgical navigation system are provided. The method | 02-11-2016 |
20160041239 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE COIL ARRANGEMENT - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system includes a main field magnet generating a main magnetic field B | 02-11-2016 |