Inventors list

Assignees list

Classification tree browser

Top 100 Inventors

Top 100 Assignees

Using fiducial marker

Subclass of:

600 - Surgery


600407000 - Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation

600425000 - With tomographic imaging obtained from electromagnetic wave

Patent class list (only not empty are listed)

Deeper subclasses:

20090143672METHOD FOR MAPPING IMAGE REFERENCE POINTS TO FACILITATE BIOPSY USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - In NMR/MRI imaging, a location is noted for a point in the imaged space, and referred to a reference location so that the point in imaged space is known thereafter, without the need to locate the point again in further imaging steps. For breast cancer diagnosis and biopsy, a breast holding fixture immobilizes the breast. A volumetric image is taken encompassing a portion of the breast. In the same or a subsequent image, a fiducial mark is detected to determine the position of a holder for a biopsy tool or other modality. The tissue feature can be a tumor, cyst or tubal lesion, made temporarily visible in the image by perfusion with a contrast agent. After the contrast agent dissipates, the location of the tissue feature can still be determined by reference to the position of the fiducial marker, which is optional adjustable by post-imaging metered displacement.06-04-2009
20090192385Method and system for virtual roadmap imaging - A system and method of producing virtual roadmap image of a patient is described. CT-like image data may be obtained for a patient, with or without a contrast agent, and differenced so as to form a roadmap mask. The roadmap mask is in the form of a 2-dimensional digitally reconstructed radiograph from the same orientation as that of a fluoroscopic X-ray device which takes real-time images of the patient during treatment. The fluoroscopic image may be subtracted from the roadmap mask so as to more clearly visualize the position of a catheter introduced into the patient for treatment. When the orientation of the fluoroscopic image is changed during the course of treatment, the roadmap mask image for the corresponding orientation is used.07-30-2009
20100076306OPTICAL CAMERA CALIBRATION FOR CAS NAVIGATION - A navigation system for tracking an object during surgery, comprises markers adapted to be connected to an object in a known relation. An optical camera detects a light signal from the at least one marker, the optical camera generating tracking data associated with a position of the markers from the light signal. A transparent shield is positioned between the optical camera and the markers during surgery to allow the optical camera to be within the sterile field. Calibration data is associated with an effect of the shield on the light signal passing therethrough to be detected by the optical camera. A position and orientation calculator calculates a position and/or orientation of the object as a function of the tracking data, of the calibration data, and of the known relation between the object and the markers. A method is provided for tracking an object in computer-assisted surgery.03-25-2010
20100076305METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR TARGETING OF A TARGET WITH AN ELONGATE INSTRUMENT - An embodiment is directed to a method and a system for assisting the targeting of a target with an elongate instrument, wherein the instrument is to be inserted into a living object's body part along a predetermined trajectory extending between an entry point of said instrument into said body part and a target point associated with said target. The method comprises an instrument directing assisting step for generating and displaying an image allowing a user to assess to which extend the longitudinal axis of the instrument is aligned with the vector connecting the target point and the tip portion of said instrument. Also, the method comprises an instrument guiding assisting step of generating and displaying an image allowing a user to assess to which extent the instrument motion during insertion thereof coincides with the predetermined trajectory.03-25-2010
20100145192LOCALIZATION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a localization system that can particularly be used to localize an interventional instrument (06-10-2010
20100145191Method of Marking Biological Tissues for Enhanced Destruction by Applied Radiant Energy - Methods for staining a selected tissue with a dye, stain or pigment that is attuned to absorb the energy from a radiant energy source are disclosed. The stain enhances absorption of incoming radiant energy, which results in increased destruction of stained tissues and decreased destruction of underlying tissues. This method provides clinicians with the ability to selectively mark a tissue for destruction, while leaving wanted tissues generally intact. Optionally, a radiant energy opaque substance that can be applied adjacent the stained treatment area to protect against incidental exposure to untargeted tissue. Also optionally, an oxidizing substance may be applied with the stain to further enhance the effect of this method. Wavelengths of radiant energy to which tissue is normally transparent may be utilized by applying appropriate stains to targeted tissue, thereby allowing targeted tissue to even be destroyed when it lies beneath untargeted tissue.06-10-2010
20100041985Navigational Guidance Via Computer-Assisted Fluoroscopic Imaging - Digital x-ray images taken before a surgical procedure by a fluoroscopic C-arm imager are displayed by a computer and overlaid with graphical representations of instruments being used in the operating room. The graphical representations are updated in real-time to correspond to movement of the instruments in the operating room. A number of different techniques are described that aid the physician in planning and carrying out the surgical procedure.02-18-2010
20090124894MARKERS FOR USE IN BRACHYTHERAPY AND OTHER RADIATION THERAPY THAT RESIST MIGRATION AND ROTATION - In an embodiment, an implantable marker, which is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle, includes a marker body including a radiopaque material and a polymeric material that encapsulates at least a portion of the marker body. In an embodiment, an outer surface of the encapsulating material includes one or more protrusions to reduce a tendency of the marker to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation.05-14-2009
20090124893APPARATUS AND METHOD TO PERFORM STEREOTACTIC TREATMENT OF MOVING TARGETS - In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus determines the location of landmarks inside a patient. The apparatus includes imaging units containing two-dimensional imaging arrays capable of emitting and receiving signals to obtain three-dimensional images. The imaging units are attached to the patient's body and their location is established with a tracking system and used to compute the position of landmarks from the images. The images are adjusted relative to the imaging units such that the landmarks remain inside the images during motion of landmarks or imaging unit. The apparatus also includes a control and computing device to process the image data and to adjust the imaging arrays accordingly. In accordance with one embodiment, sources of treatment are directed towards a target structure in the patient's body.05-14-2009
20120184847HEMOGLOBIN CONTRAST IN ULTRASOUND AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSING DISEASED TISSUE, CANCERS, AND THE LIKE - A novel contrast mechanism for diagnosing diseased tissue using Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasonography, Optical Coherence Tomography, or optical Doppler tomography coupled with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field.07-19-2012
20100004532Radiation Therapy Tattooing System for Patient Positioning - The present invention provides a three section skin marking system combining target placement, lancing, marking, cleanup and protective bandaging comprising a positioning target, an ink application pad and a bandage pad, wherein the ink application pad is attached to the positioning target and the bandage pad is attached to the positioning target, wherein the positioning target is an appliqué with a top side and a bottom side and a peripheral border of material with a center portion of the appliqué removed and free of material, wherein the bottom side has an adhesive for adhering to skin of a patient; wherein the application pad comprises an absorbent pad surrounding micro-encapsulated or macro-encapsulated ink for marking the patient's skin; and wherein the bandage pad comprises an absorbent pad and an adhesive strip.01-07-2010
20090306499SELF-DETECTING KINEMATIC CLAMP ASSEMBLY - Described are computer-based surgical methods and apparatuses for a self-detecting kinematic assembly. The self-detecting kinematic clamp assembly detects and indicates a degradation in pose. The self-detecting kinematic clamp assembly includes a tracking element for tracking a pose of the kinematic clamp assembly. The self-detecting kinematic clamp assembly includes a base portion comprising a fixation device that is attachable to a rigid body, and a top portion connected to the tracking element, the top portion being removably connected to the base portion. The self-detecting kinematic clamp assembly includes a detection mechanism, the detection mechanism including three or more contact points between the base potion and top portion and a mechanism that detects movement between one or more of the three or more contact points.12-10-2009
20110015521Means of Tracking Movement of Bodies During Medical Treatment - Methods and systems enable accurate control of robotic treatments of internal features of a body by tracking movements of the exterior of the body. Such tracking enables programmed and automated or semi-automated surgical operations to compensate for movement of the patient's body during surgery. A tracking system that includes a marker, which may be disposable, that is attached to the body and accurately tracked in a three-dimensional coordinate system by a tracking system. Compensation for body movements may be accomplished by adjusting the movement or position of a surgical instrument, a surgical robot, a radiation source collimator and/or the operating room table. The markers may include a radiofrequency identifier (RFID) chip or memory chip that can be interrogated by the tracking system.01-20-2011
20090270723MEDICAL IMAGING MARKER - An inventive medical imaging marker includes two plate members (10-29-2009
20090076382Methods and apparatus for Determining Proportions of Body Materials - The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for measuring proportions of body materials in body parts. The apparatus includes a device for retaining the body part, at least one reference material with at least two thicknesses positioned adjacent to the device, and at least three radiopaque markers positioned on the reference material(s). The reference material(s) each have an attenuation characteristic that is selected in correspondence to the body materials in the body part. The apparatus further includes a radiation device to simultaneously irradiate the body part, the reference material(s) and the radiopaque markers as well as a detector to detect attenuated beams of radiation and a pattern projected from the irradiated radiopaque markers. A calculation device determines the thickness of the body part based on this projected pattern and compares the attenuation values of the body part and the reference material(s) at the determined thickness.03-19-2009
20090240141SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATION-ASSISTED SHOULDER OPERATIONS AND NAVIGATION METHOD FOR POSITIONING NAVIGATED TREATMENT APPARATUSES WITH RESPECT TO A BONE - The present application relates to a system for navigation-assisted shoulder operations in which the humeral component is partially replaced with a prosthesis, comprising: 09-24-2009
20100168562FIDUCIAL MARKER DESIGN AND DETECTION FOR LOCATING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN IMAGES - The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and tools for tool tracking using image-derived data from one or more tool-located reference features. A method includes: capturing a first image of a tool that includes multiple features that define a first marker, where at least one of the features of the first marker includes an identification feature; determining a position for the first marker by processing the first image; determining an identification for the first marker by using the at least one identification feature by processing the first image; and determining a tool state for the tool by using the position and the identification of the first marker.07-01-2010
20100268071MEDICAL IMAGING MARKER AND PROGRAM FOR UTILIZING SAME - An inventive medical imaging marker includes a base (10-21-2010
20110028831PERMANENTLY VISIBLE IMPLANTABLE FIDUCIARY TISSUE MARKER - A fiduciary marker includes a hollow cylindrical body comprised of a bio-compatible polymer and including a first end, a second end, an inner surface extending between the first end to the second end and an outer surface extending between the first end to the second end. A plurality of apertures are formed in the body and extend from the inner surface to the outer surface.02-03-2011
20100249581Surgical Navigation System Component Fault Interfaces and Related Processes - Devices and processes for use in computer aided or computer navigated surgery include one or more fault interfaces interposed between an indicium and an item to be used during surgery such as a body part, tool, implant, trial or other structure or component. After the indicia have been registered into the system and surgery begun, it is sometimes the case that indicia can be inadvertently moved or dislodged in position and/or orientation relative to the body part. Fault interfaces according to various embodiments are designed to fail first, so that the indicia can be repositioned relative to the item without the need to reregister the indicia into the system relative to the item. The fault interfaces preferably include structure that allows the indicium to be repositioned relative to the item so that it does not need to be reregistered into the system. Frame attachments which can by easily manufactured at relatively low cost, are disposable, and which are manufactured for single use are disclosed.09-30-2010
20110295113METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING MEDICAL IMAGES - A method for displaying medical image data. The method includes digitally combining 3D volume visualizations to form a plurality of four-dimensional (4D) volume visualizations representing the 3D volume visualizations over a period of time. The plurality of 4D volume visualizations include first and second 4D volume visualizations. The first 4D volume visualization including the entirety of the common region during a first time period, and the second 4D volume visualization including the entirety of the common region during a different second time period. The method also includes digitally combining the first and second 4D volume visualizations by digitally processing the first and second 4D volume visualizations to generate a modified 4D volume visualization of the entirety of the common region.12-01-2011
20090292201COORDINATE SYSTEM REGISTRATION - A system includes a component that updates a registration between an image space coordinate system and an interventional space coordinate system based on interventional device position information within a patient obtained from intermediate image data indicative of the interventional device location and a position sensor (11-26-2009
20100113920METHODS FOR DEFINING AND MARKING TISSUE - In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.05-06-2010
20100030068METHOD FOR PROCESSING IMAGES AND ASSOCIATED MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM - A system and method of processing images of a region of interest of a patient is provided. The method comprises acquiring a reference image of the region of interest of the patient; during a pullback of an intravascular sensor in the region of interest, triggering simultaneously the steps of: acquiring a data collected by the sensor characteristic of the region of interest; and acquiring a succession of images of the region of interest associated with the location of the intravascular sensor when acquiring the data, respectively. The method further includes registering the succession of images; associating the location of the intravascular sensor relative to the step of acquiring the data collected by the intravascular sensor; and displaying and positioning the data collected by the intravascular sensor on the reference image in correspondence to the location of the intravascular sensor at the respective step of acquiring the data.02-04-2010
20080269602Method And Apparatus For Performing A Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.10-30-2008
20080269600Flexible Array For Use In Navigated Surgery - A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices.10-30-2008
20100280367SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FIDUCIAL DEPLOYMENT - Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system and method for use thereof. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages.11-04-2010
20090281421SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETED ACTIVATION OF A PHARMACEUTICAL AGENT WITHIN THE BODY CAVITY THAT IS ACTIVATED BY THE APPLICATION OF ENERGY - A system for selectively triggering an energy activated therapy agent. The system includes a member to which a device for emitting energy is attached. One or more navigation markers are also attached to the member. The position of the navigation markers is tracked to provide an indication of the position of the energy emitting device relative to the target tissue. When the energy emitting device is adjacent the target tissue, it is actuated.11-12-2009
20080208041System and Method For Optical Position Measurement And Guidance Of A Rigid Or Semi-Flexible Tool To A Target - A system for measuring the position of a hand-held tool relative to a body in six degrees of freedom employs a camera attached via a mechanical linkage to the tool so that the camera moves together with the proximal portion of the tool and has a field of view including the distal end of the tool. A processing system processes images from the camera to determine a position of at least part of the tool. By employing optically identifiable fiducial reference points defined on the external surface of the body, a projection of the tool tip position onto a plane containing the target can be derived and displayed together with the target position, thereby facilitating guiding the tool to the target.08-28-2008
20090043193Procedure radiograph orientation device and methods of use - Procedure radiograph orientation devices and methods of use are provided for stabilization and orientation of a patient's anatomy for a variety of surgical interventions. Additionally, devices of the present invention aid in orienting radiographic imaging devices through the inclusion of radiopaque fiducials so as to optimize radiographic images by providing radiographic reference landmarks.02-12-2009
20090005677Fiducial localization - Fiducial localization methods and apparatus are described.01-01-2009
20090209851Stereotactic computer assisted surgery method and system - A computer assisted surgical system that includes an apparatus for imaging a region of interest of a portion of an anatomy of a subject; a memory containing executable instructions; and a processor programmed using the instructions to receive two or more two-dimensional images of the region of interest taken at different angles from the apparatus and process the two or more two-dimensional images to produce three dimensional information associated with the region of interest.08-20-2009
20100137710System for marking the locations of imaged tissue with respect to the surface of the tissue - A system is provided for marking on a recording medium (06-03-2010
20090312629CORRECTION OF RELATIVE TRACKING ERRORS BASED ON A FIDUCIAL - Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for correction of relative tracking error based on a fiducial. One embodiment is a method for the correction of obtained emplacement data of two surgical instruments by the detection of a detectable fiducial coupled to first surgical instrument by a second surgical instrument or something thereto coupled. The corrected relative emplacements of both surgical instruments is then determined based on the emplacement of the fiducial. This corrected emplacement is then used to produce an image for display. Systems and devices for carrying out the presented methods are also described.12-17-2009
20080242978METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGISTERING A PHYSICAL SPACE TO IMAGE SPACE - A method and apparatus for registering physical space to image space is disclosed. The system allows for determining fiducial markers as pixels or voxels in image data. The system can correlate and register the determined fiducial points with fiducial markers in physical space.10-02-2008
20110208043GLOBAL MOTION INVARIANT SIGNATURES FOR FAST AND ACCURATE MOTION TRACKING IN A DIGITAL IMAGE-BASED ELASTO-TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - A method for converting digital images of an actuated breast into an accurate description of breast surface motion from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system comprises the steps of artificially placing a high density of fiducial markers on the breast surface, whereby the fiducial markers have different qualities and are placed in different proportions according to their quality; utilizing motion invariant properties of the fiducial markers to form a global motion invariant signature; tracking the markers on the actuated breast surface from image to image in each digital camera using the global motion invariant signature; and using the cameras calibration to measure the breast surface motion.08-25-2011
20080287782Radiation Therapy Marking Pen and Method - A marking device for use in radiation therapy includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of individual marking members. Each of the plurality of marking members includes a marking tip and a supply of marking fluid, such as an ink. disposed in each marking member. Each of the plurality of marking members is removably positioned relative to the others in succession along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the marking device includes a hollow elongated body having a first end and a second marking end defining an opening, and the plurality of individual marking members are arranged in succession along the hollow body. In other embodiments, each marking member includes a body defining a recess adapted to receive a marking tip of another marking member, and each body includes a connector adapted to releasably interconnect adjacent marking members.11-20-2008
20080312529COMPUTER-ASSISTED SURGERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is described a system and a method for assisting a user manipulating an object during a surgery, the method comprising: tracking the object in a sterile field in which surgery is being performed at a location using a tracking device which generates tracking data; processing the tracking data using a processing device located outside the sterile field to generate position and orientation information related to the object; and sending the position and orientation information related to the object to a displaying device positioned in the sterile field adjacent to the location at which the surgery is being performed, for display to the user.12-18-2008
20080312528GUIDANCE OF MEDICAL INSTRUMENT USING FLOUROSCOPY SCANNER WITH MULTPLE X-RAY SOURCES - A scanner takes an initial image of a patient, and a known structure in the initial image is identified. Based on the initial image, a location for injection of a chemical with a medical instrument can be determined. During a medical procedure, the scanner operates in a fluoroscopy mode, and real-time images of the patient are displayed. The medical instrument includes two markers having a fixed and known relationship and orientation relative to each other and a tip of the medical instrument Movement of the tip is monitored as it is inserted into the patient, and the location of the tip relative to the injection location is tracked based on the detected relationship of the markers of the medical instrument and the known structure. When the computer determines that the tip is at the injection location, the computer provides an alert to inject the chemical.12-18-2008
20110208044APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGE GUIDED ACCURACY VERIFICATION - A method includes receiving during a first time interval image data associated with an image of a dynamic body. The image data includes an indication of the positions of a first marker and a second marker on a garment coupled to the dynamic body. The first marker and second marker are each coupled to the garment at a first and second locations, respectively. A distance is determined between the position of the first marker and the second marker. During a second time interval after the first time interval, data associated with a position of a first and second localization element that are each coupled to the garment is received. A distance between the first and second localization elements is determined. A difference is calculated between the distance between the first marker and the second marker and the distance between the first localization element and the second localization element.08-25-2011
20080287781Registration Methods and Apparatus - A method, system and computer program for generating a registered image of a body part of a patient for use in an image guided surgical procedure is described. The method includes attaching a marker detectable by a tracking system to the body part before carrying out surgical steps. The tracking system has a reference frame and the position of the marker in the reference frame is detected. A first image of the body part is captured using an imaging system. An indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system is obtained. The first image is then mapped into registration with the position of the body part. The system includes an imaging system for capturing images of the body part. A tracking system detects a marker and determines the position of the marker in the reference frame of the tracking system. A marker is attachable to the body part and detectable by the tracking system. A computer control system is configured to obtain an indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system and to map the first image into registration with the position of the body part.11-20-2008
20100137709Test Object For The Validation of Tracking In The Presence of Motion - A target motion simulator system for use in verifying target tracking with a radiation therapy device. The system comprises a radiation detection target coupled to a first motion actuator simulating a first motion of a first tissue and a fiducial coupled to a second motion actuator simulating a second motion of a second tissue offset from the first tissue, a component of the first motion being asynchronous with the second motion. A synthetic physiological signal generator is synchronized with the component of the first motion, wherein an output signal from the generator, in combination with a sensed position of the fiducial, may be used by the radiation therapy device in tracking the target.06-03-2010
20090177081IMAGE GUIDED ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR KEYHOLE NEUROSURGERY - A novel image-guided system for precise automatic targeting in minimally invasive keyhole neurosurgery. The system consists of a miniature robot fitted with a mechanical guide for needle, probe, or catheter insertion. Intraoperative, the robot is directly affixed to a head clamp or to the patient skull. It automatically positions itself with respect to predefined entry points and targets in a preoperative CT/MRI image following an anatomical registration with an intraoperative 3D surface scan of the patient facial features and a registration jig. The registration procedure is a novel three-way scheme, in which the intraoperative surface scan including the registration jig is matched to a model generated from the preoperative CT/MRI image, the robot position is known in relation to the registration jig, and the entry and target points are known from the preoperative CT/MRI image, such that the robot position can be related to the entry and target points.07-09-2009
20090198126IMAGING SYSTEM - An imaging system for planning and monitoring a medical procedure is provided. The imaging system includes an image processing system and an imaging device operative to obtain a 3D data set and a 2D projection data set. The imaging device is communicatively coupled to the image processing system. The image processing system is operative to image register the 3D data set and the 2D projection data set from the imaging device.08-06-2009
20080262344RELATIVE VALUE SUMMARY PERFUSION MAP - Disclosed is a system and method for diagnosing a perfusion condition in the human brain. The process used includes measuring parameter values at a location of interest in one hemisphere and determining relative differences between those measured values against values measured at a substantially symmetrically opposite location in the other hemisphere. These relative differences are used to generate a composite output which is displayed using different colors. Each color is reflective of a different tissue state, e.g., ischemic core, penumbra, etc. If the substantially symmetrically opposite location is abnormal, and thus, is not a good reference, an alternative reference location which is not substantially symmetrically opposite the location of interest is chosen, and a relative difference map generated. Alternatively, an absolute value map can be generated.10-23-2008
20080262345Image registration of multiple medical imaging modalities using a multiple degree-of-freedom-encoded fiducial device - Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed position and orientation relative to the second imager. The first imager may be an X-ray device such as a C-arm fluoroscope, and the second imager may be a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) device.10-23-2008
20090247863TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tracking system is provided for tracking an objects. A first and a second trackable member each have an inertial sensor unit producing at least orientation-based data. A processing unit receives the orientation-based data from the trackable members. The processing unit has an orientation calculator calculating an orientation of the second trackable member with respect to the first trackable member from the orientation-based data of both said trackable members, whereby the processing unit calculates an orientation of the objects. A method is also provided.10-01-2009
20090240140Target Identification Tool For Intra-Body Localization - A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.09-24-2009
20110060216Method and Apparatus for Surgical Navigation of a Multiple Piece Construct for Implantation - A method and apparatus for percutaneous and/or minimally invasive implantation of a construct. The construct may be implanted using a navigation system for planning and execution of a procedure. A plurality of portions of the construct may be interconnected using locations and paths determined and navigated with the navigation system.03-10-2011
20100217120Fiducial Marker Devices, Tools, and Methods - This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma. A keying arrangement fixedly defines the orientation of the carrier, allowing detachment and reattachment in the same orientation.08-26-2010
20110130655IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION TREATMENTS - Implantable devices and methods for external beam radiation treatments are disclosed. One embodiment of an implantable device for guided radiation therapy comprises an active marker configured to be positioned within the patient and to transmit a non-ionizing wireless signal in response to a non-ionizing wirelessly transmitted source energy. The device further includes a fastening unit coupled to the active marker and configured to (a) hold the marker within a desired distance of a target in the tissue and (b) inhibit deformation of tissue from moving the active marker relative to the target.06-02-2011
20100222672SUBCUTANEOUS BIOPSY CAVITY MARKER DEVICE - A marking device for identifying a subcutaneous biopsy cavity having a first nonabsorbable marker element detectable by a first imaging modality and a second nonabsorbable marker element detectable by a second imaging modality but not detectable by the first imaging modality.09-02-2010
20100312104SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AND POSITIONING A RADIATION THERAPY TREATMENT TABLE - A system and method for calibrating and positioning a radiation therapy treatment table with a high degree of precision and accuracy. The system and method comprising a treatment table for use with a radiation therapy system with radiographic indexing markers embedded or inlaid in the patient treatment table. The radiographic indexing markers having a density different from density of the table material, or a radio-frequency or magnetic contrasting matter, something that the imaging system and detector of the radiation therapy system can detect, so that when scanned, with or without a patient or phantom on the table, the precise location of the patient treatment table in the x, y and z planes is known. The radiographic indexing markers may also have the ability to be visually seen by the technician, doctor, physicist or other health care provider conducting the procedure. This is important so that the table may be reconstructed, alone or with a phantom on it, by the radiation therapy system software, providing a very good indication of where the table top is prior to treatment.12-09-2010
20100063388Fiducial Marker Devices, Tools, and Methods - This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imageable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imageable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.03-11-2010
20100063387POINTING DEVICE FOR MEDICAL IMAGING - The invention relates to a pointing device (03-11-2010
20090216116Image Guided Surgery - A bone marker device for use in surgery. The device has attachment means which is/are attachable to bone that will ultimately be resected during the surgery. A guiding device that is removably securable to the bone of a patient adjacent to the joint and on which the bone marker device may be mounted. A guide member of the guiding device has a slot for receiving a bone resector and enabling accurate resection of bone around the joint.08-27-2009
20090216115Anchoring wirless markers within a human body - Apparatus and methods for anchoring implanted wireless markers in a patient's body to accurately locate a small target within a soft tissue region. One embodiment of the invention comprises a casing, a transponder partially encased in the casing, and an anchor protruding from the casing. The anchor can either be an extension of the casing or a separate component partly embedded in the casing. Different embodiments of the invention may be well suited for percutaneous implantation and/or surgical implantation.08-27-2009
20100056908SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRE-PLANNING A RADIATION TREATMENT - The present invention includes a method of pre-planning a spherical fixed point stereotactic radiosurgery by obtaining an image from a patient having a target, the image comprising coordinates of the actual patient target in 3 dimensions on a first day; planning an optimal stereotactic radiosurgery using the patient's actual target using actual coordinates in 3 dimensions prior to the day of surgery by creating virtual radiosurgical coordinates and plans to maximize target exposure and minimize the patient's waiting time in radiosurgery, thereby allowing evaluation of several plans to maximize plan conformality and safety; and treating the patient based on the virtual stereotactic radiosurgery plans on a second day.03-04-2010
20110071389System and Method for Automatic Registration Between an Image and a Subject - A patient defines a patient space in which an instrument can be tracked and navigated. An image space is defined by image data that can be registered to the patient space. A tracking device can be connected to a member in a known manner that includes imageable portions that generate image points in the image data. Selected image slices or portions can be used to register reconstructed image data to the patient space.03-24-2011
20110152677MEANS OF TRACKING MOVEMENT OF BODIES DURING MEDICAL TREATMENT - During preprogrammed medical treatment and remote controlled surgery tracking the movements of the body being treated and integrating those tracked movements with the preprogrammed/remote controlled treatment to arrive at an integrated modified treatment track and following that modified track during the treatment. The treating instrument may be a solid scalpel or high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, ultra sound, laser beams or the like.06-23-2011
20110077510Flexible Tracking Article And Method Of Using The Same - An article to enable the creation of a model of a surface includes a flexible substrate and multiple optical tracking points attached to the flexible substrate at predetermined location. The optical tracking points can be tracked by a tracking system, and a data link enables communication from the flexible substrate to a tracking system. Also disclosed is an article that enables the creation of a model of a surface including multiple light emitting diodes attached to the flexible substrate at predetermined locations. Finally, a method of registering an article and a method for creating a model of a surface having a shape are disclosed.03-31-2011
20080281192METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL-TIME TARGET POSITION ESTIMATION BY COMBINING X-RAY AND EXTERNAL RESPIRATORY SIGNALS - A method and system are disclosed for estimating internal position information of a target in real-time based on a single gantry-mounted x-ray imager and a respiratory signal. The x-ray imaging is done periodically to limit radiation dosage. Initial parameters for the estimation model are determined in a pre-treatment session using four dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) in combination with a respiratory signal acquired from the patient. The model parameters are updated during treatment based on the periodic x-ray image data and the respiratory signal.11-13-2008
20110178396Nicotinamide Derivatives - A compound comprising a pyridine carboxamide structure, for use in imaging or treating melanoma, is described. An aromatic ring in the structure is substituted with a radiohalogen atom and the substitution on the amide nitrogen atom is such that the compound binds to melanin.07-21-2011
20080269599Method for Performing Multiple Registrations in a Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.10-30-2008
20110118597SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT DISABLEMENT VIA IMAGE-GUIDED POSITION FEEDBACK - A system for selectively disabling a surgical instrument operating in a surgical site of a region of interest of a living subject. In one embodiment, the system includes means for noninvasively placing a number of fiducial markers in an anatomic space of the region of interest of the living subject, means for pre-operatively measuring a location of each fiducial marker in the anatomic space, an imaging acquisition device for pre-operatively acquiring an image volume from the region of interest of the living subject, a probe for intra-operatively monitoring a location of the surgical instrument in the anatomic space, and a controller configured to perform the steps of identifying a centroid of each fiducial marker in the image volume, registering the identified centroid of each fiducial marker in the image volume to the measured location of the corresponding fiducial marker in the anatomic space to determine a registration transformation, mapping the monitored location of the surgical instrument in the anatomic space onto a corresponding location in the image volume by an inverse of the registration transformation, and generating a signal to disable the surgical instrument when the mapped location of the surgical instrument is substantially close to a boundary of the surgical site of the region of interest in the image volume.05-19-2011
20100305435Bone Marking System and Method - An apparatus for marking bone of a patient includes a marker, a tracking system and a display. The marker includes pigment and is configured to impart the pigment on the bone. The tracking system is in communication with the marker. The tracking system is configured to determine a location of the marker relative to the bone and to match at least one anatomical feature of the bone of the patient to an image of the bone. The display is in communication with the tracking system and adapted to show an image of the location of the marker relative to the image of the bone while the marker imparts the pigment on the bone.12-02-2010
20090171197Surgical Instrument Calibration - A rotationally symmetric surgical instrument for use with a computer aided surgery system which is adapted so that it is easy to check its calibration and methods of checking the calibration of such instruments are described. The instrument includes a body having a working end which includes a working point which characterises the location in space of the working end. The instrument also has a location at which a marker can be attached to the instrument. Only a single formation is located toward the working end which provides a calibration reference point for engaging with a trackable instrument. The single formation has a fixed position relative to the working point. The position of the calibration reference point relative to the marker array can be determined so as to check whether the calibration of the instrument is still accurate.07-02-2009
20090171196METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCODING INTERVENTIONAL DEVICES - An imaging system comprises an image acquisition device configured to image certain internal anatomic structures of a patient, and an interventional device, at least a portion of which is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient. The interventional device includes one or more markers disposed on the insertable portion(s) of the interventional device. The material of which the marker is formed is suitable for detection by the image acquisition device, and is arranged in an identifying pattern. The image acquisition device is configured to detect the marker and to read the identifying pattern. In response to the detection and reading of the pattern, the image acquisition device is configured to identify and track the position of the interventional device.07-02-2009
20110152676INTRA-OPERATIVE REGISTRATION FOR NAVIGATED SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A navigation system for use during a surgical procedure is provided. The navigation system is configured to use electromagnetic tracking data produced by electromagnetic tracking devices and 2D image data produced by a fluoroscope to intra-operatively register 2D images of a patient to a pre-operative 3D image of the patient. In some implementations, a surgeon may be able to perform an interventional or surgical procedure guided by the navigation system.06-23-2011
20100016713Fiducial marker and method for gamma guided stereotactic localization - A fiducial marker for use in a gamma-guided stereotactic localization system for imaging a suspected cancer and guiding a physician in the removal of tissue samples for biopsy. The fiducial marker includes a fiducial source that can be accurately located in a positioning system and used to correlate the location of the positioning system with the detector and therefore the region-of-interest. The fiducial can be made radioactive such that it can be seen by the gamma camera. The fiducial marker enables the accurate positioning of other hardware in proximity to the object to be viewed.01-21-2010
20080312530IMPLANTABLE MARKER FOR A SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM, THE MARKER HAVING A SPIKE FOR REMOVABLY SECURING THE MARKER TO THE TISSUE TO BE TRACKED - A marker for use with a surgical navigation system for tracking the tissue with which the marker is associated. The overall dimensions of the mark is such that it is shaped to be disposed below the skin of the patient in which the marker is implanted. The marker has a stem or a spike that allows the marker to be implanted in hard tissue such as bone. A head, containing navigation system components is located above the stem or spike. Once the procedure is completed the marker is removed from the patient by breaking the head free from the stem Alternatively the head may be rotated to cause the whole of the marker to break free from the bone in which the marker is implanted.12-18-2008
20080269601FIDUCIAL MARKER WITH RINGS - An interstitial marker for the location of one of an organ, tumor and tumor bed within a mammalian body includes a plurality of rings having an inner diameter and a ribbon positioned within the inner diameters of the plurality of rings. The plurality of rings may be of the same material or different materials. The materials are visible under different imaging modalities. The ribbon similarly may be of a material visible under various imaging modalities. Tips are attached to the ribbon to hold the rings in place. Alternatively, one or more of the rings may be attached to the ribbon. A helical coil may also be used in connection with a central ribbon for improved imaging. A plurality of coils, of the same material or different materials, may be positioned on a ribbon for a marker.10-30-2008
20100152576AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING A MECHANICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN A MEDICAL IMPLANT AND A TISSUE PART OF A PATIENT - An auxiliary device for establishing a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of a patient, a medical implant for use with such an auxiliary device, and a method for establishing such a mechanical connection. To establish a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of a patient in a particularly simple manner, an auxiliary device for establishing a mechanical connection between a medical implant and a tissue part of the patient is provided. A securing element establishes a releasable mechanical connection between the auxiliary device and the tissue part. A marking element is configured to allow its position to be determined with the aid of a contactless locating method. A guide body is connected to the securing element and designed to guide the medical implant to the connection site on the tissue part.06-17-2010
20100069746FIDUCIAL MARKER PLACEMENT - A method of determining the prospective location of two or more fiducial markers includes the steps of: with respect to the work piece, defining a path having a radius from an origin which varies in a non-repetitive manner with respect to the angular displacement of the path from the origin; and selecting two or more prospective locations of respective fiducial markers. The prospective locations are positioned relative to the work piece substantially at points along the defined path.03-18-2010
20110166446ACTIVE MARKER DEVICE FOR USE IN ELECTROMAGNETIC TRACKING SYSTEM - A device for use in an image-guided procedure on a patient is disclosed. The device includes an EM sensor assembly, a frame assembly (e.g., a base portion from which a plurality of legs project upward to a common point) and a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member is arranged to be releasably (e.g., adhesively) secured to the skin of a patient and to be coupled to the frame assembly to secure the frame assembly on the skin of the patient. The EM sensor assembly is arranged to be releasably secured to the frame assembly (e.g., pivotably snap-fit into a socket in the frame assembly). The device additionally includes plural visualizable elements (e.g., metal balls) that are adapted to be readily imaged to establish imaging reference points and a plurality of asymmetrically disposed apertures to enable tattooing indicia on the skin of the patient through the apertures.07-07-2011
20110166447DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING A BONE OR BONE FRAGMENT OR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, TOOL OR IMPLANT AND A METHOD FOR POSITIONING SUCH A DEVICE - A device and a method for surgically manipulating a bone or bone fragment or a surgical instrument, tool or implant. Said device comprising: A) a rod shaped member (07-07-2011
20090221910LOCATION AND STABILIZATION DEVICE - A prostate gland location and stabilization device comprising an elongate cylinder, sized to fit in the anal canal of a user, and having either a narrowing, or a bend (in the range from 20 to 60 degrees) located at or towards the axial mid-region of the cylinder. The cylinder has a heterogeneous internal structure arranged to define landmarks detectable by X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. Additional features include an essentially flat handle, an internal gas channel and contrast markers. In some variants of the device, the heterogeneous structure comprises air-filled pockets. The invention also provides a method of locating the prostate gland of a patient using the device.09-03-2009
20110092812METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES USING TOMOSYNTHETIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A system for constructing image slices through a selected object, the system comprising an identifiable fiducial reference in a fixed position relative to the selected object, wherein the fiducial reference comprises at least two identifiable reference markers. A source of radiation is provided for irradiating the selected object and the fiducial reference to form a projected image of the selected object and the fiducial reference which is recorded by a recording medium.04-21-2011
20110105896MULTIMODAL IMAGING FIDUCIAL MARKER - A multimodal fiducial marker (05-05-2011
20110105895GUIDED SURGERY - System and methods for image guided surgery is provided. The surgical tracking system can include at least one sensor configured to acquire a marker signal associated with a first location of a marker within a body and to output a first signal indicative of the first location, and also further configured to acquire a device signal associated with a second location of a movable imaging device and to output a second signal indicative of the second location. The movable imaging device can be configured to generate a plurality of sequential images. The surgical tracking system can further include at least one processor configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the plurality of sequential images, and to generate a plurality of composite images where at least one of the plurality of composite images include a visual indication of the first location on at least one of the plurality of sequential images.05-05-2011
20100094128METHOD AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING A FUNCTIONAL PROPERTY OF A MOVING OBJECT - The present invention relates to a system (04-15-2010
20120220864Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnostic Devices and Associated Methods and Systems - Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal peripheral veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's peripheral veins are provided.08-30-2012
20100204570ANCHOR MARKERS - The invention is directed to an anchor marker that is secured to adjacent tissue in order to prevent or minimize displacement of the marker and a method of delivering such a marker to a patient's body cavity such as a cavity in a patient's breast after a biopsy or lumpectomy. The anchor marker has an anchor element and a marker element which is secured to the anchor element. The anchor element penetrates into surrounding tissue and secures the marker from movement. The marker element is remotely imagable by ultrasound, x-ray, MRI and the like and preferably has incorporated imagable material to facilitate such imaging.08-12-2010
20100049040Spinal Midline Indicator - A spinal midline indicator (02-25-2010
20100298696SELF-CONTAINED, SELF-PIERCING, SIDE-EXPELLING MARKING APPARATUS - A marking apparatus includes a rigid cannula having a peripheral wall forming a lumen that carries an imaging marker, a proximal end coupled to a handle, a lateral opening in the peripheral wall that is open to the lumen, and a closed-off distal portion having a ramp adjacent the lumen. The closed-off distal portion extends distally from the ramp to terminate at a tissue piercing pointed tip. The ramp of the rigid cannula is curved to transition from the peripheral wall of the rigid cannula to the lateral opening of the rigid cannula. The ramp of the rigid cannula is adapted to engage the distal end of the stylet as the stylet is advanced through the lumen of the rigid cannula to guide the distal end of the stylet to a position to substantially close off the lateral opening of the rigid cannula having the tissue piercing tip.11-25-2010
20100234726DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SAFE LOCATION AND MARKING OF A BIOPSY CAVITY - Cavity and sentinel lymph node marking 09-16-2010
20100179421SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE INSTANTANEOUS AND CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC CHAMBER VOLUME. - A system and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of cardiac chamber volume and derivative parameters including stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction comprising an ultrawideband radar system having a trans-mitting and receiving antenna for applying ultrawideband radio signals to a target area of a subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area which are then delivered to a data processing unit, such as an integrated processor or PDA, having software and hardware used to process the signal returns to produce a value for cardiac stroke volume and changes in cardiac stroke volume supporting multiple diagnostic requirements for emergency response and medical personnel whether located in the battlefield, at a disaster site or at a hospital or other treatment facility.07-15-2010
20110160577LIGHT MARKER FOR INDWELT USE IN PATIENTS BODY AND FOR IDENTIFICATION OF LESIONS INSIDE PATIENTS TUBULAR ORGAN USING THE LIGHT MARKER - A lesion identification system for surgical operations has a light marker adapted for placement in the vicinity of a lesion inside an organ of an organism, and a location-identifying device detecting a light emitted from the light marker at an outside of the organ for identifying a location of the lesion. The marker includes a light emitter and an engagement member associated with the emitter to be engageable with a wall of the organ. The engagement member includes a clip. The light emitter emits light with a wavelength in a near-infrared range. The device includes an endoscope comprising an inserter section having an image pickup element picking up a reflected light, involving the light from the light marker, at an outside of the organ, and an image pickup unit allowing the reflected light, picked by the image pickup element, to be generated as an image for display on a monitor.06-30-2011
20080234572FIDUCIAL MARKER WITH ABSORBABLE CONNECTING SLEEVE AND ABSORBABLE SPACER FOR IMAGING LOCALIZATION - A fiducial marker for use in the body of a living being to enable the localization of targeted internal tissue. The implant is in the form of an elongated, e.g., rod-like, spacer located between pair of end members, e.g., gold cylinders, and held together by an elongated sleeve, e.g., a heat-shrinkable sleeve. When so connected portions of the end members are exposed, i.e., extend beyond the ends of the sleeve. The outer surface of the exposed portions of each of the end members is textured, e.g., grooved, to provide resistance to migration when the marker is implanted. The spacer and the sleeve are each be formed of an absorbable material.09-25-2008
20080228068Automated Surgical Navigation with Electro-Anatomical and Pre-Operative Image Data - A method for navigating a medical device to an anatomical surface within a subject to perform electro-anatomical mapping using a magnetic navigation system is provided that includes importing a pre-operative image data set of an anatomical surface in the subject's body into a localization system. One or more control parameters are applied to the magnetic navigation system to drive the medical device to one or more points of tissue contact, from the locations of which a geometric anatomical map can be created and registered with the pre-operative anatomical image. The pre-operative anatomical surface image and a representation of the geometric anatomical map are displayed relative to one another, such that a user may select a location on the displayed pre-operative anatomical image to navigate the medical device towards. The localization system provides the location data to the magnetic navigation system to drive the medical device to the desired location, for enabling further electrophysiology mapping or ablation treatment.09-18-2008
20120253186OCCLUSION-CROSSING DEVICES, IMAGING, AND ATHERECTOMY DEVICES - The present invention relates to: (10-04-2012
20130102895PATIENT INTERFACE FOR OPHTHALMOLOGIC DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES - One or more geometric markers may be created on an eye preoperatively. Two or more fiducials coupled to or formed within a patient interface may be lined up with the geometric markers. An imaging device coupled to the patient interface and having a field of view oriented through the patient interface and toward the eye of the patient may be utilized to capture one or more images that contain not only image aspects pertinent to the positions of anatomical portions of the eye, but also image aspects pertinent to the locations of fiducials coupled to or formed within portions of the patient interface. The images may be analyzed to determine a geometric relationship between the anatomy of the eye and the associated system hardware.04-25-2013
20130131505SURGICAL LOCATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SKIN APPLIED FIDUCIAL REFERENCE - The present invention involves a surgical monitoring system and method for modeling surgical procedures. A multi-element fiducial reference pattern observable by a tracker may be transferred directly to the skin proximate the surgical site, either through a stencil as a radio-opaque ink pattern or via transfer tape, or may be applied in prepared form on a surgical incise film. Alternatively the surgical incise film may be applied over the surgical site and the inked reference pattern applied to the film before surgery. A controller determines the three-dimensional location and orientation of the surgical site by comparing the position and orientation of the reference pattern in a prior scan with the position and orientation of the reference pattern in image information about the surgical site obtained from the tracker. The system may track the movement of instruments relative to the surgical site, or may be used to track changes in the surgical site itself.05-23-2013
20090048510Fiducial Marker for Correlating Images - The invention relates to a fiducial marker having a marking grid that is used to correlate and view images produced by different imaging modalities or different imaging and viewing modalities. More specifically, the invention relates to the fiducial marking grid that has a grid pattern for producing either a viewing image and/or a first analytical image that can be overlaid with at least one other second analytical image in order to view a light path or to image different imaging modalities. Depending on the analysis, the grid pattern has a single layer of a certain thickness or at least two layers of certain thicknesses. In either case, the grid pattern is imageable by each imaging or viewing modality used in the analysis. Further, when viewing a light path, the light path of the analytical modality cannot be visualized by viewing modality (e.g., a light microscope objective). By correlating these images, the ability to analyze a thin sample that is, for example, biological in nature but yet contains trace metal ions is enhanced. Specifically, it is desired to analyze both the organic matter of the biological sample and the trace metal ions contained within the biological sample without adding or using extrinsic labels or stains.02-19-2009
20080200802PLATFORM FOR DETECTION OF TISSUE CONTENT AND/OR STRUCTURAL CHANGES WITH CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL IN MAMMALIAN ORGANISMS - Aspects include methods and apparatuses for effecting change over time in one or more measured regions of a body using a plurality of data sets obtained by analysis of applied signals to said region and effecting a change in treatment protocol. The method may include transmitting and receiving one or more of electromagnetic wave signals, applied acoustic wave signals and electrical signals transmitted through or reflected off of a portion of the measured body region. Some aspects may include determining a change in tissue structure, or a change in tissue content.08-21-2008
20110224543System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Critical Structure - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through a target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response. The processing unit is configured to identify the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property.09-15-2011
20100286508TOOL FOR DETECTING PLANES OF A BONE AND ASSIGNED DATA PROCESSING METHOD - The present application relates to a tool for detecting planes which are defined by anatomical landmarks, comprising a first and a second level abutment area for placing onto a body structure, wherein the first and second abutment areas have a predetermined position relative to each other, and comprising a tool marker device which has a stationary position relative to the first and second abutment areas.11-11-2010
20130137975PET IMAGING - A method for determining whether to administer a therapeutically effective amount of a receptor tyrosine kinase-inhibiting drug for tumor treatment, by determining a glucose uptake response in the tumor of a mammal. 05-30-2013
20100317966Hybrid-multimodal magneto-optical contrast markers - A contrast marker for use in imaging applications, wherein the marker is sensitive to an applied magnetic field through the formation of radical pair species and wherein the marker is independently magnetically sensitive, optically sensitive, and magneto-optically sensitive.12-16-2010
20130184571Active 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
20110313285C-ARM POSE ESTIMATION USING INTENSITY-BASED REGISTRATION OF IMAGING MODALITIES - This invention provides a method for estimating C-arm fluoroscope pose. The method involves introducing a coordinate system into a C-arm image, and applying intensity-based 2D/3D registration without segmentation to the coordinate system C-arm image and an image or known model of the coordinate system, wherein the intensity-based 2D/3D registration yields the C-arm pose. The coordinate system may be provided by introducing one or more markers or a fiducial into an image.12-22-2011
20110313284Double Registration - A mapping system (12-22-2011

Patent applications in class Using fiducial marker