Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080262345 | Image 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 |
20080306384 | Apparatus and method for computing 3D ultrasound elasticity images - Disclosed is a system and method for computing ultrasound 3D elasticity images. The method includes acquiring ultrasound RF data in a rest state, in which substantially no pressure is applied to a tissue medium, and acquiring ultrasound data in a stressed state, in which pressure is applied to a tissue medium having an aberration, and computing a measured displacement image from the two RF data sets. The method also includes computing an initial estimated displacement image, which is derived from a 3D elasticity model. The method further includes computing an optimization loop, wherein the initial estimated displacement image is adjusted to converge on the measured displacement image. The optimized estimated displacement image is then segmented and superimposed over the rest state ultrasound image. Further, the original 3D elasticity model is adjusted to match the optimized estimated displacement image. | 12-11-2008 |
20100056900 | APPARATUS FOR INSERTION OF A MEDICAL DEVICE WITHIN A BODY DURING A MEDICAL IMAGING PROCESS AND DEVICES AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - A device, system, and method for entering a medical device such as a needle into the body inside a medical imager such as a MRI scanner, CT, X-ray fluoroscopy, and ultrasound imaging, from within a body cavity (such as the rectum, vagina, or laparoscopically accessed cavity). A three degree-of-freedom mechanical device translates and rotates inside the cavity and enters a needle into the body, and steers the needle to a target point selected by the user. The device is guided by real-time images from the medical imager. Networked computers process the medical images and enable the clinician to control the motion of the mechanical device that is operated within the imager, outside of the imager or remotely from outside the imager. | 03-04-2010 |
20100198068 | ROBUST AND ACCURATE FREEHAND 3D ULTRASOUND - Disclosed is a system and method for computing out of plane motion between two ultrasound images. The method identifies regions of fully developed speckle that are common to the two images, computes a correlation coefficient corresponding to the two fully developed speckle image regions, and then computing an elevation distance corresponding to the correlation coefficient. The method exploits the measurable and characterizable relation between inter-image correlation and elevation distance, which may be determined from fully developed speckle regions. The method also identifies regions within the ultrasound images related to structure (e.g., vein or bone), and disregards these regions. | 08-05-2010 |
20100239144 | Marker Localization Using Intensity-Based Registration of Imaging Modalities - Provided are methods and systems for registering image data from two imaging modalities, to produce an image having features from both imaging technologies. In particular, the methods and systems relate to intensity-based registration of the image data. The imaging modalities may be, for example, ultrasound and x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or a pre-operative plan. | 09-23-2010 |
20110311030 | C-Arm Rotation Encoding Methods and Apparatus - This invention provides a method for estimating C-ARM fluoroscope rotation pose, and related programmed media and kits. In one embodiment the method includes measuring an angle of the C-arm using an accelerometer affixed to the C-arm, wherein the accelerometer is not moving during the measurement. The method includes generating angle correction equations based on differences between C-arm poses and corresponding accelerometer angles, and optionally generating structural compensation equations to compensate for structural flexion or deformation of the C-arm. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313285 | C-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 |
20140039298 | APPARATUS FOR INSERTION OF A MEDICAL DEVICE WITHIN A BODY DURING A MEDICAL IMAGING PROCESS AND DEVICES AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - A device, system, and method for entering a medical device such as a needle into the body inside a medical imager such as a MRI scanner, CT, X-ray fluoroscopy, and ultrasound imaging, from within a body cavity (such as the rectum, vagina, or laparoscopically accessed cavity). A three degree-of-freedom mechanical device translates and rotates inside the cavity and enters a needle into the body, and steers the needle to a target point selected by the user. The device is guided by real-time images from the medical imager. Networked computers process the medical images and enable the clinician to control the motion of the mechanical device that is operated within the imager, outside of the imager or remotely from outside the imager. | 02-06-2014 |
20140121501 | AUTOMATED INTRAOPERATIVE ULTRASOUND CALIBRATION - An ultrasound calibration phantom comprises a portion including at least one fiducial structure having a selected geometric arrangement; a portion adapted for mechanical coupling of the ultrasound calibration phantom to a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) stepper; and a guide for at least one surgical instrument, the guide being mechanically coupled to the fiducial structure and/or to the TRUS stepper at a selected pose relative to the fiducial structure. A calibration method uses the calibration phantom and provides automatic, intraoperative calibration of ultrasound imaging systems. The invention is useful in ultrasound-guided clinical procedures. | 05-01-2014 |
20140187913 | APPARATUS FOR INSERTION OF A MEDICAL DEVICE DURING A MEDICAL IMAGING PROCESS - The end-effector includes a sheath and a medical device or needle carrier that is disposed within the interior compartment of the sheath. An aperture is located in a portion of the sheath proximal a distal end of the sheath that is inserted into a natural or artificial cavity. This device is guided by a real-time imager. | 07-03-2014 |
20140276001 | Device and Method for Image-Guided Surgery - In one aspect the invention provides a reference device that enhances image-guided surgical interventions. The reference device is tracked by the imaging system and used to verify the accuracy of the intervention tool placement before and during the intervention. The reference device holds a reference sensor in a position aligned with patient anatomy, so that images are displayed in the correct orientation to the operator, aiding in target recognition and better navigation. Also provided are methods using the reference device and programmed computer media for implementing at least a part of the methods. | 09-18-2014 |