Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.V.

U.S. Philips Corporation

Koninklike Philips N.v.

Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.v.

Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh

Steffen Weiss

Sascha Krueger

Daniel Wirtz

Oliver Lips

Bernd R David

Bernhard Gleich

Thomas Erik Amthor

Falk Uhlemann

Michael Gunter Helle

Peter Vernickel

Gereon Vogtmeier

Peter Koken

Karsten Sommer

Ronaldus Frederik Johannes Holthuizen

Christoph Günther Leussler

Jouke Smink

Jan Hendrik Wuelbern

Christoph G Leussler

Julien Senegas

Holger Eggers

Axel Saalbach

Rajendra Singh Sisodia

Mark Thomas Johnson

Kai-Michael L&uuml;deke

Peter Boernert

Johan Samuel Van Den Brink

Volker Rasche

Jochen Peters

Robert Manzke

Albertus Cornelis Den Brinker

Ulrich Wolfgang Katscher

Lingxiong Shao

Ingmar Graesslin

Peter Mazurkewitz

Christian Stehning

Ingwer Curt Carlsen

Tobias Richard Schaeffter

Johan Partomo Djajadiningrat

Tobias Ratko Voigt

Johannes Catharina Antonius Op De Beek

Sunil Kumar Vuppala

Sudipta Chaudhury

Rolf Jurgen Weese

Kai-Michael Luedeke

Michael Helle

Ralph Sinkus

Jaap Knoester

Soubhik Paul

Joerg Mueller

Micheal J Petrillo

Christophe Michael Jean Schulke

Marieke Van Dooren

Tobias Schäffter

Tobias Sch&auml;ffter

Christophe Schuelke

Angela J DaSilva

David Bernd

Jukku Iimari Tanttu

Wenjin Wang

A vital sign detection system comprises a camera () configured to acquire image frames from an examination zone (). A signal processor () derives vital sign information from the acquired image frames. An illumination controller () controls illumination of the examination zone, generates temporal modulations of the illumination and synchronise the camera frame rate with the modulated illumination. The vital sign detection system of the invention achieves to increase the dynamic range and hence also the signal-to-noise ratio of the vital sign signal.

Camera-based vital sign detection

There is provided a method of determining a scan sequence for magnetic resonance imaging—MRI. The method comprises: receiving an indication of one or more selected imaging parameters for the MRI; and based on the selected imaging parameters, determining the scan sequence usable by an MRI apparatus to perform the MRI, wherein determining the scan sequence comprises configuring the scan sequence to modulate gradient noise arising from the MRI apparatus during the MRI to deliver a first audible signal to the patient, wherein the first audible signal is configured to perform auditory stimulation of slow wave activity in the patient.

Controlling gradient noise in magnetic resonance imaging

The present invention relates to sedation assessment. In order to facilitate sedation depth monitoring in an autonomous imaging setting, it is proposed to use the imaging modality itself to measure the response to suitable reflexes in order to determine the depth of sedation wherein suitable reflexes include, but are not limited to, the pupil reflex, so-called superficial reflexes and the withdrawal reflexes. In one embodiment, the pupil reflex may be measured in an MRI system by repeated interleaving of dedicated iris MR imaging with the conventional scan protocol. In another embodiment, superficial reflexes in response to stroking of the skin may be measured. This may involve a dedicated actuator that may be closely integrated with the imaging modality, e.g. an MR receive coil applied to the patient. Alternatively, remote haptic systems may be used. The reflex is then acquired with a suitable diagnostic imaging method. In another embodiment, the withdrawal reflex in response to pain may be measured. This may involve an actuator that induces sudden stitching pain or very local temperature-induced pain and that is closely integrated with the imaging modality, e.g. a pinching device integrated with a patient support or an MR receive coil applied to the patient. The reflex is then acquired with a suitable diagnostic imaging method.

Imaging-based reflex measurements for sedation depth monitoring

The invention concerns an optical arrangement for an X-ray system for determining a patient position and/or a patient rotation of a patient to be X-rayed by the X-ray system, an X-ray system comprising such optical arrangement, a system for controlling and a method for determining a patient position and/or a patient rotation. The optical arrangement comprises a laser source, and a detector vertically spaced apart from each other. The laser source is configured for emitting a horizontal laser line onto the patient, the detector is configured for detecting a course of the laser line emitted onto the patient. An analysing unit configured for determining the patient position and/or the patient rotation of the patient, based on an analysis of the detected course of the laser line. The analysing unit is configured for validating whether the determined patient position and/or patient rotation of the patient corresponds to a predetermined reference parameter, and wherein the analysing unit is configured for generating a feedback signal based on a result of the validation.

Optical arrangement for an X-ray system for determining a patient position and/or patient rotation

The present invention relates to a system () for detection of Radio Frequency (RF) induced heating of a patient undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination. The system comprises a form (); and a processing unit (). The form is configured to be placed around at least a part of a patient undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging 'MRI' examination in an MRI scanner. The form comprises a material (), and the form is configured such that the material is in thermal contact with the patient when the form is placed around the at least part of the patient undergoing the MRI examination. The processing unit is configured to receive interrogation data of the material. The processing unit is configured to determine that RF induced heating of the patient has occurred. The determination comprises utilization of the interrogation data.

System for detection of RF induced heating of a patient undergoing a MRI examination

An apparatus for optimizing a sequence of Magnetic Resonance (MR) scans of an MR exam. The apparatus includes an input unit; a processing unit; and an output unit. The input unit is configured to receive information on a MR exam to be performed on a patient, the information includes details of individual MR scans; provide the information to the processing unit; receive information on the patient, and provide the information to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to utilize the information to determine an overall score value for each MR scan of the individual MR scans and determine a sequence of MR scans for the MR exam comprising utilization of the individual MR scans and the overall score value for each MR scan. The output unit is configured to output the determined sequence of MR scans for the MR exam.

Apparatus for optimizing a sequence of magnetic resonance (MR) scans of a MR exam

For the field of determining the position of an invasive device () a solution for improving the localization of the invasive device () is specified. This is achieved by an arrangement and a method for determining the position of an invasive device (), wherein an optical shape sensing system for sensing a position and/or shape of the invasive device () is provided, wherein the system is arranged to localize at least one point Pon the invasive device () at a position x, y, z, with some error margin (ΔxΔyΔz) in a region of interest (), localizing and reconstructing at least one point Pon the invasive device () at a position x, y, z, with some error margin (ΔxΔyΔz) in a region of interest () by the optical shape sensing system. An MRI system is also provided for measuring the position x, y, zof the point Pon the invasive device () within the error margin in the region of interest at least in one spatial direction by the MRI system, wherein a signal of the magnetization in the error margin (ΔxΔyΔz) is read out by the MRI system and a position of the invasive device () is determined based on the signal. The position x, y, z, of the point Pon the invasive device () in the region of interest () determined by the optical shape sensing system is corrected with the x, y, z, of the point Pon the invasive device () in the region of interest () determined by the MRI system by a calculating system to an actual position of the point Pon the invasive device ().

Arrangement and method for determining the position of an invasive device

The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of a body () of a patient positioned in an examination volume of an MR device (). It is an object of the invention to provide a method that enables geometrically correct MR-only radiation therapy planning at minimum scan times. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: acquiring first MR imaging data representative of at least one region of the body (); analyzing said first MR imaging data to delineate at least one anatomical structure within said body region; acquiring second MR imaging data of said body region using a multi-point Dixon sequence; deriving a B0 map from said second MR imaging data; analyzing said B0 map to determine at least one low fidelity region of said B0 map; performing B0 mapping to refine the B0 map using a multi-acquisition gradient echo sequence restricted to at least one region where said delineated anatomical structure and said low fidelity region overlap completely or partially; and correcting geometrical distortions in said first and/or second MR imaging data using the refined B0 map. Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device () for carrying out the method, and to a computer program to be executed on a MR device ().

MR imaging for radiation therapy planning

The invention may improve image quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The invention is directed to a coil arrangement () for magnetic resonance imaging. It comprises a base structure having a variable shape, an RF coil arranged on or in the base structure, an actuator means at least partially extending along the base structure such that the base structure is deformable along and/or about at least one axis, a position detecting means adapted to detect a current position of at least a portion of the subject to be examined relative to the RF coil, and control means coupled to the position detecting means and the actuator means, wherein the control means is adapted to adjust the shape of the base structure to maintain a contact of an outer surface of the base structure () and/or the RF coil () with the at least portion of the subject by driving the actuator means in response to a detected change of the current position relative to a previous position. The invention is further directed to a (MRI) system, a method for positioning an RF coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system relative to a subject to be examined, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Coil arrangement for magnetic resonance imaging system

A system (SYS) and related method for supporting MR imaging. The system (SYS) comprises a logic (CL) to receive a measurement from RF sensors (SS-) arrangeable outside a bore (BR) of an MR imaging apparatus (IA). The logic processes the measurement to establish i) whether there is at least one surface RF coil present that is not electrically coupled to circuitry (SPC) of the MR imaging apparatus (IA) and/or ii) to localize at least one surface RF coil on or at a patient table (PT) of the MR imaging apparatus.

Detection of unconnected MR coils and localization of misplaced coils

There is provided a control system () for a magnetic resonance imaging system (). The control system comprises a control module () configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform an examination comprising multiple scans. The control system further comprises a monitor module () configured to monitor a sleep state of a patient on the basis of sensor data received from a patient state sensing system () of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The control system further comprises a sequencing module () configured dynamically to determine at least part of a sequence in which the control module is to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform the scans, the determination being made according to the monitored sleep state of the patient and according to a sleep-appropriateness score associated with one or more of the scans. A corresponding method is also provided.

Scan sequencing in magnetic resonance imaging

A system is provided for stimulating renal nerves. The system includes an interstitial device to provide stimulation and denervation of the renal nerves from outside the renal artery. The interstitial device extends through non-vascular tissue and into a periarterial space. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the interstitial device, configured to: obtain, from a sensor, first information pertaining to a blood pressure or heart rate; stimulate, using one or more electrodes of the interstitial device, renal sympathetic nerves associated with the renal artery; and obtain, from the sensor, second information pertaining to the blood pressure or heart rate of the subject. Based on a difference between the first information and the second information, the control unit determines whether the subject is suitable for a sympathetic denervation procedure and causes the interstitial device to perform the sympathetic denervation procedure if the subject is suitable.

System for stimulating renal nerves

The present disclosure relates to an ear protection system () for a medical imaging device. It comprises an ear protection device (), adapted to be fitted around or in the ears of a patient (P) to be imaged, and at least comprising a first communication interface () and at least one sensor device () adapted to determine a measurement of noise passing through the ear protection device () towards the ears of the patient. The system () further comprises a controllable signal emitter (), adapted to output a proxy signal representing an expected imaging device noise and to be measured by the at least one sensor device (), and a patient assistance device (), adapted to assist the patient to fit the ear protection device (), and at least comprising a second communication interface. During a preparation phase of the patient preceding an imaging phase using the medical imaging device, the ear protection device () and the patient assistance device () are communicatively connected to each other via the first and second communication interface, and the patient assistance device () generates assisting instructions to the patient depending on an evaluation of the proxy signal and the measurement of noise passing through the ear protection device () determined by the sensor device ().

Ear protection for medical imaging

A magnetic resonance examination system with an examination zone () and comprising a camera () and non-metallic mirror (), in particular within the examination zone (), arranging an optical pathway () between a portion of the examination zone (), via the non-metallic mirror (), and the camera (). The camera can obtain image information from that portion even if the direct line of sight () is blocked. The non-metallic mirror is a dielectric mirror having a macroscopically grated base.

Monitoring system with a camera and non-metallic mirror for magnetic resonance examination system

Embodiments of the present application provide a radio frequency head coil (), RE head coil. The RE head coil () comprises a coil former () comprising at least a first leg and a second leg arranged at a distance from each other to define a space there between, the coil former () being at least sectionally flexible and having at least one first fastening portion () arranged adjacent to the space (), and a respiratory mask () comprising a gas outlet () and at least one second fastening portion (), wherein in an operable condition in which the RE head coil () is adapted to be arranged at least in sections around a head of a patient (S) and in which the second fastening portion () is adapted to be fastened to the first fastening portion (), the gas outlet () is disposed within the space ().

Radio frequency head coil with respiratory mask

Growing community of inventors

Hamburg, Germany

Steffen Weiss