Abstract:
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments detection of a change in characteristics of plaque in a longitudinal exam is automated for the purpose of assessing change in disease due to therapy, patient behavior modifications or follow-up. In some embodiments, diagnosis and treatment of arterial lesions includes obtaining a plurality of sets of computed-tomography images of at least one arterial plaque lesion, wherein each set of computed-tomography images are acquired at a different time, then storing the computed-tomography images in a database and analyzing arterial plaque variations in the sets of computed-tomography images for changes in at least one parameter.
Abstract:
Method and system for processing an object within a diagnostic image comprises segmenting a three dimensional (3D) object within a diagnostic image. A contour of the object is fitted with a 3D mesh comprising splines in at least first and second directions. The splines provide a plurality of editable control points, and the splines in the first direction intersect with the splines in the second direction at intersection points. A position of at least one control point on the 3D mesh is adjusted based on a user input.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for coding a visual representation of one or more plaque regions in a vessel are provided. The method includes segmenting the visual representation of the vessel to identify structures associated with the vessel, classifying at least one region in the vessel as a plaque region, displaying the at least one plaque region using a visual highlight selectively associated with the classification for the at least one plaque region, and shading the visual highlight based on a probability that the classification is correct.
Abstract:
A method and system may be implemented, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to permit transformation of software to use conditional execution instructions. According to the preferred embodiment, a system and method is provided to transform machine instructions (for example, machine instructions generated by a source code compiler) to make use of the conditional execution features of a processor. The preferred embodiment thus reduces code size and better utilizes the instruction pipeline and cache.
Abstract:
A method for producing an image of an object includes scanning an object with an imaging apparatus to collect projection data of the object utilizing cone sampling. The projection data is rebinned in a row-wise, fan-to-parallel fashion to produce rebinned data and the rebinned data is view-weighted to produce view-weighted data. The method further includes filtering the view-weighted data utilizing a row-wise ramp filter to produce filtered data and generating an image of the object utilizing the filtered data and a three-dimensional (3D) backprojection.
Abstract:
A method for memory reclamation is disclosed that includes marking a memory object when an attempt to alter a reference to the memory object is detected by a software write barrier. Marking be by using representations (“black,” “white”, “gray”) stored as part of a garbage collection information data structure associated with each memory object. Initially, all allocated memory objects are marked white. Objects are then processed such that objects referenced by pointers are marked gray. Each object marked gray is then processed to determine objects referenced by pointers in it, and such objects are marked gray. When all objects referenced by pointers in the selected gray objected have been processed, the selected gray object is marked black. When all processing has been completed, objects still marked white may be reclaimed. Also described is a garbage collector which runs as a task concurrently with other tasks. A priority of the garbage collector may be increased to prevent interruption during certain parts of the garbage collection procedure.
Abstract:
The present invention, in one form, is a system for performing image reconstruction from projection data acquired in a helical scan. More specifically, the system implements an incremental reconstruction algorithm for helical scan projection data which does not require filtering, weighting and backprojecting such projection data for generating each image. Particularly, a segmentation algorithm divides the projection into a plurality of segments so that subsequent images are generated by generating image data only for those segments that have changed from the base image.
Abstract:
A CT Fluoro system having an architecture and algorithms which facilitate increasing the frame rate and providing acceptable image quality is described. Generally, and in one embodiment, the system includes apparatus and algorithms that speed-up image reconstruction and reduce image artifacts that may result from such fast reconstruction. The fast reconstruction is achieved by performing, for example, view compression, channel compression, backprojection with reduced delay, and parallel processing.
Abstract:
A system and method for dual energy CT spectral imaging that provides for accurate blood vessel stenosis visualization and quantification is disclosed. The CT system includes an x-ray source configured to project x-rays toward a region-of-interest of a patient that includes a blood vessel in a stenosed condition and having a plaque material therein. The CT system also includes an x-ray detector to receive x-rays emitted by the x-ray source and attenuated by the region-of-interest, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the x-ray detector, and a computer programmed to obtain a first set of CT image data for the region-of-interest at a first chromatic energy level, obtain a second set of CT image data for the region-of-interest at a second chromatic energy level that is higher than the first chromatic energy level, and identify plaque material in the region-of-interest by analyzing the second set of CT image data.
Abstract:
The present invention features interferon- and ribavirin-free therapies for the treatment of HCV. Preferably, the treatment is over a shorter duration of treatment, such as no more than 12 weeks. In one aspect, the therapies comprise administering at least two direct acting antiviral agents without interferon and ribavirin to a subject with HCV infection. For example, the therapies comprise administering to a subject an effective amounts of therapeutic agent 1, therapeutic agent 2 (or therapeutic agent 3), and an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (e.g., ritonavir).