A Cost Effective Positioning Device in MRI-PHIFU System

At present, manual needle-positioning techniques known as "triangulation" and "keyhole surgery" are implemented during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to gain initial kidney access. These techniques do not ensure correct needle placement inside the kidney, resulting in multiple needle punctures, unnecessary hemorrhage, excessive radiation exposure to all involved and increased surgery time. A cost-effective fluoroscopy-guided needle-positioning system is proposed for aiding urologists in gaining accurate and repeatable kidney calyx access. Guidance is realized by modeling a C-arm fluoroscopic system as an adapted pinhole camera model and utilizing stereovision principles on an image pair. Targeting is realized with the aid of a graphical user interface operated by the surgeon. An average target registration error of 2.5 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) was achieved in a simulated environment. Similar results were achieved in the operating room environment with successful needle access in two in-vitro porcine kidneys.

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A Prototype MR Compatible Positioning Device for Guiding a Focused Ultrasound System for the Treatment of Abdominal and Thyroid Cancer

International Journal of Monitoring and Surveillance Technologies Research ◽

10.4018/ijmstr.2013100105 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 48-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nicos Mylonas ◽

Christakis Damianou

Keyword(s):

Focused Ultrasound ◽

Cost Effective ◽

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ◽

Current Form ◽

Open Mri ◽

Intended Application ◽

Piezoelectric Motors ◽

Positioning Device ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

A prototype magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible positioning device that navigates a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer is presented. The intended application is to treat eventually tumours in the abdominal and thyroid. The positioning device has 3 user-controlled stages that allow access to various targets using a top to bottom coupling approach. Materials and Methods. The positioning device incorporates only MRI compatible materials such as piezoelectric motors, ABS plastic, brass screws, and brass rack and pinion. Results The MRI compatibility and the accuracy of the system were successfully demonstrated in an open MRI scanner. The robot has the ability to accurately move the transducer thus creating discrete and overlapping lesions in rabbit liver in vivo. This simple, cost effective positioning device can be placed mostly on the structure of an open MRI gantry. Due to the size of this positioning device, the proposed prototype in its current form cannot be used in any closed MRI system. The novelty of this positioning device is the MRI compatible design and its intended application which is the treatment of tumors in the abdominal area using focused ultrasound. This system can be utilized in the future to treat patients with cancer in the liver, kidney, pancreas and thyroid provided that the accuracy of the positioning device is greatly improved.

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The application of electron microscopy to diagnosis in gynecologic neoplasms and tumor-like conditions

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100110787 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 102-105

Author(s):

Lawrence M. Roth

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Frozen Section ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

Ultrastructural Examination ◽

Specific Diagnosis ◽

Potential Value ◽

Gynecologic Neoplasms

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.

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The IBM-PC in electron microscopy

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100165525 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 612-613

Author(s):

James F. Mancuso

Keyword(s):

Head Start ◽

Image Acquisition ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Financial Applications ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

Instrument Control ◽

The Cost ◽

Training And Support ◽

Control Image ◽

Ibm Pc

IBM PC compatible computers are widely used in microscopy for applications ranging from control to image acquisition and analysis. The choice of IBM-PC based systems over competing computer platforms can be based on technical merit alone or on a number of factors relating to economics, availability of peripherals, management dictum, or simple personal preference.IBM-PC got a strong “head start” by first dominating clerical, document processing and financial applications. The use of these computers spilled into the laboratory where the DOS based IBM-PC replaced mini-computers. Compared to minicomputer, the PC provided a more for cost-effective platform for applications in numerical analysis, engineering and design, instrument control, image acquisition and image processing. In addition, the sitewide use of a common PC platform could reduce the cost of training and support services relative to cases where many different computer platforms were used. This could be especially true for the microscopists who must use computers in both the laboratory and the office.

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A Review of 21 iPad Applications for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Purposes

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac21.2.60 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 60-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Ashley Alliano ◽

Kimberly Herriger ◽

Anthony D. Koutsoftas ◽

Theresa E. Bartolotta

Keyword(s):

Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Alternative Form ◽

Alternative Communication ◽

Text To Speech ◽

Reference Guide ◽

Expressive Communication ◽

Communication Needs ◽

User Friendly ◽

Ipad Applications

Abstract Using the iPad tablet for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) purposes can facilitate many communicative needs, is cost-effective, and is socially acceptable. Many individuals with communication difficulties can use iPad applications (apps) to augment communication, provide an alternative form of communication, or target receptive and expressive language goals. In this paper, we will review a collection of iPad apps that can be used to address a variety of receptive and expressive communication needs. Based on recommendations from Gosnell, Costello, and Shane (2011), we describe the features of 21 apps that can serve as a reference guide for speech-language pathologists. We systematically identified 21 apps that use symbols only, symbols and text-to-speech, and text-to-speech only. We provide descriptions of the purpose of each app, along with the following feature descriptions: speech settings, representation, display, feedback features, rate enhancement, access, motor competencies, and cost. In this review, we describe these apps and how individuals with complex communication needs can use them for a variety of communication purposes and to target a variety of treatment goals. We present information in a user-friendly table format that clinicians can use as a reference guide.

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Initial Aphasia Treatments More Cost-Effective Than Later Ones

ASHA Leader ◽

10.1044/leader.rib4.19052014.13 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 13-13

Keyword(s):

Cost Effective

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Teletinnitus Program at the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

Perspectives on Telepractice ◽

10.1044/teles4.1.23 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 23-29

Author(s):

Constance Hilory Tomberlin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Patient Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Gulf Coast ◽

New Technology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Veterans Health ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Care System

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.

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