A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to specify a search start position of a matrix representing inter-regional connectivity between a plurality of regions in a brain based on a result of an analysis on an image of a subject and an attention degree set to each of the regions. The processing circuitry is configured to search the matrix using the search start position.

A method for determining a desired location at which to apply a neural therapy. An array of electrodes is positioned proximal to neural tissue. A stimulus is applied from the array which evokes a neural compound action potential response in the neural tissue proximal to the array. A plurality of electrodes of the array simultaneously obtain respective measurements of the neural compound action potential response. From the measurements of the neural compound action potential response a desired location for a neural therapy is determined.

A device for detection of the tactile sensitivity of a user includes a base frame and a mechanical system joined to the base frame, the mechanical system being movable relative to the base frame and having a resting area for the fingertip of at least one finger of the user. The mechanical system includes a plurality of movable plate-shaped members arranged side by side to each other so that the resting area is defined by the thicknesses of at least part of the upper edges of the plate-shaped members. Each plate-shaped member is connected to an actuator, which can be operated to independently move each plate-shaped member from a minimum height position to a maximum height position, a control unit being further provided, which is adapted to operate the actuators.

A method of neurohydrodissection for treating a headache in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises the step of physically inspecting a patient and locating a first compression site of a nerve of the patient where the nerve passes through a tissue and is inflamed. The method comprises the step of ultrasound imaging the patient at the first compression site. The method comprises the step of inserting a syringe at the first compression site, wherein while the first compression site is being imaged, guiding the syringe to an intersection between the nerve and the tissue, injecting a solution with the syringe at the intersection and dissecting the nerve from the tissue. The method comprises the step of confirming with the patient whether a headache symptom has changed.

A hyperspectral imaging apparatus and methods for performing hyperspectral imaging of a surgical field, involving: an external optical imaging device for externally imaging internal tissue through a surgical access port, the access port having a port wall having a light-diffusing surface texture, whereby reflectance of the port wall is decreasable, and the external optical imaging device having an illuminated exoscope, the illuminated exoscope having: a longitudinal housing; an optical imaging assembly provided within the longitudinal housing; an imaging camera interfaced with the optical imaging assembly for detecting images collected by the optical imaging assembly; and one or more illumination sources supported by the longitudinal housing, wherein an illumination axis associated with each illumination source is offset from an imaging axis of the optical imaging assembly; a remote light source; a spectral filtering device in optical communication with the remote light source; and a light guide having a proximal end in optical communication with an output of the spectral filtering device and one or more distal ends, wherein each distal end is in optical communication with an illumination source.

A system for monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The system utilizes the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Systems, methods, and devices for intraoperatively confirming location of tissue structures during medical procedures. Preoperative image data of a patient's skeletal structure in a vicinity of an anatomical part undergoing a medical procedure is acquired. During the procedure, after exposing tissue intraoperative image data is acquired by scanning a selected region of tissue, in a vicinity of the skeletal structure using Polarization Sensitive-Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT). Regions of tissue exhibiting structural organization in the vicinity of the skeletal structure are identified from the intraoperative (PS-OCT) image data. Geometrically correlating and registering the intraoperative (PS-OCT) image data with the preoperative image data of the skeletal structure in the vicinity of the anatomical part is then performed using a priori known anatomical information about the regions of tissue exhibiting structural information.

Exemplary aspects of a treatment device are described, such as a body, a plurality of generator elements, and a housing. The body may contain a processing unit. The plurality of generator elements may be disposed within the body and be independently operable to output different energy types. The housing may be removably securable to the body. The housing may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a circumferential wall surrounding the plurality of generator elements when the housing is secured to the body, the distal end of the housing being positionable on skin about an area of the skin. The housing also may include an insulating material for permitting flows of the different energy types toward the area of skin and limiting flows of the different energy types outside the housing. Related apparatus, methods, and systems are described.

Exemplary aspects of a treatment device are described, such as a body, a plurality of generator elements, and a housing. The body may contain a processing unit. The plurality of generator elements may be disposed within the body and be independently operable to output different energy types. The housing may be removably securable to the body. The housing may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a circumferential wall surrounding the plurality of generator elements when the housing is secured to the body, the distal end of the housing being positionable on skin about an area of the skin. The housing also may include an insulating material for permitting flows of the different energy types toward the area of skin and limiting flows of the different energy types outside the housing. Related apparatus, methods, and systems are described.

Stimulation and recording electrode assemblies that are particularly useful for Automatic Period Stimulation (APS). Such embodiments are compatible with nerve monitoring systems to provide continuous stimulation of a nerve during surgery. Certain embodiments include an electrode assembly having cuff including a body and two ears extending from the body. Within the body, at least one electrode is supported and connected to a lead wire assembly. The ears can be brought together to enlarge a gap in the body so that the electrode assembly can be fixated around a nerve. Other embodiments include an electrode assembly including first and second needle electrodes that each have a tip. A body is provided to interconnect the needle electrodes and can be manipulated to move the tips either toward or away from one another. Disclosed embodiments provide nerve monitoring and stimulation in cases where the nerve is only partially dissected.