A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided that is controlled by a computer. The computer is programmed to control a plurality of gradient coils and radio frequency (RF) system of the MRI system to perform at least one pulse sequence that includes applying RF energy at least at two frequencies to manipulate exchangeable magnetization from protons in a subject. The computer is also programmed to control the plurality of gradient coils and RF system to acquire imaging data including magnetization transfer information from the exchangeable magnetization from protons in the subject in response to the pulse sequence. The computer is further programmed to, using frequency information associated with the imaging data, generate a report pertaining to inhomogeneous magnetization transfer occurring in the subject in response to the pulse sequence.

Example systems and techniques for denervation, for example, renal denervation. In some examples, a processor determines one or more tissue characteristics of tissue proximate a target nerve and a blood vessel. The processor may generate, based on the one or more tissue characteristics, an estimated volume of influence of denervation therapy delivered by a therapy delivery device disposed within the blood vessel. The processor may generate a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of the tissue proximate the target nerve and the blood vessel and a graphical representation of the estimated volume of influence.

Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g., from a proximal end of the access device or a location disposed outside of the patient. The blade can be manipulated in various ways, such as by rotating the blade relative to the outer tube, translating the blade longitudinally relative to the outer tube, sliding an expander along the blade, driving a wedge between the blade and the outer tube, actuating a cam mechanism of the access device, and/or pivoting the blade relative to the outer tube.

A signal processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to perform a process including obtaining measurement data including a signal of interest and an interference signal generated in proximity to a signal source of the signal of interest, estimating a signal source in an extraction target area including the signal source of the signal of interest and a signal source of the interference signal based on the measurement data, selecting the signal source of the interference signal based on a result of the estimating a signal source and extracting interference signal data generated from the selected signal source of the interference signal, and extracting the signal of interest by removing a common part between the measurement data and the interference signal data.

The present invention relates to a rehabilitation system (10) for a patient (24) suffering from a damaged muscle and/or nerve, said system (10) comprising: a brain activity sensor (14) for measuring a patient's brain activity related to controlling the damaged muscle and/or nerve; a muscle sensor (18) for measuring a muscular activity of the damaged muscle and/or a neural activity of the damaged nerve; a display (22) for displaying a representation (34) of an affected body part of the patient (24); and a control unit (20) for determining an intended movement of the affected body part in which the damaged muscle and/or nerve is arranged, and for controlling the display (22) to display a representation (36) of the intended movement, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to determine the intended movement based on the patient's brain activity measured by the brain activity sensor (14) and based on the muscular and/or neural activity of the damaged muscle and/or nerve measured by the muscle sensor (18).

A neurophysiological monitoring system includes at least one surgical instrument having at least one magnetometer and a control unit configured to receive magnetic field data generated by the at least one magnetometer. The control unit may provide stimulation to a nerve at a known stimulation time and receive magnetic field data from the at least one magnetometer indicative of a response to stimulation of the nerve at a receive time. An interpretation of the magnetic field data based upon the receive time and the stimulation time may be generated.

Systems and methods for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation are disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors or electrodes for accessing and recording physiologic information from one or more anatomical sites within the parenchyma of an organ as part of a physiologic monitoring session, a diagnostic test, or a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors and/or a means for energy delivery, for performing a neuromodulation procedure within a small vessel within a body is disclosed.

Adjustable-length surgical access devices are disclosed herein, which can advantageously allow an overall length of the access device to be quickly and easily changed by the user. The access devices herein can reduce or eliminate the need to maintain an inventory of many different length access devices. In some embodiments, the length of the access device can be adjusted while the access device is inserted into the patient. This can reduce or eliminate the need to swap in and out several different access devices before arriving at an optimal length access device. This can also reduce or eliminate the need to change the access device that is inserted into a patient as the depth at which a surgical step is performed changes over the course of a procedure. Rather, the length of the access device can be adjusted in situ and on-the-fly as needed or desired to accommodate different surgical depths.

Surgical access port stabilization systems and methods are described herein. Such systems and methods can be employed to provide ipsilateral stabilization of a surgical access port, e.g., during spinal surgeries. In one embodiment, a surgical system can include an access port configured for percutaneous insertion into a patient to define a channel to a surgical site and an anchor configured for insertion into the patient's bone. Further, the access port can be coupled to the anchor such that a longitudinal axis of the access port and a longitudinal axis of the anchor are non-coaxial. With such a system, a surgeon or other user can access a surgical site through the access port without the need for external or other stabilization of the access port, but can instead position the access port relative to an anchor already placed in the patient's body.

A method for treating a fibrous mass associated with a condition such as Morton's neuroma, plantar fibroma, or Achilles tendinopathy. The method comprises identifying a location of the fibrous mass and non-surgically delivering electromagnetic energy to the fibrous mass.