Algorithms for ultrasound elastography: a survey.

Elastography is a useful and interesting technique that can be used to infer stiffness information from ultrasound medical images. In one decade of activity, the scientific community has developed this technique to a more and more mature stage, such that it has evolved into a fruitful application for clinical practice. During this decade, the evolution has proceeded from qualitative stiffness information to numerical quantification using different algorithms and approaches, based on both iterative and direct approaches.

Endoclamp balloon visualization and automatic placement system.

Objectives: Aortic occlusion is one of the most important open discussions in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Different techniques can be employed, and all have benefits and drawbacks. The objective of our work is to improve the safety of internal aortic occlusion with the Port Access technique, which employs an endoclamp balloon catheter.