초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus are provided for locating the position, preferably in three dimensions, of a sensor by generating magnetic fields which are detected at the sensor. The magnetic fields are generated from a plurality of locations and, in one embodiment of the invention, enable both the orientati

Methods and apparatus are provided for locating the position, preferably in three dimensions, of a sensor by generating magnetic fields which are detected at the sensor. The magnetic fields are generated from a plurality of locations and, in one embodiment of the invention, enable both the orientation and location of a single coil sensor to be determined. The present invention thus finds application in many areas where the use of prior art sensors comprising two or more mutually perpendicular coils is inappropriate.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of monitoring a medical instrument within an anatomical body, the method comprising:moving the medical instrument within the anatomical body, the medical instrument having a single magnetic field sensor movable therewith; activating external to the anatomical body, at least three electro

1. A method of monitoring a medical instrument within an anatomical body, the method comprising:moving the medical instrument within the anatomical body, the medical instrument having a single magnetic field sensor movable therewith; activating external to the anatomical body, at least three electromagnetic field sources, wherein the at least three electromagnetic field sources generate at least three magnetic fields, and wherein each of the three magnetics fields has a moment different from moments of each of the other two magnetic fields; detecting with the sensor within the anatomical body, electromagnetic radiation resulting from activation of the at least three electromagnetic field sources; ascertaining a position of the sensor based upon the electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensor, wherein the position includes both a location and an orientation of the sensor; displaying a representation of the ascertained position of the sensor; simultaneously displaying local information corresponding to an area in the anatomical body where the sensor is located while displaying the representation of the ascertained position of the sensor.