Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses for generating a magnetic field for tracking of a target object. Such an apparatus may include a localized magnetic field transmitter that generates a magnetic field and exhibits minimal X-ray absorption when used in proximity to a fluoroscopic imaging system, for example.

Abstract: A registration fixture is configured for use with a medical imaging system. The registration fixture comprises a rigid internal structure comprising a plurality of fiducial markers arranged in a predefined pattern. The registration fixture further comprises a housing configured to surround the rigid internal structure. The registration fixture is configured to be mounted on a patient table.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a moving region of interest located within a body includes a positioning system to determine a position and orientation (P&O) of a medical device as well as to track, using an internal position reference sensor, the motion of the region of interest over time. A compensation function block generates a motion compensation function based on the motion of the region of interest, which is configured to compensate for the motion of the region of interest between a first time, for example a time at which an image was acquired and a second time, for example a time at which a P&O of the device was measured. The measured P&O is corrected using the compensation function. A representation of the medical device is superimposed on the image in accordance with the corrected P&O.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometric model of a heart can be generated from a plurality of two-dimensional image slices of the heart collected using an intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”) catheter. Each image slice can be associated with localization information for the ICE catheter. The image slices can be output in a plurality of voxels according to their associated localization information, thereby creating a three-dimensional geometric model of the heart. Data sufficiency of the three-dimensional model can also be graphically represented. For example, data sufficiency can be represented using voxel opacity, a one-dimensional illustration, a two-dimensional illustration, and/or a data collection cue.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly is configured to be associated with a table supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises magnetic field transmitters that are thin (of minimal height) and transparent, or substantially transparent, to x-ray radiation. The magnetic field transmitters are configured to minimally obstruct components of an imaging system and to minimally interfere with image quality.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses for generating a magnetic field for tracking of a target object. Such an apparatus may include a localized magnetic field transmitter that generates a magnetic field and exhibits minimal X-ray absorption when used in proximity to a fluoroscopic imaging system, for example.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly is configured to be associated with a table supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of magnetic field transmitters, each comprising interlacing layers of conductive material, configured to provide increased magnetic strength and minimal fluoroscopic occlusion. The interlacing layers of conductive material can be arranged in rectangular spiral formations.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly is configured to be associated with a table supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises magnetic field transmitters that are thin (of minimal height) and transparent, or substantially transparent, to x-ray radiation. The magnetic field transmitters are configured to minimally obstruct components of an imaging system and to minimally interfere with image quality.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a magnetic field for tracking of an object can include a localized magnetic field generator that is configured to generate a magnetic field and to control the magnetic field in an area of interest and configured to control the magnetic field in a separate area. The separate area can be displaced from the area of interest and can include a magnetic field-disrupting component. The object can be located in the area of interest.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator assembly is configured to be associated with a table supporting a body. The magnetic field generator comprises a plurality of magnetic field transmitters, each comprising interlacing layers of conductive material, configured to provide increased magnetic strength and minimal fluoroscopic occlusion. The interlacing layers of conductive material can be arranged in rectangular spiral formations.

Abstract: A registration fixture or plate is configured for use with a medical imaging system. The registration fixture may be an optical magnetic registration plate including a plurality of fiducial markers in arranged in a predefined unique pattern. The pattern can be unambiguously detected on 2D image of the plate produced by the medical imaging system. Association of the 2D imaged pattern of fiducial markers with the actual 3D pattern on the optical magnetic registration plate allows for accurate calculation of projection matrices and co-registration of the 3D and 2D coordinate systems.

Abstract: A roll-detecting sensor assembly includes a coil extending along and disposed about an axis. The coil comprises one or more portions, with each portion defining a winding angle. At least one of the portions defines a winding angle that is substantially nonzero relative to a line perpendicular to the axis, whereby the projected area of the coil in an applied magnetic field changes as the coil rotates about the axis. As a result, the coil is configured to produce a signal responsive to the magnetic field indicative of the roll of the sensor about the axis. In an embodiment, at least one of the portions defines a winding angle that is at least 2 degrees. In an embodiment, at least one of the portions defines a winding angle that is about 45 degrees.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure identify and correct for magnetic field distortions within a magnetic field for localization of a medical device within a patient. Such magnetic field distortions, often associated with the intrusion of a metallic object into the magnetic field, may cause an unacceptable level of localization error which aspects of the present disclosure correct for.

Abstract: A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body is provided. The device includes an elongate, tubular shaft configured to be received within the body. The shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion configured for movement relative to the proximal portion. A flexible member having a predetermined stiffness is disposed between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of coils are disposed within the shaft with one or more of the coils configured for movement with the distal portion. Electromagnetic fields generated from within or outside of the medical device induce currents in the coils from which movement of the distal portion in response to contact of the distal portion with the tissue may be determined. In one embodiment, several of the coils are connected in series to reduce the space required in the device for conductors.

Abstract: A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body is provided. The device includes an elongate, tubular shaft configured to be received within the body. The shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion configured for movement relative to the proximal portion. A flexible member having a predetermined stiffness is disposed between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of coils are disposed within the shaft with one or more of the coils configured for movement with the distal portion. Electromagnetic fields generated from within or outside of the medical device induce currents in the coils from which movement of the distal portion in response to contact of the distal portion with the tissue may be determined. In one embodiment, several of the coils are connected in series to reduce the space required in the device for conductors.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses for generating a magnetic field for tracking of a target object. Such an apparatus may include a localized magnetic field transmitter that generates a magnetic field and exhibits minimal X-ray absorption when used in proximity to a fluoroscopic imaging system, for example.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses for generating a magnetic field for tracking of a target object. Such an apparatus may include a localized magnetic field transmitter that generates a magnetic field and exhibits minimal X-ray absorption when used in proximity to a fluoroscopic imaging system, for example.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometric model of a heart can be generated from a plurality of two-dimensional image slices of the heart collected using an intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”) catheter. Each image slice can be associated with localization information for the ICE catheter. The image slices can be output in a plurality of voxels according to their associated localization information, thereby creating a three-dimensional geometric model of the heart. Data sufficiency of the three-dimensional model can also be graphically represented. For example, data sufficiency can be represented using voxel opacity, a one-dimensional illustration, a two-dimensional illustration, and/or a data collection cue.

Abstract: Medical devices for diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body. Representative devices include an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion configured for movement relative to the proximal portion. A flexible member having a predetermined stiffness is disposed between the proximal and distal portions. One or more coils and an electrically passive element are disposed within the shaft with either the coils or element configured for movement with the distal portion. The element comprises a material effecting an electrical characteristic of the coils. Movement of the distal portion in response to its contact with the tissue and relative movement of the coils and element causes a change in the electrical characteristic in at least one of the coils indicative of at least a contact force magnitude between the distal portion and the tissue. Several embodiments allow determination of both force magnitude and force vector direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a moving region of interest located within a body includes a positioning system to determine a position and orientation (P&O) of a medical device as well as to track, using an internal position reference sensor, the motion of the region of interest over time. A compensation function block generates a motion compensation function based on the motion of the region of interest, which is configured to compensate for the motion of the region of interest between a first time, for example a time at which an image was acquired and a second time, for example a time at which a P&O of the device was measured. The measured P&O is corrected using the compensation function. A representation of the medical device is superimposed on the image in accordance with the corrected P&O.