Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a probe including a handle having a longitudinal axis, a distal tip disposed on the longitudinal axis, and a position sensor, which is disposed in the handle on the longitudinal axis at a predefined distance from the distal tip and is configured to output a signal indicative of a location of the probe. An alignment jig includes a connector configured to be fixed removably to the distal tip of the probe and three protrusions, which extend from the connector and are configured to contact a surface of a body of a patient at respective points, which are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the connector is fixed to the distal tip of the probe.

Abstract: Tools used within a surgical area may be equipped with sensors that allow them to be tracked within the magnetic field of an image guided surgery (IGS) system. These tools may include a probe which is instrumented with a position sensor allowing it to be used not only for registration of non-magnetic objects within the magnetic field, but also for providing additional inputs.

Abstract: A calibration method includes receiving magnetic field values, which are generated by a plurality of real magnetic transmitters and are measured at multiple positions on a grid in a region containing a magnetic field perturbing element. Approximate locations of the real magnetic transmitters are received. Using the approximate locations, a respective plurality of imaginary magnetic sources is characterized inside the field perturbing element. Using the measured magnetic field values, the approximate locations, and the characterized imaginary sources, there are iteratively calculated (i) actual locations of the real and imaginary magnetic sources in the region, and (ii) modeled magnetic field values that would result from the real and imaginary magnetic sources at the actual locations. Using the calculated locations, and the modeled magnetic field values at the multiple positions on the grid, a magnetic field calibration function is derived for the region.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method is implemented by an interface engine stored as processor executable code on a memory coupled to a processor. The method includes aggregating data from completed cases, analyzing the data for accuracy, consistency, or error within or across the one completed cases, and generating one or more grades based on the analysis of the data. Note that the data includes location information and registration information, and the completed cases include at least one ear, nose, and throat navigation and registration procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for receiving an image of a portion of a body anatomy of a patient, registering the image to patient coordinates, inserting a probe into the portion of the body anatomy, the probe comprising a tool tip configured to identify the position of the probe relative to the registered image, performing the procedure, the procedure comprising navigating the probe within the portion of the body anatomy, generating a procedure report comprising one or more components related to the procedure, the one or more components comprising a visual indication of areas of the portion of the body anatomy navigated to by the probe, and providing the procedure report in a selected format upon termination of the procedure.

Abstract: An ablation instrument includes a shaft that extends from a grip portion. A curved portion of the shaft is shaped to allow insertion into the head of a patient, and to position an ablation tip that extends from a distal tip of the shaft proximate to an ablation target, such as the posterior nasal nerve. When activated the ablation tip projects radiofrequency energy to ablate nearby tissue. An ablation assistance features of an image guided surgery navigation system is configured to segment and identify ablation targets within a set of pre-operative images. When a position tracked ablation instrument is configured for use, the system begins to monitor the proximity of the ablation tip to the ablation targets. When the tip is within an effective distance of the target for ablation, the system provides an alert and activates the instrument so that RF energy may be projected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for registering a 3D image of a patient with magnetic coordinates are disclosed. A tri-axial sensor (TAS) may be added to the 3D camera. The location and orientation of the TAS sensor may be determined based on the known magnetic fields that are applied by a magnetic field transmitter. The camera coordinate system may then be transferred to the magnetic coordinate system. After completing the registration of the 3D image with a CT image and the 3D image with the magnetic coordinates, the CT image may then be registered with the magnetic coordinates.

Abstract: A calibration method includes receiving magnetic field values, which are generated by a plurality of real magnetic transmitters and are measured at multiple positions on a grid in a region containing a magnetic field perturbing element. Approximate locations of the real magnetic transmitters are received. Using the approximate locations, a respective plurality of imaginary magnetic sources is characterized inside the field perturbing element. Using the measured magnetic field values, the approximate locations, and the characterized imaginary sources, there are iteratively calculated (i) actual locations of the real and imaginary magnetic sources in the region, and (ii) modeled magnetic field values that would result from the real and imaginary magnetic sources at the actual locations. Using the calculated locations, and the modeled magnetic field values at the multiple positions on the grid, a magnetic field calibration function is derived for the region.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an upright member, a frame, and a plurality of field generating elements. The body is configured to be positioned between a patient's back and a backrest of a chair. The upright member extends upwardly from the body. The frame has a curved configuration configured to partially surround a patient's head. The field generating elements are configured to generate an electromagnetic field around a patient's head partially surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of substrates, configured to adhere to a body of a subject via respective pieces of adhesive material, and multiple coils coupled to the substrates, respectively. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an upright member, a frame, and a plurality of field generating elements. The body is configured to be positioned between a patient's back and a backrest of a chair. The upright member extends upwardly from the body. The frame has a curved configuration configured to partially surround a patient's head. The field generating elements are configured to generate an electromagnetic field around a patient's head partially surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an upright member, a frame, and a plurality of field generating elements. The body is configured to be positioned between a patient's back and a backrest of a chair. The upright member extends upwardly from the body. The frame has a curved configuration configured to partially surround a patient's head. The field generating elements are configured to generate an electromagnetic field around a patient's head partially surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an upright member, a frame, and a plurality of field generating elements. The body is configured to be positioned between a patient's back and a backrest of a chair. The upright member extends upwardly from the body. The frame has a curved configuration configured to partially surround a patient's head. The field generating elements are configured to generate an electromagnetic field around a patient's head partially surrounded by the frame.