Abstract: A method for tracking and positioning a magnetic catheter and a structure of a magnetic catheter are disclosed for facilitating tracking and positioning of catheters in human bodies without using electromagnetic induction as conventionally used. When electromagnetic induction and remote magnetic control are used together, their respective magnetic fields may mutually interfer, increasing the risk of operational errors of the magnetic catheters they are working on. The disclosed magnetic catheter has an elastic unit. While the magnetic catheter bends, inductance variation caused by elastic deformation of the elastic unit is measured for calculating an actual bending angle of the magnetic catheter. Then the motion of the magnetic catheter can be amended accordingly. By using calculation instead of electromagnetic tracking, mutual interference between different magnetic fields can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for controlling a magnetic catheter by using a magnetic-field-generated magnetic annulus is disclosed. The magnetic catheter has a free end provided with a magnetic member. A resultant magnetic field between at least two magnets generates a magnetic annulus. The magnetic catheter is placed into the magnetic annulus, so that the magnetic member is affected by the magnetic force from the magnetic annulus to guide the magnetic catheter to perform a preset motion. The magnetic catheter has a flexible front section, so that the flexible section can perform a bending motion when led by the magnetic member. The resultant magnetic field is generated by arranging the two magnets with their like poles facing each other, so that the magnetic member is thrust when entering the magnetic annulus. This facilitates the bending motion of the flexible section.