During both invasive and non-invasive treatments and therapies, inaccuracies in locating the areas of interest mean that not all the area is treated, or the treatment is incomplete. A magnetic field probe 100, 1010, 102, 103 is provided that improves determination of a disposition of an implantable magnetic marker 200, the probe comprising a first 110, 120 and second 110, 120 magnetic sensor, substantially disposed along a transverse axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of the probe 150. The first 110, 120 and second 110, 120 magnetic sensors are close to the distal end 160 of the probe, and are separated by a minor sensor separation. A third 120, 130 magnetic sensor is provided close to the proximal end 165, separated by a major sensor separation from the second magnetic sensor 110, 120 close to the distal end 160, the major sensor separation being larger than the minor sensor separation; and the ratio of the major sensor separation to the minor sensor separation is in the range 1.25 to 40, preferably in the range 1.6 to 7.6. In this example, the second magnetic sensor is functionally configured and arranged to co-operate with both the first magnetic sensor and the third magnetic sensor. This may be implemented using three or more magnetic sensors. This provides a probe capable of accurately determining one or more dispositions of the implantable magnetic marker when the distal end of the probe is close to the marker and also when it is further away. In particular, including the pair of sensors close to the distal end may increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the probe.

A system includes a medical probe and a position-tracking system. The medical probe includes a distal end, and one or more distal magnetic position sensors. The medical probe further includes a proximal-end assembly, and one or more proximal magnetic position sensors. The position-tracking system includes a memory, which is configured to hold values indicative of known relative positions between the distal magnetic position sensors and the proximal magnetic position sensors. The position-tracking system includes a processor, which is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of estimated positions of the proximal magnetic position sensors and of the distal magnetic position sensors, as measured by the position-tracking system, and to initiate a responsive action in response to detecting a discrepancy between the known relative positions and the estimated positions.

A set of pre-operative images may be captured of an anatomical structure using an endoscopic camera. Each captured image is associated with a position and orientation of the camera at the moment of capture using image guided surgery (IGS) techniques. This image data and position data may be used to create a navigation map of captured images. During a surgical procedure on the anatomical structure, a real-time endoscopic view may be captured and displayed to a surgeon. The IGS navigation system may determine the position and orientation of the real-time image; and select an appropriate pre-operative image from the navigation map to display to the surgeon in addition to the real-time image.

An electrode system for an intracranial electroencephalogram is described. A substrate is configured to be applied directly on a brain of a patient. The substrate has a profile that is suitable to be placed within a subdural space in between a portion of intact cranium and cerebral cortex of the brain. A tracking device is arranged on the substrate. A plurality of electrodes are configured to sense electrical activity associated with the brain. Each of the plurality of electrodes has a predefined relationship with the tracking device. A tracking system is operable to determine a position of the tracking device relative to a reference point based on a strength of an electromagnetic field relative to the tracking device. A controller is configured to selectively determine a position for each of the plurality of electrodes based on the position of the tracking device and the predefined relationship.

Devices, Systems, and Methods for controlled movement of the robot system. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The robot may include a plurality of omni-directional wheels affixed to the robot base allowing multiple-axis movement of the robot. The robot may further include sensors for detecting a desired movement of the robot base and a control system responsive to the plurality of sensors for controlling the multiple-axis movement of the robot by actuating two or more of the plurality of omni-directional wheels.

Systems and methods are described herein for tracking, localization or controlling an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image or patient.

Implantable transponders comprising no ferromagnetic parts for use in medical implants are disclosed herein. Such transponders may assist in preventing interference of transponders with medical imaging technologies. Such transponders may optionally be of a small size, and may assist in collecting and transmitting data and information regarding implanted medical devices. Methods of using such transponders, readers for detecting such transponders, and methods for using such readers are also described.

A guidance method comprising: placing a tracking pad adjacent a body, the tracking pad including a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors, locating a distal end of a needle inside of the guiding opening at an insertion point adjacent the body, the needle including at least one beacon, operating the plurality of sensors with the at least one beacon to track an actual disposition of the needle, establishing a target disposition for the needle, moving the needle in a direction of movement to synchronize the actual disposition with the target disposition, and inserting the distal end of the needle into the body along an insertion axis.

The invention relates to a measurement device 1 comprising a rotatable magnetic object 4 which can oscillate with a resonant frequency if excited by an external magnetic torque. The measurement device 1 is adapted such that the resonant frequency depends on the temperature or on another physical or chemical quantity like pressure, in order to allow for a wireless temperature measurement or measurement of the other physical or chemical quantity via an external magnetic field providing the external magnetic torque. This measurement device can be relatively small, can be read-out over a relatively larger distance and allows for a very accurate measurement.

A tubing assembly includes a signal generating apparatus for a catheter placement system. The tubing assembly includes a catheter and a signal generating apparatus. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a wall surrounding a lumen. The signal generating apparatus includes at least one electromagnetic coil and at least one electrically conductive polymer that is configured to electrically connect the at least one electromagnetic coil to a monitor unit.