The present invention relates to an apparatus for tracking a position of an interventional device respective an image plane of an ultrasound field. The position includes an out-of-plane distance (Dop). A geometry-providing unit (GPU) includes a plurality of transducer-to-distal-end lengths (Ltde.sub.1 . . . n), each length corresponding to a predetermined distance (Ltde) between a distal end of an interventional device and an ultrasound detector attached to the interventional device, for each of a plurality of interventional device types (T.sub.1 . . . n). An image fusion unit (IFU) receives data indicative of the type (T) of the interventional device being tracked; and based on the type (T): selects from the geometry-providing unit (GPU), a corresponding transducer-to-distal-end length (Ltde); and indicates in a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI) both the out-of-plane distance (Dop) and the transducer-to-distal-end length (Ltde) for the interventional device within the ultrasound field.

The present invention relates to an ultrasound-based system for localizing a medical device within the field of view of an ultrasound imaging probe. A localization system is provided that includes at least three ultrasound emitters that are arranged on a frame; and a position triangulation unit. The frame is adapted for attachment to an ultrasound imaging probe. The position triangulation unit determines a spatial position of the ultrasound detector relative to the at least three ultrasound emitters based on signals received from an ultrasound detector that is attached to the medical device. The frame includes a detachable reference volume comprising a background volume and an inclusion or void. When the detachable reference volume is attached to the frame and the frame is attached to the ultrasound imaging probe the inclusion or void provides a corresponding image feature within the field of view of the ultrasound imaging probe for use in calibrating the field of view of the ultrasound imaging probe with the coordinate system of the localization system.

The invention relates to a system for assisting in navigating a medical device (1) in a region of a patient body, such as a cardiac chamber. The system comprises a unit (5) for providing a three-dimensional model of the region and an ultrasound probe (2) for acquiring image signals of the region of the patient body. At least one an ultrasound sensor (6) is attached to the medical device (1) for sensing ultrasound signals emitted by the 5 ultrasound probe (2) and a tracking unit (7) determines a relative position of the at last one ultrasound sensor (6) with respect to the live images and/or the ultrasound probe (2) on the basis of the sensed ultrasound signals. Further, a mapping unit (8) maps the determined relative position of the at least one ultrasound sensor (6) onto the model to generate a visualization of region of the patient body.

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to convert an ultrasonic signal incident thereon into an electrical signal; and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the electrical signal from the sensor, and to transmit the electrical signal to a wireless receiver remotely located from the apparatus.

The present invention relates to an ultrasound-based system for localizing a medical device within the field of view of an ultrasound imaging probe. A localization system is provided that includes at least three ultrasound emitters that are arranged on a frame; and a position triangulation unit. The frame is adapted for attachment to an ultrasound imaging probe. The position triangulation unit determines a spatial position of the ultrasound detector relative to the at least three ultrasound emitters based on signals received from an ultrasound detector that is attached to the medical device. The frame includes a detachable reference volume comprising a background volume and an inclusion or void. When the detachable reference volume is attached to the frame and the frame is attached to the ultrasound imaging probe the inclusion or void provides a corresponding image feature within the field of view of the ultrasound imaging probe for use in calibrating the field of view of the ultrasound imaging probe with the coordinate system of the localization system.

A controller (120) for simultaneously tracking multiple sensors in a medical intervention includes a circuit (121-181) that causes the controller (120) to execute a process. The process executed by the circuit (121-181) includes receiving first and second signals respectively from a first and a second passive ultrasound sensor (S2) used in the medical intervention. The first and second signals respectively include first and second sensor information indicative of respective locations of the first and the second passive ultrasound sensor (S2). The process executed by the circuit (121-181) also includes combining (120) the first signal and the second signal for transmission over only one channel, and providing the first signal and the second signal over the only one channel to a system (190) that determines the location of the first passive ultrasound sensor (51) and the location of the second passive ultrasound sensor (S2) and that has only the one channel to receive the first signal and the second signal.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for tracking a position of an interventional device respective an image plane of an ultrasound field. The position includes an out-of-plane distance (Dop). A geometry-providing unit (GPU) includes a plurality of transducer-to-distal-end lengths (Ltde.sub.1 . . . n), each length corresponding to a predetermined distance (Ltde) between a distal end of an interventional device and an ultrasound detector attached to the interventional device, for each of a plurality of interventional device types (T.sub.1 . . . n). An image fusion unit (IFU) receives data indicative of the type (T) of the interventional device being tracked; and based on the type (T): selects from the geometry-providing unit (GPU), a corresponding transducer-to-distal-end length (Ltde); and indicates in a reconstructed ultrasound image (RUI) both the out-of-plane distance (Dop) and the transducer-to-distal-end length (Ltde) for the interventional device within the ultrasound field.

A system for tracking an instrument includes two or more sensors (22) disposed along a length of an instrument and being spaced apart from adjacent sensors. An interpretation module (45) is configured to select and update an image slice from a three-dimensional image volume in accordance with positions of the two or more sensors. The three-dimensional image volume includes the positions two or more sensors with respect to a target in the volume. An image processing module (48) is configured to generate an overlay (80) indicating reference positions in the image slice. The reference positions include the positions of the two or more sensors and relative offsets from the image slice in a display to provide feedback for positioning and orienting the instrument.

A medical sensing system (100) includes an elongate interventional device (101) and an adjustable capacitance circuit (102). The elongate interventional device (101) includes a sensor (103) having a capacitance (C.sub.ss). The elongate interventional device (101) also includes a first electrical conductor (104) and a second electrical conductor (105). The first electrical conductor (104) and the second electrical conductor (105) are in electrical contact with the sensor (103) and extend along the elongate interventional device (101). The elongate interventional device (101) also includes i) an electrically conductive shield (106) that overlaps the electrical conductors (104, 105) and/or ii) an electrically conductive shaft (107). The adjustable capacitance circuit (102) provides an adjustable capacitance (C.sub.Adj1, C.sub.Adj2) between at least one of the electrical conductors (104, 105) and i) the electrically conductive shield (106) that overlaps the electrical conductors (104, 105) and/or ii) the electrically conductive shaft (107).

An interventional device includes an elongate shaft (101) with a longitudinal axis (A-A′), and an ultrasound detector (102). The ultrasound detector (102) comprises a PVDF homopolymer foil strip (103). The foil strip (103) is wrapped around the longitudinal axis (A-A′) of the elongate shaft (101) to provide a band having an axial length (L) along the longitudinal axis (A-A′). The axial length (L) is in the range 80-120 microns.