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Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting position and orientation of catheter distal magnetic element end while moving in a patient's heart is described. The apparatus includes magnetic sensors for to detect the magnetic field of a generated by the catheter tip. Each sensor transmits the field magnitude and direction to a detection unit, which filters the signals and removes other field sources, such as generated by CGCI coils and external medical hardware. The method allows the measurements of magnitude corresponding to the catheter tip distance from the sensor and the orientation of the field showing the magnetic tip orientation. Since the tip's magnetic field is not necessarily symmetric, the position and orientation computation technique are not independent of each other. Hence, an iterative calculation is used to converge to a solution. The method of determining tip position is calculated by triangulation from each sensor. In one embodiment, the tip orientation is calculated by an intersecting-planes algorithm. The orientation is used to adjust the distances from each sensor, and the process is repeated until convergence for both position and orientation is achieved. The resultant value provides the actual catheter tip position and orientation (AP). The actual position is further filtered by synchronizing the AP measurements with the QRS signal of the heart, allowing the operator and CGCI controller to view the organ as a static object.

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First Claim