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NDI Electromagnetic (EM) Tracking Technology

Electromagnetic spatial measurement systems determine the location of objects that are embedded with sensor coils. When the object is placed inside controlled, varying magnetic fields, voltages are induced in the sensor coils. These induced voltages are used by the measurement system to calculate the position and orientation of the object. As the magnetic fields are of a low field strength and can safely pass through human tissue, location measurement of an object is possible without the line-of-sight constraints of an optical spatial measurement system.

NDI's Aurora^® System is an electromagnetic spatial measurement system that is able to track the smallest sensor coils on the market. This has allowed for a variety of innovative computer assisted surgery and therapy applications such as guided needle biopsies

Advantages of NDI Electromagnetic Tracking
Advantages offered by NDI's Aurora Electromagnetic Tracking System, include: No line-of-sight required from sensor coil (tool) to field generator Smallest 5DOF sensor coil allows for creation of tools that are ideal for in vivo applications Designed to operate in environments containing medical-grade metals

Although in some cases, large ferromagnetic objects in the vicinity of the field generator can compromise electromagnetic measurement performance, positioning the Aurora Field Generator appropriately will minimize any interference distortion.

NDI Electromagnetic Products

For more info, visit the Aurora Electromagnetic Tracking System pages.

See related article in October 2007 issue of NDI InFocus