Electromagnetic Tracking for Interventional Oncology
As Interventional Oncology shifts toward more precise, minimally invasive percutaneous approaches, OEMs are integrating electromagnetic (EM) tracking to localize instruments within soft tissue anatomy where line of sight is not available. Aurora® EM tracking from NDI provides continuous, real-time position and orientation data that supports advanced navigation workflows for tumor ablation, image fusion, and multi-probe coordination.
OEMs Shift from Image-Only Workflows to Continuous Navigated Positioning with Aurora®
Aurora provides the real-time localization layer that connects pre-procedure CT or MRI imaging, ultrasound visualization, and continuous instrument tracking inside OEM-integrated interventional oncology workflows.
3D Ultrasound Construction
Volumetric Imaging from Tracked Ultrasound Data. Aurora EM tracking supports OEM ultrasound platforms in constructing 3D ultrasound volumes by continuously tracking the ultrasound probe’s position and orientation. This spatial data enables volumetric image reconstruction from a series of 2D ultrasound sweeps, supporting anatomical visualization and pre-procedural planning within OEM-integrated workflows.
Instrument-to-Target Localization
Real-Time Position Data for Probes and Needles. Aurora provides continuous positional data for ablation probes, biopsy needles, and other instruments relative to CT or MRI-derived anatomical structures. When imaging alone does not continuously represent instrument position within soft tissue, EM tracking provides real-time localization data for the instrument relative to the target throughout the procedure.
CT-Ultrasound Image Fusion
EM Data for Multi-Modality Integration. Aurora supplies real-time spatial data that OEM platforms can use to register and maintain alignment between pre-procedural CT or MRI datasets and live ultrasound imaging. This supports combined visualization from multiple imaging modalities on a single display, enabling OEMs to design systems that bridge the resolution of CT/MRI with the real-time capability of ultrasound.
Navigation in Practice: A Clinician’s Perspective
Real stories from the people who make NDI exceptional.
Disclaimer: This testimonial reflects the experience with an OEM navigation system incorporating NDI tracking components. Clinical outcomes are determined by the OEM system design, user training, and clinical protocol. NDI tracking components are not independently intended to improve clinical safety outcomes.
The perceived additional time spent using navigation pays off in the subsequent safer performance of the intervention. The time spent in safe planning with navigation is of great value, and far less than the time lost in problematic situations.”
Dr. Michael Höpfner
Gastroenterologist & Navigation Specialist
Electromagnetic Tracking for Interventional Oncology
Aurora integrates into OEM interventional oncology systems to provide real-time instrument localization across ablation, biopsy, and image fusion workflows.
Ultrasound Probe
EM tracked ultrasound probes can be used to support CT or MRI fusion with real-time ultrasound, including 3D image reconstruction capabilities defined by the OEM
Biopsy/Ablation Needle
When paired with OEM imaging systems, EM tracked biopsy and ablation needles can be used to provide needle tip position and trajectory data
Universal Adaptor
In OEM systems, EM tracked registration probes can be used to acquire positional data for trajectory planning and registration workflows.
Patient Reference
In OEM systems, EM tracked reference sensors can be used as positional references during image fusion workflows
Recommended Products
Aurora Electronics Units
Designed for low-cost 5DOF tracking of disposable tools. PCB version designed for integration directly into OEM imaging carts.
Aurora Planar 20-20 V2 or X2
Mounts to bedside, OEM ultrasound cart, or separate stand that rolls in and out of the procedure when needed. Extended volume for larger tracking spaces.
Aurora Sensors
Ultrasound Probe Sensor
Popular Choice: 6DOF PCB Sensor
Ultrasound probes can accommodate larger sensors like PCB sensors, which offer the highest accuracy.
Ablation/Biopsy Needle Sensor
Popular Choice: 5DOF Solid Sensor
Small, low cost sensors are critical for disposable needle workflows. 5DOF provides the smallest sensors to date.
Universal Adaptor Sensor
Popular Choice: 5DOF/6DOF PCB Sensor
Robust sensor for clip on tool to ensure reusability if required.
Patient Reference Sensor
Popular Choice: PCB Sensor
Delivers the strongest signal for consistent and reliable image fusion.
Developing an Image-Guided Interventional Oncology System?
Connect with our Product Integration team to identify the right Aurora tracking configuration for your ablation, image fusion, or percutaneous navigation platform.
Frequently Asked Questions: Electromagnetic Tracking for Interventional Oncology
Why does tracking matter in interventional oncology?
Interventional oncology procedures target tumors that are often small, deep within abdominal or thoracic organs, surrounded by critical structures, and affected by respiratory motion. Imaging modalities such as CT and ultrasound provide essential anatomical context, but each has limitations: CT offers high resolution but limited real-time guidance, while ultrasound provides continuous visualization with lower resolution and restricted soft tissue contrast. Electromagnetic tracking bridges these imaging limitations by providing continuous, real-time instrument localization relative to patient anatomy and pre-procedural imaging. For OEMs developing IO platforms, EM tracking provides data that supports: probe tip localization relative to CT-identified targets, multi-probe spatial coordination for complex ablation procedures, and CT-ultrasound image fusion for combined visualization. As interventional oncology continues to shift toward minimally invasive percutaneous approaches for liver and kidney tumors, continuous instrument tracking is becoming a foundational capability in IO system design.
What types of IO procedures does NDI electromagnetic tracking support?
NDI Aurora supports OEM development of image-guided systems for percutaneous tumor ablation (RFA, MWA, cryoablation), CT-ultrasound image fusion, and multi-probe ablation coordination. Aurora is used in OEM systems designed for procedures targeting liver, kidney, and other soft tissue tumors.
How does Aurora support CT-ultrasound image fusion?
Aurora tracks the ultrasound probe and patient reference in real time, providing the spatial data needed to register and maintain alignment between pre-procedural CT or MRI datasets and live ultrasound imaging. This enables combined visualization and supports image-guided targeting within OEM-integrated ablation and biopsy workflows.
Can Aurora track multiple ablation probes simultaneously?
Yes. Aurora supports simultaneous tracking of multiple sensors. OEM systems that incorporate multi-sensor tracking may design workflows for coordinating multiple instruments, with treatment coverage and margin determinations defined by the OEM system’s intended use and clinical validation.
Which Aurora field generators are recommended for IO procedures?
NDI offers multiple options depending on the workflow. The Planar 20-20 mounts bedside for stable tracking during ablation and fusion. The Planar 10-11 is compact and handheld for localized procedures. The Window Field Generator sits beneath the patient for C-arm compatible workflows. The choice depends on the OEM’s system design.
What is the smallest sensor NDI offers for IO instruments?
Aurora supports sensors with diameters as small as 0.3 mm, enabling integration into ablation probes, biopsy needles, and ultrasound transducers where minimal sensor size is critical.
How does electromagnetic tracking support 3D ultrasound construction?
By continuously tracking the ultrasound probe’s position and orientation in real time, Aurora provides the spatial data that OEM imaging platforms use to reconstruct 3D ultrasound volumes from a series of 2D ultrasound images. This supports improved anatomical visualization and treatment planning within OEM-integrated workflows.
What organs does NDI electromagnetic tracking support in IO?
Aurora supports OEM IO systems designed for procedures targeting the liver and kidney, which together account for the majority of percutaneous interventional oncology volume. The same tracking technology is applicable to other soft tissue targets where percutaneous ablation or biopsy is performed under image guidance.