Home > Optical Measurement Technology > Polaris Vega / Vicra Comparison
Polaris Vega® and Polaris Vicra®Comparison
The Polaris Vega and Polaris Vicra share the same trusted optical measurement performance; where they differ is their size and accuracy. The larger Polaris Vega provides tracking of larger OEM surgical instruments within a larger measurement volume. It has a measurement rate that is—at a minimum— triple that of the Polaris Vicra (depending on the Polaris Vega model). The volumetric accuracy of the Polaris Vega is also two times more accurate than the Polaris Vicra.
The Polaris Vicra’s small size and measurement volume make it a powerful optical measurement solution for tracking smaller tools within confined areas. The compact form factor of the Polaris Vicra® also allows it to be mounted almost anywhere on the OEM medical system, or within the operative suite.
Performance
Polaris Vega XTPyramid Volume (RMS) | Polaris VicraVicra Volume (RMS) | |
---|---|---|
Volumetric Accuracy1,2 | 0.12 mm | 0.25 mm |
95% Confidence Interval1,2 | 0.20 mm | 0.50 mm |
Maximum Frame Rate | 250 Hz | 20 Hz |
Measurement Volume | Pyramid Extended Pyramid (optional) | Vicra |
Hardware
Polaris Vega XT | Polaris Vicra | |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 591 x 103 x 106 mm | 273 x 69 x 69 mm |
Weight | 1.7 kg | 0.8 kg |
Mounting | Four M4 x 0.7 mm pitch x 10 mm deep threaded holes, rear mount | ¼” thread tripod mount or secured via three M3 x 0.5 mm pitch x 9.0 mm deep threaded holes, rear mount |
Tool Tracking
Polaris Vega XT | Polaris Vicra | |
---|---|---|
Tool Types | Passive | Passive, Active Wireless |
Maximum Number of Tools | Load up to 25 tools (maximum of 6 active wireless) | Load up to 15 tools; simultaneously track up to 6 passive and 1 active wireless |
Maximum Number of Markers per Tool | 6 single-face/20 multi-face | 6 single-face/20 multi-face |
Data Communication
Polaris Vega XT | Polaris Vicra | |
---|---|---|
Data Communication | Gigabit Ethernet | USB |
Network Synchronization | Precision Time Protocol (PTP) | N/A |
Data/Power Interface | Ethernet, RJ45 | Host USB Convertor |
*Example of an original equipment manufacturer’s use of Polaris in its medical device system.
1Based on a single marker stepped through more than 900 positions throughout the measurement volume using the mean of 30 samples at each position at 20°C.
2Accuracy stated based on overall volume.
Polaris Vega® and Polaris Vicra®
Polaris Vega
Polaris Vicra
Navigate New Possibilities
NDI stays the course with its partners, ensuring that they get to market faster. We understand that system design is only one piece of your complex path to market. Through our dedicated account management, integration, and technical support teams, we invest in all stages of the product development life cycle- from initial concept creation, through subsystem design, cost, performance optimizations, and the critically important high-volume factory calibration process.

Technology Overview
NDI’s optical measurement solutions, Polaris Vega and Polaris Vicra, use near-infrared (IR) light to wirelessly detect and track navigation markers attached to OEM surgical instruments.

Integration
NDI’s optical measurement and electromagnetic tracking solutions can be tailored to your unique tracking application through diverse customization and integration options.

Resources
Learn more about NDI’s optical measurement and electromagnetic tracking solutions through our collection of videos, articles and datasheets. Navigate the possibilities for your unique OEM surgical instrument.
Legal Disclaimer
NDI tracking and measurement products are general metrology components that can be integrated into customer products, research experiments, and/or as components of medical devices that require precision measurement and tracking. While NDI components and technology can be integrated into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) medical devices, they are not specifically intended for a given application and, as such, have not been developed or manufactured in accordance with medical device standards. It remains the responsibility of the OEM customer or end-user to determine and test the suitability of NDI components and technology for their intended use, including performing any required ethics approval, verification, and validation required to demonstrate suitability and compliance. System-level testing, certification, and validation are the responsibility of the original equipment manufacturer or the applicable end-user and should be completed prior to the use of NDI products or technologies in any application.