Patent ID: 7996059
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for treating a patient, comprising: a marker device comprising a structure configurable to form a hollow tubular shape having a proximal end and a distal end, the structure having an opening in the proximal end and the distal end, that is arranged, when inserted into an esophagus of the patient, to expand so as to conform with an inner surface of the esophagus in order to enhance a visualization quality of the surface when imaged by a visualization system, the marker device comprising one or more first position sensors attached to the structure; one or more second position sensors adapted to be arranged in the patient at a location which is separate from the location of the marker device; the visualization system arranged to image at least the esophagus and the location of the one or more second position sensors, and a catheter for treating the patient by performing a medical procedure, wherein the catheter is configured to be inserted into a heart of the patient for performing the medical procedure in the heart.