Patent ID: 7233820
Filing Date: 2007-06-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for steering a catheter through a branched structure to a target location, the method comprising: (a) providing a flexible, steerable catheter with a position sensor element located near a distal tip of the catheter, the position sensor element being part of a position measuring system measuring a position and a pointing direction of the tip of the catheter relative to a three-dimensional frame of reference; (b) designating the target location relative to the three-dimensional frame of reference; (c) advancing the catheter into the branched structure; and (d) displaying a representation of at least one parameter defined by a geometrical relation between the pointing direction of the tip of the catheter and a direction from the tip of the catheter towards the target location, wherein the at least one parameter includes a direction of deflection required to bring the pointing direction of the catheter into alignment with the target location.