Patent ID: 6050267
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting a position of a catheter in contact with a patient, wherein the catheter includes a detection electrode and said position is characterized by an X coordinate relative to an X axis, a Y coordinate relative to a Y axis, and a Z coordinate relative to a Z axis, said apparatus comprising:an X axis excitation electrode;a Y axis excitation electrode;a Z axis excitation electrode;a common excitation electrode;a signal generator adapted for applying a first excitation signal between the X axis excitation electrode and the common electrode, a second excitation signal between the Y axis excitation electrode and the common electrode, and a third excitation signal between the Z axis excitation electrode and the common electrode; anda signal processor for measuring the differential voltage indicative of impedance between the detection electrode and X axis excitation electrode and the common electrode in order to determine the X coordinate, the differential voltage indicative of impedance between the detection electrode and the Y axis excitation electrode and the common electrode in order to determine the Y coordinate, and the differential voltage indicative of impedance between the detection electrode and the Z axis excitation electrode and the common electrode in order to determine the Z coordinate.