Patent ID: 6516212
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: A61B,G01B,G01S,G01V,H01F

Abstract:
A method of making a three-dimensional map of a structure internal to an anatomical body, the method comprising:a) moving a magnetic field sensor to a position within the anatomical body; b) generating, external to the anatomical body, magnetic radiation from a first magnetic field source positioned at a first fixed and known location on a plane surface; c) generating, external to the anatomical body, magnetic radiation from a second magnetic field source positioned at a second fixed and known location on the plane surface; d) generating, external to the anatomical body, magnetic radiation from a third magnetic field source positioned at a third fixed and known location on the plane surface; e) detecting with the sensor within the anatomical body, magnetic field information from each of the magnetic field sources located on the plane surface; f) ascertaining a location of the sensor based upon the magnetic field information detected by the sensor; g) storing data indicative of the ascertained location of the sensor; h) moving the magnetic field sensor to another position within the anatomical body; i) repeating steps a-h until sufficient data is stored to form a three-dimensional map corresponding to movement of the sensor within the anatomical body; and j) displaying a three-dimensional map formed based on the stored data.