Patent ID: 6122539
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for testing the accuracy of a locator system in an MRI system for producing images of a subject located in a region of interest, which images are guided by the position of a handpiece that is monitored by the locator system, the steps comprising:placing a reference phantom in the region of interest that produces a visible shape in an image produced by the MRI system;positioning the handpiece in a predetermined location with respect to the reference phantom;measuring the position of the handpiece with the locator system and conveying the measured position to the MRI system;acquiring image data with the MRI system from a location determined by the Position measured by the locator system and reconstructing an image which includes the reference phantom visible shape; andannotating the image with an icon that is positioned on the image at the measured handpiece position such that the icon is displayed in the predetermined location with respect to the reference phantom when the locator system is accurate.