A non-radiological technique for the real time imaging of endoscopes in 3 dimensions

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Abstract
A system for mapping, in real time, the three dimensional path of a medical endoscope is described. The system, which may be used with existing endoscopes, generates weak magnetic fields (/spl sim/10 /spl mu/T) within the patient which are detected in the endoscope by an array of miniature magnetic field sensors. The signals from the sensors are processed by a specially devised novel algorithm in the host computer to determine the position and orientation of each sensor. This data is used to display to the endoscopist, in three dimensions, the path of the endoscope on a computer screen, with facilities for image rotation and zoom. The system may be run continuously throughout the examination procedure with no known risk to the patient or endoscopist. Clinical trials have been carried out which clearly show the advantages of the system, including reduced examination time and patient discomfort.<>

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