2010 R&D 100 Winner
The micro-miniaturized sensors in 3D Guidance Systems for Image-guided Navigation from Ascension Technology Corporation, (Burlington, Vt.) fit into the tip of medical instruments and provide non-radiating navigation to internal lesions, enabling surgeons to replace open surgeries with less invasive procedures.
The system uses a pulsed DC magnetic filed transmission with active sensing; the sensors work in the presence of conductive metals without the measurement distortion that occurs with AC systems. A magnetic sensor is inserted into the tip of a catheter or biopsy needle to provide real-time tracking and localization. The sensors have the smallest six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, Yaw, Pitch, and Roll) available for medical use.
The medSAFE tracker supports a 0.3 mm sensor that can be used in cardiac procedures. The driveBAY tracker fits in the optical drive bay of a host computer, drawing power from the computer. trakSTAR meets European standards and can simultaneously track up to 16 sensors.
Technology
Image-guided medical sensors
Developers
Ascension Technology Corporation
Development Team
The 3D Guidance System for Image-guided Navigation Development Team from Ascension Technology Corporation:
Westley Ashe
