Systems and methods for determining the location of an implanted device including a magnet
US5944023A · kind A · utility
322Cited by
60References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/062
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A passive system for accurately determining the location of a device positioned or implanted within a patient's body is disclosed. The system includes a detectable mechanism mounted at the tip of the device which is configured to generate a self-induced magnetic field, and a detector for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet. The detector is detached from the magnet. In a preferred form, the detectable mechanism is a direct current permanent magnet. Methods of using such a system to accurately determine the location of a device within a patient's body are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.