Assessment of Position Repeatability Error in an Electromagnetic Tracking System for Surgical Navigation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Technology
• Surgical Navigation Systems

Background:

• Current electromagnetic tracking systems (EMTS) for surgical navigation have limitations in operating distance and accuracy.
• Existing commercial systems often require the magnetic field generator to be placed close to the operating table, restricting surgical workflow.
• A preliminary prototype of an innovative EMTS was developed to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the repeatability of an innovative electromagnetic tracking system (EMTS) for surgical navigation.
• To present hardware improvements that reduce noise in signal generation and measurement.
• To compare the performance of the enhanced EMTS with the state-of-the-art Aurora system.

Main Methods:

• Development and refinement of an innovative electromagnetic tracking system (EMTS) prototype.
• Implementation of hardware improvements for noise reduction in signal generation and measurement.
• Experimental testing to quantify voltage component drift and its effect on sensor position.
• Evaluation of sensor position measurement repeatability using voltage error propagation.
• Comparative analysis against the Aurora EMTS for surgical navigation.

Main Results:

• Hardware improvements led to significant noise reduction in the EMTS.
• Quantified voltage component drift was identified and related to sensor position variations.
• The enhanced EMTS demonstrated a repeatability error approximately ten times lower than the Aurora system.
• The system overcomes the limited operating distance characteristic of commercial EMTS.

Conclusions:

• The innovative EMTS offers a substantial technological advantage for surgical navigation.
• The system's improved repeatability and extended operating range address key limitations of current commercial solutions.
• Further development aims to enhance the performance and applicability of EMTS in clinical settings.