A Radiolucent Electromagnetic Tracking System for Use with Intraoperative X-ray Imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Electromagnetic tracking (EM) is crucial for minimally invasive surgery, often used with X-ray technology.
• Conventional EM systems cause X-ray artifacts and attenuation due to radiopaque materials.
• Existing systems limit the clarity of intraoperative imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel radiolucent electromagnetic navigation system.
• To minimize the impact of EM tracking on X-ray imaging.
• To improve the integration of EM tracking and X-ray diagnostics in surgery.

Main Methods:

• Developed a new electromagnetic navigation system using radiolucent materials.
• Replaced traditional dense materials (copper, steel) in EM coils with low-density aluminum.
• Continued development of the Anser open-source electromagnetic tracking system.

Main Results:

• Achieved at least a 60% reduction in X-ray attenuation compared to previous designs.
• Demonstrated significantly reduced impact on X-ray images.
• Maintained system accuracy with approximately 1.5 mm RMS error.

Conclusions:

• The novel radiolucent electromagnetic navigation system effectively reduces X-ray artifacts.
• This advancement enhances the utility of EM tracking in conjunction with X-ray imaging for surgical navigation.
• The improved system offers better image clarity without compromising tracking precision.