Corpak Medsystems, Inc.

Avent, Inc.

Micronix Pty Ltd.

Robert Anthony Walker

William John Besz

Donald Philip Chorley

Stuart Brasted

Kathleen Maria Walker, Legal Representative

This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body. In particular, when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and its depth in the patient's body. A display is provided that shows both a reference image of a portion of a non-subject body and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter. The coil locating device can be orientated towards the head of the patient and for an axis of the device to be aligned with the mid sagittal plane of the patient.

Catheter locator apparatus and method of use

This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body and in particular to the determination over time of the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted and during its use in the body. In particular when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient. To assist a clinician using the coil-locating device, a display is provided that shows both a reference image of a part or portion of a body (non-subject body) and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on or over a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its associated signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter. The coil locating device has a preferable triangular shape in plan view that allows its uppermost apex to be orientated towards the head of the patient and for an axis of the device to be aligned with the mid sagittal plane of the patient. Preferable landmarks on a human body include the xiphoid sternal junction and the caudal/mid sagittal aspect of the jugular sternal notch.

This disclosure relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body and in particular to the determination over time of the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted and during its use in the body. In particular when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient. To assist a clinician using the coil-locating device, a display is provided that shows both a reference image of a part or portion of a body (non-subject body) and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on or over a predetermined landmark on the patient's body.

In one embodiment, a catheter locator apparatus is configured to determine the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted used in a human body. In one example embodiment, where a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient.

This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body and in particular to the determination over time of the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted and during its use in the body. In particular when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient. To assist a clinician using the coil-locating device, a display is provided that shows both a reference image of a part or portion of a body (non-subject body) and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on or over a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its associated signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter. The coil locating device has a preferable triangular shape in plan view that allows it uppermost apex to be orientated towards the head of the patient and for an axis of the device to be aligned with the mid sagittal plane of the patient. Preferable landmarks on a human body include the xiphoid sternal junction and the caudal/mid sagittal aspect of the jugular sternal notch.

An instrument location determining device which has a radiating element forming part of the instrument to be inserted into an object. The element radiates a signal and the signal is detected by at least one receiving element. A signal energy level measurement device is coupled to the receiving element and it produces an energy level value for each one of the receiving elements. The distance of the radiating elements from the receiving element is calculated from the measured energy level values received by each of the receiving elements. The measured distance is then indicated to an operator of the instrument so that he can locate the instrument within the object.

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Hawthorndene, Australia

Robert Anthony Walker