Magnetic field probe for determining a disposition of an implantable marker using two or more detection zones

Abstract

During both invasive and non-invasive treatments and therapies, health professionals need to accurately locate areas of interest. Inaccuracies may mean that not all the area is treated, or the treatment is incomplete. Electro-magnetic and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) markers have been developed, but these are bulky and prone to failure. For example, any inaccuracy may result in an incomplete resection or removal of the lesion, requiring additional treatments. A magnetic field probeis provided for determining an angular dispositionof an implantable magnetic marker, the probe comprising: a first magnetic sensorclose to the distal end, and a second magnetic sensor, closer to a proximal end, configured to determine two or more magnetic field vectors of the marker; the probe being further configured: to define two or more marker detection zones, extending from the distal end; to determine the angular dispositionto the implantable marker; and to determine whether the angular dispositionsubstantially coincides with one of the two or more marker detection zones, thereby determining that the marker falls within the one marker detection zones. By defining two or more marker detection zones, and configuring the probe to determine whether the magnetic marker appears to be within the one marker detection zone, a simplified and intuitive decision algorithm is provided for indicating the disposition of the marker relative to the probe.