Impedance-based navigation of sheath

Abstract

A sheath is presented having an electrically conducting region providing a low impedance path through the sheath wall. The electrically conducting region is configured to conduct electrical current between an impedance-based tracking electrode of an intralumenal catheter and body patch electrodes of an impedance-based tracking system when the impedance-based tracking electrode is adjacent the conducting region. The impedance-based tracking system is configured to determine a location of the electrically conducting region, and thereby the distal end of the sheath, based on ratios of electrical current at the body patch electrodes. The electrically conducting region can include irrigation perforations so that saline acts as an electrical conduit of the conducting region. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrically conducting region can include an electrically conductive material configured to act as an electrical conduit through the sheath wall.