Catheter navigation system for intravascular use

Minimally invasive intravascular interventions are performed with the aid of guide wires and catheters. When inserted into the cardiovascular system, the location of these tools is monitored using X-ray imaging techniques. However, a high radiation dose during the medical procedures, creates an important health risk for clinicians and assistant. In order to reduce the radiation dose, a relevant X-ray image is taken during the medical intervention and is augmented, at successive moments during the procedure, with a virtual indicator for the position and orientation of the guide wire tip. The location of the tip is determined by means of an electromagnetic system, composed of coils, outside the patient, and a three-dimensional sensor on the tip of the guide wire. This way, the need to continuously use radiation is eliminated. Furthermore, the standard intravascular procedure is not changed and the cost of the system is kept low.