EM TRACKING SYSTEM

AURORA

FROM A WORLD LEADER IN NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY

The Aurora System is available from NDI, a world leader in navigation technology for image-guided interventions and computer-assisted surgery. With over 30 years experience working with medical OEMs and over 20,000 installations in more than 30 countries, NDI is the partner of choice for advanced 3D measurement technology.

THE AURORA EM TRACKING SYSTEM OVER 1000 INSTALLATIONS WORLDWIDE!

Based on electromagnetic technology, the Aurora EM Tracking System is a world-class spatial measurement product designed specifically for medical applications. The system provides real-time, sub-millimetric position and orientation of miniaturized sensors that may be located inside or outside the body (no line-of-sight required). The sensors are designed for integration into surgical tools and instruments such as needles, catheters, probes and scopes. Due to the small size and varied designs, the sensors have broad applications from use in low-cost disposable products such as needles to robust, daily use in reusable instruments such as endoscopes. The ability to place the sensor at the tip of an instrument allows for the localization of flexible instruments within the body, opening up a host of new medical applications previously not possible.

SYSTEM FEATURES
Sub-millimetric and sub-degree tracking with no line-of-sight restrictions Full offering of sensors and ready-to-use tools Cost-efficient sensors, allowing for disposable applications Robust sensor designs for daily re-use applications Sensors as small as 0.3 mm in diameter for integration into highgauge needles Compliant with medical equipment safety standards Tracking unaffected by the presence of most medical-grade metals Custom Field Generator (FG) designs that withstand up to 100 autoclave cycles Customized FG and electronics form-factors to best match clinical workflow

APPLICATIONS

INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
Enables new ultrasound imaging capabilities through localization of the ultrasound transducer: Overlay live ultrasound images on pre-operatively acquired CT or MRI images through image fusion Mark or tag anatomical features during an examination and re-navigate to landmarks for subsequent review and reporting Visualize needles both in-plane and out-of-plane for needle-based drug delivery (anesthesia), biopsy, drainage and vascular access

ENT SURGERY
Tracking of surgical instruments to confirm and facilitate procedural steps and to avoid critical cranial anatomy close to the sinus

CARDIOLOGY
Tracking of electrophysiology catheters to create high-resolution spatial maps of the electrical activity of the heart Tracking of cardiac ablation catheters to precisely locate and address cardiac arrhythmia

ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA ANESTHESIA

Visualization of needles in ultrasound image for nerve block, vascular access and pain management Fluoroscope-free targeting of distal locking holes in intramedullary nails

LAPAROSCOPIC/THORACIC SURGERY ONCOLOGY

Tracking of needle tips within fluoro, CT, ultrasound or MRI images: RF, microwave and other forms of ablation Core tissue biopsy Fluid aspirations Brachytherapy Tracking of absolute and relative poses of laparoscopic ultrasound and video Kidney Liver Gall bladder Lymph nodes

Tracking of ablation catheters

SIMULATION AND SURGEON PERFORMANCE

Tracking of simulation instruments in virtual environments Quantification and evaluation of surgeon motion

ENDOSCOPY
Tracking of tip position and orientation of rigid and flexible endoscopes Tracking of tip position and visualization of colonoscope shape

PULMONOLOGY
Tracking of the tip of a bronchoscope or pulmonary catheter for accessing lesions in the lungs

NDI AURORA EM TRACKING SYSTEM

SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

FIELD GENERATOR
Emits a low-intensity, varying electromagnetic field and establishes the position of the tracking volume. NDI now offers multiple FG types that feature plug-and-play functionality with the System Control Unit.

PLANAR FIELD GENERATOR For mounting on a positioning arm which offers flexible setup options around the patient.

TABLETOP FIELD GENERATOR Only 3.4 cm thick, this FG is designed to be placed between the patient and the table. The FG incorporates a thin barrier that minimizes any tracking distortions caused by conductive or ferromagnetic materials located below it.

SENSORS
Small currents are induced in the sensors by the varying electromagnetic field produced by the Field Generator. The characteristics of these electrical signals are dependent on the distance and angle between a sensor and the Field Generator

SENSOR INTERFACE UNITS (SIUs)

Amplify and digitize the electrical signals from the sensors and provide an increased distance between the System Control Unit and sensors, while minimizing the potential for data noise.

SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT (SCU)

Collects information from the SIUs, calculates the position and orientation of each sensor and interfaces with the host computer.

METAL IMMUNITY
All electromagnetic tracking systems use a magnetic field to determine the location of sensors in space. Outside influences on that magnetic field, for example eddy currents in nearby conductive materials, may lead to position errors of the sensors. The effects of external influences cannot be completely counteracted, but the Aurora system software and hardware is specifically designed and integrated to reduce the effects to a minimum. Aurora is unaffected by most medical-grade stainless steel (300 series) and titanium. A Tabletop FG is also available which minimizes any distortions produced by patient tables or other materials below it. For more information on metal immunity, please contact your local NDI office or visit our website.

SENSORS AND TOOLS

NDI offers a wide selection of both individual sensor coils and ready-to-use tools for use with the Aurora System. NDI manufactures the smallest, most cost-efficient electromagnetic tracking sensors on the market today. These sensors have been designed for integration into third-party instruments and offer the following features: Cost-efficient sensors, allowing for disposable applications Robust sensor designs for daily re-use applications Sensors as small as 0.3 mm in diameter for integration into high-gauge needles Autoclaveable sensors and tools Select ready-to-use tool designs able to withstand multiple autoclave cycles
Photo courtesy of Filip Banovac, MD, Georgetown University Hospital

Please refer to the Aurora Sensors and Tools brochure for detailed descriptions of our sensor and tool offerings, or visit our website - www.ndigital.com/medical/aurora.

ACCESSORIES AND SOFTWARE

Please visit our website www.ndigital.com/medical/aurora for a detailed description of the following offerings: FG mounting arm NDI Toolbox software NDI 6D Architect software Aurora Tool Developers Kit

NDI AURORA EM TRACKING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PLANAR FG TABLETOP FG

CUBE VOLUME
RMS Accuracy - 5DOF Sensors*+ Position Orientation Position Orientation 0.70 mm 0.20
+

DOME VOLUME
RMS 1.10 mm 0.20 0.70 mm 0.30 95% CI 2.00 mm 0.40 1.40 mm 0.55 Position Orientation Position Orientation RMS Accuracy - 5DOF Sensors+

VOLUME
95% CI 1.80 mm 0.70 1.20 mm 0.80

95% CI 1.40 mm 0.35 0.88 mm 0.48

1.20 mm 0.50
+

Accuracy - 6DOF Sensors*

Accuracy - 6DOF Sensors

0.48 mm 0.30

0.80 mm 0.70

CHARACTERIZED MEASUREMENT VOLUMES

(All dimensions in mm)

660660 500500

500500

50 50 R480 R480

+X+X +Y+Y
660660

500500

+Y
Cube Volume Dome Volume Cube Volume Dome Volume Cube Volume Dome Volume Cube Volume Dome Volume

+X

Number of Sensors Measurement Rate

Eight 5DOF or Four 6DOF 40 Hz Each measurement is independent, established using data not shared with earlier measurements (as is done when reporting update rate specifications). USB and RS-232 External synchronization port via 9 pin D-type connector

Interface

Power Planar Field Generator Tabletop Field Generator System Control Unit Sensor Interface Unit Approvals and Classifications

100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz 200 mm x 200 mm x 70 mm 3.2 kg 762 mm x 507 mm x 34 mm 13.3 kg 88 mm x 235 mm x 295 mm 3.4 kg 32 mm x 50 mm x 90 mm 250 g EN/IEC 60601-1, UL60601-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 601.1 and IEC 60601-1-2:2007 with CISPR 11 and FCC Class B RF emissions Refer to the user guide for a complete listing of approvals and classifications.

* All data collected with the Aurora V2 System in an environment free of electromagnetic disturbances. + Accuracy depends on tool design and the presence of metal. Note: Results based on more than 300 random positions and orientations distributed throughout the characterized volume.

AURORA BY DESIGN OEM CUSTOMIZATION

NDI recognizes that OEMs wishing to incorporate electromagnetic tracking in their applications are generally interested in customizing the Aurora components. This allows for the creation of new form-factors and seamless integration into existing workflow.

Customized FGs become part of the solution rather than hardware to work around. Customized electronic components allow for various form-factor solutions SIUs can be combined into a single break-out box SCU and SIUs can be combined into a single enclosure Simultaneous tracking of up to 16 sensor coils

Customized sensors and tools Talk to us about your specific requirements

The Aurora EM Tracking System as presented in this brochure may be considered a starting point for understanding the principle components and system operation. NDI has designed the system and developed resources to be able to quickly respond to requests for customization. We work closely with our OEM partners to provide an optimized hardware solution. Talk to us about your specific requirements.

NDI AURORA EM TRACKING SYSTEM

THE COMPANY
Established 30 years ago, NDI is trusted by international leaders in medicine, industry and research for the accuracy and reliability of its measurement technology. NDI systems are used in applications from computer-assisted therapy to aeronautics; from quality inspection to human motion research. Today, the company is a world leader in advanced 3D measurement technology with over 20,000 installations in more than 30 countries around the world.

NDI INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CANADA Tel: + 1 (877) 634-6340 Email: info@ndigital.com Website: www.ndigital.com

NDI EUROPE GmbH GERMANY Tel: + 49 (77 32) 939 19 00 Email: info@ndieurope.com Website: www.ndieurope.com

NDI ASIA PACIFIC HONG KONG Tel: + (852) 2802 2205 Email: APinfo@ndigital.com Website: www.ndigital.com

Website: www.ndigital.com

Copyright 2011 Northern Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Due to continuous product improvement, specifications subject to change without notice. NDI, Aurora and Measurement You Can Trust are registered trademarks of Northern Digital Inc. The Aurora is a general metrology instrument. Use in a particular application must be determined by the user. Manufacture, use and/or sale under one or more of the following patents: US6385482, EP0890117, DE59706099.1, US6288785, US6553326. Other patents pending. Printed in Canada - November 2011 NDI P/N 8300163 (Rev05)