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Ascension
Launches Medically Compliant
3D Localization Device
BURLINGTON, VERMONT;
November 21, 2005:
Ascension Technology will
launch microBIRDTM, a new
3D guidance device for image-guided
procedures, at the annual
Radiological Society of North
America (RSNA) conference
in Chicago, Illinois, November
28 – December 2, 2005.
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Released for beta
testing in 2004, the
new production model
is a Class 1, Type
CF device. This classification
indicates that its
miniaturized sensors
are electrically safe
when incorporated
into a FDA-approved
system for use within
a patient.
Early adapters are
already using microBIRD
for the following
purposes:
- Manipulating tools
to internal targets
referenced to pre-acquired
and real-time imaging
modalities.
-
Controlling
computer-assisted
manipulators during
treatment of critical
disease states.
-
Guiding flexible
tools, such as bronchoscopes,
for the detection
and biopsy of lesions
without radiation
exposure.
microBIRD is being
employed in a bronchoscopy
application at RSNA.
Procedural software
was developed by VIDA
Diagnostics Inc. (Iowa
City, IA) – a developer
of pulmonary mapping
and therapy planning
systems.
VIDA researchers have
developed an integrated
approach to bronchoscopy
utilizing micro sensors
for guiding instruments
to lung targets deep
inside airway branches.
It combines VIDA's lung
mapping and modeling
technology with Ascension's
location technology
to biopsy and treat
previously inaccessible
lung regions.
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| microBIRD sensor
(BELOW ARROW) protruding
from the distal tip of
a 7 French catheter. microBIRD
sensors, as small as 0.6
mm in diameter, provide
continuous 3D measurements
of the tip of a catheter-based
instrument for anatomical
localization and guidance
purposes. microBIRD is
a key enabling component
for minimally invasive,
image-guided procedures.
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Human airway tree with
anatomical labels and a
selected interventional
path shown in turquoise.
microBIRD enables a clinician
to reliably navigate a bronchoscope
to a selected site within
the patient’s lungs for
diagnostic and therapeutic
purposes. (Photo courtesy
VIDA Diagnostics)
The application of micro
sensing for flexible bronchoscopy
is of keen interest to pulmonologists
looking for new and improved
ways to treat critical lung
diseases. microBIRD tracks
the catheter in 3 dimensions
and does not involve radiation
exposure. In previous bronchoscope
studies, magnetic tracking
has proven more effective
in locating lesions and
peripheral infiltrates than
fluoroscopy alone.
For minimally invasive
procedures, microBIRD allows
clinicians to combine imaging
modalities, such as CT,
MRI or ultrasound scans,
with exact knowledge of
an instrument's location
referenced to visual images.
With microBIRD and advanced
imaging systems, clinicians
can literally "see"
inside the human body.
Recent advances in third-generation
pulsed DC magnetic technology
enable microBIRD to operate
without error near conductive
metals, such as 300-series
stainless steel, titanium
and aluminum, which are
often found in medical environments.
A new generation of magnetic
field transmitters – including
a flat transmitter that
is placed beneath a patient
-- further overcomes the
distorting effects of ferrous
metals commonly found in
OR tables and procedural
beds.
Ascension Technology Corporation
(Burlington, Vermont, USA)
makes magnetic, optical,
inertial and hybrid head
tracking devices for use
in flight and simulator
systems. For more information
about its state-of-the-art
target acquisition and simulator
tracking systems, visit
Ascension Technology Corporation,
based in Burlington, Vermont,
USA, is a world leader in
3D guidance and navigation
solutions for medical applications.
For more information, visit
www.ascension-tech.com.
For more information about
VIDA Diagnostics (Iowa City,
IA), visit www.vidadiagnostics.com.
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Visit
us at RSNA – North Bldg.,
Hall B, Booth # 6415
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