Importance

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Abstract

Lead Tracking of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices improve upon the process of implantation of ICD-CRT devices, placing their leads, and improving the information fed back to the device and/or clinician. Tracking of the placement of the leads during implantation is accomplished along with monitoring the leads once implanted. Benefits include reducing the risk and complication rate, simplifying implantation procedure, and enabling the extraction of vital data not previously available. Leads are tracked to at least minimize the need to use fluoroscopy. Three dimensional tracking (10) is employed to facilitate obtaining of data that allows the surgeon to better visualize lead insertion and placement. Placement of the leads during a procedure requires use of an external tracking component along with means and method for tracking the implantable leads. Transmitting antennas (10, 110) are provided, equal in number to the number of degrees of freedom of tracking required. A link (50) between the sensor (70) and the computation unit (40) can be wired or wireless. Once leads are implanted, heart wall motion must be monitored via the tracking of the leads within a clinical or home environment. Such tracking of the leads may be accomplished in real time.

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First Claim