Invasive system employing a radiofrequency tracking system

Claim 1

A invasive imaging system to provide interactive images during an invasive procedure of a subject, comprising: a) a imaging means for providing an image of said subject; b) an invasive device adapted to be inserted into said subject; c) a self-contained radiofrequency (RF) transmitter attached to the invasive device, the self-contained RF transmitter including: i. power conversion means for converting electrical power into a RF signal at a selected frequency, ii. power generation means for providing electrical power to the power conversion means comprising an RF coil coupled to receive RF power from an external source during operation, and a rectification means coupled to the RF coil for rectifying the received RF power into electrical power and providing the electrical power to the power conversion means, iii. broadcasting means for broadcasting the RF signal so as to create a dipole magnetic field, and iv. hermetically sealed case constructed from non-bioreactive materials encasing the power conversion means, power generation means and broadcasting means having a size and shape allowing it to move freely within said patient; d) a plurality of receive coils placed at a plurality of known locations for receiving the broadcasted RF signal; and e) external RF tracking/display means employing a phase-locked loop for synchronizing the external RF tracking/display means with the RF transmitter, the external RF tracking/display means coupled to the receive coils and responsive to the RF signal for determining a location and orientation of the RF transmitter based upon strength and phase of the broadcasted RF signal received at the receive coils, and for displaying the image of the subject and a symbol on the image at a position corresponding to the location of the RF transmitter in the subject.