Doctor viewing screen during surgery

Medical

The future of healthcare technology is full of applications that value motion tracking and localization measurement. The latest advancements now allow for instantaneous feedback from embeddable sensors that do not require line-of-sight in order to track continuously. We offer tiny, magnetic sensors for procedures requiring medium to very high accuracy (VHA) performance while installed inside catheter-sized instruments and one-time use devices. 

Synchronize CT or MRI images with the patient’s actual position, monitor respiratory gaiting and other real-time movements with our latest tracking capabilities for motion measurement and precise localization.  We value partnerships that achieve collective medical advancements. We are proud to offer our tracking technology in both OEM custom packaging as well as off-the-shelf product lines.

Medical professionals watching surgery screen
Doctor placing a sensor through a needle
Doctor reviewing X Ray of patient

Who We Serve

Our motion trackers have a wide variety of uses in medical applications, including training simulators, medical and motion research, clinical applications, EEG localization, laser ablation, and more. Polhemus trackers are also used in the rehabilitation and physical therapy market, combining state-of-the-art techniques with virtual reality technology.

Our goal is simple: to empower the next generation of medical professionals to make safe, quality choices for their patients by creating accurate tracking technology. Students gain the experience they need for better patient care with our trackers in devices that provide true-to-life scenarios and experiences.

With embeddable sensors and no line-of-sight requirements, our products are the ideal fit for many medical training and clinical applications.

Applications

Medical Training Simulation

Our technology has been embedded in state of the art medical simulators. With electromagnetic motion tracking, trainees are able to see exactly where they are when they move a medical device. With very high accuracy and no line-of-sight required, our sensors can track even the smallest movements in training. Technicians and other medical professionals are able to develop important skills that they can translate over to their patients seamlessly.

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We have partnered with several OEMs to develop medical simulators to meet high accuracy needs. We worked with MedSim to help develop their flagship product UltraSim®, an ultrasound simulator designed to train technicians. With the help of our technology, MedSim created the first simulation for use of ultrasound training. For more information, see our case study.

Additionally, our products have been featured in surgical simulations, such as the SEP simulator: a simulation technology designed to train surgical students. With the use of PATRIOT, the sensors could be easily embedded into endoscope and other instruments. Additionally, the small size combined with the accuracy rate gave students a near-real life experience of performing surgery. To see more, visit our surgery sim case study here

Every January, we have a booth at IMSH, the leading event in medical simulation and training. For more information about where we will be and what we will be showing at IMSH, see our events page here.

Doctor using an ultrasound to scan a patient's thyroid
Woman with the flex microsensors mounted on her first two fingers holding a mug

Medical Research

Our technology has been featured in a wide array of important medical research. Understanding motion, how it connects to medical conditions and what it means for patient recovery is crucial in a bulk of medical applications. Our trackers have helped progress studies in surgical outcomes, physical therapy outcomes, and many others.

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We have been featured in countless research studies and our products have been shown to meet the robust need within medical research. 

Our case study with Poizner Labs showcases our FASTRAK while researchers gain insight into the motion of Parkinson's disease. By using our electromagnetic motion trackers, Poizner was able to compare motion data of patients before and after surgery, giving them an idea of how successful their surgical treatment was against this condition. To learn more about this form of motion research, see our case study here.

Clinical Applications

Clinical operations can also benefit from motion tracking. Surgeons can use our EM trackers to locate instruments in relation to their patient, performing with greater accuracy and precision while improving patient outcomes. Another clinical example is in image-guided processes, where specialists use EM sensors to guide the placement of small tools such as catheters or needles during procedures.

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Our electromagnetic motion tracking has been used in a variety of clinical applications. If you are interested to understand more about where Polhemus can fit in with your medical operations, reach out to our sales team today.

Doctor showing a patient an X-Ray scan

Case Studies

Below is a sample of case studies relevant to the healthcare market:

BE.MED.SKILLED's dental simulator from top and side angles Hybrid VR Dental Training Simulator for Dental Education

Dental training simulator using hybrid VR technology including the Polhemus VIPER tracker

MedVision' SonoVision ultrasound simulation on display with a manikin MedVision SonoVision

Highly realistic ultrasound training powered by Polhemus motion tracking technology 

Technician performing an ultrasound on a patient's calf PATRIOT™ Tracks the Positioning of Ultrasound Probe for Training and Simulation System

There are multiple advantages of using the PATRIOT system in a training simulator—the small size and portability of the entire system, the…

Surgery SimSurgery Finds Success with SEP Simulator—Powered by Polhemus PATRIOT

The PATRIOT sensors are not only easily embedded, but due to the true 6DOF, the SEP system can track both position and orientation of…