The present disclosure relates to a magnetic field probe for determining a disposition of an implantable magnetic marker, a detection unit comprising the probe and a method of detecting the disposition of an implantable magnetic marker.

摘要

During both invasive and non-invasive treatments and therapies, inaccuracies in locating the areas of interest mean that not all the area is treated, or the treatment is incomplete. A magnetic field probe is provided that improves determination of a disposition of an implantable magnetic marker, the probe comprising a first 110, 120 and second 110, 120 magnetic sensor separated by a minor sensor separation, a third 110, 120 magnetic sensor close to the distal end 160 separated by a major sensor separation from a fourth magnetic sensor 120, 130 close to a proximal end 165, the major sensor separation being larger than the minor sensor separation; and the ratio of the major sensor separation to the minor sensor separation is in the range 1.25 to 40, preferably in the range 1.6 to 7.6. This provides a probe capable of accurately determining one or more dispositions of the implantable magnetic marker when the distal end of the probe is close to the marker and also when it is further away.