What are the differences between earlier 3D Guidance/microBIRD trackers and medSAFE?
A. Ascension’s original 3D Guidance tracker — with full medical compliance for navigation of miniaturized sensors — was released in 2007. It succeeded microBIRD that had been released in 2005 as a laboratory tool for medical researchers. microBIRD enabled one to track miniaturized sensors, but it did not carry a medical certification for use in internal medical procedures. medSAFE tracks up to 8 six-degrees-of-freedom sensors simultaneously, and offers improved dynamic performance, hot swapping, time stamped records, on-board flash reprogramming, customizable settings, biocompatible sensors, and extensive self-test and run-time diagnostics for improved reliability and safety. medSAFE also supports tracking of the world’s smallest six degrees-of-freedom sensor: 0.94mm in diameter X 7.6mm in length. It is small enough to fit into the distil tip of a 19-gauge hollow needle.
