Magnetic tracker system and method for use for surgical navigation

A magnetic tracking system for tracking a device of interest, the system comprising:

• a transmitter circuit configured to generate a plurality of magnetic fields based on corresponding pre-determined multi-frequency signals, wherein the pre-determined multi-frequency signals are phase shifted with respect to each other, the magnetic fields propagating through an area of examination;
• a magnetic sensor coupled to the device of interest, the magnetic sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a field strength of the magnetic fields transmitted by the transmitter circuit when positioned within the area of examination;
• a controller configured to determine a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the transmitter circuit based on the pre-determined multi-frequency signals and the sensor signal, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a direction of the magnetic fields with respect to the magnetic sensor based on the phase shift between the plurality of pre-determined multi-frequency signals;
• and further wherein the controller is configured to determine at least one of:
• a position and an orientation of the device of interest in relation to the determined position of the magnetic sensor and manipulate the device of interest to at least one of;
• a desired position and a desired orientation.