Method And Apparatus For Mapping A Structure

A system for mapping data and positioning an instrument in a three dimensional volume, comprising:

• a first drive patch and a second drive patch;
• a driving unit interconnected with the first and the second drive patches operable to generate a parameter between the first and the second drive patches;
• an instrument having a body covering and an electrode extendable from a retracted position to an extended position through an exit opening of the body covering, wherein the electrode is operable to both move relative to the first drive patch and the second drive patch and sense the parameter generated by the driving unit;
• a memory system operable to store a data point representing a position in space relative to the first and the second drive patches;
• a processor operable to execute instructions to determine a position of the electrode relative to the stored data point;
• and
• a display device operable to display an icon representing a virtual representation of the position;
• wherein the body covering includes a portal positioned a distance from the exit opening;
• wherein the portal is operable to allow an electrolyte to contact the electrode when the electrode is in the retracted position.

A method for mapping data and positioning an instrument in a three dimensional volume, comprising:

• positioning a first drive patch and a second drive patch on a patient;
• interconnecting a driving unit with the first drive patch and the second drive patch operable to generate a voltage between the first drive patch and the second drive patch;
• positioning a first reference patch and a second reference patch on the patient;
• positioning a mapping instrument in the patient;
• expanding an expandable portion of the mapping instrument;
• moving the mapping instrument from a first position to a second position within the patient;
• sensing the voltage at the first position and the second position;
• and
• displaying on a display device the relative location of the first position and the second position with mapping icons.

A method for mapping data and positioning an instrument in a three dimensional volume comprising:

• moving an electrode from a first retracted position to a second extended position;
• providing a body covering operable to substantially cover the electrode when the electrode is in the first retracted position;
• providing a portal through the body covering;
• and
• moving a cover to cover the portal in the body covering when moving the electrode from the first retracted position to the second extended position;
• whereby when the electrode is in the first retracted position the voltage is sensed through the portal;
• whereby when the electrode is in the second extended position the portal is closed by the cover.