Low profile dual pad magnetic field location system with self tracking

A magnetic field location system for use in tracking a distal end of a catheter or the like, that includes a magnetic sensor, in a surgical or exploratory procedure within a living body disposed on a support structure, comprising:

• a first field generation pad configured for selective placement along a first side of the living body disposed on the support structure that includes a plurality of magnetic coils operable to generate magnetic fields;
• a second field generation pad configured for selective placement along an opposite side of the living body disposed on the support structure that includes a plurality magnetic coils operable to generate magnetic fields;
• a securing structure configured to releasably secure the first and second field generation pads to the support structure when selectively placed on the support structure;
• and
• a processor coupled to the magnetic coils of the first and second field generation pads configured to execute a process for correlation of magnetic fields generated by the field generation pads such that a reference magnetic field is defined that extends within a desired portion of the living body to enable precise location and tracking of a distal end of a catheter via the magnetic sensor within the reference magnetic field.