Magnetic field generator with minimal image occlusion and minimal impact on dimensions in C-arm x-ray environments

1. A magnetic field generating assembly, configured to be associated with a table supporting a body, the assembly comprising:

a plurality of elongate conductive elements arranged in a first plane, wherein each conductive element winds around a central axis, extending perpendicular to the first plane, at a continuously increasing distance from the central axis to an outer periphery of the conductive element;

wherein the plurality of conductive elements forms a first layer of the assembly;

wherein the first layer lies in the first plane;

wherein the plurality of conductive elements further comprises a second layer of the assembly; and wherein the second layer lies in a second plane; and

wherein, for each conductive element, the first layer comprises a first inner perimeter and a first outer perimeter, the first outer perimeter defining a first exit point of the conductive element wherein, for each conductive element, the second layer comprises a second inner perimeter and a second outer perimeter, the second outer perimeter defining a second exit point of the conductive element and wherein the first exit point and the second exit point are adjacent to each other.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements comprises at least three elongate conductive elements.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements comprises at least nine elongate conductive elements.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are configured to form a twisted pair at a location peripheral to the first and second exit points.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the conductive elements further comprises a plurality of layers of the assembly; wherein the plurality of layers lies in a plurality of planes; and wherein the plurality of layers comprises more than two layers.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements is configured to minimally obstruct images obtained using x-ray fluoroscopy where x-rays are passed through the plurality of conductive elements.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements is configured to be located above, below, or within the table.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements is configured to be located on the body.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements is configured to be located beneath or within a mattress.

10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein each conductive element is circular or rectangular in shape.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements is positioned within a housing, and wherein the distance between each conductive element and the housing is less than about 2 cm.

12. The assembly of claim 1 , configured to be used with an imaging system of a type comprising a structure movable relative to the body.

13. A medical device navigation system comprising:

a magnetic field generator assembly configured to generate a magnetic field of at least 10 −10 Tesla in close proximity to a body undergoing treatment, wherein the magnetic field generator assembly comprises the following:

(i) a plurality of elongate conductive elements arranged in a planar curve;

(ii) a conductive wire connecting the plurality of conductive elements to a power source;

(iii) a control unit capable of controlling current supplied to the plurality of conductive elements; and

(iv) a housing surrounding the conductive elements;

and wherein the magnetic field generator assembly is also configured to be operatively coupled with the following:

(a) a table supporting a body;

(b) an imaging system comprising a structure movable relative to the body; and

(c) a display;

wherein the plurality of conductive elements forms a first layer, the first layer lying in a first plane; and wherein the conductive elements forms a second layer, the second layer lying in a second plane; and

wherein, for each conductive element, the first layer comprises a first inner perimeter and a first outer perimeter, the first outer perimeter defining a first exit point of the conductive element wherein, for each conductive element, the second layer comprises a second inner perimeter and a second outer perimeter, the second outer perimeter defining a second exit point of the conductive element and wherein the first exit point and the second exit point are adjacent to each other.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic field generator assembly is configured to minimally obstruct movement of the imaging system.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic field generator assembly is configured to minimally occlude an image generated by the imaging system.

16. The system of claim 13 , wherein the magnetic field generator assembly is configured to be located above, below, or within the table.

17. The system of claim 13 , wherein a distance between the plurality of conductive elements and a housing surrounding the plurality of conductive elements is less than 2 cm.

18. The system of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of conductive elements comprises at least three elongate conductive elements.

19. The system of claim 13 , wherein each conductive element is circular or rectangular in shape.

20. The system of claim 13 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are configured to form a twisted pair at a location peripheral to the first and second exit points.