METAL IMPLANT LOCALIZERS - FRONTIERS AND DIAGNOSTIC FEASIBILITY

The paper describes and analyses a method for locating metal implants based on the interaction of a conductive object with a weak alternatin g magnetic field. Theoretical values for the boundary of detectability and the boundary of localability are introduced to show some technica l characteristics, the diagnostic feasibility and limitations of the m ethod. Clinical experiences are described in order to compare the theo retical expectations with practical results. Several advantages of the proposed diagnostic method in terms of inexpensive instrumentation, e ase of operation and sensitivity are discussed.