You have only one opportunity -- make the most of it! You took the time to position the electrodes accurately, so it should be worth the time to measure their locations with respect to surface landmarks to enhance future signal analysis options. 3D locations of electrodes can be used in co-registration of surface measured physiological signals with anatomical MRI, CT and other imaging modalities in software applications such as EMSE Suite and others. The Locator software interfaces directly with the either of the 3D digitizers below to make electrode localization a quick and easy process. Quick and accurate measurement of 3D electrode positions adds only 3-5 minutes to a typical study, but it ensures precision when coregistering surface measurements with anatomical images.
Finally, a solution for 3D electrode localization that everyone can afford - Patriot! It's smaller, lighter, more compact and less expensive than previous models, yet the Patriot sports accuracy and resolution that are well matched to the task of electrode position measurement. Best of all, Patriot, when coupled with the Locator software, is a very fast way to measure electrode positions.
The Fastrak 3D Digitizer is the most accurate electromagnetic tracking system available, and it is the perfect solution for localization of electrodes and body landmarks in preparation for the coregistration of surface measured potentials with anatomical/functional images in EMSE Suite or BESA. Fastrak is controlled by the Locator software, which acquires and displays 3D position measurements for electrodes, fiducial landmarks and other points on the body surface.
When used together with Fastrak or Patriot digitizing hardware, Locator allows you to measure accurately landmarks, electrode locations and external head/body shape in 3 dimensions. These data may then be used for coregistration of surface measured potentials with anatomical / functional image data and to improve the precision of mapping and source estimation.