Miniature guide system

Abstract

This invention relates to a miniature guide system, including a guide sheath and an adapter coupled to a handle, the handle and guide sheath defining a passage therethrough. The adapter includes a receiving tube having a predetermined angled portion, providing a path from a proximal opening to the miniature guide. The adapter can be integrated with the miniature guide or attached separately. A separately attached adapter may include a rotating nut or other additional mechanism to attach the adapter to the miniature guide. The predetermined angled portion may include multiple bends to form, for example, a helical path. The miniature guide system may include a shape-sensing core system. The predetermined angled portion of the adapter can provide a reference point for calibrating the shape-sensing core. As the core passes through the predetermined angled portion, an external device coupled to the core calibrates the deflection.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 860,569, filed June 12, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a microintroducer system, and more particularly to a microintroducer system comprising a microintroducer and an adapter. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a microguide system including a microguide and an adapter. The microguide may include a guide sheath coupled to a handle, the handle and the guide sheath defining a passage therethrough. The adapter may include a receiver tube having a predetermined angled portion, defining a path from a proximal opening to the passage of the microguide. The adapter may be integrated into the microguide or attached separately. The predetermined angled portion may include multiple bends to form a helical path. The predetermined angled portion may form any angle with the longitudinal axis of the microguide system, for example, between 45° and 90°, or approximately 70° in one embodiment. When attached separately, the adapter includes an attachment mechanism configured to engage with a proximal connector of the microguide. The connecting member may be a spin nut including a break line to allow removal of the spin nut from an inserted medical device. The receiver tube of the adapter may include an opening or slit to allow removal of the receiver tube from an inserted medical device. The microguide may also include a propulsion mechanism disposed in the wall of the receiving tube, the propulsion mechanism being configured to translate the medical device through the microguide system. The propulsion mechanism may be a roller, which in some embodiments may be arranged adjacent to a predetermined angled portion of the receiving tube.

[0005] The miniature guide system may further include a shape-sensing stylet system, which may include a shape-sensing stylet and an external device communicating therewith. A predetermined angled portion provides a calibration point for the shape-sensing stylet. In embodiments where the miniature guide system includes a propulsion mechanism, the propulsion mechanism may provide a reference point for the external device to initiate measurement of one of the shape-sensing stylet's deflection pattern and insertion length. A method of sensing the shape of a patient's vascular system may include advancing the shape-sensing stylet into a receiving tube and through a predetermined angled portion, and calibrating a first deflection of the shape-sensing stylet relative to the angle formed by the predetermined angled portion. The external device may use the first deflection to measure the deflection pattern of the shape-sensing stylet and may use the deflection pattern to determine the path of the vascular system. The external device may use the deflection pattern to determine the shape of the patient's vascular system in three-dimensional (3D) space.

[0006] In some embodiments, the adapter can be individually coupled to the proximal end of a miniature guide for receiving an elongated medical device. The adapter includes a funnel opening and defines a channel with an angled portion comprising a predetermined angle. The angled portion positions the funnel opening away from the skin surface, thereby providing a convenient target for inserting the elongated medical device. The adapter may further include a roller. The roller can be positioned at the angled portion and can engage the distal tip of the elongated medical device. The roller can be used to pull the elongated medical device into the adapter and through the angled portion. Thus, bending or kinking of the elongated medical device is prevented. Furthermore, the roller provides continuous pressure, deflection, and advance rate through the adapter. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to be limiting of its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained in more specific and detailed manner using the drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1A A microguide system including a microguide and an integrated adapter containing an angled portion is shown.

[0009] Figure 1B A microguide system is shown, comprising a microguide and a separate adapter containing an angled portion.

[0010] Figure 2 The connection to the microguide is shown. Figure 1B The adapter.

[0011] Figure 3AOne implementation of the adapter is shown.

[0012] Figure 3B Another implementation of the adapter is shown.

[0013] Figure 4A A miniature guide system including a shape-sensing core needle system in a first position is shown.

[0014] Figure 4B A shape-sensing core needle system with a second position is shown. Figure 4A A miniature guidance system.

[0015] Figure 5A A miniature guide system including rollers is shown according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5B The rollers, isolated from the needle, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same structures. It should be understood that the drawings are illustrations and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are therefore neither limiting nor necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] To aid in describing fixed systems, the following coordinate terms are used (see [reference]). Figure 1A The term "longitudinal axis" is generally parallel to the axis of the guide sheath of the device. The term "lateral axis" is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The term "transverse axis" extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral axes. Furthermore, as used herein, "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; "lateral direction" refers to a direction substantially parallel to the lateral axis; and "transverse direction" refers to a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis. As used herein, the term "axial" refers to the axis of the guide sheath and is therefore substantially synonymous with the term "longitudinal" as used herein.

[0019] For clarity, it should be understood that the term "proximal" refers to the direction relatively closer to the clinician using the device described herein, while the term "distal" refers to the direction relatively farther from the clinician. For example, the tip of the guide sheath placed inside the patient is considered the distal end of the device, while the connector remaining outside the body faces the proximal end of the device. Furthermore, as used herein (including the claims), the terms "comprising" and "having" should have the same meaning as the term "including".

[0020] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “lower side,” “upper side,” etc., used to describe the fixation system of the present invention are used in the orientation shown in the embodiments. For example, the term “upper side” is used to describe a side of the device positioned above the lateral axis passing through the axis of the guide sheath. The term “lower side” is used to describe a portion of the device positioned below the lateral axis passing through the axis of the guide sheath. The terms “left” and “right” are used consistently throughout the disclosure and are used to describe the structure from the perspective of a clinician using the device.

[0021] In brief, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to miniature guide systems and methods. While these descriptions refer to miniature guides for vascular access systems, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein can also be applied to similar systems for introducing gastric feeding tubes, catheters, guidewires, and delivery devices, and for mapping internal regions of a human or animal body. The embodiments described herein include an adapter coupled to the proximal end of the miniature guide for receiving an elongated medical device (such as a shape-sensing needle). The adapter includes a funnel opening and defines a channel having an angled portion at a predetermined angle. The angled portion positions the funnel opening away from the skin surface, thereby providing a convenient target for introducing the elongated medical device. Furthermore, the predetermined angle provides a reference point for inserting the medical device (such as a shape-sensing needle) through the miniature guide. As the needle passes through the angled portion, an external device coupled to the shape-sensing needle calibrates the deflection of the needle relative to the predetermined angle. Additionally, the reference point indicates the starting point for measuring the deflection pattern and insertion length of the shape-sensing needle. External devices can use these to determine the shape of the path of the shape-sensing needle, and thus the shape of the patient’s vascular system in three-dimensional (3D) space.

[0022] The adapter may also include rollers. The rollers can be positioned at the angled portion and can engage the distal tip of an elongated medical device. The rollers can be used to pull the elongated medical device into the adapter and through the angled portion, thus preventing the elongated medical device from buckling or kinking. Furthermore, the rollers provide continuous pressure, deflection, and advance speed through the adapter. Embodiments described herein further illustrate other aspects of the system and its use.

[0023] Figure 1A A perspective view of a microguide system 100 including a microguide 110 and an adapter 150 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is depicted. The microguide 110 includes a guide sheath 112 defining a channel 122 extending from a proximal end to a distal end, in which an expander 114 or a similar device may be arranged. Figure 1AIn this design, the distal tip of the dilator 114 extends beyond the distal tip of the guide sheath 112. The proximal end of the sheath 112 is shown to be coupled to a handle 116 (or a pair of handles 116, such as a left handle 116A and a right handle 116B). The handle may be attached to the side of the proximal end of the sheath or the handle may form a channel at the proximal end. For example, the handle may be insert molded onto the proximal end of the sheath. Furthermore, the handle may include a valve. Examples of guide sheaths (including constructions of sheaths and handles) are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,637,893, 8,403,890, and 8,932,260, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The sheath 112 includes breach lines 118A, 118B extending longitudinally along the apposing walls of the sheath 112. The slit lines 118A and 118B can be scorelines, perforations, laser-cut lines, or similar lines of weakness that allow the sheath 112 to be separable along its longitudinal axis. The slit lines 118A and 118B are arranged along the opposing walls of the sheath 112 such that the sheath 112 can be divided into two substantially equal halves. For example... Figure 1A As shown, a slit line 118A is arranged on the upper side of the sheath 112, and a slit line 118B is arranged on the lower side of the sheath 112, thereby defining a sheath 112 that can be divided into a left portion 112A and a right portion 112B. The left sheath portion 112A is connected to the left handle 116A, and the right sheath portion 112B is connected to the right handle 116B. Optionally, the sheath material (e.g., PTFE) can be formed (e.g., extruded) with alignment of molecules, so that the sheath can be peeled off at the same or similar circumferential positions without the need for slit lines.

[0024] like Figure 1A As shown, adapter 150 can be integrated into or built into a microguide, or as... Figure 1B As shown, it can be added separately. When integrated into the miniature guide 110, the adapter 150 includes distal portions of halves 150A and 158B that are aligned with the slit lines of the sheath 112 and / or the handle 116.

[0025] In an implementation where the adapter 150 is attached separately, for example Figure 1BThe miniature guide 110 also includes a connector 120 disposed at its proximal end. As discussed below, the connector 120 may include a threaded portion for receiving a corresponding rotating nut 152 from the adapter 150. However, it should be understood that other types of connectors, such as luerlocks, sliding fits, bayonet connectors, etc., are also contemplated. The connector 120 may be defined by a left portion 120A and a right portion 120B that respectively engage with the proximal portions of the left handle 116A and the right handle 116B. During assembly, as... Figure 2 As shown, the left portion 120A and the right portion 120B of the connector define a continuous outer perimeter to allow the corresponding rotary nut 152 or similar connector to engage its outer surface.

[0026] As discussed herein, adapter 150 may include an additional mechanism for coupling to the connector. In one embodiment, the additional mechanism includes a severable or breakable portion to allow disengagement of adapter 150 after the medical device has been inserted through the adapter and passed through the microguide into the patient's vascular system. In one embodiment, as... Figure 1B As shown, adapter 150 includes a rotating nut 152 configured to engage a threaded connector 120. In other embodiments, the additional mechanism corresponds to different types of connectors as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating nut includes a break line 166 extending axially along a longitudinal axis. As described herein, the break line 166 may include a score line, a perforation, a laser-cut line, or a similar weak line. In one embodiment, the rotating nut 152 includes more than one break line 166, which allows an elongated medical device extending through it to be held in place while the rotating nut is removed.

[0027] The adapter 150 includes a distal tube 154 extending along the longitudinal axis of the microguide system 100 to a pre-defined angled portion 156 (which smoothly bends at an angle relative to the distal tube 154 to a proximal tube 158) and communicating with a channel 122. The proximal tube 158 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the microguide system 100 away from the distal tube 154. The angled portion 156 may define an angle (“θ”) between 5° and 175° with respect to the longitudinal axis. In embodiments, the angle θ is between 45° and 90°, with a preferred embodiment being 70°. In some embodiments, the elongated tube includes multiple bends that together define a helical path along the angled portion and, in some embodiments, also along the proximal tube. Other bends, such as sinusoidal curves, are also contemplated. The distal tube 154, the angled portion 156, and the proximal tube 158 together define a continuous receiving tube 160 of the adapter 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving tube 160 defines a path 162 extending therethrough and is fluidly connected to the sheath channel 122 via a connector 120. The proximal end of the receiving tube 160 includes a funnel 164. The funnel 164 defines a tapered portion such that the proximal end of the funnel 164 defines a diameter larger than the diameter of the receiving path 162.

[0028] The receiving tube 160 also includes a slit line 168. The slit line 168 extends axially from a funnel 164 at the proximal end along the receiving tube 160 to a rotating nut 152 at the distal end. As described herein, the slit line may include a scoring line, a perforation, a laser-cut line, or a similar weak line, allowing the receiving tube 160 to be divided along the axis of the receiving path 162. The slit line 168 allows removal of the adapter 150 while allowing an elongated medical device extending through it to remain in place. In embodiments, the receiving tube 160 includes more than one slit line, such as 168A, 168B, such that the adapter 150 can be divided into substantially equal portions. However, it is also contemplated that a greater number of slit lines 168 defining a greater number of portions of the adapter 150 may also be present.

[0029] In the implementation plan, such as Figure 3A As shown, the receiving tube 160 may include an elongated opening 170 that replaces the slit line 168. Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, opening 170 is a slit that allows opposite sides of the receiving tube 160 to contact each other. Opening 170 extends longitudinally along at least one side of the receiving tube 160 along its entire length, for example, from a funnel 164 at the proximal end to a rotating nut 152 at the distal end. Opening 170 allows removal of the adapter while allowing any elongated medical device extending through it to remain in place. It should be understood that opening 170 can be positioned at any circumferential location on the receiving tube. Figure 3AIn the illustrated embodiment, the opening is shown as an equidistant gap between the two sides of the receiving tube 160. However, it should be understood that the gap may be tapered and may be narrower or wider than shown.

[0030] In an exemplary method of use, a miniature guide 110, in which a dilator 114 is disposed, is used to access a patient's vascular system or similar area. The miniature guide 110 and dilator 114 are advanced distally until the distal tip 124 of the sheath 112 enters the patient's vascular system or similar area. The dilator 114 is then removed, and the sheath 112 of the guide 110 may define the access path for other elongated medical devices to be inserted. Such elongated medical devices may include needles, guidewires, catheters (such as integrated shape-sensing catheters, peripheral IV catheters, midline catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), acute or chronic central venous catheters (CVCs)), and other elongated medical devices inserted into the patient.

[0031] In embodiments where the adapter is separate from the sheath / handle (i.e., non-integrated), the adapter 150 is then coupled to the connector 120 using a swivel nut 152 or a similar connector. The receiving path 162 is fluidly connected to the sheath channel 122 to provide an access channel extending from the funnel 164 at the proximal end to the sheath tip 124 at the distal end. The elongated medical device is then introduced into the vascular system by introducing the elongated medical device through the funnel 164 and advancing along the receiving path 162 / sheath channel 122 to extend over the distal tip 124 of the sheath 112. Once the elongated medical device is in place, the miniature guide system 100 can be removed without disturbing the position of the elongated medical device.

[0032] Initially, the adapter 150 is removed by unthreading the rotating nut 152 from the connector, after which the adapter 150 splits along fracture line 166, and the receiving tube 160 separates along fracture line 168. In this embodiment, the rotating nut 152 includes two fracture lines 166 arranged along opposite walls of the rotating nut 152, such that the rotating nut 152 splits into two substantially equal parts that can be separated and removed. Next, the user grasps the handles 116A, 116B and separates the handles in a proximal and laterally outward direction. This, in turn, causes the connector 120 and the sheath 112 to separate along fracture lines 118A, 118B (or along aligned molecules). This allows the removal of the microguide 110 while leaving the elongated medical device in place.

[0033] In one embodiment, the receiving tube 160 is attached to the connector 120 using adhesive, bonding, welding, or similar suitable methods. In another embodiment, the receiving tube 160 and the connector 120 are integrally formed as a single structure. Therefore, the removal of the adapter 150 and the microguide 110 occurs simultaneously. When the handles are pulled apart, the receiving tube 160 and the connector 120 will separate distally along one or more slit lines 118 and proximally along one or more slit lines 168. This allows the elongated medical device to remain in place while the system 100 is removed.

[0034] In an implementation with a separate adapter 150, such as Figure 3A As shown, the adapter 150 includes an elongated opening 170. With the rotating nut 152 removed, the adapter 150 is removed from the elongated medical device as described herein by allowing the elongated medical device to pass laterally or laterally through the opening 170, depending on the location of the opening 170. It should be understood that the opening may be located on the upper, lower, or side portion of the receiving tube 160 without departing from the scope of the invention. As described herein, the miniature guide 110 can then be removed by disengaging the handle 116.

[0035] Advantageously, the adapter 150, including the funnel 164, provides a wider opening and a larger target area for inserting the elongated medical device. Furthermore, when the microguide 110 is inserted into the patient, it rests substantially flat on the patient's skin surface. The angled portion 156 allows the proximal tube portion 158 and the funnel 164 to extend away from the skin surface, thereby providing a more convenient, open target area for inserting the medical device.

[0036] In the implementation scheme, angle θ provides a fixed reference angle that can be used as a reference or starting point for the fiber optic core needle 200. For example... Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, with the microguide system 100 positioned within the patient and the dilator 114 removed, the microguide system 100 provides access channels, namely a receiving path 162 and a sheath channel 122. The fiber optic core 200 can be advanced via an adapter until it is received within the angled portion 156. The angled portion 156 then deflects the distal tip 224 of the fiber optic core 200 at a predetermined angle θ, aligning the distal portion with the longitudinal axis of the microguide 110. The fiber optic core 200 is communicatively coupled to an external device 250, which detects and records any deflection along the length of the core 200. By guiding the fiber optic core 200 through a known angle θ, the external device 250 can automatically calibrate the deflection of the fiber optic core 200 relative to the known angle θ. During shape sensing, the fiber optic core 200 can also use a known deflection angle θ as a starting point, so that any deflection detected by the core 200 away from the deflection angle θ can be recorded and used to map the path of the core 200 through the patient's vascular system. The fiber optic core 200 can also use a known deflection angle θ as a starting point for tracing the length of the core inserted into the patient's vascular system.

[0037] Fiber optic core systems, such as core 200 and external device 250, use a deflection pattern along the length of the core, along with the insertion length of the core, to determine a three-dimensional map of the patient's vascular system. Using the angled portion 156 of adapter 150 as a reference point allows core 200 and external device 250 to align the core to a reference plane and automatically initiate image rendering software. External device 250 displays an isometric view of core 200 and other images of the patient on a user interface.

[0038] As used herein, the external device may include a handheld device, laptop computer, computer station, server, networked device, or one or more similar suitable devices communicatively connected together for receiving information from the optic needle 200 and displaying an image of the path taken by the optic needle through the patient's vascular system. The external device 250 may further overlay the patient's image, which may include CAT scans, PET scans, MRI, X-rays, etc. As used herein, the fiber optic optic needle 200 may be used in conjunction with one or more other medical devices, such as associated catheters or guidewires. Therefore, as the path of the optic needle 200 is mapped into an image, the paths of any associated medical devices can also be determined. It will also be understood that the fiber optic optic needle system may include more than one optic needle communicatively connected to the external device 250 to map more than one path through the patient's vascular system.

[0039] The adapter 150 may also include a propulsion mechanism for inserting a medical device through the microguide 100. The propulsion mechanism can be any type of drive mechanism, such as a slide, screw, crank, etc. In one embodiment, the propulsion mechanism is as follows: Figure 5A and 5B The roller 180 is shown in the diagram. The roller 180 may be arranged within the wall of the adapter 150 such that its edge surface engages an elongated medical device, such as a needle 200. Optionally, the needle 200 may include a reinforcing member (not shown). The reinforcing member may include an elongated member extending longitudinally through or with the needle 200, in an embodiment, the reinforcing member being co-extruded with the needle 200. The reinforcing member may include a material, such as metal or a similar alternative material, that exhibits mechanical properties stiffer than the needle 200 and can further prevent the needle 200 from buckling or kinking. The roller 180 rotates about a center point 182. Figure 5B As shown, the user manipulates the edge surface of the roller 180, which extends beyond the outer wall of the adapter 150 and faces the edge surface of the engagement pin 200. As the roller 180 rotates, the pin 200 moves through the receiving path 162. Figure 5A As shown, the roller 180 is positioned adjacent to the angled portion 156, but other positions along the adapter 150 are also considered.

[0040] Figure 5B The side profile of roller 180 is shown. In an embodiment, the side surface defines a concave surface to engage the side surface of an elongated medical device (e.g., a needle 200). Optionally, roller 180 may include a gripping feature 184, such as a ridge, which may be integrally formed with roller 180 or formed of different materials exhibiting different properties. For example, gripping feature 184 may include a silicone rubber ring arranged around the side surface, thereby not only helping to engage the needle 200 but also helping the user manipulate the opposite side. Roller 180 may further include a ball plunger and a detent mechanism or ratchet mechanism to provide graduated rotation. This allows the user to rotate roller 180 at set intervals and, consequently, to advance or retract the needle 200 at set distance intervals.

[0041] Advantageously, the roller 180 allows the user to advance or retract the elongated medical device through the adapter 150 at a controlled rate. This prevents the needle 200 from being advanced / retracted too quickly or at inconsistent rates. Furthermore, the roller 180 can prevent buckling of the medical device by pulling it through the adapter 150. When the elongated medical device is introduced into the adapter 150, the distal end engages the gripping part 184 of the roller 180 before contacting the angled portion 156. The roller 180 can maintain tension on the needle 200 or similar elongated medical device and pull the device through the adapter 150 and at a known angle θ around the angled portion 156. Conversely, when the elongated medical device is pushed proximally through the adapter 150, the distal tip may strike the inner wall of the angled portion 156, creating friction between them and causing the device to buckle or twist at its proximal point.

[0042] The roller 180 can also apply a known fixed strain on the elongated medical device. At the location where the mandrel 200 detects deflection and strain applied along its length, the known fixed strain applied by the roller 180 can be included in the calculation by the external device 250 and removed from the result. This prevents inconsistent strain and deflection caused by a user in direct contact with the mandrel 200, which could affect the shape sensing results. As described herein, the roller 180 can also provide a reference point with a known deflection angle θ for the calibration point and starting point of the shape sensing mandrel 200.

[0043] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The described embodiments should be considered merely illustrative in all respects, not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All variations within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A miniature guide system, comprising: A miniature guide includes a guide sheath coupled to a handle, the handle and the guide sheath defining a passage therethrough; and An adapter comprising a receiving tube having a distal tube portion, a portion at a predetermined angle, and a proximal tube portion, the receiving tube defining a path from a proximal opening of the proximal tube portion to the channel of the microguide, wherein the adapter is divisible along a slit line extending along the entire length of the adapter.

2. A miniature guide system, comprising: A miniature guide includes a guide sheath coupled to a handle, the handle and the guide sheath defining a passage therethrough; and An adapter includes a receiving tube having a distal tube portion, a portion at a predetermined angle, and a proximal tube portion, the receiving tube defining a path from a proximal opening of the proximal tube portion to the channel of the microguide, wherein the adapter includes a longitudinal opening extending along the entire length of the receiving tube.

3. The microguide system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter is integrated into the microguide.

4. The microguide system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion forming the predetermined angle includes a plurality of curved portions.

5. The microguide system of claim 4, wherein the path is helical.

6. The microguide system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion forming the predetermined angle forms an angle between 45° and 90° with the longitudinal axis of the microguide system.

7. The microguide system of claim 6, wherein the angle is 70°.

8. The microguide system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the microguide includes a proximal connector, and wherein the adapter includes an additional mechanism configured to engage with the proximal connector.

9. The microguide system of claim 8, wherein the connecting member is a rotating nut comprising a fracture line extending along a longitudinal axis.

10. The microguide system of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal opening comprises a slit.

11. The microguide system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter includes a propulsion mechanism disposed in the wall of the receiving tube, the propulsion mechanism being configured to translate the medical device through the microguide system.

12. The microguide system of claim 11, wherein the propulsion mechanism is a roller.

13. The microguide system of claim 12, wherein the roller is arranged adjacent to the portion at a predetermined angle.

14. The microguide system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a shape-sensing core system.

15. The microguide system of claim 14, wherein the shape sensing core system comprises a shape sensing core and an external device communicating with the shape sensing core.

16. The microguide system of claim 15, wherein the portion at the predetermined angle provides a calibration point for the shape-sensing core.

17. The microguide system of claim 15, wherein the adapter includes a propulsion mechanism, and wherein the propulsion mechanism provides a reference point for the external device to initiate measurement of one of the deflection pattern and insertion length of the shape sensing needle.

Images