Determination of the integrity of slender medical devices

Abstract

In some examples, a device includes a body configured to house an elongated medical device and a conductive element configured to contact a touch screen of a computing device. The amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen varies based on a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is housed within the body.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 840,067, filed April 29, 2019, and entitled “ELONGATED MEDICAL DEVICE INTEGRITY DETERMINATION,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to medical devices. Background Art

[0003] Elongated medical devices, such as catheters and guidewires, can be advanced through a patient's vasculature during a medical procedure, for example, by a clinician applying an axial thrust or rotational force to a portion of the elongated medical device located outside the patient's body. For example, a catheter defining at least one lumen can be used to deliver another medical device and / or a therapeutic agent within the patient's vasculature. As another example, a guidewire can be used as a guide for placement of a larger device or prosthesis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some examples, the present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for determining the integrity (e.g., actual or representative flexibility and / or stiffness characteristics) of an elongated medical device, which can be used, for example, to demonstrate the integrity of an elongated medical device or to compare the integrity of multiple elongated medical devices. The elongated medical device can include, for example, a catheter (e.g., a guide catheter, a guide extension catheter, a microcatheter, a push wire of a catheter, or a tubular catheter body), a guidewire, or other type of elongated medical device. In some examples, the device is configured to receive the elongated medical device and transmit a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device to a force sensor configured to generate an electrical signal or other output indicating the amount of compressive force applied to the elongated medical device.

[0005] For example, in some examples, a device is configured to receive an elongated medical device and position the elongated medical device relative to a touch screen of a computing device. The amount of contact between the conductive elements of the device and the touch screen varies based on the compressive force applied to the elongated medical device when received within the device. In these examples, the touch screen can be a force sensor and the computing device can be a force sensing device.

[0006] In the examples described herein, a computing device is configured to generate and present a graphical user interface that indicates a parameter representing the compressive force applied by the elongated medical device to the force sensor via the conductive element, for example, as a numerical force value or another quantitative indication, or as a qualitative indication. For example, the computing device may determine the parameter based on the amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen and generate a graphical user interface indicating the determined parameter. In some examples, a user may determine the minimum force required to cause the elongated medical device to bend based on the displayed graphical user interface. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the processing circuitry of the computing device may automatically determine the minimum force required to cause the elongated medical device to bend based on input received via the touch screen, the input indicating the amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen, the input varying as a function of the force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device housed within the body of the force transmission device.

[0007] Item 1: In some instances, a device includes a body configured to house an elongated medical device and a conductive element configured to contact a touch screen of a computing device, wherein an amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen varies based on a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is housed within the body.

[0008] Clause 2: In some instances of the apparatus of Clause 1, the body comprises a planar surface configured to rest on the touch screen.

[0009] Clause 3: In some examples of the device of Clause 1, the conductive element is pivotally connected to the body.

[0010] Clause 4: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 1 to 3, the body is comprised of plastic.

[0011] Clause 5: In some instances of the device of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, the body includes a first body portion defining a first opening, and a second body portion defining a second opening aligned with the first opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are configured to receive a medical device.

[0012] Clause 6: In some examples of the device of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, the first body portion and the second body portion are spaced apart from each other such that in response to the compressive force, the medical device bends in a region between the first body portion and the second body portion.

[0013] Clause 7: In some instances of the device of any one of clauses 1 to 5, the first body portion and the second body portion are spaced apart from each other such that in response to the compressive force, the medical device bends in a region disposed on a side of the first body portion opposite the second body portion.

[0014] Clause 8: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 1-7, the second opening is configured to receive a conductive element.

[0015] Clause 9: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 1 to 8, the conductive element is configured to receive an end of the elongate medical device when the elongate medical device is received within the body.

[0016] Clause 10: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 1 to 9, the conductive element comprises silicone rubber.

[0017] Clause 11: In some examples of the apparatus of any of Clauses 1 to 10, the amount of contact comprises at least one of a surface area between the touch screen and the conductive element or an amount of force applied by the conductive element to the touch screen.

[0018] Clause 12: In some examples, a system comprises the device of Clause 1 and a computing device.

[0019] Item 13: In some instances of the system of Item 12, the computing device includes processing circuitry configured to receive input via the touch screen, wherein the input indicates an amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen, determine a parameter based on the input, and generate a graphical user interface indicating the determined parameter.

[0020] Clause 14: In some examples of the system of Clause 13, the parameter comprises an amount of compressive force applied to the conductive element via the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is housed within the body.

[0021] Clause 15: In some examples of the system of Clause 13, the processing circuit is configured to determine a minimum compressive force that causes the elongated medical device to bend based on an electrical signal generated by the touch screen based on an amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen.

[0022] Item 16: In some instances, the device includes: a touch screen configured to receive input from a conductive element of a force transmission device of a medical device, wherein the input varies as a function of a compressive force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device; and processing circuitry configured to determine parameters based on the received input and generate and present a graphical user interface on the touch screen, the graphical user interface including an output area configured to display the parameters.

[0023] Clause 17: In some instances of the apparatus of Clause 16, the graphical user interface further comprises an input region defining an area for receiving input from the conductive element.

[0024] Clause 18: In some examples of the device of Clause 16 or Clause 17, the parameter comprises a qualitative parameter that varies as a function of a compressive force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device.

[0025] Clause 19: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 16-18, the parameter comprises a quantitative parameter that varies as a function of a compressive force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device.

[0026] Clause 20: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 16-19, the parameter comprises a magnitude of the force that varies according to the input.

[0027] Clause 21: In some examples of the device of any of Clauses 16 to 20, the processing circuit is configured to determine a minimum compressive force that causes the elongated medical device to bend based on electrical signals generated by the touch screen in response to input from the conductive element.

[0028] Clause 22: In some instances of the device of Clause 21, the processing circuit is configured to determine the minimum compressive force by at least determining a peak value of the parameter.

[0029] Item 23: In some instances, a method includes: receiving input via a touch screen by a processing circuit, wherein the input varies based on a compressive force applied to a conductive element by a slender medical device; determining, by the processing circuit and based on the input, a parameter based on the input; and generating and presenting a graphical user interface on the touch screen, the graphical user interface including an output area configured to display the parameter.

[0030] Clause 24: In some instances of the method of clause 23, the graphical user interface further comprises an input region defining an area for receiving input from the conductive element.

[0031] Clause 25: In some instances of the method of Clauses 23 and 24, the parameter comprises a quantitative parameter that varies as a function of a compressive force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device.

[0032] Clause 26: In some examples of the method of any one of Clauses 23 to 25, the parameter comprises a qualitative parameter that varies as a function of a compressive force applied to the conductive element by the elongated medical device.

[0033] Clause 27: In some instances of the method of clause 26, the parameter comprises a magnitude of a force that varies according to the input.

[0034] Clause 28: In some examples of the method of Clause 23, the method further comprises determining, by the processing circuitry based on the electrical signal generated by the touch screen in response to the input, a minimum compressive force that causes the elongated medical device to bend.

[0035] Clause 29: In some examples according to clause 28, determining the minimum compressive force comprises determining a peak value of the parameter.

[0036] Clause 30: In some examples, a computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform any of the methods of clauses 23-29.

[0037] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a side view of an example catheter including an elongated body, a pushing assembly, and a handle.

[0039] Figure 2 is a side view of a system including an example computing device and an example device configured to receive an elongated medical device and transmit a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device to a force sensor.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an apparatus of the system depicted in FIG.

[0041] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example computing device.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and shows a user applying a compressive force to an elongated medical device housed within the device.

[0043] Figure 6 is a side view of a system including another example device configured to receive an elongated medical device and transmit a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device to a force sensor.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a depiction Figure 6 A perspective view of an apparatus of the system depicted in FIG.

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 FIG2 is a side view of a system of FIG2 and shows a user applying a compressive force to an elongated medical device housed within the device.

[0046] Figure 9 An example graphical user interface (GUI) is shown that may be generated and displayed by a computing device of any of the systems described herein.

[0047] Figure 10 and 11A11C through 11C illustrate example GUIs that may be generated and displayed by a computing device of any of the systems described herein.

[0048] Figures 12 to 14 is a flow chart of an example method for determining flexibility of an elongated medical device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] An elongated medical device, such as, but not limited to, a catheter (or a portion of a catheter, such as a push assembly or a tubular catheter body) or a guidewire, can be advanced through a patient's vasculature during a medical procedure. For example, a clinician can apply a thrust to the proximal portion of the medical device to advance the medical device through the vasculature. Thus, the elongated medical device can be configured such that it is relatively flexible so that the medical device can substantially conform to the curvature of the vasculature, but sufficiently rigid (e.g., having a sufficiently high columnar strength) to allow the thrust applied to the proximal portion of the medical device to be advanced through the vasculature without causing the medical device to buckle or otherwise bend (e.g., kink). Additionally, in some instances, a clinician can manipulate the elongated medical device through the patient's vasculature by rotating the elongated medical device. For example, a clinician can apply a torque to the proximal portion of the elongated medical device (or at least a portion of the medical device that is closer to the distal portion implanted in the patient) to rotate the distal portion of the elongated medical device. Thus, in some instances, the elongated medical device has sufficient structural integrity to transmit torque applied to the relatively proximal portion to the relatively distal portion.

[0050] For at least the reasons discussed above, integrity (e.g., flexibility and / or stiffness) is a characteristic of an elongated medical device that can distinguish the elongated medical device from other elongated medical devices and can indicate the performance of the elongated medical device during a medical procedure. Described herein are devices and systems configured to quantitatively and / or qualitatively indicate the integrity of an elongated medical device based on a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device, as well as devices (in some cases referred to as force transmission devices) configured to accommodate an elongated medical device and transmit the compressive force applied to the elongated medical device to a force sensor. The quantitative or qualitative indication of the integrity of the elongated medical device can be, for example, an actual or representative flexibility and / or stiffness characteristic, such as, but not limited to, a numerical force value or another quantitative parameter of the compressive force that causes the elongated medical device to bend, or a qualitative parameter that indicates a relative degree of flexibility and / or stiffness of the elongated medical device. In either the quantitative parameter example or the qualitative parameter example, the parameter determined by the computing device varies based on the compressive force applied by the elongated medical device to the conductive element of the force transmission device.

[0051] Figure 11 is a conceptual side view of an example catheter 100 including an elongated body 102, a push assembly 108, and a handle 101. The elongated body 102 may include an inner liner and an outer sheath (not shown). Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 8 , the elongated body 102 can define a proximal end 10 and a distal end 12 .

[0052] Although the description of the devices, systems, and techniques described herein primarily refers to Figure 1 Although the example catheter 100 is not limited to the example catheter 100, in other examples, the devices, systems, and techniques described herein can be used to determine the integrity of another elongated medical device, such as, but not limited to, a guidewire, a catheter that does not include the push assembly 108 and / or the handle 101, or a polymer tube used to form a catheter or other elongated medical device. For example, the example catheter 100 can include a guide catheter, a microcatheter, or any other elongated medical device.

[0053] The elongated body 102 can be the distal portion of the catheter 100. The elongated body 102 defines at least one lumen through which a medical device (e.g., another catheter, a guidewire, a filter, a stent delivery system, etc.), a therapeutic agent, or other element can be introduced into the vasculature or other tissue site of a patient.

[0054] In some instances, catheter 100 can be the part of an assembly, and the assembly includes an outer catheter (not shown) that limits a lumen, which can be introduced into catheter 100 so as to enter, for example, a distal target site in the patient's vascular system by the lumen. Therefore, at least a portion of the outer catheter can be configured to surround catheter 100. The outer catheter can limit a distal opening, and in some instances, at least a portion of elongated body 102 can be configured to extend through the lumen of the outer catheter and extend out of the distal opening of the outer catheter, for example, to effectively extend the scope of the outer catheter in the patient's vascular system and to enable device, medicament and / or any other suitable element to be delivered to a target site that the outer catheter may be difficult to reach. For example, elongated body 102 can be pushed completely or partially through the lumen of the outer catheter, until all or part of elongated body 102 extends beyond the distal end of the outer catheter, and push assembly 108 completely or partially to remain in the lumen of the outer catheter.

[0055] In some examples, catheter 100 can be configured to extend beyond the distal opening of an outer catheter to extend through severe tortuosity or calcifications within a human blood vessel. Catheter 100 can have a smaller radial profile and can be more flexible than the outer catheter, making it easier to navigate through severe tortuosity or calcifications within a human blood vessel than the outer catheter.

[0056] Push assembly 108 is configured to enable clinicians to position elongated body 102 relative to outer catheter and / or relative to patient's vascular system. For example, the proximal portion of push assembly 108 can be configured to be grasped and moved by clinicians, so that elongated body 102 is positioned (for example, to the distal end or to the proximal end, and / or rotated) in the patient's vascular system. In some instances, push assembly 108 can be used for advancing elongated body 102 relative to outer catheter, to advance elongated body 102 in outer catheter and / or all or part of elongated body 102 is extended to the distal end of outer catheter to enter the vascular system at the distal end of outer catheter. Therefore, push assembly 108 can be configured to have relatively high integrity relative to its low profile. In other words, push assembly 108 is configured to enable it to receive a relatively high magnitude of compressive force (for example, thrust) when resisting bending (for example, while keeping straight basically), although its cross-sectional area is narrower. This can enable the push assembly 108 to effectively transmit the pushing force to the elongated body 102, which in turn can enable the clinician to relatively effectively place the catheter 100 at the target site within the patient's vasculature. In contrast, if the push assembly 108 is bent, it may take the clinician longer and may be more difficult to advance the catheter 100 distally through the vasculature, such as by an outer catheter or other means.

[0057] In some examples, the elongated body 102 may include an inner liner and an outer sheath that may provide multiple layers between which the pushing assembly 108 may be inserted to attach the pushing assembly 108 to the elongated body 102. This may provide a relatively secure attachment between the pushing assembly 108 and the elongated body 102, while maintaining relatively smooth outer and inner surfaces of the elongated body 102 at the portion of the elongated body 102 to which the pushing assembly 108 is attached.

[0058] Pusher assembly 108 has a lower profile than elongated body 102 and, therefore, may occupy less space within the outer catheter lumen than elongated body 102. Thus, pusher assembly 108 may facilitate pushability of the catheter through the outer catheter and / or through the patient's vasculature while still enabling the introduction of relatively large medical devices through the outer catheter lumen to reach the lumen of the catheter.

[0059] In some examples, the push assembly 108 includes an elongated member 108A (also referred to herein as a shaft) and an anchoring member 108B at the distal end of the elongated member 108A. The anchoring member 108B is configured to facilitate attachment of the elongated member 108A to the elongated body 102. In some examples, the anchoring member 108B can be positioned at the distal end of the elongated member 108A. The elongated member 108A can be formed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, a metal, a polymer, or any combination thereof. For example, the elongated member 108A can include a metal wire or a polymer hypotube.

[0060] In some examples described herein, the systems and devices may enable a user to determine (e.g., measure) the compressive force that can be applied to the push assembly 108 (e.g., elongated member 108A) without the push assembly 108 bending. This compressive force may be referred to herein as a "maximum" compressive force, although it may not be a precise determination of the maximum force. The maximum compressive force may be equal to (or nearly equal to) the minimum compressive force that causes the push assembly 108 to bend. Likewise, the minimum compressive force may not be the exact minimum compressive force that causes the push assembly 108 to bend, but rather provides an estimate of the actual minimum compressive force sufficient to indicate the relative integrity of the elongated medical device.

[0061] The maximum or minimum compressive force can be determined in substantially the same manner for different elongated medical devices such that it provides a representation of the integrity of the elongated medical device that can be used to compare different elongated medical devices. In some instances, the systems and devices may enable a user to compare the relative flexibility of two or more elongated medical devices, such as elongated medical devices having different configurations and / or elongated medical devices from different manufacturers. In some instances, the devices and systems described herein (e.g., including the force transmission device and the computing device) are relatively portable so that the devices and systems can be easily transported. For example, the devices and systems described herein may be small and light enough to fit in a user's clothing pocket or a relatively small suitcase designed specifically for the system or a standard suitcase such as a laptop computer bag.

[0062] Figure 2 is a side view of an example system 200 that can be used to determine the integrity (e.g., actual or representative flexibility or stiffness parameters) of an elongated medical device, such as, but not limited to, the pusher assembly 108 ( Figure 1 As discussed in further detail below, the system 200 is configured to generate a graphical user interface that provides an indication of the relative integrity of the elongated medical device. In some examples, the system 200 is configured to determine the minimum amount of compressive force necessary to cause the elongated medical device to bend, or equivalently, the maximum amount of compressive force that can be applied to the elongated medical device without causing the elongated medical device to bend.

[0063] System 200 includes a force transmission device 202 (also referred to herein as a "device" in some cases) and a computing device 218. Force transmission device 202 is configured to receive an elongated medical device 212, which may be, for example, a push assembly 108 ( Figure 1 ) element, such as the elongated member 108A, or another elongated medical device. Although the elongated medical device 212 is also referred to herein as a wire 212, the elongated medical device 212 can have any suitable configuration and can be formed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal and / or polymer. The force transmission device 202 includes a conductive element 214 and a body 232 configured to support and align the wire 212 relative to the conductive element 214.

[0064] The computing device 218 may be any suitable electronic device configured to receive input from the force sensor indicating the force applied to the wire 212 (and transmitted to the force sensor via the force transmission device 202) and generate an output based on the force, such as a parameter that varies based on the magnitude of the force, which may include a quantitative output (e.g., a numerical force value), a qualitative value (e.g., a color or other qualitative visual attribute that changes depending on the amount of force applied), or a combination of quantitative and qualitative outputs. Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG, the force sensor is a touch-sensitive screen ("touch screen") 216 (in Figure 2 , depicted as parallel to the xy plane, with the orthogonal xyz axes shown for ease of description only. However, in other examples, other force sensors separate from the display screen of computing device 218 can be used, such as, but not limited to, pressure transducers, weight scales, or piezoelectric sensors. Thus, while the examples described herein primarily refer to touch screens, the devices, systems, and techniques described herein can be used with other types of pressure sensing devices.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the example of , computing device 218 is depicted as a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. However, in other examples, computing device 218 may be another type of computing device. Computing device 218 includes any suitable components necessary to provide the functionality described herein. Figure 2 In the example shown in , computing device 218 includes processing circuitry 226 and computer-readable media such as memory 228 .

[0066] In some examples, touch screen 216 may include a capacitive touch screen. For example, touch screen 216 may include an embedded grid of strips of conductive material, such as indium tin oxide. Touch screen 216 may be configured to detect physical contact with a conductive element, such as a finger of a human user or conductive element 214, and generate an electrical signal indicative of the physical contact. Although primarily referred to herein as a capacitive touch screen, in other examples, touch screen 216 may include other types of touch screens, such as, but not limited to, a resistive touch screen configured to detect an electrical connection when a compressive force applied to the resistive touch screen by a finger or conductive element 214 presses a portion of a layer (e.g., an outer layer) of touch screen 216 against another layer (e.g., an inner layer).

[0067] Conductive element 214 is electrically conductive and is configured to be detected by touch screen 216 when conductive element 214 is placed in physical contact with a touch-sensitive portion of touch screen 216. In some examples, conductive element 214 comprises conductive silicone rubber. For example, conductive element 214 may include a conductive rubber tip (or "tip"), such as the conductive rubber tip of a stylus.

[0068] When the wire 212 is housed within the body 232, the conductive element 214 is disposed between the distal end 222 of the wire 212 and the touch screen 216 of the computing device 218. The conductive element 214 is configured to receive a compressive force (e.g., by a user or by a robotic arm or other device) applied to the wire 212. Figure 2 ) in the negative z-axis direction, and in response, the amount of contact between the conductive element 214 and the touch screen 216 changes. In this way, the conductive element 214 can convey an indication of the compressive force to the surface of the touch screen 216 by changing the amount of contact between the conductive element 214 and the screen in response to the magnitude of the compressive force. For example, the conductive element 214 can physically deform (e.g., flatten against the touch screen 216) in response to the compressive force.

[0069] Touch screen 216 is configured to generate an electrical signal that indicates (e.g., changes in) the amount of contact between conductive element 214 and the touch screen. Thus, the electrical signal may also indicate the magnitude of the compressive force applied to wire 212 when the wire is housed in body 232 and in contact with conductive element 214. In some examples, a greater compressive force may correspond to an increased conductive response of touch screen 216. For example, a greater compressive force may cause physical deformation of conductive element 214 (e.g., a rounded tip flattens at a macroscopic level), thereby creating a larger contact area between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216. As another example, a greater compressive force may result in increased conductance between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216 due to an increased number of electrical connections at a microscopic level.

[0070] The computing device 218 is configured to receive data indicative of the electrical signal from the touch screen 216 and determine a parameter based on the data based on the electrical signal (e.g., an approximate magnitude of the compressive force). In some examples, the computing device 218 is configured to generate and present a graphical user interface (GUI) via the touch screen 216 that indicates the determined parameter (e.g., a reference to the compressive force). Figure 9 Examples of which are discussed in ). The determined parameter can be a quantitative value (e.g., a numerical value of the amount of force) or a qualitative value (e.g., a color or depth of color, or other visual indication) that varies based on the amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen.

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 202 of the system depicted in FIG. In some examples, the body 232 can be configured to support an elongated medical device, such as the push assembly 108 ( Figure 1 ) or wire 212 ( Figure 2 Compared to some other integrity testing devices, the body 232 can be relatively lightweight and portable. For example, the body 232 can be made of plastic, such as molded plastic, and can have at least one dimension smaller than that of a mobile device so that the body 232 can rest on a touch screen of the mobile device. The body 232 can comprise a single piece of material, or multiple pieces of material that are fused, welded, or otherwise connected together.

[0072] In some examples, the base 204 is configured to rest on the computing device 218 ( Figure 2 ) on the touch screen 216 of the body 232. For example, the base 204 can include a planar lower surface 234 that is configured to align with and rest directly or indirectly on the planar surface of the touch screen 216. In some examples, the base 204 can include a relatively high-friction material on the lower surface 234 to increase static friction between the base 204 and the touch screen 216 (e.g., the glass or plastic surface of the touch screen 216). Thus, the relatively high-friction material can help minimize movement between the base 204 and the touch screen 216, for example, during the application of a compressive force to the wire 212 housed within the body 232. The relatively high-friction material can be, for example, a coating applied to the lower surface 234, a material integrated into the material of the base 204, a surface treatment of the underside 234 of the body 232, or a separate friction element (e.g., non-conductive rubber and / or silicone) applied to the lower surface 234.

[0073] exist Figure 3, the body 232 includes a base 204 and an arm 208 extending from the base 204. The base 204 and the arm 208 are configured to support and align the wire 212 relative to the touch screen 216. For example, the base 204 can be configured to support and hold the distal end 222 of the wire 212, and the arm 208 can be configured to support the wire 212 at a second point along its length. In some examples, the arm 208 can be spaced far enough from the base 204 to provide stability for the wire 212, but close enough to the base 204 so that when the wire 212 is housed within the body 232, the majority of the length of the wire 212 extends above the arm 208 in the z-direction. For example, for a wire 212 having a length of approximately 150 mm, the arm 208 can be spaced approximately 10 mm from the base 204 (e.g., within manufacturing tolerances). In other examples, the arm 208 can be spaced relatively far from the base 204 such that, when the wire 212 is housed within the body 232, the majority of the wire 212 is disposed within the region between the base 204 and the arm 208. The distance between the base 204 and the arm 208, as well as the length of the wire 212 (measured from a proximal end to a distal end), can indicate where the wire 212 bends in response to a compressive force applied to the wire 212 in a direction toward the touch screen 216.

[0074] The body 232 is configured to hold the wire 212 (or another elongated medical device) in, for example, a substantially fixed xy position relative to the touch screen 216 (to the extent that the base 204 remains in position relative to the touch screen 216) while applying a compressive force to the wire 212. For example, in some examples, the base 204 defines a base opening 206 configured to receive the distal end 222 of the wire 212, and the arm 208 defines an arm opening 210 through which the distal end 222 of the wire 212 can be received to reach the base opening 206. For example, the arm opening can have a diameter that is approximately two to three times as wide as the wire 212 (e.g., the widest cross-sectional dimension of the wire 212, such as the diameter of the wire 212 in examples where the wire 212 has a circular cross-section). The arm opening 210 can be substantially aligned with the base opening 206 (e.g., share a common central axis as permitted by manufacturing tolerances) to accommodate the straight wire 212 (when no compressive force is applied to the wire 212). When the wire 212 is received in the body 232 such that it extends through both the base opening 206 and the arm opening 210, the body 232, for example, is aligned with the base opening 206 and the arm opening 210. Figure 3 The z-axis depicted in FIG supports and aligns the wire 212 .

[0075] In some examples, the base opening 206 may also be configured (eg, sized and shaped) to accommodate and surround the conductive element 214 ( Figure 2), such that when the wire 212 extends through both the base opening 206 and the arm opening 210, the conductive element 214 is positioned between the distal end 222 of the wire 212 and the touch screen 216. However, in other examples, the conductive element 214 can be positioned distal to the base opening 206 (i.e., such that the base opening 206 is between the conductive element 214 and the arm opening 210).

[0076] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example computing device configured to determine a parameter based on data indicating an amount of contact between a conductive element 214 and a touch screen 216, and to generate and present a graphical user interface on the touch screen 216 indicating the parameter. Figure 4 In the example shown in , computing device 218 includes touch screen 216 , processing circuitry 226 , memory 228 , and power source 230 .

[0077] The touch screen 216 is configured to receive input from the conductive element 214 indicative of a compressive force applied to the conductive element 214 by the wire 212 (e.g., when applied to the wire by a user). The touch screen 216 is configured to generate a signal indicative of the input, such as an electrical signal that varies in at least one characteristic (e.g., amplitude or frequency) depending on the amount of contact between the conductive element 214 and the touch screen 216, and provide the electrical signal to the processor 226. As discussed above, the touch screen 216 can be a capacitive touch screen configured to detect changes in its internal electric field, or a resistive touch screen configured to detect contact between two internal conductive layers. In other examples, the computing device 218 includes a non-touch screen display and a separate force sensor. In these examples, the force sensor is configured to receive input from the conductive element 214.

[0078] The processing circuit 226 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the touch screen 216 indicating the compressive force applied to the conductive element 214 via the wire 212 and determine a parameter based on the electrical signal. In some examples, the parameter can be a numerical value, such as the magnitude of the compressive force, a graphical representation of the magnitude, or a qualitative indication of the compressive force, such as a relative color scale.

[0079] For example, the processing circuitry 226 may be configured to execute an algorithm to convert the electrical signals generated by the touch screen 216 into an approximate magnitude of the compressive force.

[0080] In some examples, processing circuit 226 may store the determined parameters in memory 228. Memory 228 may include any suitable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory, including executable instructions for causing processing circuit 226 to perform actions attributed thereto. For example, memory 228 may store thereon instructions that, when executed by processing circuit 226, cause processing circuit 226 to determine the magnitude of the compressive force applied to wire 212 based on electrical signals received from touch screen 216. In some examples, memory 228 may encode a lookup table that stores a set of magnitudes of compressive force and a set of corresponding electrical signals that may be received from touch screen 216.

[0081] Figure 5 is a perspective view of system 200 and shows a user applying a compressive force to wire 212 housed by device 202 . Figure 5 The base 204 of the body 232 of the device 202 is shown placed on (e.g., on an exterior surface of) the touch screen 216 of the computing device 218. The distal end 222 of the wire 212 has been introduced through the arm opening 210 and the base opening 206 until the distal end 222 contacts the conductive element 214, extending in the z-axis direction away from the main surface of the touch screen 216. In an example in which the wire 212 is substantially straight in a "resting" position in which the user 224 is not applying a compressive force to the wire 212, the wire 212 may be substantially parallel to the z-axis (e.g., parallel but non-straight due to manufacturing tolerances).

[0082] The user 224 may apply a compressive force (e.g., with a finger, in the negative z-axis direction) to the proximal end 220 of the wire 212 or a portion of the wire 212 between the proximal end 220 of the device 202 and the arm 208. Once the user 224 has applied sufficient compressive force, the wire 212 will bend, e.g., in the xy plane (in the negative z-axis direction). Figure 4204, pointing in the y-axis direction). For example, the arm 208 and the base 204 may be spaced relatively close together, such that the wire 212 tends to bend in a region above the arm 208 (in the z-axis direction). In other words, the majority of the length of the wire 212 may be disposed in a region closer to the user 224 relative to the arm 208, thereby providing room for the wire 212 to bend. In other examples, the arm 208 and the base 204 may be spaced relatively far apart, such that the wire 212 tends to bend in a region between the arm 208 and the base 204. In other words, the majority of the length of the wire 212 may be disposed in a region between the arm 208 and the base 204, thereby providing room for the wire 212 to bend.

[0083] In response to the compressive force applied to the wire 212 by the user 224, the conductive element 214 may deform, thereby increasing the amount of contact with the touch screen 216. For example, the physical contact between the conductive element 214 and the touch screen 216 may increase in surface area and / or pressure depending on the compressive force applied to the wire 212. The touch screen 216 is configured to output an electrical signal indicating the amount of contact (e.g., area and / or pressure) with the conductive element 214. Therefore, the electrical signal output by the touch screen 216 may also indicate the compressive force applied to the conductive element 214 via the wire 212.

[0084] Processing circuitry 226 of computing device 218 receives the electrical signal from touch screen 216 and determines a parameter based on the electrical signal. For example, processing circuitry 226 may determine an approximate measurement of the magnitude of the compressive force based on the electrical signal, such as by executing an algorithm that correlates data from the touch screen with corresponding magnitudes of the compressive force. In other examples, processing circuitry 226 may be configured to retrieve an entry from a lookup table stored by memory 228 that correlates the electrical signal (or a particular signal characteristic) generated by touch screen 216 with corresponding magnitudes of the compressive force. Processing circuitry 226 may then generate and present a GUI on touch screen 216 that includes an output area displaying the determined parameter indicative of the compressive force.

[0085] In some examples, user 224 may visually determine (e.g., estimate) the magnitude of the compressive force applied at the point where wire 212 bends, which may be the minimum compressive force that causes wire 212 to bend or the maximum compressive force that wire 212 can withstand before bending, as discussed above. For example, processing circuitry 226 may update the GUI at a rate (e.g., multiple times per second) that enables the GUI to reflect the amount of compressive force currently being applied to wire 212. User 224 may subjectively estimate the first occurrence of curvature along wire 212 and observe force measurements presented on the GUI at or near that point in time to determine the magnitude of the compressive force applied at the point where wire 212 bends.

[0086] In addition to or in lieu of user 224 determining the magnitude of the compressive force applied at the point where wire 212 bends based on force information displayed via the GUI, in some examples, processing circuitry 226 is configured to determine the compressive force applied at the point where wire 212 bends, which can be indicative of the integrity of wire 212. For example, at the point where the compressive force applied to wire 212 causes the wire to bend, energy applied to wire 212 can be redirected into deformation (bending) of wire 212 rather than deformation of conductive element 214 against touch screen 216, and thus, the amount of contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216 can temporarily cease increasing or otherwise change in response to the increased force. Thus, in some examples, processing circuitry 226 can be configured to receive an electrical signal from touch screen 216, wherein a signal parameter of the electrical signal changes in accordance with the contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216, determine the point at which the signal parameter of the electrical signal ceases to change, and determine the magnitude of the compressive force at that point. For example, the processing circuit 226 may be configured to determine a peak in the magnitude of the electrical signal and determine the peak as the magnitude of the compressive force applied at the point where the wire 212 bends.

[0087] although Figure 2 、 3 5 is configured to hold the wire 212 generally transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the major surface of the touch screen 216, but in other examples, the force transmission device may be configured to hold the wire 212 generally parallel to the major surface of the touch screen 216. This may help to better simulate the orientation of the wire 212 during a medical procedure and provide a more "real-world" setting to the user in which the relative integrity of the wire 212 is determined.

[0088] Figure 6 FIG. 3 is a side view of a system 300 including another example force transmission device configured to receive an elongated medical device and transmit a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device to a force sensing device. The system 300 includes a force transmission device 302 (see FIG. Figure 7 Detailed description) and computing device 218. Figure 6 In the example depicted in FIG, unlike the previous examples, the force transmission device 302 is configured so that the base 304 of the body 332 does not rest on the touch screen 216. Because the conductive element 214 is the only object in physical contact with the touch screen 216, the conductive element 214 is not in physical contact with the touch screen 216. Figure 1 Compared to the system 200 shown in Figure 6 The example system may provide more accurate compression force measurements. However, using either system, a consistent method of acquiring data may be sufficient to resolve errors associated with the touch screen.

[0089] The force transmission device 302 includes a body 332 and a conductive element 214. The body 332 is configured to house an elongated medical device (e.g., the wire 212) and to hold the elongated medical device 212 relative to the touch screen 216. The body 332 is further configured to transmit (e.g., redirect) a compressive force applied to the wire 212 (e.g., in the negative x-axis direction) to the conductive element 214 (e.g., in the negative z-axis direction) when the wire 212 is housed in the body 332.

[0090] Figure 7 FIG3 is a perspective view of a body 332 of a force transmission device 302 of the system 300. The body 332 can be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, such as molded plastic. The body 332 includes a base 304, a proximal arm 308A, a distal arm 308B, and a lever 320.

[0091] The base 304 may include a device configured to communicate with the computing device 218 ( Figure 5 ) is aligned (e.g., in the xy plane) with the body 332. For example, when in use, the base 304 can be placed adjacent to the computing device 218, such as on top of a common planar surface. In some examples, the base 304 includes a planar surface 334 that is configured to contact and rest on the computing device 218. In some examples, the base 304 can include a friction-enhancing element, such as a rubber coating, to reduce or prevent movement or sliding of the body 332 relative to the computing device 218 (in the xy plane).

[0092] The proximal arm 308A and the distal arm 308B are configured to receive and support respective ends of the wire 212. For example, the proximal arm 308A may define a proximal arm opening 310A configured to receive and support the proximal end 220 of the wire 212, and the distal arm 308B may define a distal arm opening 310B configured to receive and support the distal end 222 of the wire 212. The distal arm opening 310B may be substantially aligned with the proximal arm opening 310A (e.g., share a common central axis) so that a substantially straight wire 212 can extend through both openings 310A, 310B with relative ease. The proximal arm 308A may be spaced apart from the distal arm 308B such that, when the wire 212 is received within the body 332, the majority of its length is disposed in the region between the two arms, allowing the wire 212 room to bend within this region. The proximal arm opening 310A and the distal arm opening 310B can be located a common distance (in the z-axis direction) from the base 304 so that the wire 212 is disposed parallel to the touch screen 216 when the wire 212 is housed within the body 332. The proximal arm opening 310A can be, for example, approximately 10 centimeters (approximately four inches) (in the x-axis direction) from the distal arm opening 310B.

[0093] The lever 320 defines a recess 320A configured to receive the distal end 222 of the wire 212. For example, the recess 320A may be aligned with the distal arm opening 310B such that when the substantially linear wire 212 is inserted through the distal arm opening 310B, the wire 212 also extends through the recess 320A. The recess 320A is not a through hole and defines a predetermined area for the wire 212 to engage the lever 320, such that the lever 320 moves in response to a compressive force applied to the wire 212. In other examples, the lever 320 may not define the recess 320A, but rather, the distal end 222 of the wire 212 may engage an outer surface of the lever 320.

[0094] The lever 320 includes an element configured to redirect the compressive force from the wire 212, for example, from the negative x-axis direction to the negative z-axis direction. For example, the lever 320 may be rotatably or pivotally connected to the distal arm 308B via a hinge 328, such that when the wire 212 contacts the lever 320 in the negative x-axis direction, the lever 320 rotates toward the negative z-axis direction. In some examples, the lever 320 is configured to receive the conductive element 214. However, in other examples, the lever 320 and the conductive element 214 may be the same component, such that the conductive element 214 is pivotally connected to the distal arm 308B and is configured to directly receive the distal end 222 of the wire 212.

[0095] In some examples, the lever 320 includes a lower set screw 322 and an upper set screw 324 ( Figure 6 ). Lower set screw 322 includes a threaded element that is configured to allow a user to adjust the height of conductive element 214 relative to touch screen 216 of computing device 218. For example, lower set screw 322 can be rotated to partially enter or exit lever 320 so that when conductive element 214 rests on top of touch screen 216, lever 320 makes physical contact with distal arm 308B at contact point 330. Once lower set screw 322 has been adjusted to the proper height, upper set screw 324 can be inserted into lever 320 to secure lower set screw 322 in place.

[0096] In some examples, the device 302 includes a Tuohy-Borst adapter 326 configured to receive and support the distal end 222 of the wire 212. However, other examples of the device 302 may not include the Tuohy-Borst adapter 326.

[0097] Figure 8 yes Figure 6308B and the like. The diagram of the embodiment of the present invention is a side view of a system and shows a user applying a compressive force to the elongated medical device 212 housed within the force transmission device 302. The user 224 removes the upper set screw 324 to unlock the lower set screw 322. The user 224 places the base 304 of the device 302 adjacent to the computing device 218 so that the conductive element 214 is above the touch screen 216 (e.g., in the positive z-axis direction). The user 224 adjusts the lower set screw 322 to a height at which the conductive element 214 contacts the touch screen 216 and the lever 320 contacts the distal arm 308B at the contact point 330. The user 224 reinserts the upper set screw 324 until the upper set screw 324 contacts the lower set screw 322 to secure the lower set screw 322 in place.

[0098] The user 224 inserts the distal end 222 of the wire 212 through the proximal arm opening 310A and the distal arm opening 310B until the distal end 222 contacts the lever 320. The user 224 applies a compressive force (e.g., with one or more fingers, in the negative x-axis direction) to the handle 101 at the proximal end 220 of the wire 212. The lever 320 rotates in response to the contact from the wire 212, redirecting the compressive force from the negative x-axis direction into the negative z-axis direction and onto the touch screen 216.

[0099] In response to the compressive force, the conductive element 214 may deform, thereby increasing the amount of contact with the touch screen 216. For example, the physical contact between the conductive element 214 and the touch screen 216 may increase in area and / or pressure depending on the compressive force applied to the wire 212. The touch screen 216 is configured to output an electrical signal, such as data, indicating the amount of contact (e.g., area and / or pressure) with the conductive element 214.

[0100] Computing device 218 receives data from touch screen 216 and determines an approximate measurement of the magnitude of the compressive force based on the data. For example, computing device 218 may be configured to execute an algorithm that correlates the data from the touch screen with corresponding magnitudes of the compressive force. In other examples, computing device 218 may be configured to retrieve an entry from a lookup table that correlates the data from the touch screen with corresponding magnitudes of the compressive force. The computing device may then output the measurement via a GUI displayed on touch screen 216.

[0101] Once the user 224 has applied sufficient compressive force, the wire 212 will bend, for example, in the yz plane between the proximal arm 308A and the distal arm 308B (at Figure 7 Indicated by the thick black arrow pointing in the z-axis direction).

[0102] In some examples, user 224 may visually determine (e.g., estimate) the amount of compressive force applied at the point where wire 212 bends. For example, the GUI may continuously update to reflect the amount of compressive force currently being applied to wire 212. User 224 may subjectively estimate the first occurrence of curvature along wire 212 and observe the force measurement on the GUI at that point.

[0103] In other examples, computing device 218 may be configured to quantitatively estimate and store the minimum applied compressive force required to bend wire 212. For example, at a point where the compressive force applied to wire 212 causes the wire to bend, the energy applied to wire 212 may be redirected into deformation (bending) of wire 212 rather than deformation of conductive element 214 against touch screen 216, and thus, the amount of contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216 may temporarily stop increasing or otherwise change in response to the increased force. Therefore, computing device 218 may be configured to monitor the signal received from touch screen 216 and determine the point at which the signal stops changing, and determine the magnitude of the compressive force at that point.

[0104] Figure 9 An example GUI 900 is shown that may be generated and displayed by a computing device of any of the systems described herein. For example, the processing circuit 226 may be on the computing device 218 ( Figure 4 ) is generated and presented on the touch screen 216 of the device 202. The GUI 900 includes an input area 902 and an output area 906. The input area 902 graphically indicates an area on which the user can place the surface 234 of the base 204 of the body 232 of the device 202 ( Figure 2 ). For example, a user may place base 204 of device 202 within input area 902 so that conductive element 214 is aligned with contact point 904. In other examples, a user may place device 202 anywhere within input area 902 or use contact point 904 as a visual guide for placement. When conductive element 214 contacts contact point 904, touch screen 216 may detect an electrical signal from contact point 904.

[0105] Output region 906 includes an area configured to display an indication of a parameter indicative of compressive force based on the amount of contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216 determined by processing circuitry 226. For example, processing circuitry 226 may determine an approximate magnitude of the compressive force based on an electrical signal generated by touch screen 216 based on input received via contact point 904 of input region 902, and GUI 900 may display the approximate magnitude as a numerical value within output region 906. For example, GUI 900 may display the numerical value of the compressive force in units of Newtons (N) or Earth's gravity (g) within output region 906. In some examples, GUI 900 may display a previously determined parameter, such as a force value, for comparison with the current parameter.

[0106] Figure 10 is another example GUI 1000 that may be generated by the processing circuit 226 and displayed on the touch screen 216 of the computing device 218. The GUI 1000 may be configured to Figure 6 The system 300 interacts.

[0107] GUI 1000 includes an input area 1002 and an output area 1006. Input area 1002 graphically indicates an area ( Figure 5 For example, a user may place base 304 of device 302 next to computing device 218 such that when conductive element 214 pivots into contact with touch screen 216 , conductive element 214 contacts a portion of touch screen 216 displaying input area 1002 .

[0108] Output region 1006 includes an area configured to display an indication of a parameter based on an electrical signal indicating an amount of contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216 as determined by processing circuitry 226. For example, processing circuitry 226 may determine an approximate magnitude of the compressive force based on the electrical signal generated by touch screen 216 based on input received via input region 1002, and GUI 1000 may display the approximate magnitude as a numerical value within output region 1006. For example, GUI 1000 may display the numerical value of the compressive force in units of Newtons (N), Earth's gravity (g), or grams-force (gf) within output region 1006. In some examples, GUI 1000 may additionally or alternatively display the approximate magnitude graphically, such as using a circular force gauge 1008.

[0109] In instances where computing device 218 is configured to determine the magnitude of the compressive force at which wire 212 begins to bend, GUI 1000 may include reset button 1010 and save button 1012 , enabling a user to determine a new value for the magnitude or store a currently determined value, respectively.

[0110] Figures 11A to 11C1100A, 1100B, and 1100C are example GUIs 1100A, 1100B, and 1100C that may be generated by processing circuitry 226 and displayed on touch screen 216 of computing device 218 in some examples. Figure 11A Describes the ability to allow users to view the demo page ( Figure 11B ) and information pages ( Figure 11C ) to select between the instance main “Home” page 1100A.

[0111] Figure 11B An example demonstration ("demo") page 1100B of a GUI is depicted. The demo page is a GUI display through which a user can obtain data regarding the flexibility of an elongated medical device. For example, the GUI 1100B may be GUI 900 ( Figure 9 ) or GUI 1000( Figure 10 ). GUI 1100B includes an input area 1102 and an output area 1106. Input area 1102 defines a predetermined area with which a user can align conductive element 214 and in which touch screen 216 can receive input indicating a compressive force applied to wire 212. Output area 1106 is configured to display one or more parameters indicating the amount of compressive force applied to wire 212, e.g., as determined by processing circuitry 226 based on the amount of contact between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216. For example, output area 1106 may display an indication of the compressive force determined by computing device 218. The indication may include a numerical value, a graphical indication, or a qualitative indication, such as a corresponding color that changes based on the amount of contact between touch screen 216 and conductive element 214.

[0112] Figure 11C GUI information ("info") page 1100C is depicted. The info page is a GUI display that enables a user to view data acquired on presentation page 1100B. For example, info page 1100C may display a comparison of determined force values acquired from multiple tests on presentation page 1100B, which may be tests using the same medical device or different medical devices. In some examples, info page 1100C may be configured to display determined force values for two or more similar elongated medical devices (e.g., two different wires 212). Info page 1100C may display the comparison results as a numerical value or as a graphical representation, such as a bar graph 1114.

[0113] Figure 12 is to describe, for example, Figure 2Flowchart of an example method for determining the integrity of an elongated medical device using the system 200 depicted in FIG. A user 224 places the base 204 of the body 232 of the force transmission device 202 on the touch screen 216 of the computing device 218 (40). The user 224 inserts the distal end 222 of the wire 212 through the arm opening 210 and into the base opening 206 until the distal end 222 contacts the conductive element 214 (42). The user 224 applies a compressive force, such as with a finger, to the proximal end 220 of the wire 212 or the portion of the wire 212 between the proximal end 220 and the arm 208 (44). Once the user 224 has applied sufficient compressive force, the wire 212 bends. Processing circuitry 226 of the computing device 218 receives an indication of the amount of contact between the conductive element 214 and the touch screen 216 (e.g., an electrical signal) and determines a parameter based on the indication, such as an approximate measurement of the magnitude of the compressive force. In some examples, the processing circuit 226 generates and presents a GUI (eg, Figure 9 GUI 900 shown in or Figure 11B GUI 1100B shown in (46).

[0114] Figure 13 is to describe, for example, Figure 5 Flowchart of an example method for determining the integrity of an elongated medical device using the system 300 depicted in FIG. A user 224 removes an upper set screw 324 (50). The user 224 places the base 304 of the device 302 adjacent to the computing device 218 so that the conductive element 214 is above the touch screen 216 (52). The user 224 adjusts the lower set screw 322 to a height at which the conductive element 214 contacts the touch screen 216 and the lever 320 contacts the distal arm 308B at the contact point 330 (54). The user 224 inserts the upper set screw 324 until the upper set screw 324 contacts the lower set screw 322 (56). The user 224 inserts the distal end 222 of the wire 212 through the proximal arm opening 310A and the distal arm opening 310B until the distal end 222 contacts the lever 320 (58). The user 224 applies a compressive force, for example, with one or more fingers, to the proximal end 220 of the wire 212 or a portion (60) of the wire 212 between the proximal end 220 and the proximal arm 308A. The lever 320 rotates in response to contact with the wire 212, thereby redirecting the force onto the touch screen 216. Once the user 224 has applied sufficient compressive force, the wire 212 will bend, for example, between the proximal arm 308A and the distal arm 308B (at Figure 7Computing device 218 receives an indication of the compressive force (e.g., an electrical signal) via conductive element 214 and determines an approximate measurement of the magnitude of the compressive force based on the indication. In some examples, computing device 218 may output the measurement via a GUI displayed on touch screen 216 for viewing by user 224 (62).

[0115] Figure 14 is a flow chart depicting a method for testing or measuring the flexibility of an elongated medical device. Figure 14 Described primarily with reference to computing device 218 , but in other examples, processing circuitry of another computing device, alone or in combination with computing device 218 , may perform any portion of the techniques described herein.

[0116] exist Figure 14 In the method of FIG. 7 , processing circuit 226 receives data from touch screen 216, wherein the data may include an electrical signal (70) that varies according to the amount of contact (e.g., contact area or amount of force or pressure) between conductive element 214 and touch screen 216, and therefore, according to the compressive force applied to conductive element 214 by wire 212. Other data from touch screen 216 and received by processing circuit 226 may indicate, for example, a location on the touch screen.

[0117] Based on the received data, processing circuit 226 determines a parameter, such as an approximate measurement of the magnitude of the compressive force applied to the wire (72). For example, the computing device may calculate a predetermined algorithm that correlates the electrical signal with the magnitude of the compressive force. In another example, computing device 218 may retrieve from a memory storage device an entry from a lookup table that indicates the magnitude of the compressive force corresponding to the electrical signal.

[0118] In some examples, computing device 218 may be configured to monitor signals received from the touch screen and determine the point at which the corresponding compressive force stops increasing or otherwise changes, and store this value as the minimum compressive force required to cause the medical device to bend.

[0119] The computing device 218 may output the determined magnitude of the compressive force to the GUI for display on the touch screen (74). For example, the GUI may display the indication of the compressive force as a numerical value, or as a graphical representation.

[0120] In one or more instances, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. A computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as a data storage medium or a communication medium, such as any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another according to a communication protocol. In this manner, a computer-readable medium may generally correspond to (1) a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium, or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. A data storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, codes, and / or data structures for implementing the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium.

[0121] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if information is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves are included in the definition of medium. However, it should be understood that the terms computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but rather refer to non-transitory, tangible storage media. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0122] Instructions may be executed by processing circuitry, such as one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Thus, as used herein, the terms "processor" and "processing circuitry" may refer to any of the aforementioned structures or any other structures suitable for implementing the techniques described herein. Additionally, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Furthermore, the techniques may be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0123] The techniques of this disclosure can be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses. Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of an apparatus configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but they do not necessarily require implementation by distinct hardware units. Rather, as described above, the various units may be combined in hardware units in conjunction with appropriate software and / or firmware, or provided by a collection of interoperable hardware units, including one or more processors as described above.

[0124] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A force transmission device, comprising: a body configured to house an elongated medical device; and a conductive element configured to contact a touch screen of a computing device, wherein an amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen varies based on a compressive force applied to the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is housed within the body, wherein the body is configured to support the elongated medical device and align the elongated medical device relative to the conductive element. 2 . The force transmission device of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a flat surface configured to rest on the touch screen.

3. The force transmission device of claim 1, wherein the conductive element is pivotally connected to the body. 4 . The force transmission device of claim 3 , further comprising a hinge, wherein the conductive element is pivotally connected to the body via the hinge.

5. The force transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body comprises: a first body portion defining a first opening; and A second body portion defines a second opening aligned with the first opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are configured to receive the medical device.

6. The force transmission device of claim 5, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are spaced apart from each other such that in response to the compressive force, the medical device bends in a region between the first body portion and the second body portion.

7. The force transmission device of claim 5, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are spaced apart from each other such that, in response to the compressive force, the medical device bends in a region disposed on a side of the first body portion opposite to the second body portion. The force transmission device of claim 5 , wherein the second opening is configured to accommodate the conductive element.

9. The force transmission device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive element is configured to receive an end of the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is received within the body.

10. The force transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive element comprises conductive silicone rubber.

11. The force transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact amount comprises at least one of a surface area between the touch screen and the conductive element or an amount of force applied to the touch screen by the conductive element.

12. The force transmission device according to claim 1, wherein: When the body receives the elongated medical device and before the compressive force is applied to the elongated medical device, the body is configured to maintain a longitudinal axis of the elongated medical device substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to a major surface of the touch screen.

13. A system for an elongated medical device, comprising: The force transmission device according to claim 1; and Computing device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the computing device comprises processing circuitry configured to: receiving an input via the touch screen, wherein the input is indicative of the amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen, determining parameters based on the input; and A graphical user interface is generated indicating the determined parameters.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the parameter comprises a magnitude of a compressive force applied to the conductive element via the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is housed within the body.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine a minimum compressive force that causes the elongated medical device to bend based on an electrical signal generated by the touch screen based on the amount of contact between the conductive element and the touch screen.

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