Fiber Bragg Grating Reference Instrument for Localization Recalibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in maintaining accurate spatial localization of instruments within body cavities due to movement of reference instruments relative to anatomy, leading to recalibration needs and potential loss of precision.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid localization system combining fiber Bragg shape sensing and conventional localization technologies, where Bragg fibers integrated into a reference instrument within a coronary sinus detect positional changes and automatically recalibrate the system to maintain accurate positioning of elongate medical instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional localization systems are used to track instrument positions, then spatial positioning capability is provided, but precision is lost when reference instruments move relative to anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidreference instrument position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the position of the reference instrument using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors and automatically recalibrates the localization system when movement is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains localization precision despite reference instrument movement by comparing actual positions with expected positions and applying corrective transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The reference instrument performs dual functions: it serves as both a therapeutic/diagnostic tool and as a self-calibrating reference for the localization system. The FBG sensors integrated into the reference instrument enable it to self-monitor its position and trigger automatic recalibration, eliminating the need for external intervention to maintain precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual recalibration is performed when reference instrument movement is detected, then localization precision can be restored, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects reference instrument movement through FBG sensor data and performs recalibration without requiring operator intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time loss associated with manual recalibration while maintaining localization precision throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The localization system operates continuously without interruption for recalibration. The automatic detection and recalibration process occurs in the background, allowing the procedure to continue uninterrupted while maintaining precision, thus eliminating downtime associated with manual recalibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Extent of automation

If Fiber Bragg Grating sensors are integrated into the reference instrument, then automatic recalibration capability is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic recalibrationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The FBG sensors are integrated directly into the reference instrument structure, merging the sensing function with the reference instrument itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external sensing systems and reduces overall system complexity while enabling automatic recalibration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a therapeutic/diagnostic tool and as a self-calibrating reference platform with integrated FBG sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous, precise localization of medical instruments by detecting and adapting to changes in the reference instrument's position within the anatomy, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing the need for frequent recalibration during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

one or more shape sensing Bragg fibers having one or more Bragg gratings distributed thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiber Bragg grating: Bragg Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS8290571B2Auxiliary cavity localization

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method and system for maintaining calibration of a distributed localization system are presented. After a baseline calibration of sensors distributed on a working instrument and reference instrument, if movement of the reference instrument is detected, shape sensing data from a Bragg shape sensing fiber also coupled to the reference instrument may be utilized to recalibrate the localization system. The reference instrument preferably is located intraoperatively in a relatively constrained anatomical environment, such as in the coronary sinus of the heart, to prevent significant movement.