Medical Device Positioning With FBG Arrays for Reduced-Trauma Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as cochlear implants, face challenges during insertion due to physical trauma or damage to surrounding tissues due to inadequate force sensing and navigation in complex anatomical structures, with existing fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors being unsuitable for small diameters and providing limited force component information.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a multi-core optical fiber and FBG sensor arrays integrated into a carrier member for measuring contact forces and positions, allowing real-time feedback and navigation assistance through a system that includes an interrogator and processor for data processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional FBG sensors are used in medical devices for force sensing, then force measurement capability is provided, but the sensor stiffness increases and bending radius limitations occur causing tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical fiber by using ultra-low bending loss fiber with minimum bending radius of 3mm, allowing the sensor to navigate complex anatomical structures like the cochlea without causing tissue trauma while maintaining force measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensors with FBG-based optical sensing, eliminating the need for rigid mechanical components that could cause tissue damage during insertion and positioning
2Device complexity
If a single FBG sensor is used, then force sensing is simplified, but limited force component information is obtained in complex 3-D geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function by deploying multiple FBG sensors at different orientations and locations along the medical device shaft, allowing independent measurement of axial forces, lateral forces, and bending moments in complex 3-D geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to force sensing by arranging FBG sensors in multiple orientations (axial, lateral, radial) and positions along the device length, enabling comprehensive 3-D force component measurement
3Ease of manufacture
If standard optical fiber is used for FBG sensing, then manufacturing is easier, but the fiber cannot navigate critical bending radii in complex anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the optical fiber by selecting ultra-low bending loss fiber with minimum bending radius of 3mm, enabling navigation through tight anatomical passages while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible optical fiber construction that can bend to critical radii required for navigating complex anatomical structures like the cochlea, replacing rigid standard fiber
4Measurement precision
If real-time force feedback is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring FBG sensor measurements during device insertion and positioning, providing force feedback to guide the operator in achieving precise positioning while avoiding tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback systems with optical FBG sensing and digital signal processing, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling real-time force measurement and feedback
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
Provides precise force and position sensing during medical device insertion, reducing tissue trauma by offering real-time feedback and navigation assistance, particularly suitable for complex anatomical structures like the cochlea.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor array associated with the optical fiber and being disposed in the carrier member. The at least one FBG sensor array is configured for measuring contact forces
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device that includes a carrier member, one or more operative components disposed in the carrier member, an optical fiber at least partly disposed in the carrier member, and at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor array associated with the optical fiber and disposed in the carrier member. The carrier member includes an insertion end and side walls that contact the subject's body during positioning of the carrier member in the subject's body. The at least one FBG sensor array measures contact forces at one or both of the insertion end and along the side walls of the carrier member during positioning of the carrier member in the subject's body. A multi-core optical fiber configured for use in a medical device for positioning in a subject's body is also provided. A system and method for guiding positioning of a medical device in a subject's body is also provided.