Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for Real-Time Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems in surgical operations, such as stereotaxic systems, are expensive, limited in adaptability, and provide only pre-surgery data with extensive calibration procedures, lacking real-time feedback and continuous position and orientation information, especially when tissue changes occur.
Innovation Solution
A position detection system utilizing fiber Bragg grating based optical sensors that maps real-time coordinates from imaging methods like CT and MRI onto a monitor or goggles, enabling continuous 2D or 3D visualization of surgical device position and orientation relative to reference points, allowing for precise navigation during surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereotaxic navigation systems are used for surgical positioning, then position detection capability is provided, but the system becomes extremely expensive and requires extensive calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation systems with optical fiber sensors that use light-based measurement. The fiber Bragg grating sensors detect position through optical wavelength changes rather than mechanical movements, eliminating the need for extensive mechanical calibration procedures while maintaining high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual copy of the surgical site using pre-operative imaging data (CT, MRI) and overlays it with real-time sensor data. This digital twin approach allows the system to provide continuous position feedback without requiring physical calibration of the surgical field, reducing calibration complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Loss of information
If stereotaxic navigation systems are used, then pre-surgery position data is provided, but real-time feedback and continuous position information are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring by integrating fiber Bragg grating sensors directly into the surgical device. These sensors continuously measure position and orientation throughout the surgical procedure, providing uninterrupted feedback rather than static pre-surgery data, thereby eliminating information loss and time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensor data is continuously processed and displayed in real-time on the surgical navigation interface. This immediate feedback allows surgeons to adjust their actions based on current position information, preventing information loss and reducing the time lag between surgical action and position awareness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional navigation systems are used, then position data is provided, but the system does not adapt to changes in the body during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pre-surgery navigation data to dynamic real-time tracking. The fiber optic sensors continuously adapt to tissue deformation and body changes during surgery by measuring position changes in real-time, maintaining measurement precision despite anatomical variations that occur during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical device itself performs the measurement function through integrated fiber Bragg grating sensors. This self-measuring capability allows the system to automatically adapt to body changes without requiring external recalibration or adjustment, maintaining position accuracy while providing inherent adaptability to anatomical variations.
4Loss of time
If fiber Bragg grating sensors are used for real-time position detection, then continuous position feedback is provided, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fiber as an intermediary that transmits position information from the surgical site to the processing system. The fiber Bragg grating sensors convert mechanical position changes into optical wavelength shifts, which are then decoded by a processing system. This intermediary approach enables real-time detection while managing system complexity through modular signal processing.
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
This system minimizes error margins by providing real-time, continuous feedback on surgical device position and movement direction within the body, enhancing surgical precision and reducing operation time while maintaining tissue integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber (3) of which the reflectivity changes depending on the displacement, a fiber Bragg grating device (4) which determines the position and the orientation (11) of the tip of the device (2) which the fibers (3) are connected to
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention subject matter of the application is related to the position detection system with fiber Bragg grating based optical sensors in surgical fields that enables real-time detection of the exact coordinates of the location to be operated in the human body in surgical fields.