Fiber Optic Temperature Sensing for Medical Device Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

In minimally invasive medical procedures, there is a need to accurately determine the insertion/exit point and the extent of a medical device within the body, as existing technologies lack precise real-time monitoring of device position and length due to dynamic changes during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing distributed fiber optic sensing for temperature-induced strain, which includes an optical fiber configured to perform distributed sensing and an interpretation module to determine temperature and temperature gradients, allowing for real-time monitoring of device position and length within the body by distinguishing between internal and external temperature regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional medical devices are used without temperature sensing, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to determine real-time insertion position and device length is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position determination accuracyVSAvoidsensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber temperature sensor is integrated within the medical device structure, with the sensing element nested inside the device body. This allows the sensor to be protected while maintaining contact with the tissue for accurate temperature and position measurement throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position tracking systems with optical fiber-based temperature sensing. By measuring temperature gradients along the device length, the system determines insertion depth and position without requiring mechanical encoders or external tracking infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the medical device length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to dynamic procedural requirements where insertion depth needs to be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice insertion depth adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device incorporates adjustable or extendable components that allow dynamic modification of insertion depth during the procedure. The optical fiber sensor continuously monitors temperature along the device length, providing real-time feedback on the position of adjustable sections to ensure accurate placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated temperature sensing provides continuous feedback on device position and surrounding tissue conditions. This feedback loop allows the operator to adjust insertion depth in real-time based on temperature measurements, ensuring optimal positioning without requiring complex imaging or navigation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented along the device, then insertion position can be accurately determined, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation on insertion depthVSAvoidsensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber temperature sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors temperature for therapeutic control, determines insertion depth through temperature gradient analysis, and verifies device positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing systems for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical fiber sensing system provides universal measurement capabilities for temperature, position, and potentially other physiological parameters along the entire device length. A single sensing infrastructure supports multiple measurement objectives, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized sensors for each function.

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 accurate real-time determination of device position and length within the body, improving procedural accuracy and reducing the risk of overshoot or undershoot during interventional procedures by using temperature gradients to identify transitions between body and external environments.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber configured to perform distributed sensing of temperature-induced strain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-induced strain: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

distributed fiber optic sensing of strain and temperature and is capable of reconstructing the shape of an elongated medical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistributed fiber optic temperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11642031B2Medical device insertion and exit information using distributed fiber optic temperature sensing

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A system, device and method include a sensing enabled device having an optical fiber configured to perform distributed sensing of temperature-induced strain. An interpretation module is configured to receive optical signals from the optical fiber within a body and interpret the optical signals to determine one or more temperature transition points sensed by the sensing enabled device for image registration.