Fiber Optic Shape Sensing With Distal Nano-Magnetometer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic tracking systems for medical procedures face challenges in accurately determining the pose, shape, and position of optical fibers due to the need for multiple sensors, which increase the number of wires and hardware within the patient, leading to potential health risks and reduced tracking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Embedding a nano-magnetometer at the distal end of the optical fiber, combined with electromagnetic tracking technology, allows for precise determination of fiber characteristics using light phase shifts and wavelength changes, reducing the need for additional sensors and minimizing hardware footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to track optical fiber characteristics, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and patient risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (magnetic field sensing, strain sensing, temperature sensing) into a single integrated optical fiber probe. The optical fiber serves as both the transmission medium and the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light for imaging, senses magnetic fields through embedded nanoparticles, measures strain through its structural properties, and detects temperature changes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and wires are introduced into the patient, then tracking capability improves, but patient safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic sensors with an optical-based sensing system. Light transmission through the optical fiber is used to detect magnetic fields, strain, and temperature, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields within the patient body and reducing associated interference and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber probe uses a flexible, biocompatible coating that allows the sensor to conform to tissue surfaces while providing protection. This thin-film structure minimizes tissue disruption and reduces infection risk compared to larger, more invasive sensor assemblies.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tracking technology is used, then pose determination improves, but electromagnetic interference with patient anatomy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic tracking with optical tracking methods. The system uses light transmission through the optical fiber and detects changes in light properties (phase, intensity, wavelength) caused by magnetic field interactions with embedded nanoparticles, eliminating the need for strong electromagnetic fields that could interfere with patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic nanoparticles as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the optical detection system. These nanoparticles convert magnetic field information into optical signals that can be detected by the optical fiber, allowing magnetic field sensing without requiring direct electromagnetic interaction with patient tissues.
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 approach enhances tracking accuracy and reduces patient exposure to electromagnetic interference while minimizing the number of wires, providing reliable 6DOF tracking of optical fibers in medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
the nano-magnetometer can sense the magnetic fields and apply the sensed magnetic fields to the transmitted light through a physical process that shifts the phase of the light after it reflects from the sensors
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic tracking system can observe wavelength shifts in the reflected light, which can be caused by the bending and twisting of the fiber, which can indicate a measure of strain introduced in the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for tracking fiber optic shaping. In some implementations, a server obtains optical signals reflected through a fiber, the fiber comprising one or more embedded sensors and a nano-magnetometer embedded at a distal location of the fiber. The server determines a frequency shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the frequency shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the one or more embedded sensors. The server determines a phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the phase shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the nano-magnetometer. The server determines characteristics of the fiber using the determined frequency and the phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the characteristics comprises a shape of the fiber and a location of the fiber in relation to an external reference.