Shape-Sensing Fiber Tip Protection With Circuitous Distal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shape sensing optical fibers experience damage at the distal tip, leading to reduced sensing capability due to end face damage and back scattering of light signals.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic assembly with a distal tip section encompassed by a secondary mechanical layer and an expansion, combined with a circuitous path, to inhibit damage and enhance structural integrity, featuring a buffering substance to protect the tip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the distal tip of the optical fiber is extended to perform shape sensing, then the sensing capability is improved, but the distal tip becomes damaged during use causing reduction in sensing capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape sensing capabilityVSAvoiddistal tip durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber is segmented into a distal tip section and a proximal section. The distal tip section is disposed within a circuitous path defined by the secondary mechanical layer, isolating it from direct mechanical damage while maintaining shape sensing capability through the protected configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A substance is disposed within the secondary mechanical layer to define a mechanical buffer between the optical fiber and the secondary mechanical layer, providing beforehand cushioning that protects the distal tip from damage during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the end face of the optical fiber is exposed for signal transmission, then the light signal transmission is improved, but back scattering of light signals occurs causing reduction in shape sensing capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight signal transmissionVSAvoidshape sensing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber is configured to extend beyond the longitudinal axis of the secondary mechanical layer in a circuitous path, changing the dimensional arrangement from a straight linear path to a three-dimensional configured path that prevents back scattering while maintaining signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances the protection of the distal tip, maintaining shape sensing capability by preventing damage and ensuring reliable signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

Sensors, such as fiber Bragg gratings, generate reflected light signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12575893B2Shape sensing fiber optic tip protection systems and devices

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 BARD ACCESS SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are fiber-optic assemblies for insertion within a patient body, that include an optical fiber and a secondary mechanical layer extending around a circumference of the optical fiber along at least the distal portion of the optical fiber. A distal tip section of the optical fiber includes a portion of the optical fiber disposed within a circuitous path, or an expansion of the optical fiber. The optical fiber may be a shape sensing optical fiber. A medical device assembly includes the fiber-optic assembly coupled with a catheter, a stylet, a probe, or a guidewire. The secondary mechanical layer and/or the expansion may be formed of an electrically conductive material.