Integrated Sensing Fiber Structure for Tight-Bend Tissue Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating optical shape sensing and spectral tissue sensing in interventional medical devices requires small lateral dimensions and high flexibility, but incorporating two separate fibers compromises bending radius and strains one or both fibers, especially when cores are designed for single and multi-mode usage respectively.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated optical shape sensing fiber is developed with multiple single-mode cores embedded in a common cladding surrounded by a jacket, where the common cladding functions as multimode fiber for spectroscopy, allowing simultaneous optical shape sensing and spectral tissue sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate fibers are integrated for optical shape sensing and spectral tissue sensing, then both sensing functions can be performed, but the surgical device becomes stiffer and the bending radius is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical shape sensing and spectral tissue sensing into a single integrated fiber structure. Multiple single-mode fiber cores are embedded within a common cladding that functions as multimode fiber, allowing both sensing functions to coexist in one flexible element rather than requiring separate fibers, thus maintaining flexibility while providing dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The common cladding serves multiple functions: it acts as the guiding medium for spectral tissue sensing (multimode fiber function) while simultaneously housing multiple single-mode cores for optical shape sensing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structural elements for each sensing type, preserving device flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate fibers are integrated for optical shape sensing and spectral tissue sensing, then both sensing functions can be performed, but significant strain is applied to at least one of the fibers
Solution Approach 1:
By combining both sensing functions into a single integrated fiber structure, the patent eliminates the mechanical interface between separate fibers that would generate strain. The multiple single-mode cores share a common cladding matrix, distributing mechanical stresses uniformly across the structure rather than concentrating them at fiber interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different parts of the same fiber structure: the common cladding provides multimode guidance for spectral sensing while the embedded single-mode cores provide shape sensing capability. This localized functional differentiation allows each component to operate optimally without imposing strain on others
3Measurement precision
If single mode fiber cores are used for optical shape sensing, then shape tracking is achieved, but spectral tissue sensing requires multi-mode fiber which conflicts with the core design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges single-mode and multimode functions into one integrated structure. Multiple single-mode fiber cores are embedded in a common cladding that is designed to function as multimode fiber for spectral tissue sensing. This combination allows the structure to simultaneously support both single-mode shape sensing and multimode spectral sensing without requiring separate fiber types
Solution Approach 2:
The common cladding is designed with universal functionality to serve both as the guiding medium for spectral tissue sensing (multimode operation) and as the housing structure for single-mode cores (shape sensing). This multi-functional design resolves the mode compatibility conflict by making the cladding itself adaptable to different sensing requirements
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
The solution enables flexible devices with small bending radii while maintaining real-time 3D shape tracking and tissue discrimination, enhancing navigation and treatment accuracy in interventional procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The common cladding is within the outer jacket and is used as multimode fiber such that the outer jacket clads the common cladding
Implementation Method 2
The single mode fiber cores are within the common cladding such that the common cladding clads the plurality of single mode fiber cores
Implementation Method 3
The fundamental principle behind the operation of an FBG as in FIG. 1A is Fresnel reflection at each of the interfaces where the refractive index is changing
Implementation Method 4
For some wavelengths the reflected light of the various periods is in phase with one another so that constructive interference exists for reflection
Implementation Method 5
consequently, destructive interference for transmission
Implementation Method 6
FBG strain sensors in multiple cores of the single mode fiber are used to determine how any point along the single-mode fiber is positioned in space
Implementation Method 7
The reflected light has a specific spectral distribution due to the absorption and scattering of photons interacting with the tissue
Implementation Method 8
The reflected light has a specific spectral distribution due to the absorption and scattering of photons interacting with the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus (200) includes an outer jacket (230), common cladding (220), and multiple single mode fiber cores (210). The common cladding (220) is within the outer jacket (230) and is used as multimode fiber such that the outer jacket (230) clads the common cladding (220). The single mode fiber cores (210) are within the common cladding (220) such that the common cladding (220) clads the plurality of single mode fiber cores (210).