Multi-Core Fiber Catheter Tip for Force and Shape Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter designs face challenges in precisely controlling the position, ablation period, and contact force between the catheter tip and myocardial tissue during ablation therapies, leading to potential damage or reduced efficacy due to complex and costly force measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-core fiber with integrated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors within the catheter tip assembly for both shape and force sensing, allowing for precise feedback on tissue contact and catheter positioning, using optical conduits to transmit light for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deformable body designs with sensors are used to measure contact force, then force measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (force sensing, shape sensing, and ablation delivery) into a single integrated catheter tip assembly. The multi-core fiber integrates both force sensing cores and shape sensing cores within one structure, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core fiber serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as both a force sensing element and a shape sensing element, while also serving as a structural component of the catheter tip. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while providing comprehensive measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If deformable body designs with magnetic or optical sensors are used, then force measurement capability is improved, but acquisition and delivery of measurement signal becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force sensing function with the shape sensing function into a single multi-core fiber structure. Both force and shape information are acquired through the same optical pathway, eliminating the need for separate signal acquisition systems and simplifying the delivery of measurement signals to the proximal end of the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core fiber acts as an intermediary that simultaneously carries both force sensing and shape sensing information. The fiber serves as a common medium for transmitting optical signals, eliminating the need for separate signal delivery pathways and reducing system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control of contact force is achieved through complex sensor systems, then ablation therapy efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines force sensing, shape sensing, and ablation delivery into a single integrated catheter tip assembly. The multi-core fiber provides both sensing and structural functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture while enabling precise control of ablation therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the force and shape sensing information from the multi-core fiber is used to control the ablation delivery process. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of ablation parameters based on actual tissue contact conditions, improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex external sensor systems.
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 precision of ablation therapies by providing responsive feedback on tissue contact force and catheter shape, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a multi-core fiber with integrated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors within the catheter tip assembly for both shape and force sensing
Implementation Method 2
using optical conduits to transmit light for real-time monitoring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A medical device, system, and method having a flexible shaft and a multi-core fiber (200) within the flexible shaft. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical cores (202, 204, 206) dedicated for shape sensing sensors, and a plurality of optical cores (202, 204, 206) dedicated for force sensing sensors. A tip assembly (301) can comprise a tip electrode and a coupler comprising at least one fiber support tube center (343). A distal portion of the coupler can be coupled to a proximal portion of the tip electrode. The tip assembly can further comprise a multi-core fiber (200) comprising a plurality of cores and a fiber support tube (347). A proximal portion of the fiber support tube (347) can be coupled to the at least one fiber support tube center (343).