Multi-Functional Sensor Assembly for Medical Guide Wire Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies for non-invasive medical procedures, such as guide wire insertion into blood vessels, face challenges due to the limitations of two-dimensional imaging and lack of real-time feedback, leading to potential vessel damage and complex, time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional sensor assembly with a flexible body and fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensors embedded in optical fibers, capable of detecting force, temperature, and refraction information, allowing for precise navigation and real-time feedback during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional photograph information is used for guide wire insertion, then the insertion process can be performed with simple equipment, but the insertion precision and safety are insufficient due to lack of three-dimensional information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (temperature sensing, force sensing, and refraction sensing) into a single integrated optical fiber sensor assembly. This merging of multiple measurement capabilities into one device enables three-dimensional navigation and precise insertion while maintaining relatively simple equipment requirements, as all sensors are embedded within a single flexible catheter body.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides temperature monitoring, force measurement, and refraction detection for three-dimensional positioning. This multi-functionality allows the single device to deliver comprehensive insertion guidance information, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate complex equipment systems.
2Reliability
If no real-time feedback is provided during guide wire insertion, then the equipment remains simple, but the safety and controllability deteriorate due to inability to monitor insertion status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through multiple sensors that continuously monitor temperature, force, and refraction during insertion. The optical fiber sensors provide continuous data about the insertion status and surrounding environment, enabling operators to make informed decisions and adjust the insertion process in real-time, thereby improving safety and controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with optical fiber-based sensors. The optical fibers embed multiple sensing functions within a single flexible structure, providing real-time feedback without requiring complex mechanical components. This substitution maintains reliability while reducing overall system complexity compared to traditional mechanical sensor arrays.
3Productivity
If a catheter is exchanged and inserted at every operation, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the operation time and technical specialty requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical fiber sensor assembly provides universal functionality for multiple surgical operations. The same catheter with embedded temperature, force, and refraction sensors can be used across different procedures, eliminating the need to exchange catheters for each operation. This universality significantly improves operation efficiency by reducing preparation time and minimizing the need for specialized technical knowledge for different equipment setups.
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 safer and more precise insertion by providing accurate three-dimensional feedback, reducing the risk of vessel damage and simplifying the insertion process through real-time data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensor inserted into the body, wherein the FBG sensor includes an optical fiber extending in a length direction of the body and a plurality of lattices disposed in the optical fiber, wherein a variation of a wavelength spectrum of light, caused by a variation of an interval of the plurality of lattices, is detected
Implementation Method 2
a variation of a wavelength spectrum of light, caused by a variation of an interval of the plurality of lattices, is detected, and wherein at least one of force information applied to the body and temperature information of the body is extracted
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly has a flexible body, and a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensor inserted into the body, the FBG sensor includes an optical fiber extending in a length direction of the body and a plurality of lattices disposed in the optical fiber, a variation of a wavelength spectrum of light, caused by a variation of an interval of the plurality of lattices, is detected, and at least one of force information applied to the body and temperature information of the body is extracted together with refraction information of the body.