Multicore Fiber Shape Sensing for Medical Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of elongated medical devices, such as catheters or endoscopes, during minimal invasive surgery face limitations due to inaccurate shape and position determination, particularly when twisted or in non-confined channels, and often require hazardous radiation or inadequate optical signal accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize three-dimensional image data of the body channel, combined with optical signals from a multicore fiber, to derive shape information and confinement parameters, allowing precise mapping of the device's position within the channel, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the need for radiation-based imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation-based imaging (fluoroscopy, X-ray) is used to determine device position, then positional information is obtained, but hazardous radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging systems with an optical fiber-based shape sensing system. Multiple optical fibers with embedded sensors measure the actual shape of the medical device through optical signals, eliminating the need for hazardous radiation while providing continuous positional information throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements embedded within the medical device. These fibers act as mediators that directly sense the device's shape and transmit this information to the control system, providing an alternative pathway to obtain positional data without using radiation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical multicore fiber is used to determine device shape, then radiation exposure is avoided, but measurement accuracy is limited due to twist and side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shape measurement task across multiple independent optical fibers, each with its own set of sensors. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple fibers rather than relying on a single multicore fiber, the system achieves higher accuracy and redundancy while eliminating twist-related errors that affect single-fiber approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where multiple optical fibers serve both as structural components of the medical device and as independent sensing elements. This universal approach allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-fiber multicore systems by providing multiple independent measurement channels that can be processed to achieve high-accuracy shape determination.
3Loss of information
If the entire measured shape is mapped to the channel, then complete position information is obtained, but accuracy decreases in non-confined regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between confined and non-confined regions of the medical device within the channel. The system identifies segments of the device that are constrained by the channel geometry and uses only those segments for mapping, ensuring high accuracy where the device shape is determined by physical constraints rather than free-form deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selectively mapping only the confined portions of the medical device to the channel, rather than attempting to map the entire device length. This partial mapping approach focuses computational resources on the regions that provide reliable positional information, improving overall accuracy by excluding noisy data from non-confined regions.
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 provides high-accuracy positional and shape information of elongated medical devices, enabling more precise guidance during surgery without the need for fluoroscopy or X-ray, improving surgical procedures and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining measured shape information of an elongated medical device based on optical signals obtained from a multicore fiber coupled to the elongated medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining three-dimensional image data of an inside of an object having at least data of a channel of interest inside the object and deriving based on the obtained three-dimensional image data derived shape information for at least part of the channel of interest; deriving, for positions along the channel of interest, a confinement parameter expressing whether the elongated medical device will be confined at those positions in the channel of interest and obtaining measured shape information of an elongated medical device based on optical signals obtained from a multicore fiber coupled to the elongated medical device; determining a position of one or more points of the elongated medical device with respect to the three-dimensional image data by mapping a portion of the measured shape information of the elongated medical device with a portion of the derived shape information for at least part of the channel of interest.