Optical Fiber Shape Sensing for Catheter Deflection Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual identification of catheters during HDR brachytherapy procedures under TRUS guidance is prone to errors due to ultrasonic speckle and variable echogenicity, and automated methods like EM tracking are inconsistent due to probe deflection, leading to inaccuracies in treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
A shape sensing system using optical fibers to determine the shape and position of medical devices, which registers frames of reference and adjusts positions based on spatial relationships between fibers and imaging devices, accounting for probe deflection to provide accurate real-time updates of catheter and radioactive source positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual identification of catheters is performed under TRUS guidance, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the identification accuracy deteriorates due to ultrasonic speckle and variable echogenicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber shape sensing system as an intermediary measurement tool. The optical fiber is inserted into the catheter to directly measure its shape and position, serving as a mediator between the catheter and the tracking system. This bypasses the problematic ultrasonic identification method while maintaining compatibility with standard TRUS equipment for imaging.
2Extent of automation
If automated EM tracking of sensors is used, then catheter mapping can be automated, but the registration accuracy deteriorates due to probe deflection causing inconsistencies in EM and TRUS frames of reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic tracking system with an optical fiber-based shape sensing system. The optical fiber directly measures the physical shape and position of the catheter through optical principles, eliminating the need for EM field tracking and the associated frame of reference registration problems caused by probe deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as a direct intermediary between the catheter and the measurement system, physically following the catheter's shape and providing direct shape sensing data. This intermediary approach bypasses the indirect EM tracking method that suffers from registration inaccuracies due to probe movement.
3Measurement precision
If optical fiber shape sensing is implemented, then real-time accurate position tracking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber shape sensing system serves multiple functions: it provides real-time shape measurement, tracks catheter position, and can be integrated with existing TRUS imaging systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive tracking capabilities that improve both accuracy and automation.
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 ensures accurate and real-time tracking of catheters and radioactive sources, reducing the disconnect between treatment planning and delivery, allowing for adaptive treatment plans and improved precision in HDR brachytherapy.
Implementation Method 1
A shape sensing module is configured to receive optical signals from the at least one optical fiber within a structure and interpret the optical signals to determine a shape of the shape sensing enabled device
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method include a shape sensing enabled device (120) including one or more imaging devices (202), the shape sensing enabled device coupled to at least one optical fiber (122). A shape sensing module (132) is configured to receive optical signals from the at least one optical fiber within a structure and interpret the optical signals to determine a shape of the shape sensing enabled device. A device positioning module (134) is configured to determine position information of the one or more imaging devices based upon one or more relationships between the at least one optical fiber and the one or more imaging devices. A mapping module (136) is configured to register frames of reference of the at least one optical fiber, the shape sensing enabled device, and a mapping system of a target device (124) to provide an adjusted position of the target device based on the position information.