Optical Force Sensor for Medical Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as catheters, face challenges in accurately detecting deformation and external forces applied to their tips during procedures, often requiring complex systems with multiple sensors or lacking sufficient degrees of freedom for force detection.
Innovation Solution
An elongate medical device equipped with a light source emitting multiple frequencies, an optical filter with segmented components, and an optical receiver, which processes light signals to determine deformation and external forces applied to the device, allowing for precise detection of deflection, twisting, and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect force with sufficient degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single optical sensor that detects force magnitudes in multiple directions simultaneously. Instead of using separate sensors for each degree of freedom, one optical sensor with multiple optical paths measures forces in x, y, and z directions through integrated optical elements, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor serves multiple functions: it detects force magnitudes in three-dimensional space, determines catheter tip position, and provides feedback for procedural guidance. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensor systems for each measurement type, reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to achieve comprehensive force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor components are nested within the catheter shaft structure. The optical elements are positioned concentrically along the catheter axis, with light paths arranged to pass through or alongside other catheter components, minimizing the volume occupied by the sensing system while enabling comprehensive force detection
3Measurement precision
If a complex sensor system is used to detect force with sufficient degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system automatically detects and processes force information without requiring manual calibration or adjustment during procedures. The system self-calibrates by comparing light path deviations against predetermined reference values, eliminating the need for operator intervention to maintain measurement accuracy while preserving ease of operation
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 solution enables accurate and low-complexity detection of external forces on medical devices, preventing tissue damage by ensuring appropriate force application during procedures, and can be integrated into various medical devices with minimal space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on the optical receiver
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source... A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may be indicative of deformation of the elongate body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body.