Single-Core Fiber Catheter Sensing Without Multi-Core Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic enabled vascular devices with multi-core optical fibers are costly and complex, leading to reliability issues and increased risk to patients and healthcare providers.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing a single-core optical fiber with sensors distributed along its length, capable of reflecting light signals of different spectral widths to determine the state of the optical fiber, including shape, movement, and contact forces, and communicating this information to a user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-core optical fibers are used for shape sensing, then shape sensing capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensors distributed along a single-core optical fiber. Each sensor is positioned at specific locations to detect shape changes, replacing the need for multiple core fibers while achieving the same shape sensing capability through spatial segmentation of sensing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-core optical fiber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural element and the sensing element. The same fiber that provides mechanical support also enables shape sensing through distributed sensors, eliminating the need for separate multi-core fiber structures dedicated solely to sensing.
2Measurement precision
If multi-core optical fibers are used for shape sensing, then shape sensing capability is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single-core optical fiber with multiple discrete sensors positioned at specific intervals along its length. This segmentation approach allows the use of a simpler, less expensive single-core fiber while achieving comprehensive shape sensing through strategically placed sensors, reducing overall device cost compared to multi-core fiber implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard single-core optical fibers that are simpler and less expensive to manufacture than specialized multi-core fibers. By using off-the-shelf single-core fibers with added sensor elements, the system reduces cost while maintaining sensing functionality.
3Measurement precision
If multi-core optical fibers are used, then shape sensing is enabled, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes multiple independent sensors along the single-core optical fiber. This segmentation provides redundancy, as the failure of one sensor does not compromise the entire sensing system. Each sensor independently contributes to shape detection, and the system can tolerate individual sensor failures while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-core optical fiber acts as a reliable intermediary that transmits light signals to and from multiple distributed sensors. This centralized fiber structure is simpler and more reliable than multiple core fibers, as it eliminates the complexity of managing multiple independent optical paths while still enabling comprehensive shape sensing through the distributed sensor array.
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 precise placement and monitoring of medical devices within the vasculature, reducing costs and improving reliability by using a single-core fiber system that provides real-time feedback on device state and patient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The single core fiber includes a plurality of sensors distributed along the longitudinal length, where each sensor is configured to (i) reflect a light signal of a different spectral width based on received incident light
Implementation Method 2
each sensor is configured to (i) reflect a light signal of a different spectral width based on received incident light, and (ii) change a characteristic of the reflected light signal based on a state of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are medical systems, devices, and methods for performing vascular treatments and diagnoses. A vascular device include an optical fiber including a single fiber core disposed offset from a central axis of the optical fiber. The single fiber enables logic of the system to perform determine multiple conditions of the device and the patient. The conditions may include one or more of blood flow parameters, infusate delivery parameters, location of the device within the patient, pH of the blood, oxygen level of the blood, damage to the optical fiber, or core temperature of the patient. The elongate medical device may be a catheter, a stylet, a guidewire, or a probe.