Fiber Optic Ultrasound Probe with Shape Sensing for Deep Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic tracking systems for medical devices are prone to interference from consumer electronics and have limited depth range, relying on magnetic fields that can cause signal dropout and expose patients to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic shape sensing system integrated with ultrasound imaging, using optical fibers with distributed sensors to determine the 3D shape and position of medical devices within the body, providing accurate tracking without electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic tracking systems are used to track medical devices, then radiation exposure is avoided, but the systems are prone to interference from consumer electronics and have limited depth range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic tracking systems with an optical fiber-based shape sensing system. Instead of using magnetic fields that are susceptible to interference from consumer electronics, the invention uses optical fibers with distributed sensors that reflect light signals to determine the 3D shape and position of medical devices. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference while maintaining tracking reliability and extending depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium between the medical device and the tracking system. The optical fibers act as a mediator that transmits shape information through light reflection rather than electromagnetic signals, thereby avoiding interference from external electronic devices while providing reliable tracking data.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic methods are used for tracking medical devices, then positioning information is obtained, but patients are exposed to harmful X-ray radiation and contrast media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic X-ray methods with an optical fiber-based shape sensing system. Instead of using ionizing radiation to visualize and track medical devices, the invention uses optical fibers that reflect light to determine device shape and position. This substitution maintains measurement precision for tracking while completely eliminating harmful radiation exposure and the need for contrast media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the medical device's shape and position through light reflection off the optical fiber sensors. Rather than using X-rays to image the device, the system reflects light along the optical fiber to generate a 3D shape profile that accurately represents the device's configuration, providing equivalent tracking information without radiation.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic tracking systems are used, then line-of-sight reliance is avoided, but signal dropout occurs and depth range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic signal transmission with optical signal transmission through fibers. The optical fiber system transmits light signals through the device itself, allowing tracking deep within the body without signal dropout. This substitution enables continuous, reliable tracking regardless of depth or surrounding tissue, overcoming the limitations of electromagnetic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds optical fiber sensors within or along the medical device structure. The optical fibers are nested inside the device, allowing the sensing system to travel with the device to any depth in the body. This nested configuration ensures continuous signal transmission from the distal tip back to the proximal end, eliminating signal dropout and extending effective depth range.
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, radiation-free tracking of medical devices by correlating fiber optic shape sensing with ultrasound imaging, overcoming interference issues and extending the tracking range.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor of the first plurality of sensors being configured to (i) reflect a light signal of a different spectral width based on received incident light
Implementation Method 2
change a characteristic of the reflected light signal based on strain experienced by the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system that includes an ultrasound imaging probe having a first optical fiber integrated therein and a console optically coupled with the ultrasound imaging probe via a first elongate member. The console includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon logic, that when executed by the one or more processors, causes operations that can include providing an incident light signal to the first optical fiber via the first elongate member, receiving reflected light signals of different spectral widths of the incident light from the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, processing the reflected light signals to determine a first three-dimensional (3D) shape extending along a length including at least portions of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and causing rendering of an image of the first 3D shape on a display of the medical system.