SINGLE FIBER FORCE-SENSING OF BOTH AXIAL AND BENDING CATHETER TIP FORCES

摘要

A single optical fiber force-sensing assembly includes a catheter configured to detect both axial and bending tip displacement. The catheter includes a flexible structure located adjacent to a distal tip portion of the catheter. The single optical fiber within the catheter defines a first reflective surface. A second reflective surface is located closely adjacent to the first reflective surface.

主权项

1. A force-sensing assembly comprising:
a catheter shaft comprising a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section comprising a distal tip portion; a flexible structure located adjacent the distal tip portion, the flexible structure having a calibratable stiffness; a single optical fiber extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the catheter shaft and defining a first Fabry-Perot reflective surface adjacent to the flexible structure, the single optical fiber configured to detect optical interference data; and a second Fabry-Perot reflective surface located closely adjacent to the first Fabry-Perot reflective surface, wherein the first and second Fabry-Perot reflective surfaces are separated by a gap comprising part of the flexible structure and configured to facilitate relative movement between the first and second Fabry-Perot reflective surfaces when the distal section of the catheter shaft is deflected.