Systems and methods for mapping intra-body tissue compliance

摘要

Robotic instrument systems and methods for generating a geometric map of an area of body tissue which is correlated with a tissue characteristic such as tissue compliance or related property. The system comprises a robotically controlled catheter which is controlled by a robotic instrument driver. A force sensor system is provided generates force signals responsive to a force applied to the distal end of the catheter. A position determination system is also provided which generates position signals responsive to the location of the distal end of the catheter. A computer is configured to receive and process the force signals and position signals to generate a geometric map of an area of body tissue correlated to the tissue compliance of different regions of the body tissue or a tissue characteristic determinable from the tissue compliance.