Enhanced Optical Shape Sensing Device with Integrated Force Sensing and Real-Time Feedback

An improved optical shape sensing device with enhanced accuracy, real-time force feedback, and thermal compensation, enabling more precise and efficient medical procedures.

The original patent, 'Optical shape sensing device with integrated force sensing region and tip integration', has limitations in terms of signal losses at the distal tip, temperature effects on axial force measurements, and lack of real-time feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating a thermal compensation module, a force sensing region with improved signal quality, and a processing unit for real-time shape and force data feedback.

The enhanced optical shape sensing device comprises a multicore optical fiber with non-uniformly arranged FBGs to improve signal quality at the distal tip. The elongated outer body features a variable stiffness profile to optimize shape sensing accuracy along the length of the multicore optical fiber. A force sensing region integrated with the elongated outer body detects changes in axial force and temperature, and a thermal compensation module decouples temperature effects from axial force measurements. A processing unit provides real-time feedback on shape and force data, enabling more precise and efficient medical procedures.

The new claims introduce the concepts of thermal compensation, non-uniform FBG arrangement, and real-time shape and force data feedback, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in shape sensing accuracy and enable more efficient medical procedures.

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of force sensing regions, varying the stiffness profile of the elongated outer body, or integrating additional sensors to enhance the device's functionality. Variations of the device could be designed for specific medical procedures or applications, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgical interventions.

The enhanced optical shape sensing device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery, interventional cardiology, and neurosurgery. The device's improved accuracy and real-time feedback capabilities make it an attractive solution for medical professionals seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce procedure times.