Optical Fiber Array Sensor for Force Estimation and Localization in TAVI Procedure: Design, Modeling, Analysis and Validation

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has shown superior clinical outcomes compared to open aortic valve replacement surgery. The loss of the natural sense of touch, inherited from its minimally invasive nature, could lead to misplacement of the valve in the aortic annulus. In this study, a cylindrical optical fiber sensor is proposed to be integrated with valve delivery catheters. The proposed sensor works based on intensity modulation principle and is capable of measuring and localizing lateral force. The proposed sensor was constituted of an array of optical fibers embedded on a rigid substrate and covered by a flexible shell. The optical fibers were modeled as Euler–Bernoulli beams with both-end fixed boundary conditions. To study the sensing principle, a parametric finite element model of the sensor with lateral point loads was developed and the deflection of the optical fibers, as the determinant of light intensity modulation was analyzed. Moreover, the sensor was fabricated, and a set of experiments were performed to study the performance of the sensor in lateral force measurement and localization. The results showed that the transmitted light intensity decreased up to 24% for an external force of 1 N. Additionally, the results showed the same trend between the simulation predictions and experimental results. The proposed sensor was sensitive to the magnitude and position of the external force which shows its capability for lateral force measurement and localization.

Sensors Technology for Medical Robotics

“…Although guidance is provided using X-rays during the procedure, it is of interest to understand the forces exerted by the catheter head on the blood vessel wall to avoid damaging it. In this way, the paper by Bandari et al [ 6 ] proposes a force sensor based on the use of an optical fibre array. This is placed on the catheter head, and the deformation of the optical fibre array caused by the contact forces is used for estimating the interaction forces.…”