Fusion Framework for Coaxial Catheter Tracking

Minimally invasive catheter-based interventions normally take place under the guidance of fluoroscopy. However, fluoroscopy is harmful to both patients and clinicians. Moreover, it only offers 2-D shape visualization of flexible devices. To solve the problem of harmful radiation and offer 3-D pose and shape information, recent studies propose...

Shape Sensing of Flexible Robots Based on Deep Learning

In this article, a deep learning method for the shape sensing of continuum robots based on multicore fiber bragg grating (FBG) fiber is introduced. The proposed method, based on an artificial neural network (ANN), differs from traditional approaches, where accurate shape reconstruction requires a tedious characterization of many...

Autonomous Navigation for Robot-Assisted Intraluminal and Endovascular Procedures: A Systematic Review

Increased demand for less invasive procedures has accelerated the adoption of Intraluminal Procedures (IP) and Endovascular Interventions (EI) performed through body lumens and vessels. As navigation through lumens and vessels is quite complex, interest grows to establish autonomous navigation techniques for IP and EI for reaching the target...

Sensor Fusion for Shape Reconstruction Using Electromagnetic Tracking Sensors and Multi-Core Optical Fiber

Optical fiber-based shape sensing is gaining popularity in cardiac catheterization lately. Typically, these procedures are taking place under the guidance of fluoroscopy. However, fluoroscopy has several disadvantages. Thanks to fiber optic shape sensing and Electromagnetic Tracking (EMT), the 3D catheter shape can now be tracked in real-time...

Contact Localization of Continuum and Flexible Robot Using Data-driven Approach

Continuum robots such as robotic catheters are increasingly being used in minimally invasive surgery. Compliance contributes to enhanced safety during e.g. catheter insertion, however, estimation of contact force and location may help clinicians avoiding exerting excessive force. Ultimately this could lead to faster and safer interventions....

Deep-Learning-Based Compliant Motion Control of a Pneumatically-Driven Robotic Catheter

In cardiovascular interventions, when steering catheters and especially robotic catheters, great care should be paid to prevent applying too large forces on the vessel walls as this could dislodge calcifications, induce scars or even cause perforation. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel compliant motion control algorithm...

ChoRe: A device for trans-catheter chordae tendineae repair

This work focuses on the design of a new device (called ChoRe) to place artificial chords in the mitral valve structure during a trans-catheter procedure. The aim of the device is to restore the correct functionality of the valve and solve mitral valve regurgitation, that is, a common consequence of chordae tendineae rupture. An analysis of...

A variable stiffness mechanism for steerable percutaneous instruments: Integration in a needle

Needles are advanced tools commonly used in minimally invasive medical procedures. The accurate manoeuvrability of flexible needles through soft tissues is strongly determined by variations in tissue stiffness, which affects the needle-tissue interaction and thus causes needle deflection. This work presents a variable stiffness mechanism for...