System for controlling an instrument using shape sensors
US10660509B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/2061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument comprises a flexible instrument. The flexible instrument comprises a steerable distal portion and a passive proximal portion. The steerable distal portion is configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a shape sensing device comprising an optical fiber that spirals around the steerable distal portion. The optical fiber is configured to provide a signal indicative of the shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a controller in signal communication with the optical fiber. The controller is logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable distal portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.